Toyota Novamotor Engine History

Formula 3 was often regarded as a stepping stone to Formula 1. Many well-known Formula 1 drivers, such as James Hunt, Nigel Mansell, Derek Warwick, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and Alan Jones, saw success in Formula 3.

Prior to the 1970s, Formula 3 cars had a low grip chassis paired with a high revving, low capacity engine. The 1970s saw big changes for F3, with higher capacity engines, slick tyres and aerodynamic additions. In 1974, engine capacities were increased to 2000cc - although use of an intake restrictor was mandatory. The Toyota Novamotor (PFT 2T-G) F3 engine was born of this rule change.

Based on the 1600cc, 8v Toyota 2T-G engine found in the Toyota Celica (the forerunner to the 4A-GE engine), the F3 racing variant was developed by the Pedrazzani brothers’ Novamotor operation in Italy. Bore and stroke were increased to give 1997cc capacity and a 12:1 compression ratio. Carburettors were replaced with a Bosch/Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system. As a result, power increased from the stock 125bhp to 170bhp. This power, however, was achieved at the relatively low RPM of 6000, making it a fairly low-stressed engine. The low-stressed nature of the engine gave it excellent reliability, which helped it to become a dominant force in F3.

Ridgeway have decades of combined experience in building and rebuilding Toyota Novamotor F3 engines, ensuring they are just as dominant now as they were in period. We can also supply the components required to refresh or rebuild these engines.