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Holden Gemini Engine Number
Use this guide to locate the engine number on your Holden Gemini and line up the right engine-related parts enquiry.
The Holden Gemini was a compact rear-wheel-drive small car built on GM's Isuzu-derived "T-car" platform and assembled in Australia from 1975, running through the TX, TC, TD, TE, TF and TG series to around 1985 in sedan, coupe, wagon and panel-van forms; a separate front-wheel-drive "RB" Gemini followed in the mid-1980s.
Where to find your Holden engine number
The stamped engine number is on a machined pad on the block. Its location depends on the engine family:
- Inline six-cylinder: on a pad on the right-hand side of the block, above the engine-mount boss.
- V8 (253 / 308, 4.2 / 5.0 litre): on a pad on the left-hand side of the block, above the engine mounting.
- V6 (Buick-derived, Ecotec, Alloytec): on the front left-hand face of the block, below the ignition coil.
- Later V6 and LS V8 models: the build / engine plate sits on the radiator support panel (VT-VZ era) or the passenger-side strut tower (VE / VF era).
You may need to wipe the pad clean to read the stamped number, and on air-conditioned cars the compressor can sit in front of it. Older Holden engines use a capacity-plus-tune prefix (for example 186S or a Q-series V8 code), while modern engines (Ecotec, Alloytec and the LS V8 family) use a GM engine code plus a separate stamped serial.
For the most accurate part match, send us both the engine code or prefix and the full stamped number, along with whether the car is automatic or manual.
On this model
The classic RWD Gemini used the Isuzu-based 1.6-litre overhead-cam petrol four commonly referred to as the "G161", with a 1.8-litre diesel option offered later in the range. Quote the engine family together with the number stamped on the block when ordering, since the stamped identifier is what confirms the actual unit fitted. This matters more than usual on Geminis because a large share have had replacement, rebuilt or modified engines over the years, and some have been swapped away from the original Isuzu unit entirely. Give the supplier the stamped block number and, if you have it, the engine code from the ID plate, and mention any known modifications such as carburettor, head or capacity changes. If you are unsure the fitted engine is original, confirm the stamped number matches the plate before buying engine parts.
This page also draws on later year-by-year data for Holden Gemini to cover modern variants.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the engine number on a Holden Gemini?
It is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block. Inline sixes are on the right side above the engine mount, the 253/308 V8s on the left side above the mount, and the V6 engines on the front left face below the ignition coil. 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.
Do you match engine numbers to parts?
Yes. Send us 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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