General page
Holden Engine Serial Number
Holden Engine Serial Number
Use this page to start a Holden engine-number enquiry. The model-specific engine pages sit below this broad guide and carry the detailed fitment context.
Find information about your Holden vehicle
The engine number is stamped on a pad on the block: inline sixes on the right-hand side above the engine mount, 253/308 V8s on the left-hand side above the mount, and the V6 engines on the front left-hand face below the ignition coil.
Match the engine number to the right Holden parts
Older Holden engines carry a capacity-plus-tune prefix; modern Ecotec, Alloytec and LS engines use a GM engine code plus a stamped serial. On later cars the build / engine plate is on the radiator support (VT-VZ) or the passenger strut tower (VE / VF).
Send a Holden engine-number enquiry by e-mail/form.
Send the engine code or prefix plus the full stamped number, and whether the car is automatic or manual, and we will match the right part.
Holden engine number lookup, check and identification basics
Use the stamped engine number together with the engine family, build plate, transmission and VIN. A stamped number on its own is useful, but the surrounding vehicle details are what make a parts match reliable.
| Engine family | What to check before ordering parts |
|---|---|
| Red/blue/black inline six | Stamped pad on the right-hand side above the engine mount; quote the prefix and full number. |
| 253 / 308 Holden V8 | Stamped pad on the left-hand side above the mount; prefix helps identify capacity and tune. |
| Buick V6 / Ecotec V6 | Front-left block stamping; Commodore pages should also confirm series and transmission. |
| Alloytec V6 | Use the engine code, stamped serial and VE/VF build-plate details where available. |
| LS V8 family | Confirm LS engine code, block stamping, series and manual/automatic transmission before matching parts. |
Reading the stamped engine number
The stamped number is the reliable identifier, but read it carefully before you order:
- Wipe the machined pad clean — grime and paint often hide characters.
- Quote the prefix or engine code and the full stamped number, exactly as read.
- Note whether the car is automatic or manual — it changes many engine-related parts.
- If the engine has been replaced, say so — the stamping may not match the build plate.
Model-specific engine-number pages
Browse 92 model-specific engine-number guides below.
Holden Vehicle Identification Guide
Official GMH visual identification guide — VIN/chassis numbering, engine identification and compliance-plate locations across classic Holden models.
Download PDF (224 pages, 17.8 MB)FAQ
Where is the engine number on a Holden?
It is stamped on a machined pad on the block — on the right side above the engine mount for inline sixes, the left side above the mount for the 253/308 V8s, and the front left face below the ignition coil for the V6 engines. You may need to wipe the pad clean to read it.
What is the difference between an engine prefix and an engine code?
Older Holden engines use a capacity-plus-tune prefix stamped on the block, while modern engines (Ecotec, Alloytec and the LS V8 family) use a GM engine code plus a separate stamped serial.
Can I look up Holden engine numbers online?
You can use an engine-number guide to identify the likely engine family and stamping location, but exact parts matching still needs the stamped number, engine code or prefix, model series, transmission and VIN where available.
Where is the Ecotec engine number?
On many Holden V6 and Ecotec applications the stamping is on the front-left face of the block. Access and visibility vary by model and accessories, so clean the pad and check the model-specific engine-number page where available.
Can you match the engine number to parts?
Yes. Send the engine code or prefix and the full stamped number, plus whether the car is automatic or manual, and we will match the right engine-related part.
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