What are the specs of a Lexus IS 300 engine?
The Lexus IS 300 engine is a 182.9 cubic inches (3.0-liter) inline-six with a 3.39 x 3.39 bore and stroke. Performance may vary depending on mods, but a standard 2JZ-GE in an IS 300 will max out at about 215 horsepower.
History of The Lexus IS 300 Engine
The 2JZ-GE is part of the Toyota JZ line. These engines were introduced in 1990 to replace the M-series inline-six. The first was the 1JZ, a 24-valve dual overhead camshaft with a pair of belt-driven camshafts.
These engines were found in Mark II Blit wagons and Crown Athletes, with the upgraded 1JZ-GTE powering Supra MK IIIs, Chasers and Soarers.
The largely overlooked 1JZ-FSE came next in 2000, powering the Mark II, Crown, Progres and Verossa.
The FSE was a direct injection engine aiming to marry high performance with fuel efficiency, reaching 197 horsepower.
The 2JZ actually dates back to 1991, debuting in the 1991 Toyota Aristo just a year after the 1JZ had been released. It shares a lot of its architecture with the 1JZ but adds a taller block deck with longer connecting rods for the upgraded stroke.
What Other Models Come with the Lexus IS 300 Engine?
The 2JZ-GE is one of the most common Toyota engines. You’ll find this engine packed into everything from the Toyota Supra to the Crown Majesta, the Toyota Cresta, the Lexus SC 300 and the limited Toyota Origin midsize.
The engine is the Toyota and Lexus go-to when they need to add a bit of power to a vehicle while maintaining fuel efficiency and durability.
One nice thing about this engine is the three-layer steel head gasket, which allows for immense boost pressure without blowing. This lends Toyota designers a lot of flexibility in building new cars.
The Toyota twin-turbo Supra features the supercharged 2JZ-GTE as a standard component. Still, it is tough to convert a standard GE to a GTE, so you’re better off just swapping the engine out if you want to supercharge your IS 300.
People Also Ask These Questions about the Lexus IS 300
Will Toyota Make a 3JZ?
Yes. Expect the 3JZ to debut in the 2022 Toyota Supra 3JZ. Toyota was criticized for using a BMW B58 in the fifth-generation Supra, so the 3JZ is the company’s shot at outgunning the Chevy Corvette C8 and making JZ fans happy.
What Does 2JZ Stand For?
- 2: Second version of the engine block
- JZ: The internal code used to name the engine design
- G: Dual overhead cams
- E: Electronic fuel injection
Are 2JZ Engines Still Being Made?
No, Toyota is no longer producing 2JZ engines. Any cars being sold with a 2JZ right now will be the last of their kind once Toyota runs out and replaces them with the 3JZ. Emission regulation and 30-year-old design make the 2JZ a hard sell into the 2020s.
Is the IS 300 Better Than the IS 350?
The IS 300 wins on mileage; the IS 350 wins on horsepower.
- 2018 Lexus IS 300: 22/32 mpg city/highway, 240 hp
- 2018 Lexus IS 350: 20/28 mpg city/highway, 350 hp
Photos: Lexus
