Hello everyone, I'm in the market for a 10' GS300 but through some google searching, I found out that there are GS300 that produces 228 HP and 300NM as apposed to 245HP and 310NM. Anyone have any idea why could this be? Could it be different tuning for different markets?

 

Correct US has the GS300 in only 2006, after 06 they brought out the more reliable GS350. In your region the engine is different, more likely you will have the higher hp.

 

I ignored the existence of this version as well, but as per this site, the 228 hp version is a port-injected version of the 3GR engine. AFAIK, no 3GS came with it, but I don't know all markets. I would say check several GS ads which mention engine data, to confirm what power rating you get.

 

Globally, the 3GS came with the 2GR-FSE (GS350, 2005-2011), 3GR-FE (GS300, 2005-2011), 3GR-FSE (GS300, 2005-2011), 3UZ-FE (GS430, 2005-2008), 1UR-FE (GS460, 2008-2011), and 1UR-FSE (GS460, 2007-2011).

In North America, we had the 3GR-FSE in the 2006 model year GS300, replaced by the 2GR-FSE for the 2007-2011 model years GS350 and GS450h, the 3UZ-FE for the 2006-2007 model years GS430, replaced by the 1UR-FSE for the 2008-2011 model years GS460.

In other countries the GS300 came with either the 3GR-FE (228hp, available primarily but not exclusively in the Middle East) or the 3GR-FSE (256hp, available primarily in Europe and for the 2006 model year in the USA), and the GS460 came with either the 1UR-FE (347hp, available in the Middle East) or the 1UR-FSE (385hp, available outside of the Middle East).

Jeff

 

Jeff how reliable is the 3GR-FE vs the unreliable 3GR-FSE? I read the 3GR-FE isnt the same direct injection design that has caused the carbon issues.

 

The 3GR-FSE (GS300) and similar 4GR-FSE (IS250) both use SFI D-4 (direct injection only).
The 2GR-FSE (GS350) and 1UR-FSE (GS460) both use DFI D-4S (direct and port injection).
The 3GR-FE (GS300), 3UZ-FE (GS430), and 1UR-FE (GS460) use SFI (port injection only).

Direct-injection only engines suffer from carbon buildup on the backside of the valves. D-4S and conventional port injection doesn’t see the same effects due to fuel cleaning the carbon during normal operation.

Jeff

 

Unreliable... I think if you take good care of it, you won't have any carbon build-up. The former owner of my car changed the oil every 3 to 5k miles, and my engine runs like a clock. I plan to use 100% synthetic oil. That said, if you are on the market for a GS, I would advise to get a GS350. D4-S-equipped engines are still a better bet.

I didn't know the 1UR came in a port-injected version either.

 

This is not a true statement. Even if you baby the car, you may still get carbon buildup.

 

You are correct! The GS300 is more reliable compared to other makes, but the fix from the dealer was a engine rebuild, even though that was overkill imo. If you run a oil catch can, do intake combustion cleaning they will last longer.

 

You may but not enough to affect the engine's performance or reliability. Changing the oil often works very well. For example, in turbocharged engines with weak turbochargers, it is also known to make them last longer.

 

A car with carbon buildup issues you actually want to drive hard, the old italian tune up is good for it. You want that heat and induction to melt and break off the carbon off the valves. Because the engine poor design, basically it gets so full of carbon they actually choke. Many car will shut off at stop lights. I'm not saying go race the car and destroy other parts, but while on the highway every couple of times a month gently go full throttle so that the rpms rise.

Any car you daily drive hard you will destroy parts.

 

So is there anyway to know what engine I'm getting? 3GR-FSE or 3GR-FE? I asked the owner (seller of the car) and he has no clue as well, but he did say he can provide me with the engine number if I want. Would it be better if it is the slightly weaker 3GR-FE since the carbon build up will be less of an issue?

 

check the engine bay, many times they will put the engine name on where they show the engine belt layout.

 

There are a few ways you can tell, some easier than others. The engines themselves look about the same with the engine covers on them.

Best way would probably to check the model code, it will be as follows:

GRS19[0/1/5/6][L/R/ ]-BETQ[H/K][A/V/W/ ]

GRS19 = S190-series Chassis with GR V6 Engine
0 = RWD with 3GR / 1 = RWD with 2GR / 5 = AWD with 3GR / 6 = AWD with 2GR
L = LHD / R = RHD / (Blank) = Japan
B = Lexus GS
E = 4-Door Sedan
T = 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Q = -
H = DOHC with SFI (3GR-FE) / K = DOHC with D-4 (2GR-FSE or 3GR-FSE)
A = USA/Canada / V = Middle East / W = Europe / (Blank) = General Countries (with L or R) or Japan (without L or R)

USA/Canada are the only destinations that got the GRS195.
USA/Canada/Japan are the only destinations that got the GRS191.
USA/Canada/Middle East/Europe/General are the only destinations that got the GRS190.
Middle East/General are the only destinations that got the GRS190 with the 3GR-FE.

Jeff