here is what i found when I took the head off. 3 broken valves and damaged pistons due to jumping time. I do need some input I can not locate the MFG date on the car all i know is its a 92 from the vin number. I need to find out if its a 6 bolt or a 7 bolt so i can order some pistions. So is there a way to ID the block with out seperating the tranny and looking. My info sticker which should be on the door is missing due to the car being repainted.

This should help:

http://vfaq.com/mods/early-late-engine.html

Since you have taken the engine apart somewhat (removed the cylinder head). All you have to do is recall or look at the head bolts you removed. A 6-bolt block will have 10mm allen head bolts, and a 7-bolt will and a 12 or 14mm (sorry can't remember which off-hand) 12 point bolt head.

This (of course) is assuming that studs were not previously installed.

Big Woo said:

Since you have taken the engine apart somewhat (removed the cylinder head). All you have to do is recall or look at the head bolts you removed. A 6-bolt block will have 10mm allen head bolts, and a 7-bolt will and a 12 or 14mm (sorry can't remember which off-hand) 12 point bolt head.

This (of course) is assuming that studs were not previously installed.

Click to expand...

7 bolt would have 12mm 12 pt head. You can always look at the front case/oil pump to see if it is flat, or curves down at the bottom where the oil pan bolts up. If flat=6bolt, curved bottom=7bolt.
Mike

Easist way is to tell by the oil pan. Second easiest is by the build date. After 4/92 only a couple were made so if it's before it is if it's a good bit after then not.

I just check the pan and it bumps out and the head bolts are 10mm so I take it that I am lucky and have the 6bolt.

Here is a pic so you can judge and tell me.

[Too big.]

Yup, it is a 6 bolt.
Mike

thanks guys all the input helps

wow those pistons on that block are messed up... Thats how mines was looking on the 6bolt junkyard engine i bought that im on the brink of finishing building up, ( well I didnt really build it all myself, my tuner did I just helped)
but my valves were all messed and bent out of shape too! So i opted for a whole new head almost....

But yea if the oil pan has a slight bump or buldge in it its a 6, if it dips in then its 7.
If you ever go in the block and get to compare rod lengths, the longer rods are for the 6,
7 bolt is short rod, and check for the flywheel itself thats another way to tell if its 6bolt.
And yea what they were saying about the head studs being 12mm also is an indication.
( pretty much what everyones said... All common info.)

the easiest way to tell for future reference is to look @ the outer exhaust mani studs.

6bolts are m8 & 7 bolts are m10.

Ok...what about a block ID #??? I need that to order gaskets on mine. Dlrs. cant do anything with the VIN.

Actually the easiest way is to look at the crank itself where the flexplate or flywheel gets bolted on. there will either be 6 bolt holes or 7 bolt holes.

Its stamped on the front of the block behind the turbo or is the back i cant remember. but either way its stamped on the block.