Engine-pedia: Toyota’s forgotten 4-cylinder heroes - 3S-GTE, 4AGZE, & 3S-BEAMS

Toyota's reputation for engineering robust, high-performance four-cylinder engines is unparalleled, a legacy forged in the heat of rally championships and street racing. This technical post explores three of the company's most celebrated and diverse 4-cylinder lines: the turbocharged 3S-GTE, the supercharged 4A-GZE, and the high-revving, naturally-aspirated BEAMS variants.

Born from the naturally-aspirated 3S-GE, the 3S-GTE (1986–2007) was developed in conjunction with Yamaha and became Toyota’s cornerstone engine for rallying (WRC) and high-performance applications for over two decades. Known for its square 86mm/86mm bore/stroke ratio and iron block, it is revered for its incredible strength and tuning potential.

The 1998cc two-litre four-cylinder used an iron block and alloy cylinder head designed by Yamaha, as this iron/alloy combination was common at the time for engines destined for motorsport use. Compression ratios changed through the 3S-GTE’s competition career, moving from 8.8:1 in the Gen 2, down to 8.5:1 for the Gen 3. 

The 3S-GTE evolved through five distinct generations, primarily driven by developments in turbocharger, intercooler, and engine management technology.

With its iron block the 3S-GTE is a heavy engine for a 2.0L four-cylinder, but its robust construction is a key reason for its popularity in high-power builds. Coming in at approx. 169-178kg (RWD/MR layout) it measures up at approx 700mm long, 690mm wide, and 675mm tall.

2. 4A-GZE: The Forced-Induction Featherweight (1986–1995)

The 4A-GZE stands out as a unique offering in this era of Japanese engines, utilising a SC12 Roots supercharger instead of a turbocharger for instant, linear boost delivery. Built on the high-revving 4A-GE platform, it delivered compact performance with fantastic throttle response.

The 4AGZE retains the 1587cc, iron-block, alloy DOHC 16-valve cylinder head architecture of the NA 4AG family, though it was produced in two generations, identified by their compression ratio changes and engine management updates. The Gen 1 was produced from 1986-89, was found in the AW11 MR2 and AE92 Corolla GT-Z, producing 107kW (145hp) thanks to a low 8.0:1 compression ratio. The Gen 2 4AGZE (1990-95)bumped this to 8.9:1 and was rated at 121kW (165hp), which was found in the AE101 Corolla and Trueno GT-Z. 

The 4A-GZE is highly regarded for its minimal weight, contributing to excellent chassis balance, particularly in the MR2. The compact SC12 supercharger is a primary component adding to the weight over the naturally aspirated 4A-GE with the GZE variant weighing in at approx 136-143kg, while it measures approx 575mm long, 630mm wide, and 635mm high.

3. BEAMS (3S-GE): The Naturally Aspirated Racer (1997–2005)

BEAMS (an acronym for Breakthrough Engine with Advanced Mechanism System) refers to a family of technologically advanced, naturally aspirated engines produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the 3S-GE being the most prominent high-performance version. These engines pushed the limits of Toyota’s naturally aspirated 4-cylinder output in this era.

Boasting the common 1998cc capacity and 86mm by 86mm bore/stroke, the iron-block, alloy Yamaha-engineered DOHC cylinder head BEAMS ran high 11:0:1 compression ratio in the 1997-98 “Grey Top” Gen 4 mode. This model featured VVTi on intake cam only but still produced 147kW (200hp) at 7000rpm in the ST210 Caldina GT and SW20 MR2.

Toyote updated the 3S-BEAMS with a “Red Top” Gen 5 model, pushing compression up to 11.5:1, adding dual VVTi, and other revisions like titanium valves. The SXE10 Altezza RS200 was the only model equipped with this 154kW (210hp) masterpiece, which was the highest output naturally aspirated per-litre engine from Toyota at the time. 

The BEAMS designation was later applied to other engines:

• 1AZ-FSE/FE (2.0L): Used in the RAV4 and Wish. Featured VVT-i, but not the high-performance DOHC characteristics of the 3S-GE.

• 2ZZ-GE (1.8L): Though often discussed alongside BEAMS for its high output, the 2ZZ (developed with Yamaha) is a separate high-performance engine that utilizes VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift) with a distinctive dual-profile cam system, giving it the "lift" or "VTEC-like" kick. Found in the Celica GT-S, Corolla XRS, and Lotus Elise.

The final-generation BEAMS 3S-GE achieved a respectable weight reduction despite retaining the iron block, primarily through lighter internal components and ancillary systems. The 3S-BEAMS is rated to be 140kg dry, without accessories, and measure 670mm long, 615mm wide, and 655mm tall making for a generally compact, high-output four-cylinder.