10 Insane Cars with Toyota's 2JZ-GTE Engine That Gearheads Worship

Do you know how a 2JZ-GTE sounds? If you’re a fan of cars, odds are you’ve found yourself lusting after or, at the very least, imagining a Toyota’s iconic 2JZ-GTE as part of your fantasy automotive project. Created in the 90s and popularized by the Toyota Supra MK4, this 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 became a legend even outside of Japan. The fact that UZ engines have an iron block, forged internals, and are virtually indestructible makes them one of the most bulletproof and tuning-friendly engines of all time.

Why is the 2JZ-GTE so Special? In short, it can produce well over 800 horsepower on stock internals, making it an ideal motor for tuners, racers, and JDM enthusiasts. From drag strips to drift circuits, the 2JZ is a proven power performer. But what’s even more exciting is where this monster ends up—surprise cars you would never expect to set foot in the same family tree as a Supra.

Today, we’re exploring 10 wild examples of cars with 2JZ-GTE swaps, ranging from vintage BMWs to American muscle cars and even luxury sedans. These are built to go against the grain and take automotive creativity to new levels. No matter if you submit to the altar of high-horsepower drag monsters or prefer to worship at the church of the well-executed sleeper, these swaps prove the 2JZ is more than simply an engine or an event; it’s a movement.

So, if you’re ready to lap up some of the wildest, most worshiped 2JZ-powered cars on the planet, read on. Some of these might inspire you to dream about your next build.

Must Check: 10 Most Reliable Cars With Inline 6 Engine

#1. Mazda RX-7 FD with a 2JZ-GTE Swap

Original Engine: 1.3L Rotary (13B-REW)
Swapped Engine: 3.0L Inline-6 2JZ-GTE
Horsepower (Tuned): 600–900+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Transmission: Manual (R154 or V160 preferred)

The RX-7 FD is renowned for its lightweight chassis, sleek lines, and precise handling. However, remove its high-strung rotary engine in favor of Toyota’s 2JZ-GTE, and this JDM legend becomes a force-fed monster instead. With over 800 hp on the table now, the RX-7 reinforces itself as an absolute street and track monster. Tuners rave about the 2JZ swap not only for its reliability and excellent power delivery but also for its tuning capabilities.

And even in the real world, it’s possible to shave seconds off a quarter mile with a daily driveable build. And though it might be considered sacrilege by rotary fanatics, for many gearheads looking to make the most power, the 2JZ is a game-changing engine. For those who want a beautiful FD with substantial amounts of muscle, there is none better than this swap.

#2. Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) with 2JZ-GTE

Original Engine: KA24DE / SR20DET
Swapped Engine: Toyota 2JZ-GTE Inline-6
Horsepower (Tuned): 500–800+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Use Case: Drift, Street, Drag

When it comes to the world of drifting in rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the Nissan 240SX, especially the S13 and S14, are high-end heroes. Combine that with Toyota’s 2JZ-GTE engine, and you have a sideways-slaying monster! The 2JZ transforms the once-balanced and relatively lightweight Mk4 into a hardcore performer, which is why it’s one of the most popular swaps among drifters and street racers.

Tuners are known to produce over 600 horsepower, and with turbo setups, you get brutal torque and a top-end rush. The 2JZ slots right in, supported by mount kits and wiring, make for a clean and straightforward installation. Slaying the track and car shows, this has the most response that you can trust with a guaranteed eye-catcher. It’s a JDM medley at its best, breaking necks and smoking tires with every drift.

#3. BMW E30 (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: 4-cylinder / Inline-6 (varied)
Swapped Engine: 2JZ-GTE with turbo upgrade
Horsepower (Tuned): 500–700+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Notable Mod: Custom mounts & driveshaft

The BMW E30 is already a well-loved classic, known for its crisp design and engaging rear-wheel-drive handling. However, stuff a 2JZ-GTE motor under the hood, and the German legend has some surprising JDM muscle behind it. The result? A sleeper with a serious bite. This swap is a go-to for tuners looking to give a sturdy backbone to backbone to the C30 chassis, in which the ease of pulling 700+ horsepower with a good turbo setup can keep up with nearly any supercar you can throw at it.

It’s Euro aesthetics and Japanese performance. Body & Glass Builders often upgrade the drivetrain and suspension to cope with additional power, converting the E30 into a track weapon or a customized drift demon. For purists with a penchant for one-off creations that bring in a foreign flavor, the 2JZ-swapped E30 is the mash-up of style and speed they’ve been lusting after.

#4. Ford Mustang (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: V6 / V8
Swapped Engine: Twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE
Horsepower (Tuned): 700–1,000+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Swap Challenge: Custom wiring + trans tunnel mods

It may sound wildly unconventional to swap a Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine for a Ford Mustang, but it’s a bold statement to make in the world of tuning. This bizarre hybrid of American brawn and Japanese brains makes for astonishing fun. Put a 2JZ in there, and that Mustang becomes a supercharged machine that’s easily cranking over 1,000 horsepower.

This swap is popular among wrenchers for its bulletproof nature when operating at high boost, as well as its impressive power output, which has been known to outshine modern V8s easily. The 2JZ’s rev-happy nature is also perfectly catered to with the Mustang’s mean look. Purists can sneer, but genuine gearheads appreciate the performance potential. Whether built for drag racing, drifting, or street supremacy, a 2JZ-swapped Mustang serves as a means of having your cake and eating it, too—and then some.

#5. Datsun 240Z/260Z (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: 2.4L / 2.6L Inline-6
Swapped Engine: Toyota 2JZ-GTE
Horsepower (Tuned): 600–900+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Notable Build: Restomod or sleeper setup

The 240Z and 260Z from Nissan (formerly Datsun) are Classic Japanese sports cars characterized by their light, long hoods and vintage appeal. Although it is challenging, it is possible to obtain a perfectly built one; swapping a 2JZ-GTE will provide insane power to these legends while still maintaining a timeless look. Tuners adore this combo, a blend of old-world beauty and new-world turbo muscle.

With builds regularly cranking out 600–900 hp, the latter-day 2JZ-swapped Z is equally capable on the drag strip or canyon roads. The Z’s long-nose architecture easily accommodates the inline-six configuration, and the fitment is surprisingly cleaner than expected. Whether it’s a full-blown restaurant or a stealthy street sleeper, this swap pays homage to the Z’s heritage while propelling it into the 21st century. It’s old-school cool, powered by Supra-grade performance under the hood.

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#6. Toyota Hilux (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: 2.4L–3.0L diesel/gas
Swapped Engine: Twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE
Horsepower (Tuned): 600–800+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD (converted)
Use Case: Drag truck, street sleeper.

The Toyota Hilux hardly needs an introduction on the world stage – and its tough rep precedes it, generally speaking, but with a 2JZ-GTE swap, this little pickup transforms into an extreme monster. Twin-turbo punch and crazy torque turn the Hilux into a street/strip star that can roast tires and shock supercars. The 2JZ is typically paired with uprated suspension, more robust drivetrains, and large intercoolers to handle the increased power output.

The end product is an eye-popping sleeper that combines all the utility and performance into one seamless package. From launching at a drag strip to showing off at a car meet, a 2JZ-swapped Hilux does it all. This is a build that says you don’t have to get your speed from a coupe and that, sometimes, the most unsuspecting truck delivers the most powerful blow.

#7. Lexus SC300 (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: 2JZ-GE (Non-turbo)
Swapped Engine: 2JZ-GTE with a turbo setup
Horsepower (Tuned): 500–800+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Perk: Easy swap—same engine family

The 2JZ-GTE found in Lexus’s first-generation SC is an explosion of beautiful cast iron and cast aluminum, capable of producing 1,000 horsepower yet remaining humble. It’s not one to be cocky, bashful, or overly empowering—where the driver is not just a driver but also an artist in the handcrafting of making a natural force aspirated. In all fairness, many SC300s are already equipped with the non-turbo 2JZ-GE, which certainly simplifies matters.

Put a 2JZ-GTE in it, and suddenly, this grand tourer is a full-on powerhouse. With great lines, a comfortable ride, and plenty of room for considerable power under the hood, the SC300 is commonly referred to as the “man’s Supra.” Tuners adore this platform for its sleeperishness—these are legitimate, run 700+ hp with the right kind of mods, and can be treated as a livable daily driver. See, if you’re in search of an unobtrusive luxury 2-door with Supra-rivaling performance potential, the 2JZ-swapped SC300 could offer you the best of several worlds: comfort, power, and prestige.

#8. Toyota Cressida (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: 5M-GE / 7M-GE Inline-6
Swapped Engine: 2JZ-GTE
Horsepower (Tuned): 500–700+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Appeal: Ultimate sleeper sedan

At first glance, you might think the Toyota Cressida is a school-run spec family car – but drop in a 2JZ-GTE, and that all changes. Being an RWD form with a large engine bay, the Cressida is a pretty perfect match for Toyota’s classic turbo I6. Tuners love this car for building the ultimate sleeper — a stock exterior and crazy power under the hood.

With the proper modifications, a 2JZ-swapped Cressida can produce over 600 horsepower while still being a relaxed cruiser. Builders also reinforce the transmission and rear end for added power. It’s a fan favorite among those who enjoy stealthy street performance with minimal visibility. If you fancy breaking some necks without anyone even knowing it, this retro sedan will satisfy you in every respect.

#9. Chevy Camaro (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: V6 / V8 (LS-family)
Swapped Engine: Toyota 2JZ-GTE
Horsepower (Tuned): 700–1,200+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD
Swap Note: Requires major fabrication

A Toyota 2JZ-GTE in a Chevy Camaro is a combination that raises eyebrows, but the results are jaw-dropping: a remarkable melding of American muscle and Japanese technology. In taking that route, tuners tend to target stratospheric horsepower numbers — some easily topping 1,000 horsepower. The high-revving turbo power of a 2JZ in the machine is the opposite of the V8’s grunt, so it provides a unique and exciting drive.

The exchange does involve custom mounts, wiring, and drivetrain components, but the result is substantial. A 2JZ-powered Camaro shines anywhere you take it and doesn’t have any issues ruling the drag strip or the streets, either. This isn’t a build for purists – it’s for gearheads who want to witness the ultimate union between two performance worlds. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s unforgettable.

#10. Porsche 911 (996) (2JZ Swap)

Original Engine: 3.4L/3.6L Flat-6
Swapped Engine: 2JZ-GTE (custom layout)
Horsepower (Tuned): 600–900+ hp
Drivetrain: RWD or AWD (custom setup)
Complexity: Advanced-level swap

One would think a 2JZ inside a Porsche 911 (996) is borderline blasphemy; however, for tuners who thrive on new ideas, it could be a dream come true. Sticking Toyota’s iconic turbocharged inline-six into the German legend provides rare styling with surprising power. The 996’s rear-engined configuration certainly presents extra obstacles, but talented builders have utilized their skills to fit the 2JZ with bespoke cooling, mounts, and drivetrain modifications.

The result? A turbocharged behemoth that packs the balance of Porsche but the baseball-bat clout of Japanese engineering. With builds often reaching 700+ horsepower, this sleeper defies belief and steals the show at every track or car meet. It’s a textbook showcase of transcontinental performance alchemy — a defiant, high-octane middle finger that demonstrates the 2JZ-GTE knows no bounds.

Why Gearheads Worship the 2JZ-GTE

The Toyota 2JZ-GTE isn’t just an engine; it’s an icon. Forged in the fires of Japan’s rampant era of performance, this twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six is the stuff of legend, boasting a robust block, remarkable tuning potential, and bulletproof durability. Straight from the factory, it received forged internals, a heavily overbuilt design, and a cast-iron block that the engineers claim could handle over 800 horsepower without giving it a second thought.

Reliability: The 2JZ-GTE is well known for being able to handle an excessive amount of boost, daily abuse, and being thrown around the track without issue.
Tunability: With one of the most responsive aftermarket communities on earth, this engine is only as limited as your imagination—and your budget.
Performance: As built, it can wipe the floor with modern supercars and still get groceries afterward.

The 2JZ-GTE is notable for its versatility in accommodating a wide range of builds. It performs well in drift cars, drag racers, show cars, and even luxury sedans. Whether it’s monstrous pulling power in the upper gears on a highway pull or being the tallest person at the car meet, this engine always gives you a little rush and a lot of thumbs up.” To gearheads, the 2JZ-GTE means liberation, force, and the purest form of tuning performance. It’s not just horsepower — it’s heritage.

Conclusion: 2JZ-GTE Swaps That Redefine Performance Across Platforms

These absurd 2JZ-GTE swaps prove only one point: an engine such as this has no limits, whether it be in vintage Datsuns, American muscle, or luxury sedans. With its built-in guts, mythical boost threshold, and seemingly endless tuning potential, the 2JZ-GTE is the king of performance engine swaps. Whether you’re outfitting a drift car, a race car, or a street-driven truck, this engine is designed to withstand even the most brutal abuse!

What makes it unique is how exactly it can accommodate virtually any platform—which is why it’s been the motor of choice for gearheads all over. These 10 crazy builds are more than just metal masterpieces; they are love letters to a JDM legend. So the next time you hear a whine approaching a wild howling note, don’t forget: It’s probably going to be a 2JZ nestled beneath the hood of something you never imagined.