The engine number is always stamped or laser etched on the cylinder block, somewhere…
In a V arrangement, one head is more forward than the other head. IIRC, in GM LS motors, the left side head (aussie passenger side) is more forward than the right side head (aussie driver’s side). Thus the right side head (our aussie drivers side) sits back a little.
The fact that the right side head sits back a little exposes a pad at the front of the right side cylinder block. The fact the left side head sits forward a little exposes a pad at the rear of the left side cylinder block. The fact the left side head sits forward also means that the front cylinder on this head is the number #1 cylinder.
(Now just to confuse, some people refer to left side & right side of the engine in reference to standing at the front of the car looking at the engine… which is opposite to what I’ve referenced. And that’s why I qualify it as aussie driver side, aussie passenger side
- conventions can be a PITA unless consistent but consistency in tje automotive world can be elusive
)
On a L76, I’ve read that the engine number is stamped or laser etched on the front of the engine, on that bit of exposed block on the right hand side (our aussie driver’s side)… but there is a thick wiring loom laying over this so it’s a PITA to see the number
I haven’t checked myself so can’t say with 100% certainty
According to the workshop manual, supposedly the engine number is stamped or laser etched on the left side rear of the block. Supposedly that’s for L77, LS3 and LSA that the workshop manual covers. So it’s also a PITA to view so haven't checked on my LS3…
Acording to the VF workshop manual, for the V8 engine
- The first three digits, identify the engine model.
- The next two digits, identify the engine model year.
- The next three digits, identify the Julian date the engine was manufactured.
- The next four digits, identify the assembly plant sequence number.
I’d expect VE and VF are the same in this context but consistency and convention doesn’t seem absolute in the automotive world, so go figure
PS: the engine number may be on a few stickers but don’t rely on these,… look at the stamping even if it’s a PITA. You’ve only got 2 placed to look at… a cheap borescope would be rather helpful for these tasks (and others)
PPS: Oops, just noticed you have SV6. The following is from the VF workshop manual:
The Engine Serial Number is located on the left-hand side at the rear of the engine cylinder block (1) and is stamped or laser etched onto the block at the assembly plant. The engine serial number is viewed from underneath the vehicle. When reading the Engine Serial Number the following information can be obtained:
- The first three digits, identify the engine model.
- The next two digits, identify the engine model year.
- The next three digits, identify the Julian date the engine was manufactured.
- The next four digits, identify the assembly plant sequence number.