Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine

The 2ZZ-GE is a 1.8 L (1796 cc) version built in Japan. Bore is 82 mm and stroke is 85 mm. Output is 180 hp (134 kW) at 7600 RPM with 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m) of torque at 6800 RPM. It uses MFI fuel injection, has VVTL-i, and features forged steel connecting rods. Compression ratio is 11.5:1. Unlike others in the ZZ family, the 2ZZ-GE requires "premium" gasoline - 91 octane or above in the USA. Power output for this engine varies depending on the application and tuning, with the Lotus Elise and Lotus Exige offering 190 hp but the Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Matrix versions only developing 180 hp (+2005: 170 hp). The Australian variant (Corolla Sportivo and Celica GTS) is 141kw@7600 and 181N·m Torque due to noise regulations. (Toyota recalled them for a flash of the ECU to up their output to put them into the more lenient "sports car" noise category). The Corolla Compressor and Lotus Exige S add a supercharger to achieve 225 hp, while the Exige 240R's supercharger increases output to 240 hp.

The 2ZZ-GE utilizes a dual camshaft profile system (the "L" in VVTL-i, known by enthusiasts as "lift"), to produce the added power without an increase in displacement or forced induction compared to the lesser engines in the ZZ series. This is similar in concept to Honda's i-VTEC, but the two systems are very different in design and execution.

Toyota commissioned Yamaha to design the 2ZZ-GE, and it shares several similarities with street bike engines, the most notable being the relatively high RPM design. The high-output cam profile is not activated until above 6000 RPM (the exact point of engagement is different depending on the vehicle, year, and ECU involved). On all of the Toyota-built vehicles, redline begins at 8200 RPM while the tachometer is typically numbered to 9000, giving an incredibly small "unusable" range. The Toyota ECU electronically limits RPM to about 8200 (through fuel and/or spark cut). It is impossible to "over-rev" the engine with the throttle alone; a downshift from a higher gear is required. But if you manage to do it, the oil pump commonly disintegrates the lobe ring.

The motor will happily run at ~4000 RPM for extended periods of time, and during stress testing the motor will run at the 8200RPM redline for extended periods without issue. For the first few years of production, the engines were notorious for breaking off the "lift bolts" inside the engine. This didn't do any damage, but did hamper performance, as the high output cam profile would not engage properly. Toyota fixed the problem in late 2002, and there is a TSB for dealers showing what bolt to replace and the redesigned bolt.

Applications:

* Toyota Celica SS-II (Japan, 190 PS)
* Toyota Celica GT-S (USA, 180 hp)
* Toyota Celica 190/T-Sport (UK, 189hp)
* Toyota Corolla Sportivo (Australia, 182 hp)
* Toyota Corolla TS (Europe, 192 PS)
* Toyota Corolla Compressor (Europe, 225 PS)
* Toyota Corolla XRS (USA, 164 hp)
* Toyota Corolla Fielder Z Aero Tourer (Japan, 190 PS)
* Toyota Corolla Runx Z Aero Tourer (Japan, 190 PS)
* Toyota Matrix XRS
* Pontiac Vibe GT
* Lotus Elise (North America/UK)
* Lotus Exige (US/UK)