I've always wondered this, but could never find an answer. Early model 1UZ's have 250hp/260tq, then in 1997 it got bumped to 260hp/270hp, and then again in 1998 to 290hp/290tq. I've always wondered, what it is that they changed to increase the power on the 1UZ.

 

probably tuning...

 

they have something called the vvti

 

So it wasn't just the I6's that got VVTi... that explains it

 

Bigger hamsters.

 

because their newer...

 

the engines are completely different. Its like why does this small block V8 makes alot more power than the other small block?

 

Hahaha went from hamsters, to gerbals to guinea pigs. haha, too bad i only have the hamster...soon though he will be on a steroid regiment!

 

Sometimes I guess it pays to buy the last year model...just for the engine.

 

I thought the boost to 260 HP and 270 ft/lbs Torque started in 1996?

 

95 was the introducing of the semi-refreshed design of the 1uz...they tinkered with the heads so it could make a little more power hence the first year it was a interference motor. 98+ i believe had introduced VVT-i which bumped it up to 290hp.

 

Also the 1uz in the 98 sc400 was the first v8 to ever have vvt-i

 

Wait, you're telling me the 96 is an interference motor? Damn I thought that took place when they put VVT-i.

 

92-94 is the baseline
95-97 had lighter rods = less rotational mass more power
98+ had VVTI, the lighter rods, different intake manifold, etc etc.