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Holden One Tonner Engine Number
Use this guide to locate the engine number on your Holden One Tonner and line up the right engine-related parts enquiry.
The Holden One Tonner is a one-tonne cab-chassis commercial built in two entirely separate eras: the classic HQ-to-WB tray truck (1971-1985) based on the long-wheelbase Holden ute/Kingswood platform, and a modern Commodore ute-based cab-chassis offered on the VY and VZ (2003-2005). The two share no components, so identifying which era you have is the first step to sourcing parts.
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
Engine identification also splits by era, so quote the era, the engine and the number stamped on the block. Classic HQ-WB One Tonners ran Holden's own inline sixes (commonly the 173 and 202 red/blue motors) and V8s (the 253 and 308), each carrying a Holden engine prefix and serial stamped on a machined pad on the block; note the full prefix and number rather than assuming, as prefixes changed across the red, blue and black motor families, so quote rather than guess a specific code. The modern VY/VZ trucks used the Ecotec 3.8-litre V6 (VY), the Alloytec 3.6-litre V6 (VZ) and the Gen III/Gen IV LS-family V8, each with its own engine number that ties back to the vehicle. When contacting a supplier, state the era first, then the engine size and the exact stamped engine number so the correct block, heads and ancillaries can be matched.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the engine number on a Holden One Tonner?
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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