Toyota 1GR-FE

Toyota 1GR-FEThe Toyota 1GR-FE is a 4.0 L (3,956 cc, 241.41 cu·in) V6, four-stroke cycle water-cooled naturally aspirated internal combustion gasoline engine, manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation since 2002. This engine was producted on Kamigo Plant, Shimoyama Plant, Tahara Plant and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

The 1GR-FE engine has 6 cylinders in a V arrangement at a bank angle of 60° The 1GR-FE features a lightweight die-cast aluminum block with a four-bearings crankshaft and two aluminum heads with two camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder (24 in total). The Toyota 1GR-FE engine is equipped with SFI (Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection) system, Direct Ignition System (DIS) with individual coils on each spark plug and VVTi (Variable Valve Timing) system for the intake camshafts. In 2009, an updated version of this engine was introduced, it is equipped with Dual VVT-i system on both intake and exhaust sides.

A 94.0 mm (3.7 in) cylinder bore and 95.0 mm (3.74 in) piston stroke give the 1GR-FE engine a total of 3,956 cc (241.41 cu·in) of displacement. Compression ratio rating is 10.0:1 for engines with VVT-i and 10.4:1 for engines with Dual VVT-i.

The Toyota 1GR-FE engine produced from 240 PS (176 kW; 236 HP) at 5,200 rpm to 290 PS (213 kW; 285 HP) at 5,600 rpm of maximum power and from 367 N·m (37.4 kg·m, 270 ft·lb) at 4,000 rpm to 377 N·m (38.4 kg·m, 277.8 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm of peak torque, depending on year and vehicle model.

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

  • 1 – 1nd generation engine
  • GR – Engine family
  • F – Economy narrow-angle DOHC
  • E – Multi Point Fuel Injection

General information

Engine Specifications
Engine code 1GR-FE
Layout Four stroke, V6, DOHC
Fuel type Gasoline (petrol)
Production 2002-
Displacement 4.0 L, 3,956 cm> (241.4 cu in)
Fuel system Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)
Power adder None
Power output From 240 PS (176 kW; 236 HP) at 5,200 rpm
to 290 PS (213 kW; 285 HP) at 5,600 rpm
Torque output From 367 N·m (37.4 kg·m, 270 ft·lb) at 4,000 rpm
to 377 N·m (38.4 kg·m, 277.8 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6
Dimensions (L x W x H):
Weight 166 kg (366 lbs)

Cylinder block

The 1GR-FE engine has an aluminum cylinder block in a V arrangement at a bank angle of 60&deg. This engine’s firing order is 1–2–3–4–5–6. Cylinder bore and piston stroke are 94.0 mm (3.7 in) and 95.0 mm (3.74 in), respectively. Compression ratio rating is 10.0:1 or 10.4:1.

The engine has “spiny type” cast-iron cylinder liners. For the VVT-i 1GR-FE engine, the forged steel crankshaft has four main journals and nine balance weights. For the dual VVT-i 1GR-FE engine, a five balance weight crankshaft was used, the locations of the balance weights were optimized to reduce vibration.

The 1GR-FE engine used forged connecting rods with aluminum bearings. The connecting rods and caps are made of high-strength steel and used nutless-type plastic region tightening bolts. The Toyota 1GR-FE engine has aluminum alloy pistons with “taper squish” shape for the piston head. For the higher compression ratio of the dual VVT-i 1GR-FE engine version, the shape of the pistons was optimized.

The Toyota 1GR-FE motor has two compressions and one oil control rings. The groove of the top piston ring is coated with anodic oxide to improve wear resistance and rust resistance, and the piston skirt is coated with resin to reduce friction. Oil-cooling jets under the pistons acted to reduce piston temperatures.

Cylinder block (VVT-i)
Cylinder block alloy Aluminium
Compression ratio: VVT-i: 10.0:1
Dual VVT-i: 10.4:1
Cylinder bore: 94.0 mm (3.7 in)
Piston stroke: 95.0 mm (3.74 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil): 2 / 1
Number of main bearings: 4
Cylinder inner diameter (standard): 94.000-94.012 mm (3.7008-3.7013 in)
Piston skirt diameter (standard): 93.910-93.940 mm (3.6972-3.6984 in)
Piston compression height:
Piston pin outer diameter: 21.977-22.006 mm (0.8652-0.8664 in)
Connecting rod bushing inner diameter: 22.005-22.014 mm (0.8663-0.8667 in)
Connecting rod big end diameter:
Connecting rod center distance:
Crankshaft main journal diameter: 71.988-72.000 mm (2.8342-2.8346 in)
Crankpin diameter: 55.992-56.000 mm (2.2044-2.2047 in)
Crankshaft center distance: 47.5 mm (1.87 in)

Main bearing cap bolts tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • Step 1: 61 Nm; 6.2 kg·m; 45 ft·lb
  • Step 2: Turn bolts 90°
  • 12 mm head: 25 Nm; 2.5 kg·m; 18 ft·lb

After securing bearing cap bolts, make sure crankshaft turns smoothly by hand.

Connecting rod bearing bolts

  • Step 1: 25 Nm; 2.5 kg·m; 18 ft·lb
  • Step 2: Turn bolts 90°

Cylinder head

The cylinder heads are made of aluminum alloy with two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The 1GR-FE engine camshafts are made of cast iron alloy. Both the primary and secondary timing chains used pitch roller chains. The intake camshafts are driven by the crankshaft via the primary timing chain. The exhaust camshafts are driven by the intake camshaft of the respective bank via the secondary timing chain. For the dual VVT-i 1GR-FE, the cam lobes had indented R profiles to increase valve lift when the valve began to open and as it finished closing.

For valve actuation, the VVTi 1GR-FE engine used shimless type valve lifters. The early version of the Toyota 1GR-FE engine is not provided with hydraulic lifters, so you must control the valve clearances once in 60,000 miles (100,000 km) of mileage.

The dual VVTi 1GR-FE engine used roller rocker arms with built-in needle bearings that reduced the friction that occurred between the camshafts and the roller rocker arms. This version of the engine has hydraulic lash adjusters. Through the use of oil pressure and spring force, the lash adjuster maintained a constant zero valve clearance.

Cylinder head (VVT-i)
Block head alloy Aluminium
Valve Arrangement: DOHC, chain drive
Cylinder head height:
Valves: 24 (4 valves per cylinder)
Intake valve timing
(Intake valve timing control-OFF):
Exhaust valve timing:
Valve head diameter: INTAKE
EXHAUST
Valve length: INTAKE 106.95 mm (4.2106 in)
EXHAUST 105.80 mm (4.1653 in)
Valve stem diameter: INTAKE 5.470-5.485 mm (0.2154-0.2159 in)
EXHAUST 5.465-5.480 mm (0.2152-0.2157 in)
Valve spring free length: INTAKE 47.80 mm (1.8819 in)
EXHAUST 47.80 mm (1.8819 in)
Camshaft lobe height: INTAKE 44.168-44.268 mm (1.7389-1.7428 in)
EXHAUST 44.580-44.680 mm (1.7551-1.7591 in)
Camshaft journal diameter: № 1 35.971-35.985 mm (1.4162-1.4167 in)
Other 22.959-22.975 mm (0.9039-0.9045 in)

Head tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • Step 1: 36 Nm; 3.6 kg·m; 27 ft·lb
  • Step 2: Turn all bolts 180°
  • 14 mm head: 30 Nm; 3.0 kg·m; 22 ft·lb;

Maintenance data

Valve clearance (Cold)
Intake valve (COLD) 0.15-0.25 mm (0.006-0.010 in)
Exhaust valve (COLD) 0.29-0.39 mm (0.0114-0.0154 in)
Compression pressure
Standard 13.3 bar (13.6 kg/m2; 193 psi)
Minimun 10.2 bar (10.4 kg/m2; 148 psi)
Compression differential limit between cylinders 1.0 bar (1.0 kg/m2; 15 psi)
Oil system
Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles) up to 0.5 (1 qt. per 1200 miles)
Recommended engine oil 5W-30
Oil type API SM “Energy-Conserving”
Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) With filter change: 4.9-5.5 liters
Without filter change: 4.2-4.5 liters, depending on vehicle model
Oil change interval, km (miles) 7,500-15,000 (5,000-10,000)
Oil Pressure Idle speed: More than 29 kPa
3,000 rpm: More than 294-539 kPa
Ignition system
Spark plug VVT-i: DENSO: K20HR-U11 or NGK: LFR6C-11;
Dual VVT-i: DENSO: SK20HR-11
Spark plug gap 1.0-1.1 mm (0.0394-0.0433 in)
Spark plug tightening torque 20 N·m (2 kg·m, 14.7 ft·lb)

Valve clearance adjustment data

Calculate the thickness of new adjusting valve shim so valve clearance comes within specified values.

R = Thickness of removed valve shim
N = Thickness of new valve shim
M = Measured valve clearance

Intake:
N = R + [M – 0.20 mm (0.008 in)]
Exhaust:
N = R + [M – 0.30 mm (0.012 in)]

Valve shims are available in 35 sizes to range from 5.060 mm (0.1992 in) to 5.740 mm (0.2260 in), in steps of 0.02 mm (0.0008 in).

Example (exhaust valve):
R = 5.300 mm
M = 0.520 mm
N = 5.300 + (0.45 – 0.30) = 5.450 mm.

Vehicle applications

Model Years Produced
VVT-i
Toyota 4Runner 2002-2009
Toyota Hilux Surf 2002-2009
Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200) 2007-2011
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ120/121/125) 2002-2009
Toyota Tacoma (GRN225/245/250/265/270) 2004–2015
Toyota Hilux (GGN10/20) 2005-2015
Toyota Tundra (GSK30) 2005-2006
Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51) 2006-2009
Toyota Fortuner (GGN50/60) 2005–2015
Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ10/15) 2006-2009
Toyota Hilux 2015-
Dual VVT-i
Toyota 4Runner (GRN280/285) 2009–
Toyota FJ Cruiser 2009–2017
Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51) 2010–
Toyota Land Cruiser 2012–
Lexus GX 400 (GRJ150) 2012–
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 30th Anniversary Edition 2014-2015
Toyota Fortuner 2015–
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ150/150R/155) 2009–
Author: Sergei Wers
About: Co-founder and CEO of a multi-brand auto repair shop (engine repair, chassis repair, body repair and painting) for over 15 years. I have been developing internet sites with technical specifications for more than seven years.

ATTENTION! Dear visitors, this site is not a trading platform, an official dealer or a spare parts supplier, so we do not have any price lists or spare parts catalogs. We are an information portal and provide the technical specifications of gasoline and diesel engines.

We try to use verified sources and official documentation, however, differences between sources or errors in entering information may occur. We do not provide advice on technical issues related to the engines operation or repair. We do not recommend using provided information for engines repairing engines or spare parts ordering, use only official service manuals and spare-parts catalogs.

29 Comments

  1. Very nice information I just have one question I have Toyota LandCruiser Prado 2015 V6 GRJ150 series I just shan’t to ask if it is ok to fill fuel octane 91 RON althaough manual recommend 95 RON

  2. Love all the info but can anyone tell me what is an an acceptable measurement for cam chain tension-er to extend ( 2005 1gr-fe )it currently extended 12mm ,i am having a few issues and spent $$$$ at several mechanics and still the same so this is my last thought to check.

    • Why would you only replace 2 of the 6 other than cost? If you have two worn electrical components which have been used for X miles under the same conditions as the others, one would expect the same wear to be on the others. Save the time and energy and replace them as a set.

  3. What type of spark plug does a 4.0 V6 double overhead cam 24-valve use on a 2015 Toyota Tacoma I was told it took iridium plugs

    • Every article i can find on this engine with vvt only which is mine along with owners manuals states only use NGK standard copper Or Denso standard also. I wanted to put plantnium atleast but when i went with what everything online suggested. From factory they out ngk on one side of engine and denso on the other. I changed at 40k and went with 6 Denso because the ngk wore much worse. Truck ran perfect with standard and they will go probably 80k but i don’t chance it. Rock auto is about 3bucks dont use Amazon or ebay theyve been selling plugs that are counterfeit and not what they claim

  4. Thanks for info.
    I have FJ 2014 and Dual VVT-i engine has the tapping noise.
    Noise is starting after engine warms up and stop after 1200 rpm, notice can be heard inside and outside the cabin.
    Toyota dealer inspects and found and noise from fuel injectors.
    If this is normal for this engine ?

    • There is a component on the side of my Tacoma engine I had to put rubber washers on to prevent it from tapping the intake. its on the driver side right under the top intake cover. Might check that out. There’s a video on YouTube about it.

  5. greetings
    I find all information very helpful and not complicated you should try put such Infor for difference brand of vehicles
    regards
    Tshifhiwa (South Africa)

  6. I look for the motor runner toyota number 1 GR-FE GRN. Please to informe my. I want to buy.

  7. Is the 2006 Toyota, 4.0 Tundra 1GR-FE Interference Or Non Interference Engine. Inquiring due to timing belt/chain broken.

  8. They are crappy on fuel consumption in the Toyota Hilux with a fuel consumption of 14-15 litres per 100 kilometres,our old 3.3 litre carby Holden 6 cylinder powered 1972 model Holden HQ Kingswood got that,my 5.7 litres Chevrolet LS1 V8 powered Holden VY SS Commodore gets about 11.5-12.5 litres per 100 kilometres & it’s also more powerful than the Hilux !

  9. Hi all
    Someone just rebuilds my Landcruiser Prado 2005 1GR 120 series spouse to replace everything with genuine Toyota parts, but he used all parts after market and he does not provide any receipt and no prove of any new parts at all.
    Can you please help me:
    How should I know if he replaced everything and has not used the old part spacially ring and piston as compression is 150.
    Many thanks

  10. I’m replacing head gaskets on a 2008 FJ cruiser 4.0L engine what is the head bolts torque Specification

  11. Thanks for the info. I have a 2nd gen Tacoma with the VVT-I 4.0 motor and the 6 speed manual transmission 4×4. Can I replace my engine with the dual VVT-I 4.0 that is found in the 4Runner. Will it mate up with my 6 speed manual transmission

  12. Hello, thank you for all those informations.
    I think this engine is Euro 4 compliant. Does someone know if and how this engine (Dual VVT-I) could be compliant with Euro 6 norm ?
    Thank you.

    • temgo una toyota 4runner 4.0 VIN JTEZU17R840033108 ES COMÁTIBLE CON
      UN MOTOR TOYOTA TACOMA 2006 4.0 5TEJU62N06Z198527 O ENQUE CAMBIA

  13. Hi Sergei. The oil numbers (Refill Capacity) are the wrong way around. The bigger number is with filter change, the smaller without.

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