Serial numbers on LSx engines?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 71,447
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From: Miami bound
CI 4-5-6-7 Veteran
Serial numbers on LSx engines?
I know in the old days of SBC etc there were serial numbers stamped on the block that could be used to to tell who, what, when, where the engine was originially from. Is there still numbers on LSx engines and what are the codes/numbers?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Mims Florida
Block number
Mine was on the left rear of the block above the bell housing flange and below the left head. It's really hard to see in the car but possible. However I have not found a complete block number listiing as I could with the small block chevy ( older ).
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
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From: Arroyo Grande CA
All engines and transmissions are stamped or laser etched with a partial VIN, which was derived from the complete VIN. A VIN derivative contains the following 9 positions:
1 GM Division Identifier (1 = Chevrolet)
2 Model Year (X = 1999)
3 Assembly Plant (5 = Bowling)
4-9 Plant Sequence Number
The VIN Derivative Position = Equivalent VIN Position
1 = 3
2 = 10
3 =11
4-9 = 12-17
The location on the engine is at the back of the block, Driver's side, on top, behind the head, or on the side of the block just below the head, at the back.
1 GM Division Identifier (1 = Chevrolet)
2 Model Year (X = 1999)
3 Assembly Plant (5 = Bowling)
4-9 Plant Sequence Number
The VIN Derivative Position = Equivalent VIN Position
1 = 3
2 = 10
3 =11
4-9 = 12-17
The location on the engine is at the back of the block, Driver's side, on top, behind the head, or on the side of the block just below the head, at the back.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
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From: San Rafael CA
Originally Posted by 03Ragtop
Is there a number that says if it is an LS1/6/2/7?
The LS2 and LS7 cars also can be identified by VIN but I don't have the codes used for those.
The VIN derivitive on the engine block does not indicate whether the engine is an LS1 or an LS6. The block is the same for these two engines, the differences are in things like the cam shafts and valves.
The LS2 and LS7 engines are different displacements, you'll probably need to post in the C6 forums to find out if the engines have identifiers on them.
Remember, the VIN indicates what the car had in it when assembled in Bowling Green ... look under the hood to see what's REALLY in there
Last edited by BlackZ06; Sep 15, 2006 at 06:04 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Originally Posted by 03Ragtop
I'm shopping for engines, not cars.
Like I said .... "The VIN derivitive on the engine block does not indicate whether the engine is an LS1 or an LS6. The block is the same for these two engines, the differences are in things like the cam shafts and valves." Unless you tear down the engine, you'd have to take the seller's word for whether it is an LS1 or LS6 (The LS6 has external differences such as a different intake assembly, but that would be relatively easy to change to then "claim" it is an LS6.)
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The only thing I could find regarding the VIN is this :
VIN Derivative
All engines and transmissions are stamped or laser etched with a partial vehicle identification number (VIN), which was derived from the complete VIN. A VIN derivative contains the following nine positions:
Position Definition Character Description
1 GM Division Identifier 1 Chevrolet
2 Model Year X 1999
3 Assembly Plant 5 Bowling Green
4-9 Plant Sequence Number -- --
A VIN derivative can be used to determine if a vehicle contains the original engine or transmission, by matching the VIN derivative positions to their accompanying positions in the complete VIN:
VIN Derivative Position - Equivalent VIN Position
1 - 3
2 - 10
3 - 11
4-9 - 12-17
What are you up to??
-------------
Edit : Here's some more information on the Engine ID :
12550592 1997-99 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12559846 1998-99 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12560621 1998-98 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12562174 1998-98 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12560626 1998-00 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12559378 1998-00 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12561168 2001-04 346 350-405 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1/LS6"
12568952 2005 364 400 "LS2"
VIN Derivative
All engines and transmissions are stamped or laser etched with a partial vehicle identification number (VIN), which was derived from the complete VIN. A VIN derivative contains the following nine positions:
Position Definition Character Description
1 GM Division Identifier 1 Chevrolet
2 Model Year X 1999
3 Assembly Plant 5 Bowling Green
4-9 Plant Sequence Number -- --
A VIN derivative can be used to determine if a vehicle contains the original engine or transmission, by matching the VIN derivative positions to their accompanying positions in the complete VIN:
VIN Derivative Position - Equivalent VIN Position
1 - 3
2 - 10
3 - 11
4-9 - 12-17
What are you up to??
-------------
Edit : Here's some more information on the Engine ID :
12550592 1997-99 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12559846 1998-99 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12560621 1998-98 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12562174 1998-98 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12560626 1998-00 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12559378 1998-00 346 345 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1"
12561168 2001-04 346 350-405 crossbolted block, Gen.III, "LS1/LS6"
12568952 2005 364 400 "LS2"
Last edited by JR_VETTE; Sep 15, 2006 at 10:14 AM.
