What V6 is better?

Alright guys, just curious about your fondness for different Toyota engines. I'm curious what you think of the 3vz-fe and 1mz-fe. This is your opinion on which engine is better than the other. You can discuss/argue your opinion.
Thanks..

Heres the wikipedia page for 1mz-fe and 3vz-fe;
3vz: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_VZ_engine
1mz: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_MZ_engine

IMHO The 3vz was the better engine.:2cents:

I haven't seen the 1MZ-FE but based on what I've read about both engines, the 3VZ-FE is lower tech (iron block, distributor). Plus it's got that wierd vacuum operated startup idle up mechanism, which I really hate and will have to find time to rant about later on...as I am presently pressed for time.

The 1MZ-FE is a newer engine, generates more hp, less torque and probably more efficient also. Toyota's first OBD-II ecu, so tuning may be trickier.

The 3VZ-FE is older and vacuum operated (ACIS system...), but it's a real workhorse! It's based off of toyota's truck engine platform, so it has thick camshafts, strong cylinder heads, and solid block. Practically everything is mechanical on the engine, so tuning is actually easier (AFM instead of MAF). It's OBD-I ecu.

3vz-fe by an ungodly amount.

The 1MZ-FE is a newer engine, generates more hp, less torque and probably more efficient also. Toyota's first OBD-II ecu, so tuning may be trickier.

The 3VZ-FE is older and vacuum operated (ACIS system...), but it's a real workhorse! It's based off of toyota's truck engine platform, so it has thick camshafts, strong cylinder heads, and solid block. Practically everything is mechanical on the engine, so tuning is actually easier (AFM instead of MAF). It's OBD-I ecu.

Glad to hear fellow gearheads here.

I beg to differ on the easier tunability of the 3VZ-FE compared to the 1MZ-FE. For one thing, the a/c idle up valve on the 1MZ-FE is adjustable, while that duty is handled singlehandedly by the idle speed controller in the 3VZ-FE. If I'm not mistaken, the ISC is non-adjustable.

Another thing is the startup idle up mechanism (I dont know what it's officially called), but it's that spring loaded, vacuum-operated lever right under the TPS. At startup, there is little or no vacuum at the intake so the valve bypasses air past the closed throttle plate, causing the engine to rev close to 2000 rpm when it first catches on. As soon as the engine fires up, intake vacuum builds up, shutting off the valve and bringing idle speed back to normal.

I wouldn't mind if the idle speed is controlled automatically, so long as it's done right. But the programming seems just all wrong to me. For instance, on a cold startup, the cold idle speed is at 1800 rpm (which is already way too high in my opinion). Now when you shift the automatic into gear, the load sensor will tell the ecu to activate the idle up feature (supposedly to prevent the engine from stalling under the load from the tranny), and the engine revs even higher(!). How much higher does the engine need to rev at 1800 rpm to keep it from stalling at "D"??

Like I've said in another post, this quirks are totally out of character for a Toyota. In point of fact, I also own a 91 Corolla with the 4A-FE engine, which I'm assuming is still OBD-1, and yet the engine behaves way better than the 3VZ-FE in my Camry.

3vz-fe by an ungodly amount.


I knew you'd say that.:)
IMHO, I think the 3vz was a better engine, more solid and stable.

Shadetreee- I understand where you are coming from, I put my gear selector "in between gears" so that the light on the dash is out, and the rev's drop like mad once you put it back in park or neutral.

Thanks for the tip, Bluefusion. I've actually developed the habit of shifting into N during hard braking/emergency stopping. The engine oftentimes pushes against the brakes when the a/c compressor is in operation.

As for which engine is stronger, I agree it would be the 3VZ-FE with its thicker parts and fully iron block. I just wish it had the same control systems as the 1MZ-FE.