Solved - 370GT Physically reading the engine number

[Vee37]

I have brought a 370GT Coupe from Victoria to NSW. As such, I need to get a Blue Slip, which entails a physical check of the engine number stamped onto the block.

The mechanic doing the test, could not read it, even after I told him where it was. 

 

I am going to try tomorrow, but from previous glancing views of the engine bay, it looks pretty tight, such that viewing down there may be obstructed by other stuff.The mechanic has already taken off the plastic engine cover.

Is there any trick or advice for being able to see it?

If I can get a photo of it, that would suffice for the mechanic. I plan to use an LED torch and then try a selfie stick with my phone, to hopefully maneuver it into a position I can get a photo of it. I also have a cheapie inspection camera, but that is VERY low resolution, does not take photos (so it would be a photo of the low res screen) and I haven't tested it for a while. It really feels like a toy, its only saving grace is that its water proof. And the selfie stick has not been used either.

Is there a trick/method to physically viewing the engine number stamped on the block?

[Duncan]

I have not looked for an engine number on one of these, but the location in the pic will be easiest to access from underneath, while up on a hoist.

[Vee37]

Ooooo... I think I might be screwed. I looked for images of the rear of a motor to actual see an example of the engine number on the block, and I found the following image of the area, and I don't see the engine number!

The above is a video of the dismantling of a VQ37VHR from a G37 (search YouTube for "G37/370z VQ37VHR Motor Teardown PART 2" and its near the end of the video at ab out 15:15)

And it gets more concerning. I have a joke gift of an inspection camera (as seen on TV stuff, a friend bought me after my HQ inspection one broke) As below. Very low res and tiny screen.
 

Yesterday I tried hunting around where I thought the Engine number would be located, as per above, and I did find a blank area that I think would look like the blank area above on the tore down engine.

I have compiled a list of "Nissan Mechanics" in Sydney I will call tomorrow, and see if they can find the engine number. I am also going to hunt through and find a similar Nissan V6 engine released in AUS; apart from the 370Z, and hope it has the same location as the 370GT. ARrrrggggthhhhh!

Edited February 20, 2022 by Vee37

[Duncan]

On 20/02/2022 at 1:05 PM, Vee37 said:

Yesterday I tried hunting around where I thought the Engine number would be located, as per above, and I did find a blank area that I think would look like the blank area above on the tore down engine.......

OK, so I'm not certain if VQ37 is the same, but with RB blocks they are sold by Nissan without an engine number (you are meant to stamp it with the same engine number for the block you are replacing).

So, it may be that your block has been replaced for some reason and was not stamped before it was installed. 

You would have the correct engine number on your current rego, so if you end up stuck that number can be stamped on the engine you have.

[Vee37]

I dont think its missing (at this stage), just looking in the wrong place. I found a thread that talks about the above proposed location diagram being taken from a 2004 engine that is in a VQ36; which I *think* is a different motor.

Even better, I found an Infinity G37 motor for sale on ebay, out of the car. The following two images show that the engine number is much lower, and I think near the oxygen sensor / exhaust (and a flywheel sensor, visible on both) on the drivers side.

And the engine number I can see is in the exact same format (obviously a few different digits) as my rego papers show.

Here's hoping these American Infinity G37, have the same engine number location as the Japanese 370GT  

I also found the same or very similar location (hard to tell as they were in different states of dismantlement) Although it is also sourced from outside AUS (ie USA), for a 370Z, Same motor

 

PS: And yes, I think it would be easier to read from underneath, but would still require a mirror or inspection camera.

Edited February 20, 2022 by Vee37

[The Max]

The engine number can be seen on the driver's side of the block, close to the firewall and can be observed from above without having to remove anything. It's not absolutely obvious and easy but it is possible. I'll see if I can muster up some photos in the daylight tomorrow.

[GTSBoy]

The best cheapy inspection cameras are the ~$30 eBay wifi ones that connect to your phone. Hi res, able to take photo and video, cable lengths of up to 5m. Good value.

[Vee37]

On 2/21/2022 at 1:34 AM, GTSBoy said:

The best cheapy inspection cameras are the ~$30 eBay wifi ones that connect to your phone. Hi res, able to take photo and video, cable lengths of up to 5m. Good value.

Yep, thats what I had, and it died on me, but mine was USB. It was brilliant. Hi-Res, Video and Photo with a light of course. Bought from a Chinese store, so they didn't respect any warranty. Also, the one I got was for ear cleaning/inspection. it was not waterproof or hardened in any way

I bought a USB J-Car one on Friday for $50; with a lot better returns & support policy than eBay, but I cant seem to find a phone app that utilises it. It looked good, as was waterproof and a little hardened. But is dead to my phone.

I am also very time restricted now. I need this done in the next day or two. So no waiting for delivery. I have to use the tools at hand.

I'm now off to check this new location, and play with my Lizard...err I mean Inspection Camera.

[Vee37]

On 2/20/2022 at 9:50 PM, The Max said:

The engine number can be seen on the driver's side of the block, close to the firewall and can be observed from above without having to remove anything. It's not absolutely obvious and easy but it is possible. I'll see if I can muster up some photos in the daylight tomorrow.

Yep. Found it. And its soooo obvious once you know where to look, and have seen the images above of the motor taken out of the engine bay.

And the trick is, not look down, close to the firewall, but be positioned a little more forward (say have your head above/near the strut), and angling down to the exhaust exit from the manifold shielding, and trying to view behind the flywheel sensor. With a very bright LED torch, there is a small window/space where you can see a shiny reflective machined flat surface, that has the engine number on it. And if you move your head a little left/right & up & down, you can pick off the numbers a few at a time. But it was impossible to see the whole thing at once; at least for me on my car. We actually called someone younger with better eyes to check it aligned with what was on paper.