Killing a 1UZ-FE Is Possible, but It Ain’t Easy (Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI0Uib3tmkY

The most reliable engine ever built isn’t going down without a fight. A long, drawn out fight.

Without a doubt, Toyota’s 1UZ-LE engine is one of the most — if not the most — reliable powerplants ever created. In fact, there’s more than one LS400 out there in the world with over a million miles. And countless more with a half-million-plus. These engines have developed a cult following for their reliability, but the stock 1UZ-LE block can also handle a ton of power with the right bottom end components. Only problem is, that can get expensive.

The other problem is, how do you justify putting a new engine in your LS if the old one won’t die? That’s exactly the conundrum Chow, whose car is the subject of this video, was facing. Chow’s 1UZ was getting a little tired, so he went out and purchased a brand new 1JZ to replace it. But how was he going to justify replacing the “cooked” 1UZ? By blowing it up, of course!

And if you’re going to do something this extreme, you might as well film the whole thing. So with his buddy Austin behind the wheel, the crew at Haggard Garage got to work trying to kill the most reliable engine ever produced. And as you might imagine, it wasn’t going to give up that easily. Not by a long shot.

They begin with a hilariously long burnout as the 4.0 liter V8 bounces off the redline for what seems like days. Next, Austin took some hot laps until the temp gauge was maxed out. Then, a full minute of max revs. At which point Austin declares “I don’t think you can kill it.” Another hot lap causes smoke to billow out of the LS’ hood, but she just won’t die.

Like a badly beaten Energizer Bunny that’s been set ablaze, the 1UZ-LE just keeps going. Over and over. With a diesel-like knocking noise, blown head gasket, and oil spewing out. A rod goes, and then the freakin’ thing catches on fire. And finally, she’s finished. So in case you were wondering, yes, you can kill a 1UZ. But it wont’ go down without a fight.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.