Toyota · RZ Truck Four
Toyota 3RZ-FE
The square-bore 2.7-liter DOHC four that replaced the 22R-E in many Toyota trucks and SUVs.
164.4
Cubic inches
With 95 mm bore and stroke dimensions, the 3RZ-FE brought modern DOHC breathing and more displacement to Toyota's compact-truck four-cylinder line.
Displacement
164.4 ci
Bore
3.74"
Stroke
3.74"
Years
1994–2004 North American truck era
Key Takeaway
The 3RZ-FE moved Toyota’s compact-truck four-cylinder line into a modern DOHC, four-valve layout while retaining a cast-iron block for truck-duty strength. Its perfectly square 3.74 x 3.74-inch bore and stroke support a balanced compromise between torque, durability, and rpm capability.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- Application dependent; approximately 9.5:1 in common U.S. specifications
- Horsepower
- 150 hp in T100/4WD Tacoma specification; selected 2WD Tacoma calibrations were rated about 142 hp
- Torque
- 177 lb-ft in 150-hp specification; selected lower-output calibrations were about 160 lb-ft
- Architecture
- DOHC inline four
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Aluminum
- Valvetrain
- DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Electronic multi-point fuel injection
The 3RZ-FE moved Toyota’s compact-truck four-cylinder line into a modern DOHC, four-valve layout while retaining a cast-iron block for truck-duty strength. Its perfectly square 3.74 x 3.74-inch bore and stroke support a balanced compromise between torque, durability, and rpm capability.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
Notable Applications
Strengths
- Strong truck-duty bottom end
- Simple naturally aspirated layout
- Excellent durability reputation
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Modest power in heavier trucks
- Balance-shaft and timing service must be done correctly
- Less aftermarket support than 22R or JZ families
Common Upgrades
- Supercharger/turbo builds
- Header and exhaust
- ECU tuning
Racing History & Legacy
The 3RZ-FE earned a strong durability reputation and became a favorite in compact Toyota trucks around the world. Its sturdy block also made it surprisingly capable as a boosted performance foundation.
References & Image Credit
Engine image: Ric17 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
3.74 x 3.74-inch bore and stroke; 164.4 cu in / 2.7 L.
DOHC 16-valve aluminum head over a cast-iron block.
Factory output reached 150 hp and 177 lb-ft in common T100/4WD Tacoma specifications.
Applications included Tacoma, 4Runner, T100, and overseas Hilux/HiAce variants.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Toyota 3RZ-FE
The 3RZ-FE was Toyota’s answer for buyers who wanted a four-cylinder truck engine with more modern breathing than the 22R family. It added displacement and DOHC airflow while keeping the kind of robust bottom end Toyota truck owners expected.
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