engine-number
Holden Sunbird Engine Number
Use this guide to locate the engine number on your Holden Sunbird and line up the right engine-related parts enquiry.
The Holden Sunbird (LX 1976-1978, then UC 1978-1980) was the four-cylinder version of the Holden Torana, an Australian-built small-to-mid car offered in both sedan and hatchback form. It shared the Torana body and much of its hardware, with the Sunbird name distinguishing the four-cylinder cars from the six-cylinder and V8 models that stayed badged as Toranas.
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 Sunbird is defined by its 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine (the Starfire-type four), which is what separates it from the six-cylinder and V8 Toranas. Identify it by the engine number stamped on the block rather than by any VIN; quote that stamped number, and the prefix if one is present, when checking parts. Because these cars are old and the driveline is the point of difference, be aware that engine swaps do happen, so confirm the four-cylinder is still fitted and matches the car before ordering engine-specific components. If you are unsure of the exact prefix on your block, note the full stamped number as it reads and cross-check it rather than assuming, since originality and correct-engine questions are common on these models.
This page also draws on later year-by-year data for Holden Sunbird to cover modern variants.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the engine number on a Holden Sunbird?
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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