Toyota 1G-GTE/GE/FSE Engine

1. Specifications
2. Overview, problems
3. Performance tuning

Toyota 1G engine specs

Toyota 1G-GTE/FE/GZE/GE engine reliability, problems and repair

Until all known 1JZ, Toyota produced the straight-6 cylinder 1G engine. This motor appeared in 1979 and became popular in the domestic Japanese market. The design of the first 1G was simple. It was the cast iron cylinder block, aluminum head with one camshaft, 12 valves and hydraulic lifters. The 1G engine was equipped with a timing belt. The timing belt replacement is necessary each 60,000 miles of mileage (100,000 km), together with pulleys and oil seals. Spark plugs should be replaced every 10,000-15,000 miles of mileage (20,000 km). The firing order for the toyota 1G engines is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
Further this motor modified and became  more modern. Below you will learn something new about all these modifications in 1G and their differences from each other.

Toyota 1G engine produced until 2005, despite the fact that in 1990 there was his successor 1JZ.

Toyota 1G engine modifications and differences

1. 1G-EU (1979 – 1988) – the first version 1G with SOHC cylinder head. This motor appeared on Toyota Crown. It had a compression ratio 8.8, its power 125 HP at 5400 rpm, a torque 160 Nm at 4400 rpm. Since 1983 produced version with increased compression ratio to 9.2. Its power was 130 HP. In 1986 power decreased to 105 horsepower at 5400 rpm, a torque 146 Nm at 4400 rpm.

These engines put on: Toyota Chaser X60, Cresta X50/X60/X70, Crown S110, Mark 2 X60, Soarer Z10/Z20.

2. 1G-GEU (1983 – 1988) – analog 1G-EU, but instead of SOHC cylinder head was used new Yamaha DOHC head with 24 valves. Also on this motor installed variable intake system T-VIS. All these increased engine power to 160 HP at 6400 rpm, a torque 186 Nm at 5200 rpm. Since 1985 power 1G-GEU decreased to 140 horsepower. This engine put in the following cars: Toyota Chaser X70, Mark 2 X60/X70 Cresta X60/X70, S120 Crown, Soarer Z10/Z20, Toyota Supra A70.

3. 1G-GTEU (1986 – 1988) – twin turbo version 1G-GEU. The compression ratio lowered to 8.5 and installed two CT12 turbochargers. Maximum stock boost was 7 psi (0.5 bar). Power 1G-GTEU was equal 185 horsepower at 6200 rpm, a torque 245 Nm at 3200 rpm.

Cars with 1G-GTEU: Toyota Chaser X70, Mark 2 X70, Cresta X70, Soarer Z20, Toyota Supra A70.

4. 1G-GZEU/GZE (1986 – 1992) – supercharged version 1G-GEU. In contrast to the 1G-GTEU, 1G-GZEU used SC-14 supercharger. At the same time used electronic ignition and new pistons. The compression ratio decreased to 8. Power of such motor was 160 horsepower at 6000 rpm, a torque 210 Nm at 4000 rpm. In 1989 the engine changed the name on 1G-GZE. The maximum stock boost is equal 7 psi (0.5 bar), the power  170 HP at 6000 rpm, a torque  230 Nm at 3600 rpm.

1G-GZE  put on such cars as Toyota Chaser X80, Mark 2 X80, Cresta X80, Crown S130 and Soarer Z20.

5. 1G-GE (1988 – 1993) – further development 1G-GEU. The MAP sensor used with the 1GGE engine. Power decreased to 150 horsepower at 6200 rpm, a torque 186 Nm at 5400 rpm.

1G-GE put on the following cars: Toyota Chaser X80, Mark 2 X80, Cresta X80, Crown S130, Soarer Z20, Supra A70.

6. 1G-GTE (1988 – 1991) – analog 1G-GTEU. Reinforced the crankshaft, changed intake system, intercooler, used injectors 315 cc/min and new ECU. The maximum stock boost increased to 11 psi (0.75 bar). Engine power 210 HP at 6200 rpm, a torque 275 Nm at 3800 rpm. Such motors used on the same cars as 1G-GE, except Toyota Crown.

7. 1G-FE (1988 – 2005) – analog 1G-GEU, but here used other (narrow) DOHC 24 valve cylinder head. 1G-FE replaced 1G-EU. Power 135 HP at 5600 rpm, a torque 176 Nm at 4400 rpm.

Cars with  1G-FE : Toyota Mark 2 X90, Cresta X80/X90, Crown S140, Soarer Z20.

In 1996 there was the second modification 1G-FE, its power increased to 140 horsepower at 5750 rpm, a torque 185 Nm at 4400 rpm. This engine put on: Toyota Chaser X100, Mark 2 X100, Cresta X100, Crown S150.

In 1998 there was the 3rd generation 1G-FE BEAMS. In this engine used new pistons, connecting rods, added variable valve timing system on intake camshaft (VVTi), variable intake system ACIS, electronic throttle body. Changed the ignition system and used new exhaust manifold. 1G-FE wasn’t equipped with hydraulic lifters so every 10,000-15,000 miles of mileage (20,000 km) you had to adjust the valves. The clearances of the valves on 1G-FE (the cold engine): inlet  0.15-0.25 mm, exhaust 0.25-0.35 mm. Similarly, regulated valves on the 1G-GE/GTE/GZE/GEU/GTEU. The specs of 1G BEAMS: the compression ratio increased to 10, power 160 HP at 6200 rpm and a torque  200 Nm at 4400 rpm. 1G-FE BEAMS put on: Toyota Mark 2 X100/X110, Chaser X100, Crown S150/S170, Verossa, Altezza, Lexus IS 200.

Toyota 1G engine problems and malfunctions

1. High oil consumption on 1G. Most of all you need to change piston rings and valve stem seals. It is normal for engines of such age.
2. Oil leak. It is a problem on 1G, for its elimination it is necessary to change oil pressure sensor. It will be cheap.
3. Oil pressure 1G-FE. The problem also in oil pressure sensor. Check pressure and change the sensor.
4. Rough idle . You need to check idle control valve, throttle valve and throttle position sensor. Often the problem is somewhere here.
Besides all this, on a turbocharged versions turbochargers serve about 50,000-60,000 miles of mileage (100,000 km). Also used not too successful oil pump. You need high quality engine oil using such motors. 1G BEAMS versions are less reliable, than naturally aspirated 1G and at breakage of timing belt this motor will bend valves. Control the condition of the timing belt and choose a good engine oil for 1G-FE. In general, despite some disadvantages, 1G very reliable engine with a high lifespan. But time goes and today even the newest 1G-FE is quite old and worn-out. With these engines, can happen anywhere, anytime.

1G-GTE engine number location

The location of the engine number indicated on the picture.

Toyota 1G engine tuning

1G-GTE turbo upgrade

Buying the 2JZ-GTE is the right decision, if you want to upgrade your 1G engine. Replacing 1G-FE or 1G-GE on 2JZ or 1JZ is a good way to get the powerful engine with a huge stock for tuning without decrease in lifespan. At worst you can buy 1G-GTE and make swap. Engine performance tuning 1G-FE/GE is useless occupation, you will lay out money for nothing.
To upgrade the 1G-GTE you should buy the following performance parts: boost controller, front intercooler, blow-off, fuel pump Walbro 255, cat-back exhaust system, Mines ECU (or other). Max boost will increase till 15-17 psi (1-1.2 bar) and you get 280-300 horsepower on a stock pistons and stock turbochargers. You need to change stock internals for getting high results. You will need to buy single turbo kit (Garrett GT28 or GT30), forged pistons, head gasket, to make head porting, etc. Expensively and difficult, just buy 2JZ-GTE for swap.

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