The Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 engine is a powerful and reliable V6 powerplant commonly found in heavier duty Toyota vehicles, such as the 4Runner, Tacoma, and FJ Cruiser. It produces superior performance with a 300 horsepower output while offering improved fuel economy over other engines thanks in part to its advanced Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i), which ensures optimal combustion efficiency.

The 1GR-FE is designed for proven reliability; it features an oil filter that helps regulate oil pressure and minimize dirt and debris damage to your engine’s internals, along with durable cylinder block construction using iron sleeves to reduce weight compared to previous Toyota engines. All of these features make the 1GR-FE an excellent choice for drivers who need dependability under heavy workloads.

The GR family also includes the 4GR-FSE, 2GR-FE, 3GR-FE, 5GR-FE and 6GR-FE engines.

Engine specifications for Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 l

First generation Single VVTi motor:

Configuration V
Number of cylinders 6
Number of valves 24
Displacement 3956 cc
Cylinder diameter 94 mm
Stroke 95 mm
Power system Distributor Injection System
Engine power 230 – 250 hp
Torque 365 – 380 Nm
Compression ratio 10
Fuel type Regular
Euro class EURO 3/4

Second generation Dual VVTi motor:

Configuration V
Number of cylinders 6
Number of valves 24
Displacement 3956 cc
Cylinder diameter 94 mm
Stroke 95 mm
Power system Distributor Injection System
Engine power 250 – 285 hp
Torque 365 – 390 Nm
Compression ratio 10.4
Fuel type Regular
Euro class EURO 5

The dry weight of the 1GR-FE engine is 166 kg

The number of the 1GR-FE engine is on the junction of the block with the box

1GR-FE 4.0 l motor info

In 2002, a new 4.0-liter unit debuted on the Land Cruiser Prado 120 SUV. By design, it is a classic for its time V6 engine with a cylinder angle of 60°. It has distributed fuel injection, an aluminum block with an open cooling jacket and cast-iron liners, aluminum DOHC cylinder heads without hydro-compensators, and a chain drive timing. The first generation of this engine was equipped with VVTi phase controllers only on the intake shafts.

In 2009 the second generation debuted on the Land Cruiser Prado 150. The main difference was the presence of VVTi phasing regulators on all camshafts. Also most versions of the engine were equipped with hydro-compensators for valve timing.

1gr fe engine

Fuel consumption 1GR FE

2007 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with automatic transmission as an example (l/100km):

City 16.7 l
Highway 9.8 l
Combined 12.4 l

Which models are equipped with the Toyota 1GR-FE

Toyota
4Runner 4 (N210) 2002 – 2009
4Runner 5 (N280) 2009 – …
Hilux 7 (AN10) 2004 – 2015
Hilux 8 (AN120) 2015 – …
Tundra 1 (XK30) 2005 – 2006
Tundra 2 (XK50) 2006 – 2021
Fortuner 1 (AN50) 2004 – 2015
Fortuner 2 (AN160) 2015 – …
FJ Cruiser 1 (XJ10) 2006 – …
Land Cruiser 70 (J70) 2009 – …
Land Cruiser 200 (J200) 2007 – 2021
Land Cruiser 300 (J300) 2021 – …
LC Prado 120 (J120) 2002 – 2009
LC Prado 150 (J150) 2009 – …
Tacoma 2 (N220) 2004 – 2015

Problems & disadvantages of the Toyota 1GR-FE

  • Toyota 1GR-FE head gasket failure is one of the more common issues on the 4.0L engine and can be identified by white smoke from exhaust, coolant loss, misfires and milky looking oil.
  • Replacement of the head gaskets cost around $50-100 for parts but labor to replace them may add up to about $800-1200.
  • Water pump problems are also common in Toyota 4.0 engines with symptoms such as coolant leak, overheating and steam/smoke from engine indicating a problem that needs fixing quickly before it leads to further damage like head gasket failures; replacement costs around $100 plus labor at about $250-500 for installation.
  • Ignition coil issues are not too uncommon either with misfires, rough idle/stumbling acceleration or loss of power being potential signs; replacing all 6 coils will cost approximately between 90$ -150$, while spark plugs should be changed every 80 000 – 100 000 miles at an approximate price tag of 50$.

Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0 l recommended service intervals

Oil Service
Interval Every 10 000 km
Oil capacity 6.2 l
Need to change 5.3 l
Type of oil 5W-20, 5W-30
Timing gear
Timing Chain Type Timing Chain
Service life not limited
In practice 300 000 km
At breakage/trans-skip Bending of valves
Valve clearances
Re-adjustment Every 100 000 км *
Adjustment principle Valve tappet adjustment principle
Intake 0.15 – 0.25 mm
Exhaust 0.29 – 0.39 mm
Service
Oil filter 10 000 km
Air filter 40 000 km
Fuel filter 80 000 km
Spark plugs 100 000 km
Drive belt 100 000 km
Coolant 7 years or 160 000 km

Engine 1GR-FE Tuning

  • Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offers a compressor kit for the GR series engines, based on an Eaton M90 supercharger with intercooler, ECU and other engine components.
  • The kit produces approximately 300-320 hp and excellent traction at all ranges. More powerful kits are available but require more work to install.
  • Oil consumption is not usually an issue with this engine when 5w30 oil is used and changed every 7000 kilometers or filled up to 400 grams above the upper mark of the dipstick.
  • If properly operated and serviced regularly, 1GR-FE can last up to 1 million kilometers in total use time

How Reliable Is The Toyota 1GR-FE Engine?

  • Toyota’s 4.0L V6 engine is highly reliable, with many owners reporting positive experiences even at incredibly high mileage.
  • Maintenance and oil changes are key to ensuring a reliable experience with the 4.0 V6 engine, as they are for any engine type.
  • The 1GR-FE does not suffer from many common problems; when issues do occur, they tend to be cheap and simple to fix – though head gasket failures may affect a small percentage of all engines on the road.
  • Taking care of repairs if needed can help ensure that your Toyota 4.0L V6 will outlive other wear and tear components like ignition coils or water pumps
Categories: 4.0Toyota

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