4A-G Engine Codes
Every Toyota “engine type” has a code consisting of numbers and letters. An “engine type” may actually be a family of engines spanning several design generations and encompassing different specifications or components.
The first character is always a number followed by one or two letters. The number indicates the generation. The letter(s) indicates the engine family.
Following the engine generation and family codes, there are different combinations of additional letters, each of which represent a specific engine characteristic:
C - Equipped with emissions control systems (note: The “C” is not used if the engine was originally equipped for emissions controls.)(The C notation has been associated with California’s (USA), at that time having stricter emission standards)
U - Equipped with emissions control systems for Japan. (The U notation has been associated with the introduction of Unleaded fuel available in Japan at that time)
E - Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
F - Gear coupled cam drive; dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine: timing belt or chain drives one cam, and “scissors” gear drives the other cam. [Narrow included valve angle]. The split “scissors” gear is a unique way to eliminate gear backlash.
G - Dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine: timing belt or chain drives both cams. [Wide included valve angel]
L - Transversely mounted in vehicle
T - Turbocharged
Z - Supercharged
Examples:
4A - SOHC, 8 valves
4A-C - SOHC, 8-valves, equipped with emissions control system
4A-LC - SOHC, 8-valve, transversely mounted, equipped with emissions control system
4A-GE - DOHC, 16-valve, fuel injected
4A-GEC - DOHC, 16-valve, fuel injected, equipped with emissions control system
4A-GELC - DOHC, 16-valve, fuel injected, transversely mounted, equipped with emissions control system
4A-F - DOHC, 16-valve, gear coupled cam drive, carbureted
4A-FE - DOHC, 16-valve, gear coupled cam drive, fuel injected
4A-ELU - DOHC, 16-valve, gear coupled cam drive, fuel injected, transversely mounted, equipped with emissions control system for Japan.
4A-GZE - DOHC, 16-valve, supercharged and fuel injected