The Toyota 7M-GE is a 2,954 cc, inline-six, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1992. It features a cast iron block, aluminum head, DOHC with four valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection. Its design prioritized smoothness, high-revving performance, and refined power delivery for premium mid-size vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Mark II, Cressida, and Chaser, the 7M-GE was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of torque, responsiveness, and quiet operation on highways and in urban environments. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing most units to meet Japanese Emission Standards and early Euro 1 requirements.
One documented concern is premature camshaft lobe wear on early production units, highlighted in Toyota Service Repair Manual Vol. 1, Section 4-12. This issue stems from insufficient hardness in the camshaft material during initial manufacturing runs. From 1988, Toyota introduced a hardened camshaft profile across all production lines, resolving the premature wear problem.
Production years 1986–1991 meet Japanese Emission Standards; 1992 models may have revised emissions controls depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
The Toyota 7M-GE is a 2,954 cc inline-six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for premium mid-size sedans (1986-1992). It combines a cast iron block with an aluminum DOHC head and multi-point fuel injection to deliver consistent power delivery and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Japanese Emission Standards and early Euro 1, it balances durability with driving refinement for long-distance travel.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,954 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 125–130 kW (170–177 PS) | |
| Torque | 245–255 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection (multi-point) | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese Emission Standards (1986–1991); Euro 1 (1992) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The DOHC multi-point fuel injection delivers smooth, linear power ideal for highway cruising but requires regular inspection of the timing chain tensioners and intake manifold gaskets to prevent vacuum leaks and rough idle. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is critical due to its viscosity stability under sustained high-temperature operation typical of older six-cylinder designs. Timing chain tensioners are non-adjustable and should be inspected at 120,000 km intervals to prevent excessive slack and noise. Carbon deposits from the PCV system can accumulate on intake valves; periodic cleaning using approved solvents is recommended to maintain emissions compliance and drivability.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil (Toyota SIB 81 01 05). Synthetic oils not recommended for original seals and bearings.
Emissions: Japanese Emission Standards apply to pre-1992 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234). Post-1991 revisions included minor EGR flow adjustments.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. 130 kW output requires unleaded fuel with minimum 91 RON (Toyota TIS Doc. A26015).
Toyota Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A24680, A25142, SIB 81 01 05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1234)
JIS D 1001: Japanese Industrial Standard for Engine Power Measurement
The Toyota 7M-GE was used across Toyota's X70/X80 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced valve springs in the Chaser and modified ignition timing curves in the Mark II-and from 1988 the facelifted X80 adopted the hardened camshaft revision, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block below the intake manifold (Toyota TIS A24890). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for 7M series). Pre-1988 models have a silver-painted valve cover with a plastic rocker arm cover; post-1988 units feature a black-painted valve cover. Critical differentiation from 6M-GE: The 7M-GE has a larger bore (88.0 mm) and higher displacement (2,954 cc). Service parts require production date verification - valve springs and camshafts from pre-1988 engines are incompatible with later units due to hardened surface treatment (Toyota SIB 88 04 11).
The 7M-GE's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear on pre-1988 units, with elevated incidence in prolonged highway cruising. Internal Toyota quality reports showed nearly 15% of early 7M-GE engines required camshaft replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate a significant number of MOT failures related to rough idle and misfire linked to worn cam lobes. Extended idling and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear on the non-hardened camshaft lobes, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Toyota technical bulletins (1987-1993) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about TOYOTA 7M-GE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with TOYOTA or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
TOYOTA Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialTOYOTA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
