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Holden HSV Commodore Engine Number
Use this guide to locate the engine number on your Holden HSV Commodore and line up the right engine-related parts enquiry.
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) did not build a single car simply called the "HSV Commodore" – it based its entire range of high-performance models, including the Clubsport, GTS, Senator and Maloo, on the Holden Commodore across the VN to VF era, so the first step is always identifying the specific HSV variant and series you are dealing with. These are V8-focused cars, and the exact model determines the correct parts, engine and identification details.
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
HSV Commodore-based models were consistently V8-powered, but the specific engine depends on the model and era, so establish the exact HSV variant and series before ordering driveline parts. Earlier VN to VS cars used a 5.0-litre V8, the VT to VZ generation moved to the Gen III/Gen IV LS-series (LS1 and later LS2), and later VE and VF models used the LS2, LS3 and, in top GTS applications, the supercharged LSA. Because outputs and specifications vary between these engines and were often uprated over the standard Commodore, avoid assuming a figure and instead confirm the details for your particular car. The most reliable approach is to read the engine code and the stamped engine number directly from the block and match them to your identified HSV model and series.
⤢ Tap to enlargeThis page also draws on later year-by-year data for Holden Commodore, Holden HDT Commodore to cover modern variants.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the engine number on a Holden HSV Commodore?
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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