A 2012 Toyota Venza came into Street Motors with a worn-out 2.7L engine — high mileage, oil consumption issues, and a customer who didn't want to put money into rebuilding a tired motor. The solution was straightforward: source a quality replacement engine and do a clean swap. The customer had one clear priority — low mileage. So we went to Japan.
Why a JDM Engine?
When a customer asks for a replacement engine, the first question isn't just which engine — it's where from. We source JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) engines specifically because of what comes with them: low mileage and excellent maintenance history.
Why Japanese Engines Are Different
- Strict oil change culture — Japanese drivers typically change oil every 3,000–5,000 km. Engine internals stay cleaner, longer.
- High-grade lubricants — Japan widely uses 0W-20 full synthetic oil, even on older vehicles. Less wear per kilometre.
- Shaken inspection system — Japan's mandatory bi-annual vehicle inspection (Shaken) means neglected cars get flagged early. Engines are either well-maintained or retired.
- Lower highway mileage — Dense urban areas and excellent public transit mean many Japanese cars rack up low highway kilometres despite their age.
- Milder climate — No harsh Canadian winters, no extreme cold starts, no road salt. Engines age better.
For this Venza, we sourced a JDM Toyota engine with only 76,000 km. That's essentially a fresh start for a vehicle the customer plans to drive for years to come. We can source JDM engines for virtually any make and model — Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Lexus, and more.
The JDM engine on the floor before installation. 76,000 km — clean internals, solid block.
Engine Specs — Toyota 2.7L
| Displacement | 2.7L (2,672 cc) |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC |
| Valvetrain | 16-valve, Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing) |
| Power Output | 185 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 187 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel System | Sequential multiport fuel injection |
| Mileage on replacement | 76,000 km (JDM) |
Our mechanic lowering the JDM 2.7L into the Venza engine bay. The old engine is on the floor — out clean, new one going in clean.
How the Swap Was Done
1. Full Engine Removal
The original 2.7L was pulled completely — disconnecting all sensors, wiring harnesses, cooling lines, exhaust, motor mounts, and drivetrain connections. The engine bay was inspected and cleaned before the new unit went in.
2. Engine Prep
The JDM engine was inspected on arrival — checked for any shipping damage, oil leaks, and compression. All gaskets, seals, and wear items (coolant hoses, thermostat, spark plugs, accessory belts) were replaced before installation. A fresh engine deserves fresh supporting parts.
3. Installation and Wiring
The replacement 2.7L was lowered in on the engine hoist and mounted to the original motor mounts. All wiring, sensors, and connectors were transferred from the original engine or replaced as needed. The same ECU remains — no reprogramming required for a same-spec engine swap.
4. Cooling System Flush and Fill
The entire cooling system was flushed and filled with fresh coolant. All hoses inspected, thermostat replaced, pressure tested before startup.
5. First Start and Road Test
After first start, we monitored oil pressure, coolant temp, and checked for any codes or leaks. Road tested until the engine reached full operating temperature. No issues — pulled clean.
The JDM 2.7L sitting in the Venza engine bay after installation. Clean swap, fresh gaskets and seals throughout.
The Result
The customer drove away with a 2012 Toyota Venza that runs like it has 76,000 km on it — because the engine does. Total cost was significantly less than a rebuild, and the reliability of a genuine Toyota 2.7L sourced from Japan means this vehicle has many more years of service ahead of it.
Job Summary
| Vehicle | 2012 Toyota Venza AWD |
| Work Done | Engine replacement (2.7L) |
| Engine Source | JDM — imported from Japan |
| Mileage | 76,000 km |
| Additional Work | Cooling system flush, thermostat, belts, seals, spark plugs |
| Location | Street Motors Toronto · 1000 Weston Rd, York ON |
Need an Engine Replacement in Toronto?
At Street Motors, we do engine replacements on all makes and models. If your car needs a new engine, we can source low-mileage JDM units from Japan for almost any vehicle — Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Subaru, Mazda, and more. We handle everything: sourcing, inspection, installation, and all supporting work.
Whether your engine is burning oil, has a spun bearing, or failed completely — bring it to us and we'll tell you exactly what makes sense.
Engine Issues? Let's Talk.
Street Motors Toronto — 1000 Weston Rd, York ON · Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat 9am–3pm
(437) 259-7565 📍 Get Directions