The 1987 Toyota Cressida equipped with the 2.8-liter inline-six 5M-GE engine represents a significant era in Japanese automotive engineering. As the Cressida evolved into a flagship luxury sedan, the focus shifted toward refining ride quality and maintaining the reliability that Toyota is famous for. The 5M-GE engine, with its dual overhead cams and electronic fuel injection, was designed for smooth power delivery and efficiency. However, reaching the mid-1990s requires specific maintenance attention. Using the correct lubricants is not just a suggestion; it is a necessity to preserve the engine’s delicate components, keep the transmission shifting smoothly, and prevent costly cooling system failures.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers the highest level of protection against horsepower loss and wear, ideal for maintaining the performance of the 5M-GE engine for up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother, with a guaranteed protection interval of up to 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A high-performance synthetic formulation that fights sludge and deposits, outperforming conventional oils while delivering OEM mileage performance.
- AMSOIL 10W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically engineered for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring a boosted detergent package to reduce sludge and protect aging seals.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns and allows lower restriction to keep engine parts lubricated, designed for extended service life.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium media filter that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters for reliable oil circulation.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures, ensuring the A340E transmission remains fluid even in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and sludge while promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts and guarding against leaks.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube – Ideal for the W58 5-speed manual transmission, protecting brass synchronizers with excellent cold-flow properties.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway, suitable for GL-5 limited-slip differentials.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Controls operating temperatures and contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications, perfect for rear axle maintenance.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, non-toxic option that offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, greatly surpassing corrosion standards.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity range over wide temperatures.
Understanding the specific requirements of your 1987 Cressida is the first step in maintaining its longevity. The engine oil capacity for this vehicle is 5.4 quarts when including a filter change, with a drain plug torque specification of 25 ft/lbs. Ensuring the oil level is correct after refill is critical for the health of the 5M-GE engine. This engine is known for its smooth operation, but like any vehicle from the late 1980s, it benefits immensely from modern synthetic technology that reduces friction and deposits.
Beyond the engine, the cooling system is a critical area for this model. The radiator and cooling system hold 8.5 quarts of AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant. Using an ethylene glycol OAT formulation or a propylene glycol concentrate ensures that the aluminum and steel components inside the engine block and radiator are protected from corrosion and erosion. These formulations are phosphate-free and compatible with all other antifreeze colors, making them a versatile choice for older vehicles that may have mixed fluids over the years.
The transmission maintenance is equally vital. For automatic transmissions like the A340E, the initial fill requires 1.7 quarts, but a total fill capacity is 7.3 quarts. AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers superior shear stability and thermal resistance compared to conventional fluids, which helps prevent the shudder and hesitation that can develop in older transmissions. For owners of models equipped with the W58 5-speed manual transmission, 5.3 pints of GL-4 75W-90 or 80W-90 AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube are required. These manual transmissions rely on high-pressure lubricants to protect the synchronizers and gears from wear.
If your Cressida features a rear differential requiring GL-5 lubricant, the capacity is 2.7 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube in weights like 75W-90 or AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube provide excellent protection against rust and corrosion while helping to reduce operating temperatures. For vehicles with limited-slip differentials, gear lubes containing friction modifiers are essential to prevent chatter. Additionally, AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid maintenance should not be overlooked. The Cressida uses hydraulic brake fluid (DOT 3), and switching to a 100% synthetic DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluid ensures a stable viscosity, providing better ABS responsiveness and braking safety.
For those looking to protect their Cressida from fuel system issues, fuel additives can be highly beneficial. AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver is designed to restore up to 14% horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors, which is useful for maintaining fuel economy and preventing carbon buildup. Similarly, using a AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer ensures that fuel remains fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and ethanol corrosion during seasonal storage.
Vehicle Background: The 1987 Toyota Cressida
The 1987 Toyota Cressida is a fascinating vehicle in the context of automotive history, representing the peak of Toyota’s pre-Lexus engineering before the brand established its own luxury division. Built on the T160 platform, the Cressida of this era was not just a sedan; it was a luxury tourer that competed directly with established European brands. The 1987 model year specifically saw the introduction of the 2.8-liter 5M-GE engine in many markets, a dual overhead cam, fuel-injected inline-six that delivered smooth, linear power that was far more advanced than the pushrod engines common in American and even some Japanese cars of the time.
Owners of the 1987 Cressida often praise its driving character. It was designed as a “sporty” luxury sedan, offering a combination of a comfortable, refined ride and a surprisingly engaging handling dynamic. The suspension tuning was sophisticated, providing a balanced feel that could absorb rough roads while remaining composed during spirited driving. This made the Cressida a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciated the understated elegance and reliability of a Toyota without the “toy” stigma. The interior of the 1987 model was spacious, with high-quality materials that aged well, though by modern standards, the technology is quite rudimentary. However, the focus was on mechanical excellence and durability rather than electronic complexity.
The 2.8-liter 5M-GE engine is the heart of the Cressida’s appeal. It produces around 150 to 160 horsepower, which, while modest by today’s standards, was robust and reliable for its time. The engine’s design, with its electronic fuel injection and dual overhead cams, allowed for efficient combustion and good throttle response. However, this engine does have specific characteristics that owners should be aware of. One of the most common issues with the 5M-GE engine in these vehicles is oil consumption. Over time, the valve stem seals can harden and shrink, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber. This can lead to a blue puff of smoke from the exhaust during acceleration or after the car has been sitting. Another frequent problem is the buildup of carbon deposits on the intake valves and combustion chambers, which can affect fuel economy and performance over time. Using a high-quality synthetic oil with a robust detergent package can help mitigate these deposits and protect the engine components.
Transmission issues are another area where synthetic fluids can make a significant difference. The 4-speed automatic transmission (A340E) in the 1987 Cressida is generally robust, but as the vehicle ages, the fluid can degrade, leading to harsh shifts or shuddering. The manual transmission versions (W58) are also known to require specific lubricants to prevent grinding and to keep the synchronizers engaging smoothly. Using a high-quality synthetic gear lube in the manual transmission can help protect the brass synchronizers from wear and reduce the “crunch” that often plagues older manual gearboxes.
Corrosion is another enemy that can plague a vehicle of this age, particularly in regions with harsh winters. The cooling system of the 1987 Cressida is prone to rust and scale buildup over decades of service, which can lead to overheating and potential head gasket issues. A high-quality antifreeze with modern OAT technology, such as AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, can clean out existing corrosion and provide long-term protection for the aluminum and steel components. Similarly, the brake system, being over 35 years old, benefits from the use of fresh, high-performance brake fluid. Old brake fluid absorbs moisture, which lowers the boiling point and can lead to vapor lock or corrosion in the brake lines and calipers.
Ultimately, the 1987 Toyota Cressida is a vehicle that rewards careful maintenance. It is a car that was built to last, and with the right AMSOIL synthetic products, owners can continue to enjoy its smooth power, refined ride, and exceptional reliability. Whether you are driving daily, using it for a classic car show, or preserving it for future generations, the investment in top-tier lubricants ensures that this Japanese classic remains in peak condition.