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Do all supras have 2JZ engines?

No, not all Toyota Supras have the iconic 2JZ engine. While the 2JZ engine is a popular and powerful option, the Supra has been offered with a variety of engine configurations over the years, including both inline-six and V6 options.


The Toyota Supra and Its Engines


The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car that has been produced in several generations since the 1970s. The Supra is known for its impressive performance, sleek styling, and the availability of the renowned 2JZ inline-six engine in later models.


The 2JZ engine, first introduced in 1991, is a 3.0-liter inline-six that is renowned for its strength, reliability, and tuning potential. Many enthusiasts have modified 2JZ-equipped Supras to produce well over 1,000 horsepower. However, the 2JZ was not the only engine option available in the Supra.


Other Engine Options for the Toyota Supra



  • Early Supra models (1978-1986) were powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six engine.

  • The third-generation Supra (1986-1993) was offered with a 3.0-liter inline-six, as well as the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE turbocharged engines.

  • The fourth-generation Supra (1993-2002) was available with the 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE engines, as well as a 3.0-liter V6 option.

  • The latest, fifth-generation Supra (2019-present) is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, but it is not a 2JZ.


So while the 2JZ engine is undoubtedly the most iconic and popular engine choice for the Supra, it is not the only option that has been offered throughout the car's history. The Supra has been available with a variety of inline-six and V6 engines, each with its own unique characteristics and performance capabilities.

Is LS or 2JZ better?


Neither the 2JZ nor the LS is definitively "better"; the choice depends on your goals, budget, and priorities. The LS engine is often favored for its affordability, compact size, and readily available parts, making it a versatile and easy-to-swap choice, especially for street and drifting applications. The 2JZ, while generally more expensive to build, is known for its incredible durability and ability to handle extremely high horsepower levels when modified, making it a favorite for high-power builds. 
This video compares the Toyota 2JZ and Chevy LS engines: 57sClapd OutYouTube · Sep 7, 2020
LS engine

  • Pros:
    • Cost and Availability: GM produced millions of LS engines, making them relatively inexpensive and easy to find in junkyards. 
    • Size and Versatility: The compact and lightweight design allows it to fit into a wide range of vehicles, making it a popular swap choice. 
    • Torque: Offers a strong, flat torque curve right out of the box. 
    • Community and Support: A massive aftermarket and community support base means information and parts are readily available. 
  • Cons:
    • While durable, a stock LS cannot handle the same extreme levels of boost as a built 2JZ. 

2JZ engine
  • Pros:
    • Extreme Power Potential: Renowned for its durability, the 2JZ can handle very high horsepower levels when built, often exceeding what a stock LS block can handle. 
    • High Horsepower Durability: Built 2JZs, especially with iron blocks, can handle significantly more boost and power than their LS counterparts. 
  • Cons:
    • Cost: Can be much more expensive to build and modify. 
    • Complexity: Building a 2JZ for high power requires significant modifications and can be more complex. 

How to choose
  • For an affordable, versatile, and reliable daily driver or drift car: Choose the LS engine. 
  • For a high-horsepower, record-breaking drag racing car: The 2JZ is the better platform, provided you have the budget to build it. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of both engines: 1mDonutYouTube · May 9, 2020



Why is the 1994 Supra illegal?


The 1994 Toyota Supra is not illegal and is not banned, despite a persistent rumor about it being blacklisted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for long-term reliability issues. While the NHTSA did document a list of faults after testing the Mk4 Supra, this did not lead to a ban, and the car is currently legal to own and import under the 25-year rule.
 
The reality of the "ban"

  • Rumor vs. fact: The story of a 1994 Supra ban is a long-standing internet rumor that stems from the NHTSA's testing results. 
  • NHTSA testing: The NHTSA did find issues with the model during its testing, but these complaints did not result in a ban. 
  • Legal status: There is no public record of the NHTSA banning the car. The 1994 model is legal to own and drive, and importantly, it can be imported into the U.S. because it is over 25 years old. 



What type of engines do supras have?


Powertrains. The Supra is powered by two BMW-sourced engine options: a turbocharged B48 2.0-litre inline-four or a turbocharged B58 3.0-litre inline-six.



What supras have 2JZ?


1 Toyota Supra MkIV
We'll be focusing on that generation here, as it was the only one to have the 2JZ engine. The A80 Supra had both the turbocharged and non-turbocharged variants of the 2JZ, and after 1997 it got the improved VVT-i version of the turbocharged 2JZ.


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Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.