No engine numbers on the block?

[antonyj]

Showing an interest in an engine block, the seller swears the block is legit, however he says there isnt any numbers on the block.
Is this a bad thing or not???

[denisb]

If it's out of a production car, it's dodgy.

[steve_d]

You need to know the reason why and where the number should be on the particular engine type.
On a chevy V8 for example a simple skim of the block takes off the number so is a valid reason why the number would be missing.

Steve

[Tony427]

What are you putting the engine in?

It may be useful to make up your own engine number if you need to exploit loopholes re emissions etc...

Cheers,

Tony

[antonyj]

The engine would be for a " on the road already" car, and I couldnt use the existing engine number as I would want to sell the old lump.
Hmmmmm

[fastco]

Hello when block is decked & material removed from block deck original
block VIN #'s are gone.. I restamp a series of # on this now blank pad
And no problems with SVA agents so far , also to prove engines year go to MORTECH.com and check casting #'s & date codes on your block.. copy this & give this info to SVA inspector to prove your engines build date. Cheers! Daryl / Dr,Dee

[Boosted Ls1]

As already said, it could have been decked. It could also be a block that was never registered in a vehicle so never issued with a number. It could have been a 'development' block. Quite a few reasons why it may not have vin numbers.

Boosted.

[antonyj]

Yes boosted, it could also be a quality failed block too..........

[Boosted Ls1]

antonyj said:

Yes boosted, it could also be a quality failed block too..........

What is the engine you're interested in?

If it's a fully finished and machined item then I doubt it's a failed block. I think checks are made during the production process. Besides, if it's open for inspection you have an opportunity to inspect the goods more thoroughly.

Boosted.

[antonyj]

Its a block with the crank,pistons,cam and chain fitted.
Its a RV8

[Boosted Ls1]

antonyj said:

Its a block with the crank,pistons,cam and chain fitted. Its a RV8

There's plenty of those without numbers. As said, some are decked, some never went to a vehicle and got registered, there were small quantities released to kit car companies and some of those were sold off to individuals who may not have registered them either. There were also engines used for development which after evaluation never quite made it all the way to the crusher

Ask the seller for it's history and if you inspect it look to see if the numbers are chiselled off ( dead dodgy - walk away). If the blocks had the decks skimmed I wouldn't be at all concerned about it. If it's been runniung then chances are it's not knackered. If it's fresh build then that will be evident. I'm guessing it's a 4.6?

Boosted.

[topsparks]

Just seen my engine number on my Griff,ROB 55 05,I take it this must be Robs fifth 5.5 lump! The old Range Rover(4.6 crossbolted block)must have been lost when the tophat liners were installed when the block face's were machined.

>> Edited by topsparks on Saturday 11th February 18:35

[Boosted Ls1]

topsparks said:

Just seen my engine number on my Griff,ROB 55 05,I take it this must be Robs fifth 5.5 lump! The old Range Rover(4.6 crossbolted block)must have been lost when the tophat liners were installed when the block face's were machined. >> Edited by topsparks on Saturday 11th February 18:35

Yes, the block could have been used or been unused before machining. Point is that after refurbishment it's a block worth having. No numbers doesn't make it dodgy.

Boosted.