What engine is in a 1987 Toyota van?
In brief: there was no single engine for every 1987 Toyota Van. Engine choices varied by market and trim, but in North America the van commonly used a 2.4-liter inline-four in the 22R family, with carbureted units early on and EFI versions appearing as the model year progressed. Other regions offered different gasoline engines and, in some cases, diesel options. To be sure, check the engine code on your specific vehicle.
Beyond this quick answer, the question becomes about the regional variations and how to identify the exact powerplant in a particular vehicle. The 1987 model year spanned several markets with distinct specifications, so the exact engine depends on where the van was sold and which version you own or are researching. This article breaks down typical options and provides tips to verify the engine in your own van.
Engine options by market
This section outlines the typical engines used in 1987 Toyota Van models based on the market where the vehicle was sold.
North America
- The common engine for many 1987 North American Toyota Vans was a 2.4-liter inline-four (the 22R family). Early units were often carbureted, while later in the year some vans adopted fuel injection.
Concluding: To confirm whether your specific US-spec van had carbureted or fuel-injected power, check the emissions label under the hood or the engine code stamped on the valve cover.
Other markets
In Europe, Japan, and other regions, engine choices varied more widely. Gasoline inline-fours around 2.0–2.4 liters were common in many non‑NA markets, with some vans offering diesel variants depending on local demand and regulations. Availability depended on the exact model (for example, LiteAce/TownAce lineage) and the year within 1987.
- Gasoline engines in the 2.0–2.4 liter range were typical in several regions.
- Diesel variants were offered in some markets, reflecting regional preferences and fuel economics.
Concluding: If you’re researching a non‑NA 1987 van, the engine could be substantially different from the 22R found in many US models. Verify with the vehicle’s documentation or VIN to be certain.
How to confirm the engine in your 1987 Toyota Van
To determine the exact engine in your particular vehicle, use these steps to verify the engine code and match it to official specifications.
- Locate the engine code stamped on the engine block or on a plate near the firewall or valve cover.
- Check the emissions label under the hood or on the radiator support, which often lists the engine family or displacement.
- Inspect the vehicle’s data plate or VIN plate (usually in the driver’s door jamb) for an engine code or trim information tied to the factory build.
- Consult the original window sticker or owner’s manual if available, which may specify the engine option for your exact VIN.
- If you have service history, review any documented engine or part numbers and cross-reference them with Toyota's parts database or a repair manual for the model year.
Concluding: With the engine code in hand, you can accurately identify the correct parts, maintenance schedule, and repair procedures for your 1987 Toyota Van.
Summary
The 1987 Toyota Van did not come with a single universal engine. In North America, a 2.4-liter inline-four (22R family) was common, with carbureted or later EFI configurations. Other regions offered different gasoline engines and, in some cases, diesel options. To know the exact engine for a specific van, locate the engine code on the engine or labels, and verify it against the vehicle’s documentation and VIN.
