What motor does a GS 430 have?
The Lexus GS 430 is powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine, specifically the 3UZ-FE.
In more detail, this engine sits under the hood of the GS 430 from the early 2000s and is known for delivering smooth, confident acceleration. It features a DOHC design with 32 valves and includes variable valve timing on the intake side, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission to provide refined highway performance.
Engine specifications
Core numbers
The following bullets summarize the GS 430’s powerplant specifications:
- Engine code: 3UZ-FE
- Displacement: 4.3 L (4,308 cc)
- Configuration: V8, DOHC, 32 valves
- Induction: Naturally aspirated with VVT-i on the intake
- Power output: around 290 hp (approximately 216 kW)
- Torque: around 320 lb-ft (approximately 435 Nm)
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode
- Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
These specifications helped give the GS 430 a smooth power curve, strong mid-range torque, and a refined overall driving experience.
Context within the Lexus lineup
The GS 430 represented the V8 option in the first-generation GS lineup, complementing the V6 GS 300/330 models and establishing Lexus’s approach to pairing luxury with performance in a mid-size sedan during that era. The 3UZ-FE engine shared lineage with other high-end Lexus V8s of the time, contributing to durability and smooth operation across models such as the LS430 and SC430 as well.
Summary
In essence, the GS 430 runs a 4.3-liter V8 called the 3UZ-FE, a refined and capable engine that defined the model’s performance and refinement in its production years.
What motor comes in the LS430?
The Lexus LS430 is equipped with a 4.3-liter, 32-valve, V8 engine known as the 3UZ-FE. This engine produces 290 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. It features dual overhead cams (DOHC) and variable valve timing (VVT-i) for smooth and reliable performance.
- Engine Size: 4.3 liters
- Cylinders: 8
- Configuration: V8
- Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) with 32 valves
- Horsepower: 290 hp
- Torque: 320 lb-ft
- Key Features: Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
What engine is in the GS 430?
The Lexus GS430 is equipped with a 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE V8 engine. It produces approximately 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine, known for its durability and reliability, is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
You can watch this video to see a Lexus GS430 with the 3UZ-FE engine: 59sJubbal & CarsYouTube · May 21, 2025
- Engine size: 4.3L
- Cylinders: V8
- Engine code: 3UZ-FE
- Horsepower: 300 hp at 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 325 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Is the GS 430 a fast car?
The GS 430 packs Lexus' 4.3-liter V8, the same one used in the LS 430. With 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque on tap, the car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds, a solid effort for this class.
Which Lexus GS has a 2JZ?
The Lexus GS 300 from 1998 to 2005, which is the second generation of the GS, has the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine. The more powerful, turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine was never offered in a U.S. production GS, though it can be found in Japanese market Toyota Aristo models and is a popular engine swap for the GS 300.
- GS 300 (1998-2005): Came with the 2JZ-GE engine, a 3.0L inline-six that is naturally aspirated, reliable, and has a strong aftermarket for modifications.
- Turbocharged 2JZ-GTE: This is the turbocharged version made famous in the MK4 Supra and is not a factory option in the U.S. GS models.
- Engine swaps: Enthusiasts frequently swap the 2JZ-GTE engine from the Toyota Aristo into the GS 300 due to the 2JZ-GE's strong block and the availability of the turbo variant.
