All K series are non-crossflow engines – the inlet and exhaust manifolds are on the same side.

They have cast iron blocks and aluminium alloy heads, with a crankshaft supported by five main bearings.

K series motors have both hydraulic tappet or hydraulic valve lifters, solid lifters and 1.5 ratio rockers with an adjustment thread for tappet clearance.

Thus equipped, the engine produces 73 PS (54 kW; 72 hp) at 6600 rpm.

The 3K-R engine, also known as the 137E, was a special version of the standard 3K fitted to the Toyota Starlet (KP40) for use in touring car racing in Japan.

[6] The 3K-R has a 16 valve dual overhead camshaft cylinder head with a compression of 13:1 and was fuelled by a Nippon Denso built mechanical fuel injection system.

The engine was also bored out to 1.3 L (1293 cc) and had a dry sump oil system.

Available in both fuel injected and carburetted configurations, the 7K produces much more power and torque compared to the other K engines however it is a lot less 'rev happy' due to having such a long stroke.

7K-E is available in KR42 Townace SBV vans (1997–2007) using a large G52 5 speed gearbox (same bellhousing to box pattern as W55), or automatic.