Is there a way to find the answer?

[Scott82]

Ok, here's the question, and its not real important, it would just be nice to know. Is there a way to trace a motor from Japan to find out exactly what year it is. Are there identifying marks on an engine that can tell you exactly when the motor was new and possibly which model car it came out of. I my case i have the D15 Vtec from japan, and the only engine code mark that i have is down on the block and it says ZC, but no numbers. Anyone have any ideas?

[CivicSpoon]

The year is marked on the front of the block like this: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4.../blockdate.jpg (that's a '96)
The ZC is your engine code; you don't have a d15 vtec, you have a ZC.

[Scott82]

Thanks man i apreciate it, can you kinda explain how to read these dials and where exactly are they located.

[CivicSpoon]

It's right at the center of the block, right above the exhaust manifold. Just look at the left mark where it's got the 9|6 ("|" being the arrow); that motor is a '96.

[BullShifter]

ZC is a NON-VTEC 1.6L

[Exempt]

There are also SOHC ZCs with VTEC... I didnt believe it myself, till I saw pictures of one...

Then theres this thread on H-T, which explains the differences between the SOHC ZC (VTEC) vs the D15B VTEC... Main difference is the .1 liters... D15B has 1.5 (obviously), SOHC ZC VTEC has 1.6...

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1087149

[Scott82]

i have the ZC Vtec, at least it says it on the valve cover and there is a vtec solinoid on it too, so i am pretty sure its vtec