454 Big Block Engine Wiring Diagram

Understanding Engine Block Numbers

The tough part about understanding engine block code numbers is the fact that these numbers often vary between vehicle makes and models. Check out this guide to help you to understand engine block numbers regardless of the type of engine you own today.

Chevrolet Engine Block Numbers Decoded

Check out your Chevrolet small block engine codes, and you'll find a series of numbers that represent three separate pieces of information. For example, the Chevrolet engine identification code includes the code assigned to the assembly plant, the production date code and a suffix code assigned to that particular model. Most Chevrolet small block engine codes consist of eight numbers or a series of numbers and letters. This varies somewhat with the style of engine and the age of the motor itself. These codes make it easy to understand which engine you've purchased with your vehicle, especially for antique models.

General Motors engines are usually stamped with an eight-digit code, just like the Chevrolet engines. The General Motors engine block code usually starts with a letter that indicates the plant or production facility where the engine was made. Since there are several GM plants, a letter F would stand for the Flint, Michigan, plant while a letter M is for GM of Mexico. The following four numbers indicate when the engine was produced. This will be the month and day followed by three letters that indicate the type of engine and which vehicle it was assigned to when built.

BMW Owns Its Own Set of Codes

Your BMW is a little different when it comes to understanding those engine block casting numbers. These codes begin with two groups of digits arranged in four-digit groupings. The first four digits are the assembly line identification and the actual serial number of those engines produced daily. The second four digits apply to the factory specific code and the exact production day. A second set of codes follows the eight-digit engine block casting numbers and describes the engine specifications like displacement and fuel system type.

Follow Ford Engine Casting Numbers

Ford offers its own version of the engine identification code with a nine-digit code beginning with a letter. The letter denotes the decade when the vehicle was produced. This letter is followed by the year. For example, the decade letter C is designated for the 1960s, and the number 5 following the C would indicate that the vehicle was built in 1965. The next set of numbers includes the model design and engineered version part number depending on the location.

Explore Engine Block Number Decoders

Engine block number decoders make it simple to see where your vehicle's engine comes from and how it was built to perform. Find engine block number decoders in chart form on websites like Out In The Shop or 1968SS. These websites provide excellent charts to help you to identify your vehicle's engine identification code without the hassle of researching number by number. Use engine code readers to check out those engine warning light codes that are completely different than small or large block engine codes.