Finding the engine number on a Holden Commodore depends on which engine you have, not just which year. This guide shows where the number sits on the V6 and LS V8 engines across the VT to VF generations, with specific notes for the VY, VZ and VE that owners search for most. To match a part to that number, use the Commodore engine number page.
Quick answer by generation
| Generation | Common engines | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| VT–VX | Ecotec 3.8 V6, LS1 5.7 V8 | V6: front left face of the block below the coil. V8: machined pad on the block; build plate on the radiator support. |
| VY | Ecotec 3.8 V6, LS1 5.7 V8 | Same as above; build/identification plate on the radiator support panel at the front of the engine bay. |
| VZ | Alloytec 3.6 V6, LS1/LS2 V8 | V6: stamped on the block (front area); build plate on the radiator support panel. |
| VE–VF | Alloytec/SIDI 3.6 V6, L76/L77/L98/LS3 V8 | Engine pad on the block; build plate on the passenger-side strut tower. |
Where the number is on the V6
On the Buick-derived 3.8 V6 and the Ecotec 3.8 V6 (VN through VZ), the stamped engine number is on the front left-hand face of the cylinder block, below the ignition coil area. The later Alloytec 3.6 V6 (VZ and VE) carries a stamped serial in a similar front area of the block. Wipe the surface clean before reading it, as the stamping is shallow.
These modern V6 engines do not use the old capacity-and-tune prefix. They are identified by a GM engine code plus the stamped serial, so record both. If you are not sure whether you have an Ecotec or an Alloytec, see Ecotec vs Alloytec vs LS engine identification.
Where the number is on the LS V8
The Gen III and Gen IV LS V8s (LS1 in VT–VZ; L76, L77, L98, LS2 and LS3 in VE–VF) carry a stamped number on a machined pad on the block. Because that pad can be awkward to reach, the quickest reference on these cars is the vehicle build/engine plate:
- VT–VZ: build plate on the radiator support bracket at the front of the engine bay.
- VE–VF: build plate on the passenger-side strut tower.
The build plate lists the engine, transmission, paint and trim codes that confirm the exact variant for parts.
Tips for reading it
- Clean the machined pad — the stamping is shallow and often covered in grime.
- On air-conditioned cars, brackets or the compressor can sit over the pad.
- Cross-check the stamped number against the engine code on the build plate.
- For pre-VN Commodores (VB–VL), use the body and compliance plate and the engine prefix rather than a 17-character VIN.
What to send for a parts enquiry
- The Commodore series (for example VY, VZ, VE) and build date.
- The engine family and stamped number.
- Body style (sedan, wagon/Sportwagon, ute) and transmission.
- Your VIN — see the Commodore VIN number page.
Send those through the Commodore parts enquiry page and we will check availability.