Will this engine fit my vehicle? A VIN, rego and engine-code checklist

Five things: the make, the model, the year, the series, and the engine that is in the vehicle now. Add the rego and the VIN if you have them. That is the same list Hank runs through on every call before he talks about price.

When someone rings about an engine they saw on our site, the first job is making sure it suits their vehicle. "What's your make, your model, your year, your series, and what's the engine inside it?" Only once that matches do we talk about where the car is and who is fitting it.

Our enquiry form asks the same questions, in the same order, so we can check before we call you back.

Because the same badge can sit on more than one engine. A few examples from engines we list:

• Hyundai iLoad and iMax. These vans were sold with a 2.5 litre diesel (D4CB) and a 2.4 litre petrol (G4KG). Same body, completely different engine.
• Nissan Navara. Our listings cover a QD32 3.2 diesel for the D22, a TD27 2.7 diesel, and a YD25 2.5 diesel for the D22, D40 and Pathfinder R51.
• Toyota Hilux. We list the 1KZ-TE 3.0 diesel for older Hilux and Prado, the 1KD-FTV 3.0 diesel for later Hilux, Hiace and Prado, and other Hilux engines exist that we do not list.

Within one engine code there can also be versions. Our YD25 listing names an "AMC cylinder head" and "Euro 3". Our G4KJ listing is the "late" version for 2016 onwards. Our 4JJ1-TC listing is the "early version, truck spec".

• Rego: on your registration papers and the plate itself.
• VIN: on the vehicle's identification plate, which the Australian Design Rules require to be fixed somewhere easy to see, along with the make, model and build date. It is also on your registration papers.
• Engine number: the same rules require it to be stamped, cast or engraved on the engine where it can be seen once the engine is fitted. The engine code is usually part of it or close by. If you cannot find it, or the engine is too damaged to read, tell us. The VIN and the series usually narrow it down.
• Rego check: in NSW, Service NSW has a free rego check by number plate. A PPSR search by VIN shows whether money is owed on the vehicle, which is worth knowing before you spend on an engine.

A photo of the build plate and a photo of the engine number are the quickest way to settle it. Send them with your enquiry or by email to info@recoservices.net.au.

Tick "not sure" on the form. Give us the make, model, year, series, rego and VIN, and we work it out from there. If it is still not clear, your mechanic can read the code off the block.

Don't guess the code from a forum post or a parts site. One wrong letter can mean the wrong injection system, the wrong sensors or the wrong mounts.

We check that:

1. the engine code and version match your vehicle;
2. the build you are looking at (long bare basic, long bare timed, or short motor) suits how the job will be done;
3. the parts that move across from your old engine are the right type for the new one;
4. anything the new engine needs that is not in the box is on the list before you book.

Then we send a quote. Our quotes are valid for 30 days.

For a straight replacement, yes. That is what we quote on. On some engines our listings say "suits various specs" and "we can spec this engine to suit your model", for example the 1KD-FTV and the 6HK1-T.

Fitting a different engine from the one the vehicle left the factory with is a different job, and we only talk about it case by case.

Use the enquiry form. Tell us your vehicle and the engine in it now, and we check the fit before you pay anything. Or call 02 9737 0105.