Knowing what type of engine your car has is essential for maintenance, repairs, and even performance upgrades. While it might seem complex, identifying your engine is usually straightforward with a few key methods. This guide will walk you through the most common ways to determine your car’s engine, ensuring you have the right information at your fingertips.
One common point of interest for car enthusiasts is specific engine components and variations. For instance, some engines, like certain VQ35DE models, are equipped with an oil cooler/warmer system. This system uses coolant to regulate oil temperature, warming it when cold and cooling it when hot. While functional, aftermarket oil coolers often offer superior performance. Interestingly, while the VQ35DE engine sometimes includes this feature, the VQ35HR and VQ37VHR engines in the US generally do not, except in specific markets like the Middle East and Australia, and on all AWD G35 and G37 models.
To find out what engine you have, start with these methods:
1. Check Your Car’s Documentation:
The easiest place to begin is your car’s paperwork.
- Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual usually contains detailed specifications about your vehicle, including engine type and size. Look for a section on vehicle specifications or technical data.
- Vehicle Registration and Insurance Documents: These documents often list basic vehicle information, which may include the engine type or engine code.
- Original Sales Documents: If you have the original window sticker or sales contract, it should definitively state the engine installed in your car.
2. Locate and Decode Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):
The VIN is a unique 17-character code for your car and contains a wealth of information, including engine details.
- Location: The VIN is typically found on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver’s side doorjamb, and sometimes on vehicle registration or insurance documents.
- Decoding: Many online VIN decoders are available for free. Simply enter your VIN, and the decoder will provide information about your car, often including the engine type. Reputable websites like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US or similar governmental bodies in other countries may offer VIN decoding tools or links to reliable resources.
3. Perform a Physical Inspection in the Engine Bay:
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can often identify your engine by visually inspecting the engine itself.
- Engine Cover or Labels: Many cars have plastic engine covers. Sometimes, the engine type or size is indicated directly on this cover. Look for labels or stickers on the engine itself as well, which might display the engine code or family.
- Engine Code Location: Engine codes are usually stamped directly onto the engine block. The location varies, but common places include the front of the engine block, the side of the block, or near the valve cover. You may need a flashlight to find it. Once you locate the code, a quick online search for “[engine code] specifications” will usually reveal the engine type and details.
For example, examining the engine bay might reveal details like the presence or absence of an oil cooler system. As shown in the following diagram from a Factory Service Manual (FSM), the routing of water pipes associated with the oil cooler/warmer system can be a visual indicator for certain engine types.
Image showing a diagram from the FSM highlighting the oil cooler/warmer system and associated water pipes in red, indicating components for engine identification.
The diagram above illustrates the oil cooler/warmer system with its corresponding water pipes highlighted. Cars without this system will have a different configuration, particularly around water pipe #13, which lacks the outlet for hose #11 in systems without the cooler. Similarly, water pipe #12 is absent in those configurations, replaced by a block-off plate.
Observing the engine block itself can further clarify whether your car is equipped with this system. The subsequent images demonstrate the visual differences.
Image of an HR engine block without an oil cooler/warmer, showing the upper water pipe lacking a third outlet.
Image of an HR engine block detail, further illustrating the absence of the lower water pipe in configurations without an oil cooler/warmer system.
These images contrast an HR engine block without the oil cooler/warmer. Notice that the upper water pipe lacks the extra outlet, and the lower water pipe is non-existent, further aiding in visual engine identification.
Why Knowing Your Engine Matters:
Identifying your engine is more than just automotive trivia. It’s crucial for:
- Maintenance: Ensuring you use the correct oil type, spark plugs, and other service parts.
- Repairs: Accurately ordering replacement parts that are compatible with your specific engine.
- Performance Upgrades: Knowing your engine type allows you to research compatible performance modifications.
- Accurate Information: When seeking advice or information online or from mechanics, knowing your engine ensures you receive relevant and correct guidance.
By using these methods, you can confidently determine “What Engine Does My Car Have” and gain a better understanding of your vehicle.
