know ur engine coedz

Ok complex stuff now. Engine codes. All engines have an alphanumeric code, some companies use this code as the only form of engine identification [primarily the Japanese] In this extremely boring post I shall highlight 2 of the more complex engine coding systems.

Now all engine codes identify at least 2 of the following: engine size [most times measured in litres], the amount of cylinders [rarely used], fuel delivery [whether fuel injected or carburetted although carbs don't exist anymore], engine family name [always used], engine series number [a code separating engines in the same family], valvetrain and forced induction if any [supercharged or turbocharged]

First up Toyota [also used in Lexus, Scion, Daihatsu and some Lotus]

example code: 2JZ-GTE [Toyota Supra engine code]

This code is split into 2 parts, the first half is the engine's name and the second half [the part after the dash] is the engine's details

[2] This is the engine series number. It usually has a range of 1-5 but it can reach 22

[JZ] This is the engine family. ZZ, A, E, S and ZR are other popular engine families

[G] This is the code used for Toyota's performance engine, it also denotes it has a DOHC valvetrain. F is the code for Toyota's performance range. If neither an F or G is present it is either SOHC or OHV

[T] This code is used to tell if the enigne is turbocharged. Z is used for supercharged engines. If a T or Z is absent, it is naturally aspirated.

[E] This denotes that the engine has electronic fuel injection.

Other codes used in the second half:
[H] high compression
[U] JDM spec catalytic converter

[V] Common Rail Diesel Injection

[C] Carburetted]

[A] Valvematic

[X] Atkinson cycle, prepared for a hybrid

examples to decode yourself: 2ZZ-GZE [Lotus Exige S], 2ZR-FXE [201o Toyota Prius], 1LR-GUE [Lexus LF-A]

Tuners making modifications to these engines will make their own custom codes for example 1.5JZ-GTE [a 2JZ engine with the top half of a 1JZ], 7A-GE [a 7A-FE with the top half of a 4A-GE

Next up Nissan [also found in Inifinity and some Renaults]

RB26-DETT [Nissan Skyline GT-R's engine code]

Similar to Toyota's system the code is split half

[RB] Engine family name. Unlike Toyota, the letter's usually mean something. RB stands for racebred. And if there is a D it means its a diesel, example the YD family

[26] Engine size. 26 means 2.6 litres

[D] Valvetrain. D stands for DOHC. It can also stand for direct injection or Diesel. Multiple D's in a code is common. V can be used to represent DOHC with variable valve lift.

[E] Electronic fuel injection

[TT] Turbochraged. Specifically TT means Twin turbos. R would stand for supercharged

Other letter codes to put around the back

[HR] High Response

[S] Carburetted

sample codes: VR38-VETT [Nissan GT-R], VQ37-VE [Infinity G37], SR16-VE [Nissan Pulsar VZR]