How To Find Engine Size On Engine Block ?

Vehicle types and manufacturers are to cause huge variations in engine sizes. As a result, engines come in various sizes to fit customers’ needs. But that variation does not come in the way to find the engine size on engine block. You can find the engine number through the alphanumeric letters on the casting on the block or by checking the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Auto manufacturers tell the engine size using a certain number on the engine decal or the vehicle identification number (VIN). Here, we’ll explain how to find engine size on engine block. You’ll also learn how to tell what engine I have without VIN.

How to find engine size on the engine block

Every auto manufacturer marks each vehicle with an engine number right from the factory. The engine number contains coded data, which can be deciphered to get certain information to work with on the vehicle. For example, the engine number of any car tells the country of manufacture, production year, engine type, and engine size.    

This information is essential, especially when buying parts. Here’s a simplified guide on how to find engine size on engine block, Ford, GM, and other car models.

Step 1: Open and support the engine hood. Locate the metal plate around the alternator and water pump. Write down the number (we’ll get back to it). The location of the metal plate may vary from engine to engine. On some vehicles, the numbers are inscribed on the engine block.

Step 2: Lift the vehicle’s front end and support it with a jack stand. Do not slide underneath a jacked vehicle without jack stands. The jack is never enough to withstand the weight of a vehicle. The vehicle can slide off the jack and cause serious injury.

Step 3: Get a laying board and slide under the vehicle. Position yourself close to the engine and transmission. Locate the casting number on the engine. Write the number on a piece of paper. The number may be of 6 digits or longer, depending on your vehicle type. And the number can be on the left or right side of the engine block.

Dirt or debris may cover the numbers. So, you’ll need a work light and a creeper to see the numbers clearly.

Step 4: Now, make use of Google to cross-reference the numbers. For instance, search “Toyota engine block number lookup” on your search bar if you have a Toyota vehicle. If you own a GM ride, visit the Kendrick-auto official site to cross-reference the casting number. From there, you’ll find the engine size.

You can also check the engine size using the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Using a VIN to find engine size

Here’s how to find engine size from VIN. You can follow this approach if you don’t want to stress yourself by going underneath the vehicle.

Step 1: Open the driver’s door and locate the VIN stamped on the driver’s door. You can also find the VIN on the lower end of the windshield, typically by the driver’s side. You can also check out this article – best VIN checks.

Step 2: Find the 17-digit vehicle identification number. Write the numbers on a piece of paper.

Step 3: Take note of the eight-digit number. The eighth digit number is used to determine the engine type in the vehicle.

FAQs

What size engine is in my car?

You can find your engine size by locating the VIN on the engine decal, windshield, or on the sticker on the driver’s door. Once you locate the vehicle identification number, write down the eighth digit. That shows the type of engine in the vehicle.

How do you identify a Ford engine block?

The information on your windshield sticker shows the engine block size. It is written on the vehicle description on the windshield sticker.

However, if you have a vehicle you want to buy in mind and do not have access to the vehicle. You can still find out the engine size. Here’s how to find out the engine size;

Other manufacturers may have a similar approach on how to find year of engine block and size.

Does the VIN tell you the engine size?

The acronym VIN stands for a vehicle identification number. It is a 17-digit alphanumeric number that automakers assign to each vehicle. It contains information about the vehicle, including production year, vehicle type, engine size, airbag type, production country, trim level, and plant name. Therefore, the VIN is a great place to visit if you’re looking for your vehicle engine size.

What determines if an engine is a big block or a small block?

Big block engines have larger or more cylinders and more metals. They produce more torque and power than the smaller blocks because of their weight. Small blocks, however, are just small or smaller than the big blocks. Undoubtedly, small blocks have metals and cylinders, but they are usually smaller or fewer than big blocks.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that all four-cylinder engines are small blocks. There are still four-cylinder big block engines. But they have longer strokes, larger bores, and bigger ports and valves. There are also small blocks V-type engines.

Final Words

We’ve explained how to find engine size on the engine block in a simplified way. With this approach, you can easily determine your engine size with the casting number on the engine block. But, of course, that’s not the only way. You can also figure out the engine size from the vehicle identification number.

We have outlined two methods to help you accomplish the said task. So, if you’re looking for your engine size, follow any of the methods above. The choice is yours. This article is just a roadmap to guide you on any method you choose to adopt.