Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (2024)

As a larger executive sedan in the Lexus lineup after the smaller IS model, the GS has been around ever since the 1990s. During that time, drivers could choose between different engine options including four-cylinders, V6s, and even a V8 engine used in high-performance versions.

So, we wanted to help all the owners maintain their GS engines regardless of their engine type. This guide on the Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order will shed some light on the engine firing sequence for every engine in particular, as well as the cylinder configuration.

LEXUS GS YEARSENGINE FIRING ORDER
2nd Gen (1998-2004)3.0L Straight-six1-5-3-6-2-4
4.0L V81-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
4.3L V81-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
3rd Gen (2005-2010)3.0L V61-2-3-4-5-6
3.5L V61-2-3-4-5-6
4.3L V81-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
4.6L V81-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
4th Gen (2011-2020) 2.0L turbo1-3-4-2
2.5L V61-2-3-4-5-6
3.5L V61-2-3-4-5-6
5.0L V81-8-7-3-6-5-4-2

Second-generation Lexus GS (1998-2004) firing order

The second-gen Lexus GS model featured the only six-cylinder straight engine along with a few V8 options. The engine selection was later expanded starting with the third-gen model, so let’s see what the main firing order specs are:

Lexus GS 3.0L Straight-six firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (1)

The Lexus GS 3.0L Straight-six firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4 and it’s a pretty unique engine among all the Lexus options used in this model. The thing is – it’s a straight-six instead of all the V6 engines used later on, and it’s an engine derived from the Toyota Supra’s 3.0-liter turbo straight-six.

In other words, the engine’s cylinders are placed in a straight order from 1 to 6, with the first cylinder being the front-most cylinder, and the sixth one being the cylinder at the rear end of the engine.

Lexus GS 4.0L firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (2)

As the first V8 GS model, the Lexus GS 4.0L firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 and the same goes for the other V8 engines used in the GS. The engine’s cylinders are laid out with the odd cylinders numbered 1, 3, 5, and 7 front to rear on the driver’s side.

Passenger’s side cylinders go in order 2, 4, 6, and 8 front to rear, and it’s relieving that all the V8 engines used in this model come with this same cylinder configuration, so you can’t go wrong.

Lexus GS 4.3L firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (3)

The Lexus GS 4.3L firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 just as it was for the 4.0-liter engine. What’s more, the engine’s cylinder configuration is also the same as for that engine, and cylinders are ordered 1, 3, 5, and 7 on the driver’s side, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 on the passenger’s side.

Third-generation Lexus GS (2005-2010) firing order

The third-gen Lexus GS model came with a completely swapped engine lineup except for the 4.3-liter V8 that was still offered from the second-gen model. One of the biggest differences is that there was no straight-six engine offered in this generation, but rather a V6 instead.

Lexus GS 3.0L V6 firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (4)

The V6 3.0-liter engine was introduced with the third-gen GS after the initial 3.0-liter straight-six from the second-gen model. This one brought two major differences in terms of the firing sequence and the cylinder arrangement, so the Lexus GS 3.0L V6 firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

As for the cylinder arrangement, this transverse engine has cylinders 1, 3, and 5 laid out left to right in the upper cylinder bank. On the other hand, the lower cylinder bank has cylinders 2, 4, 6, and 8, also ordered from left to right.

Lexus GS 3.5L firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (5)

Yet another V6 has been used in this generation model of the Lexus GS, and it’s a larger 3.5-liter engine. Still, the Lexus GS 3.5L firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6 so it remained the same as for the 3.0-liter engine. There’s one notable difference between these two engines, and that’s the cylinder placement.

While the previous engine is a transverse one, this one is a regular V6 and that means the cylinders are ordered 1, 3, and 5 on the driver’s side, and 2, 4, and 6 on the passenger’s side.

Lexus GS 4.6L firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (6)

The third-gen model still featured a 4.3-liter V8 engine, but there was another option added for this model and it’s a 4.6-liter V8. The Lexus GS 4.6L firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 with cylinders 1, 3, 5, and 7 being on the driver’s side, and cylinders 2, 4, 6, and 8 on the passenger’s side.

All the cylinders from both banks are ordered front to rear in the same way as for the 4.3-liter engine.

Fourth-generation Lexus GS (2013-2020) firing order

The fourth-gen GS model saw a lot of change with the new generation as all the previous V8s were removed from offer, and there was the “F” version 5.0-liter engine added instead.

It’s also the first time that Lexus GS was powered by a four-cylinder turbo, along with a 2.5-liter V6 and the 3.5-liter engine which we already discussed.

Lexus GS 2.0L turbo firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (7)

As the lowest-displacement GS engine, the Lexus GS 2.0L turbo firing order is 1-3-4-2. This engine is a straight-four powertrain powered by a turbocharger and its cylinders are numbered 1 to 4 in a straight order from front to rear.

Lexus GS 2.5L firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (8)

The 2.5-liter V6 replaced the previous V6 engines from earlier generations, and the Lexus GS 2.5L firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. As you can see, the firing order is the same for all the V6 engines, but this one isn’t like the transverse options like the 3.0-liter one in terms of cylinder placement.

Instead, cylinders 1, 3, and 5 are on the passenger’s side front to rear, while cylinders 2, 4, and 6 are ordered front to rear on the driver’s side.

Lexus GS 5.0L firing order

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (9)

As the final engine option, we’ve got the 5.0-liter V8 from the “F” version of the GS, and that one was the highest-capacity V8 engine ever used in this model. So, the Lexus GS 5.0L firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2, and cylinders 1, 3, 5, and 7 are located on the driver’s side, front to rear.

The cylinders 2, 4, 6, and 8 are on the passenger’s side, also ordered front to rear just like with the previously-mentioned V8 engines.

Our take

Well, there you have it – we’ve addressed the firing order and cylinder layout of every Lexus GS engine option. So, regardless of whether you own a four-cylinder, six-cylinder, or V8 engine, we are confident you’ll be able to diagnose misfires and notice failed spark plugs and coils.

Lexus GS (1997-2020) firing order — diagram & guide | REREV (2024)

FAQs

What is the firing order on a Lexus gs300 2JZ? ›

The firing order on the 2JZ is 1-5-3-6-2-4, so the coil 1 fires cylinder 1&6 coil 2 fires 5 and 2 and coil 3 fires 3 and 4.

Why was Lexus GS discontinued? ›

Why Did Lexus Discontinue the GS? Despite its strengths, the Lexus GS faced increasing competition in the luxury sedan segment. European rivals like Audi and BMW continued to refine their offerings, while new players like Tesla emerged with a focus on electric performance.

What does the GS stand for in Lexus? ›

The GS name stands for Grand Sedan. However, some Lexus importers use the backronymic name, Grand Sport. The first generation Lexus GS began sales in the United States, Europe and selected Asian markets in 1993.

Which Lexus GS has 2JZ? ›

Lexus GS 300

Aristos came with a turbocharged version of the 2JZ engine that boosted output to 276 horsepower. The GS was discontinued in the U.S. market following the 2020 model year. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan was sold alongside the Lexus ES, which is a similarly sized sedan with front-wheel drive.

What is the firing order for a 2JZ cylinder? ›

3.0L (2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE) Engines Firing order: 1-5-3-6-2-4 Distributorless ignition system (one coil on each cylinder) Fig. 1.8L (1ZZ-FE, 2ZZ-GE), 1.5L (1NZ-FE) and 2.2L (5S-FE) engines Firing order: 1-3-4-2 Distributorless ignition system.

What is the correct spark plug firing order? ›

Flat-four engines typically use a firing order of R1-R2-L1-L2. Straight-five engines typically use a firing order of 1-2-4-5-3, in order to minimise the primary vibration from the rocking couple. Straight-six engines typically use a firing order of 1-5-3-6-2-4, which results in perfect primary and secondary balance.

Is the Lexus GS fast? ›

The GS F is the ultimate expression of this sedan. It is designed for the track as well as the road. It has a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 with 467 horsepower, good for a 0-60MPH time of 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of 168 MPH.

What is the Lexus GS called in Japan? ›

The history of the GS begins, not with Lexus but with parent company Toyota and its new Aristo model launched in October 1991. Toyota introduced the Aristo as a flagship high-performance saloon for the Toyota Auto and Toyota Vista sales channels in Japan.

What Toyota is the Lexus GS based on? ›

Although it shared a platform with the Japan-only Toyota Aristo, the first-gen Lexus GS 300 offered only the legendary 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six, good for 227 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque through a four-speed, and later five-speed, automatic transmission.

What Lexus GS has the most horsepower? ›

Experience the most powerful sedan Lexus has ever crafted. With an astounding 467 horsepower and top track speed of 168 MPH, the Lexus GS F perfectly combines power, style and finesse all into one perfect performance vehicle.

What is the difference between a 2JZ-GE and a 2JZ GTE? ›

The engine block, crankshaft, and connecting rods of the Supra's 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE are the same, with notable differences being that the 2JZ-GTE has recessed piston tops (giving a lower compression ratio), oil spray nozzles to aid in cooling the pistons and a different head (redesigned inlet/exhaust ports, cams and ...

Which Lexus has the Supra engine? ›

Toyota Aristo / Lexus GS 300

Known informally as the "Gentleman's Supra," the Toyota Aristo (marketed as the Lexus GS in the American and European markets) was available with both the naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the 2JZ engine.

What is the top speed of the Lexus gs300 2JZ? ›

Performance
0 - 80 kph5.5 s
1000 m29.0 s
Est. 100 - 140 kph7.8 s
1/4 mile16.5 s
Top speed230 kph (143 mph)
6 more rows

What is the firing order on a Lexus 3.0 V6? ›

Fig. 3.0L Engine Firing order: 1-2-3-4-5-6 Distributorless ignition system.

What is the firing order of a 3 cylinder inline engine? ›

Straight-Three Engines: Both firing orders of 1-2-3 and 1-3-2 are effectively the same for straight-three engines. Straight-Four Engines: Straight four engines often follow a firing order of 1-3-4-2, though some British engines use 1-2-4-3. Flat-four Engines: Flat-four engines use the firing order of R1-R2-L1-L2.

What is the firing order of ej20? ›

The front cylinder fires first, followed by its rear neighbor and then the other side does the same thing. I think it's always been that way.

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