Did the Lexus SC300 have a 2JZ?
Yes. The Lexus SC300 was powered by Toyota's 2JZ-GE inline-6 engine, not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE.
The SC300 (the NA, six-cylinder variant of Lexus's first-generation sport coupe) launched in the early 1990s and was typically paired with a 4-speed automatic in the United States. The 2JZ-GE is part of the same family that produced the renowned 2JZ-GTE turbo in other models, but the SC300 itself used the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE rather than the turbocharged version.
Engine at a glance
Before listing, here are the core specs and distinctions of the 2JZ-GE as used in the SC300.
- Engine: 3.0-liter inline-6, 2JZ-GE, 24-valve DOHC, typically naturally aspirated
- Power and torque: approximately 225 hp (167 kW) and about 210 lb-ft (285 Nm), with exact figures varying by year and market
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Transmission: United States SC300 primarily paired with a 4-speed automatic; a factory manual option was not offered in the US
- Market variations: In the Japanese domestic market (Soarer), NA 2JZ-GE variants with manual transmissions were available; turbocharged 2JZ-GTE versions existed in other Soarer/Supra models
These details establish that the SC300 used the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE rather than the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE, aligning with its NA GT profile.
2JZ-GE vs 2JZ-GTE: what’s the difference?
Before the list: The 2JZ family splits into two main variants: the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE and the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE. The SC300 uses the former; the turbo variant is found in other performance Toyota models. The difference in output, hardware, and tuning reflects the distinct roles each engine played in its respective car.
- 2JZ-GE: NA, 3.0L, 24-valve, reliable and smooth, modest power
- 2JZ-GTE: Turbocharged, higher power potential, more complex induction and supporting systems
- SC300 powertrain: NA 2JZ-GE, contributing to a balanced GT ride rather than outright turbocharged acceleration
Conclusion: The SC300 sits within the NA 2JZ-GE lineage, not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE. Enthusiasts occasionally swap engines, but stock SC300s used the naturally aspirated variant.
Ownership and performance notes
Beyond the badge, the engine setup informs the car’s character and maintenance considerations. The 2JZ-GE is renowned for durability and wide aftermarket support, but age-related components—cooling systems, belts/chains, and transmission condition—deserve attention with higher-mileage examples.
Bottom line
In summary, the Lexus SC300 indeed uses the 2JZ-GE engine, not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE. This NA six-cyliner underpins the SC300’s balanced, driver-oriented GT persona, while the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE lives in other Toyota models such as the Supra and certain Soarer variants.
Summary: The SC300’s powerplant is Toyota’s 2JZ-GE—an NA 3.0-liter inline-6 paired with a US-market 4-speed automatic in most cases. The 2JZ-GTE remains a separate turbo option found in other models, not in the SC300.
