2ZZ-GE vs 2GR-FE/FSE/FKS/FXE/FXS
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Specifications
Character
2ZZ-GE
"Yamaha-designed 1.8 for the Corolla T-Sport, Celica and Lotus Elise: VVTL-i switches to a high-lift cam around 6,000 rpm and it revs past 8,000. Early engines wore the lift bolts so the high cam stopped engaging (no engine damage; revised bolt from late 2002). No hydraulic lifters - valve clearance is a shim job. Not the 1ZZ with more power: a different, more highly strung engine."
2GR-FE/FSE/FKS/FXE/FXS
"Toyota and Lexus 3.5 V6 (RX 350/450h, IS 350, RC 350, Camry, Highlander, RAV4 V6). Long-lived and smooth, with known but manageable leaks: early engines (to 2010) need the all-metal VVT-i oil line that replaced a rubber hose under a Toyota campaign, the front timing cover can seep (engine-out on the RX), water pumps wear, and 2016-2018 FKS engines had a cam-housing leak bulletin."