97 taurus engine model?

[minnesotatwins]

Hi, first post here. Just Picked up a 97 taurus gl 3.0 and was just wondering how i find out what engine model it has. Do I just go by the vin? Thanks in advance.

[97TaurusGuy]

Look at the 8th digit of your VIN, if it is "U" you have the "Vulcan" 12V pushrod engine. I believe if it is an "S" you have the "Duratech" 24V DOHC. If the 8th digit is a 1 or 2 then you have a flex fuel engine. Normally if you have the 24V you will have a badge on your fender that says 24V DOHC. And normally if it is a flex fuel it will have the flex fuel symbol badge on the fender. But checking the 8th digit of the VIN is the sure fire way to see which engine you have.

[Mara]

I also need to know the engine model of my '96 Taurus. Do i use this same method?

[shorod]

Yep, the 8th VIN digit on Fords is pretty much universally the engine code.

-Rod