LS3 Engine Number

Jethrow · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 08:41 AM

Hi everyone.

So for my crate LS3 I am looking for the engine number to put on my licence application paperwork.

But I cannot find it - where should I look?

And given that it is a crate engine, will it even have one? I thought they were often linked to vehicle VIN number?

Thanks

Gaz64 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 12:55 PM

If the engine has been in a car, ie VE, it will have an engine number.

LHS of the bellhousing flange.

If it is a new engine, it will not have an engine number.

Modena · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 08:38 PM

Interesting comment Gaz, mine is a brand new crate, and it certainly has an engine number. It could have come pretty much direct from the US (ie not via Holden), that I am not sure.

Aussie Mike · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 09:27 PM

My LS1 was a crate motor and it had no engine number. I had to make up my own and stamp it on. It was a Camaro version out of the US.

Cheers

sambo · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 11:02 PM

My L98 crate motor came from Ballarat Holden as surplus from the VZ series II (apparently) and it had an engine number. But it definitely had not been in a car prior to that.

Jethrow · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 11:33 PM

Thx for the replies all.

sambo, was your engine number in the same place as indicated by Gaz64?

Jethrow · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 11:35 PM

Thx for the replies all.

sambo, was your engine number in the same place as indicated by Gaz64?

Modena · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2015, 11:57 PM

My engine number is at the rear left of the block on the portion of the head-face which is not covered by the head (where Gaz said)

Here is a pic if the location. This is not a pic of my engine, but engine number position is the same as this, and that barcode sticker on the left head has the same number on it;

Jethrow · #9 (**permalink**) 06-03-2015, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modena

My engine number is at the rear left of the block on the portion of the head-face which is not covered by the head (where Gaz said)

Here is a pic if the location. This is not a pic of my engine, but engine number position is the same as this, and that barcode sticker on the left head has the same number on it;

So I was digging into this a bit further, and I think the number shown here is the block casting number, not the engine number at all.

See this link for details:
Chevy Block Casting #s

So now I am thinking I do not actually have an engine number at all.... as I cannot find any other numbers.

deano59 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 12:12 AM

just be carefull where you buy some of these unsued engines from there is still a lot missing from holdens that have not been accounted for . it's going thru the courts atm i was offered one of these engines really cheap a while back by the guy who is been prosecuted atm for them

Paintwerks · #11 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 12:50 AM

My LSA (new, crate) has an engine number located in the aforementioned position.

Gaz64 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 01:05 AM

Lately for just about any LS swap we need to do due to broken valve/bore damage, the new engine has no engine number.

In a VZ or earlier, easy to stamp headgasket surface in front of RH cylinder head.

The transport dept wants to see the engine fitted prior to issuing an engine number for us, for some reason Holden can't issue the number.

So no issue in early cars, pain in the butt for VE.

We have argued many times with DOT about how to stamp a number in a VE chassis, where it should be.

Can I ask where the boys with engines that have numbers are buying from?

Modena · #13 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 03:33 AM

The reason I know mine has a number is when buying it I contacted SAPD to enquire about the engine number and the stolen ones. The hot ones should have been L98 etc as they were destined for Holden and not HSV/LS3, but I checked anyway, and they could tell me my engine number was not of interest to them.

deano59 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modena

The reason I know mine has a number is when buying it I contacted SAPD to enquire about the engine number and the stolen ones. The hot ones should have been L98 etc as they were destined for Holden and not HSV/LS3, but I checked anyway, and they could tell me my engine number was not of interest to them.

the guy selling them jason was offering both 6 litre and 6.2 with wiring looms and ecu and a choice of a 6 speed auto or manual i got offered a 6.2 with loom and ecu and a 6 speed auto for 3 grand i declined as the roumers from where they had come from was starting to surface .i do know they havent accounted for all the missing parts and i feel sorry for anyone who gets stuck with one and gets caught later with it .

Gaz64 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 04:28 AM

I'll ask around tomorrow for why ours don't have a number.

Probably only done half dozen in the last 3 years. Half would be HSV.

DaveW · #16 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 03:50 AM

I bought an LS7 from crateenginedepot dot com in 2012, it had engine number in the same position as my LS3 and the previous mentioned position.

Jethrow · #17 (**permalink**) 05-04-2015, 05:14 AM

OK, so it seems I do have a number in that location. It is an 8 digit number, something like: 12#####6.

I take it that must be the one?

And thanks again for all the replies

Wazza · #18 (**permalink**) 06-03-2015, 05:08 PM

I had the number as shown in the picture on my crate motor from the States..
( The LS7)...

Cops told me that it was not a number I could use in Australia, and they issued an engine number that then had to be stamped on the blank area on the engine.( I seem to remember that this "Blank pad" was on the front right...i.e. "Australian"drivers side of the engine ??..not sure)

They said those numbers that were already on the engine can't be used as engine numbers, because they had the letter Q amongst the letters and numbers...and this can be misread as a Zero ??...something like that...

In any case, they made it clear that those numbers ( as circled in that photo) are some sort of casting I/D number...or a serial number that the manufacturer uses in their system....not an Australian engine number.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Warren