The limit of a 220k mile 3uz engine?
11-19-20, 07:47 PM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
The limit of a 220k mile 3uz engine?
I have been going out a lot for drives recently and have been running my 430 very hard, think red light/stop sign full power launch, backroads doing 75-95 for 40 min, 130+ on the straits that stuff.......plus some 1/4 mile passes and all that.
Im really surprised I haven't blown up the engine yet, I would not ever think something this high mileage can take this. I'm basically treating it like a rental and it just doesn't care if the RPMs are held 5k+ for 15 min. I want this engine to start giving me an excuse to replace it but will it?
Anyone else who pushes these engines know how long they can take it? Am I lucky/have a stubborn one?
Im really surprised I haven't blown up the engine yet, I would not ever think something this high mileage can take this. I'm basically treating it like a rental and it just doesn't care if the RPMs are held 5k+ for 15 min. I want this engine to start giving me an excuse to replace it but will it?
Anyone else who pushes these engines know how long they can take it? Am I lucky/have a stubborn one?
11-20-20, 07:42 AM
#2
I personally dont think they will blow up unless there neglected. I do lots of roll racing and the motor is fine, like 35,000 miles of spirited driving roll races, digs and some laps at watkins glen with no issues. I mean as long as you dont do cold start revlimiter revs it should be good to go lol.
11-20-20, 08:22 AM
#3
Keep oil in it and keep it clean if it wasn't neglected in the past I don't see it dying anytime soon other than a timing belt breaking causing valve damage. Have you replaced or rebuilt your vvti gears? I'm at a similar mileage to you and mine were leaking badly.
Just thought about it, maybe a high flow air filter will cause premature oil consumption. My car came with a k&n filter I immediately installed a oem filter.
Just thought about it, maybe a high flow air filter will cause premature oil consumption. My car came with a k&n filter I immediately installed a oem filter.
11-20-20, 08:39 AM
#4
Racer
I think you're on your own for this one, lol. If you keep doing what you're doing you'll eventually have an answer....
I don't think too many others are trying to roast their engines. In fact its probably true that most are trying to preserve their motor.
I don't think too many others are trying to roast their engines. In fact its probably true that most are trying to preserve their motor.
11-20-20, 09:37 AM
#5
Moderator
There was a vid on YouTube several years ago of a young group trying to blow up a 400. Not sure but IIRC their intentions were similar to Strikers as they'd built a transplant motor and were ready to install it. There was a thread here on the forum with a link but I can’t find either one today. They had a small circle track and I think they were doing laps in 1st or 2nd gear. IT WOULDN’T DIE! They kept pulling over to raise the hood shaking their heads as it just kept going. They eventually killed it but it took a lot of persistence and determination. It ran so hot for so long most of the coolant had escaped and the headers were glowing. 🤬
Last edited by bradland; 11-20-20 at 10:14 AM.
11-20-20, 10:18 AM
#6
Interesting - I feel like I am the complete opposite!
I drive low and slow and very rarely go high in the rpm's and just cruise most of the time. I dont really see the point in driving hard, especially on public roads. Yes the occasional pull is fun but not what the car was intended to do. However, the UZ is a great motor and has been swapped in a lot of drift cars and runs beautifully (on the limiter).
Have fun driving your LS, just be careful!
I drive low and slow and very rarely go high in the rpm's and just cruise most of the time. I dont really see the point in driving hard, especially on public roads. Yes the occasional pull is fun but not what the car was intended to do. However, the UZ is a great motor and has been swapped in a lot of drift cars and runs beautifully (on the limiter).
Have fun driving your LS, just be careful!
11-20-20, 02:53 PM
#7
^ me too. Around where I live driving 20 MPH over the speed limit will lead to major fines and possible drivers license suspension and I am not interested in that risk at all.
But, what Striker is reporting seems to verify a really well designed and built engine. One of the reasons I bought my 05.
Off topic. The 3UZ reminds me of some other engines I am familiar with (diesel) that literally last decades, or millions of miles equivalent, in severe duty service, such as ferry or locomotive applications. I am fortunate to have one in a boat I own, Gardner engine manufactured in 1971, an absolute marvel. But, impractical for many applications since it weights ~ 2,600 lbs, "only" 94 hp and 8.3 liters displacement.
But, what Striker is reporting seems to verify a really well designed and built engine. One of the reasons I bought my 05.
Off topic. The 3UZ reminds me of some other engines I am familiar with (diesel) that literally last decades, or millions of miles equivalent, in severe duty service, such as ferry or locomotive applications. I am fortunate to have one in a boat I own, Gardner engine manufactured in 1971, an absolute marvel. But, impractical for many applications since it weights ~ 2,600 lbs, "only" 94 hp and 8.3 liters displacement.
Last edited by TominPT; 11-21-20 at 01:34 PM.
Trending Topics
11-20-20, 08:41 PM
#8
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
I personally dont think they will blow up unless there neglected. I do lots of roll racing and the motor is fine, like 35,000 miles of spirited driving roll races, digs and some laps at watkins glen with no issues. I mean as long as you dont do cold start revlimiter revs it should be good to go lol.
Keep oil in it and keep it clean if it wasn't neglected in the past I don't see it dying anytime soon other than a timing belt breaking causing valve damage. Have you replaced or rebuilt your vvti gears? I'm at a similar mileage to you and mine were leaking badly.
Just thought about it, maybe a high flow air filter will cause premature oil consumption. My car came with a k&n filter I immediately installed a oem filter.
Just thought about it, maybe a high flow air filter will cause premature oil consumption. My car came with a k&n filter I immediately installed a oem filter.
Nice to know it's a good design I guess?
11-20-20, 08:42 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
There was a vid on YouTube several years ago of a young group trying to blow up a 400. Not sure but IIRC their intentions were similar to Strikers as they'd built a transplant motor and were ready to install it. There was a thread here on the forum with a link but I can’t find either one today. They had a small circle track and I think they were doing laps in 1st or 2nd gear. IT WOULDN’T DIE! They kept pulling over to raise the hood shaking their heads as it just kept going. They eventually killed it but it took a lot of persistence and determination. It ran so hot for so long most of the coolant had escaped and the headers were glowing. 🤬
11-21-20, 04:47 PM
#11
Moderator
A version of the 1UZ engine was certified for use in single engine airplanes. The engine is extremely reliable and robust.
The FV2400-2TC derivative is one of the few road-going engines that is FAA approved for use in an airplane.
The FV2400-2TC derivative is one of the few road-going engines that is FAA approved for use in an airplane.
The following users liked this post:
infojunky (11-23-20)
11-23-20, 03:10 AM
#12
Instructor
I don't understand why you would want to blow up the engine?
If you want another car, buy another car.
If you want to replace the engine, replace the engine.
Between the automatic transmission and the rev-limiter you are going to have to wait for something to fail for it to die, and that could be a LOOOOOOONG wait.
There are 3UZ engines out there with over 350k miles on them and 1UZ engines with over 1 million miles.
There is no reason that 3UZ won't do the same miles as a 1UZ as they are basically the same engine, just more recent with more complex electronics and VVT.
If you want another car, buy another car.
If you want to replace the engine, replace the engine.
Between the automatic transmission and the rev-limiter you are going to have to wait for something to fail for it to die, and that could be a LOOOOOOONG wait.
There are 3UZ engines out there with over 350k miles on them and 1UZ engines with over 1 million miles.
There is no reason that 3UZ won't do the same miles as a 1UZ as they are basically the same engine, just more recent with more complex electronics and VVT.
11-23-20, 05:44 AM
#13
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
I don't understand why you would want to blow up the engine?
If you want another car, buy another car.
If you want to replace the engine, replace the engine.
Between the automatic transmission and the rev-limiter you are going to have to wait for something to fail for it to die, and that could be a LOOOOOOONG wait.
There are 3UZ engines out there with over 350k miles on them and 1UZ engines with over 1 million miles.
There is no reason that 3UZ won't do the same miles as a 1UZ as they are basically the same engine, just more recent with more complex electronics and VVT.
If you want another car, buy another car.
If you want to replace the engine, replace the engine.
Between the automatic transmission and the rev-limiter you are going to have to wait for something to fail for it to die, and that could be a LOOOOOOONG wait.
There are 3UZ engines out there with over 350k miles on them and 1UZ engines with over 1 million miles.
There is no reason that 3UZ won't do the same miles as a 1UZ as they are basically the same engine, just more recent with more complex electronics and VVT.
11-23-20, 06:36 AM
#15
A version of the 1UZ engine was certified for use in single engine airplanes. The engine is extremely reliable and robust.
The FV2400-2TC derivative is one of the few road-going engines that is FAA approved for use in an airplane.
The FV2400-2TC derivative is one of the few road-going engines that is FAA approved for use in an airplane.
Engine Make
Lexus
Engine Model
VT300i 4.0 V8