Lotus Elise 2ZZ-GE Engine Guide
Lotus Elise 2ZZ-GE Engine Guide
ENGINE
SECTION EH
Sub-Section Page
See also Toyota engine repair manual B120T0327J and Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine
supplement C120T0327J
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The 1.8 litre, 16 valve four cylinder engine used in the Lotus 2005 model Elise is supplied by Toyota Mo-
tor Corporation, and is designated '2ZZ-GE'. The engine number is stamped on the rear end of the cylinder
block, exhaust side, and is followed by '2ZZ'. A full description and overhaul procedure for this engine family
is contained in the Toyota Repair Manual RM733E, a copy of which follows this section.
The lightweight alloy cylinder block uses no separate cylinder liners, but has the integral cylinder walls
constructed from MMC (Metal Matrix Composite). The forged steel crankshaft is supported in five cast iron
main bearing caps which are integrated into a single piece alloy main bearing panel bolted to the bottom of the
block. A pressed steel sump is fitted below the main bearing panel. The iron and tin coated pistons, fitted with
three piston rings, are mounted via fully floating gudgeon pins to forged steel connecting rods which use two
bolt big end caps around the crankpins. The cylinder head houses four valves per cylinder, with inlets arranged
at 43° to the exhaust valves, and incorporates laser clad alloy valve seats welded into the cylinder head. At the
front of the engine, a single row chain, automatically tensioned by spring and oil pressure, is used to drive the
two overhead camshafts which incorporate VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift-intelligent) to advance and
retard the inlet camshaft timing under electro/hydraulic control, and increase the lift of both inlet and exhaust
valves at high engine speed (see later).
A trochoid type oil pump, driven directly by the front end of the crankshaft supplies an oil gallery along the
left hand side of the crankcase, from which are fed the crankshaft main bearings, then the big ends, and via oil
jets, the underside of the pistons. The gallery also feeds a drilling up to the cylinder head for the two camshafts,
and the VVTL-i mechanism, with the chain tensioner fed from the exhaust cam drilling. The main gallery also
feeds the oil filter, vertically mounted on the left hand side of the cylinder block. The timing chain is lubricated
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via an oil jet directly from the oil pump, and by oil draining down through the timing chest.
The water pump is mounted at the left hand front of the block and is driven by a multi-rib serpentine
auxiliary belt from the crankshaft. Coolant is pumped into the front of the cylinder block and head, and when
the thermostat is closed, returns to the pump via a by-pass gallery in the cylinder head and block. When the
thermostat opens, the by-pass route is closed off, and a greater volume of coolant flows via the heater matrix,
and throttle body as well as through the engine cooling radiator.
The die-cast aluminium intake manifold draws air from a single throttle body with cable controlled but-
terfly valve, into a plenum chamber from which the four intake ports are fed by individual tubes. A twelve hole
fuel injector is mounted in the top of each of the four intake ports in the cylinder head, with fuel supplied via
a one-way flow system with a pressure regulator contained inside the fuel tank. The Direct Ignition System
(DIS) uses separate high tension coils mounted directly onto each of the four spark plugs, with timing control
by the engine management ECU.
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Note that compromises are involved in the programming of inlet cam timing, since advancing the valve
opening point also advances the valve closing point, when the ideal might be to advance the opening and retard
the closing points. For any particular engine running conditions, the timing is adjusted to optimise either the
valve opening point and overlap period, or the valve closing point, whichever provides the most benefit.
The range of inlet cam timing available is from:
Opening 33° BTDC, Closing 15° ABDC )
to; ) with standard (low speed) valve lift
Opening 10° ATDC, Closing 58° ABDC )
or;
Opening 58° BTDC, Closing 54° ABDC }
to; } with high speed valve lift (see below)
Opening 15° BTDC, Closing 97° ABDC }
and passages within each rocker. This increased oil pressure is sufficient to overcome the spring loading of a
packer pin contained within each rocker arm, which is then forced between the bottom of the high speed cam
tappet and the rocker arm. Each high lift cam then controls valve operation, with the rocker being lifted clear
of the low speed cam. The higher valve lift for both inlet and exhaust valves in conjunction with the variable
valve timing, provides greater efficiency and power output at high engine speeds.
Illustrations overleaf...............................
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Overhaul Notes
1. Timing Marks
Take care when setting the engine to its 'timing' postion. Crankshaft at TDC, inlet cam pulley mark facing
inwards on centreline, exhaust cam pulley mark facing inwards but ONE TOOTH COUNTERCLOCKWISE
from centreline.
2. Valve Clearances
a) It is unlikely that valve clearances will require adjustment unless components are replaced. A single
forked rocker arm is used to operate a pair of valves, which are shimmed during manufacture for equal
clearance. Routine service clearance checks should be made between the cam and roller follower. Only
if a valve or rocker arm is replaced need the clearance between individual valves and the rocker arm be
measured. Adjustment procedure is detailed in the text.
b) When using the shim adjustment special tool, before removing a shim from a valve stem, ensure that
the oil drain passages on the exhaust side of the head are blocked with paper towel. Shims are easily
dropped and may fall down the drain passages into an oil gallery in the crankcase, requiring engine removal
to retrieve.
3. Stretch Bolts
The cylinder head bolts, big end bolts and main bearing cap bolts are 'stretch' type with an angular tight-
ening procedure. The bolts should be measured to determine their suitability for re-use. Measure length
or diameter as specified in the text. Note that the big end bolts are 8.7 to 8.8 mm standard diameter, with
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8.5 mm minimum.
6. Knock Sensor
The knock sensor used for Lotus applications is an annular type fitted over an M8 stud, with the retaining
nut tightened to 20 Nm.
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Dipstick: The dipstick is identifiable by its yellow loop handle, and is located at the right hand front of the engine.
Withdraw the dipstick, and wipe with a paper towel. Replace the dipstick, if necessary feeding the blade into
the tube with the fingers, before pressing firmly to ensure that the handle is fully seated. Withdraw the dipstick
again to inspect the oil level, which should lie between the two dimples on the end of the stick.
The oil level should be maintained at the
upper of these two marks in order to provide OIL FILLER CAP ohs131
The use of high quality oil, renewed at the specified intervals, is the key to engine longevity and sustained
performance. Adhere strictly to the engine oil and filter change intervals specified in the Maintenance Sched-
ule.
For access to the engine sump and filter, the engine bay undertray must first be removed. This is most
easily achieved with the vehicle raised on a garage hydaulic lift, or alternatively, parked over an inspection pit.
The drain plug is located at the rear of the sump, and should be removed to drain the sump immediately after
a run when the oil is warm and the impurities are still held in suspension.
WARNING: - Take all suitable precautions to guard against scalding from the hot oil.
Allow the oil to drain completely before cleaning the drain plug, fitting a new sealing washer, and tighten-
ing securely. Refill with the recommended lubricant via the oil filler on the camshaft cover, to the top mark on
the dipstick, allowing several minutes for the oil to drain through to the sump before checking the level. Take
care not to overfill. Refit the oil filler cap securely, and check the oil level again when the engine is fully warm
(see above).
Oil Filter
The canister type oil filter is vertically
OIL FILTER
mounted at the front of the engine, and is
(Viewed
accessible from beneath after removal of the from
engine bay undershield. The filter should be beneath)
renewed along with the engine oil, at intervals
specified in the Maintenance Schedule.
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removal. Start the engine and check for oil leaks. Re-check the security of the filter, further tightening by hand
if necessary. Check the oil level (see above) when the engine is fully warm.
Oil Coolers
The foregoing oil change procedure does not disturb the oil quantity contained in the twin oil coolers and
associated pipework, but is considered perfectly satisfactory for routine maintenance operations. In instances
of major engine failure where the oil system may be contaminated with metallic debris, all oil cooler lines should
be thoroughly flushed out and the oil cooler radiators replaced.
If the oil cooler circuit is drained or replaced, the following procedure should be adopted to fill the cooler
system before starting the engine:
1. Attach a tube to the bleed nipple on the sandwich plate between oil filter and engine block, and lead into
a catch tank. Open the bleed nipple.
Sandwich plate
bleed nipple
Oil filter canister
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2. Disconnect the outlet hose from the top of the LH oil cooler, and pour engine oil into the cooler until oil
reaches the bleed nipple (approx. 2.5 litres). Close the bleed nipple, tightening to 8 Nm.
4. Add a further 0.7 litres of oil into the engine to accommodate the volume of the return hose between LH
oil cooler and engine.
5. After starting the engine, restrict running to idle speed for a minimum of 5 minutes, to allow the oil cooler
lines to be purged of air. Stop engine and re-check oil level.
Note: For cars fitted with an Accusump pressurised oil storage canister, refer to separate literature.
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Clean the inside of the housing, including the joint faces, taking care not to contaminate the ‘clean’ engine
side of the assembly. Fit the new filter element into position with the shallow side facing the 'clean', engine
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side of the housing. Ensure that the hinge lugs at the inboard end of the housing are correctly engaged before
closing the housing and securing with the two spring clips. Refit the wheelarch liner and rear wheel.
Spark Plugs
The ignition system uses a distributorless ignition system (DIS) which employs an individual high tension
coil for each of the four spark plugs. Each coil is mounted directly onto its spark plug using an integral connector
and is secured to the cam cover with a single screw. The spark plugs use small diameter centre electrodes made
of iridium for long life and high performance, and require changing only at 54,000 mile (90,000 km) intervals.
For further details, refer to section IG in the Engine Repair Manual.
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It is recommended to remove the rear clamshell prior to powertrain removal in order to improve access,
and to reduce the possibility of paint damage. The engine may be removed from above, with or without the
transmission. The following procedure applies to the engine/transmission assembly, but to avoid disturbing
the suspension, refer to sub-section FJ.5 to separate the engine from the transmission before withdrawing the
engine alone.
WARNING: Be aware of the possibility of full pressure retention in the fuel line caused by a system
fault.
Release
button
L64
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1. Remove the engine bay undertray and diffuser, both rear road wheels and the rear clamshell (see sub-
section BR.7).
2. On a.c. cars, recover refrigerant and disconnect both a.c. hoses from the pipes at the rear of the RH
sill.
5. Release the gear cable routing clips from beneath the engine. Disconnect the earth braid between chas-
sis and transmission.
6. Release the clutch slave cylinder from the transmission housing and support aside.
7. Release the steady mounting between the front of the engine and the chassis, and between the rear of
the engine and the subframe.
From above:
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8. Release the gearchange cables from the transmission by removing the 'R' clips retaining the inner cable
eyes, and the 'C' clips retaining the outer cables.
9. Disconnect the air intake hose between air cleaner and intake plenum, and release the brake servo vacuum
hose from the intake plenum.
10. Disconnect the throttle cable. Disconnect the radiator feed hose and heater feed hose from the rear end of
the cylinder head. Disconnect the heater return hose from the water rail, and the two hoses and electrical
connector from the header tank. Disconnect the re-circ. pump hose to the chassis pipe, and release the
electrical connector. Unplug the engine harness. Release the header tank bracket from the subframe,
and remove the bracket complete with tank and recirc. pump. Release the purge pipe from the throttle
body.
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13. Fit two engine lifting brackets T000T1437S to the left hand front and right hand rear of the cylinder head.
Sling support the power unit before releasing the RH and LH engine mounting brackets.
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17. Carefully hoist the power unit from the car, whilst monitoring for any remaining connections.
Refit the unit in reverse order to removal with the following notes:
- Before re-fitting a driveshaft, first renew the round section circlip on the end of the left hand inboard joint
spigot shaft, and lubricate the circlip with grease. Also, check the condition of the transmission output seal,
and renew if necessary. Lubricate the lip of the seal with transmission oil, and grease the corresponding
shoulder on the driveshaft (C.V. joint) spigot, to reduce the danger of damaging the seal on assembly.
- Carefully insert the driveshaft into the transmission, with, on the left hand shaft, the two ends of the circlip
positioned lowermost, and rotate the shaft if necessary to engage the splines. Press the inboard joint outer
until a click indicates the engagement of the retaining circlip, if necessary using a brass drift and hammer.
Pull on the body to ensure its security. On the right hand shaft, fit the bolts securing the extension shaft
bearing to the engine mounted bracket, and torque to 64 Nm.
- Refer to section DH for rear suspension assembly details.
- For coolant refilling procedure, refer to section KH.
- For transmission details and gear cable adjustment, refer to section FJ.
The following engine special tools are available under Lotus part number:
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2
4
3 5
17
7
16
8
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15
14
13 10
12 11
For component replacement procedures, refer to manual B120T0327J. For diagnostic codes, refer to Section
EMP.
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The Elise S, introduced in May 2006 uses the Toyota '1ZZ-FE' engine instead of the '2ZZ-GE' fitted in the
Elise 111R. The two engines are similar in basic architecture, with the 2ZZ having been derived from the 1ZZ,
and whilst the overhaul procedures are largely common, many of the principal components are different. This
section identifies the main differences between the two engine types.
Valve Mechanism
The 1ZZ uses the same VVT-i 'intelligent' variable intake valve timing system as used on 2ZZ, but without
the intake and exhaust variable valve lift feature. Valve clearance adjustment via selective cam followers rather
than 'top hat' shims. Airbox flap valve programmed to open at 5,000 rpm. Lower rpm limits (see below).
Dimensions
The bore and stroke differ between the two engines, although the capacity difference favours the 2ZZ by
only 2cc. The 1ZZ is more undersquare with dimensions of 79.0 x 91.5mm producing 1794cc (2ZZ: 82.0 x 85.0
= 1796cc). The angle between intake and exhaust valves on the 1ZZ is 10° less at 33°, to permit a compact
cylinder head without the requirement to accommodate variable valve lift. The compression ratio is dropped
from 11.5 to 10.0:1.
Cylinder Block
The open deck alloy cylinder block of the 1ZZ uses dry, thin wall, non-replaceable, cast iron cylinder liners
(2ZZ uses integrated MMC cylinder walls).
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Manifolds
The inlet manifold is moulded in plastic to reduce weight and heat transference, and incorporates a resona-
tor feature to optimise gas pulsations for mid-range performance. A unique adaptor is used to link the manifold
to the electronic throttle body which differs from the 2ZZ and other 1ZZ types.
The simplified exhaust manifold and downpipe dispense with the divider plate used on the 2ZZ.
Cooling System
The cooling system is largely unchanged, with all 1ZZ cars using the oil/water heat exchanger and no
front mounted oil coolers. The throttle body is heated as previously, although the feed and return connections
differ in detail and no in-line throttle body thermostat is used.
Technical Data
1ZZ-FE 2ZZ-GE (reference)
Capacity 1794 cc 1796 cc
Bore 79.0 mm 82.0 mm
Stroke 91.5 mm 85.0 mm
Valve control VVT-i VVTL-i
Compression ratio 10.0:1 11.5:1
Compression pressure (250 rpm, normal run temp.) - new 1500 kPa (218 psi) 1400 kPa (203 psi)
- min. 1000 kPa (145 psi) 1000 kPa (145 psi)
Spark plugs - type NGK BKR5EYA-11 NGK IFR6A-11
Denso K16R-U11
- gap 1.0 ± 0.05mm 1.1 mm
Peak power (1999/99/EC) 100 kW (136 PS) 141 kW (192 PS)
@ 6,200 rpm @ 7,800 rpm
Peak torque (1999/99/EC) 172 Nm 181 Nm
@ 4,200 rpm @ 6,800 rpm
Maximum continuous engine speed 6,800 rpm 8,000 rpm
Maximum transient engine speed 7,150 rpm 8,500 rpm
Exhaust emissions (Euro 4 & LEV 1) - CO 0.23 g/km 0.42 g/km
- HC 0.050 g/km 0.078 g/km
- NOx 0.0217 g/km 0.0121 g/km
- HC + NOx 0.0717 g/km 0.07921 g/km
- CO2 (combined) 196 g/km 208 g/km
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