How to Tell What Type of Engine a Car Has
1. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN is a 17-digit code that can be found on the driver’s side door jamb, the dashboard, or the engine block. The 10th digit of the VIN indicates the engine type. A list of engine codes and their corresponding engine types can be found below:
- A – 4-cylinder, inline
- B – 6-cylinder, V-type
- C – 8-cylinder, V-type
- D – 10-cylinder, V-type
- E – 12-cylinder, V-type
- F – 4-cylinder, opposed
- G – 6-cylinder, opposed
- H – 8-cylinder, opposed
- J – 10-cylinder, opposed
- K – 12-cylinder, opposed
- L – 4-cylinder, turbocharged
- M – 6-cylinder, turbocharged
- N – 8-cylinder, turbocharged
- P – 10-cylinder, turbocharged
- Q – 12-cylinder, turbocharged
- R – 4-cylinder, supercharged
- S – 6-cylinder, supercharged
- T – 8-cylinder, supercharged
- U – 10-cylinder, supercharged
- V – 12-cylinder, supercharged
- W – 4-cylinder, dual-overhead cam
- X – 6-cylinder, dual-overhead cam
- Y – 8-cylinder, dual-overhead cam
- Z – 10-cylinder, dual-overhead cam
2. Look at the Engine
If you can’t find the VIN, you can try to identify the engine type by looking at it. Here are some of the most common engine types and their identifying characteristics:
- Inline engines have cylinders arranged in a straight line. They are typically narrower than V-type engines and have a smoother idle.
- V-type engines have cylinders arranged in a V-shape. They are typically wider than inline engines and have a rougher idle.
- Opposed engines have cylinders arranged in a horizontally opposed pattern. They are typically flat and have a very smooth idle.
- Turbocharged engines have a turbocharger that forces more air into the cylinders. This results in increased power and torque.
- Supercharged engines have a supercharger that forces more air into the cylinders. This results in increased power and torque, but also in increased fuel consumption.
- Dual-overhead cam engines have two camshafts per cylinder head. This results in increased valve timing accuracy and improved engine performance.
3. Check the Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual will contain information about the engine type, as well as other specifications about the car.
Conclusion
Knowing what type of engine a car has can be helpful for a variety of reasons. For example, it can help you determine the car’s power and torque, as well as its fuel economy. It can also help you troubleshoot any problems that you may have with the engine.
