Question: How to identify year rb engine was made

[Impulse_240]

How can you identify the year a RB engine was made or year car it was in by the engine number on the block? I understand looking at the vin plate would tell you this but I don't have a clip or whole car.

I searched but couldn't find anything of use.

Thanks

[l0nestar]

Doesn't the block have the VIN or serial on it?

Why do you ask?

[placham]

The only thing that I have noticed the older version have RB20 stamped on the timing cover. And have more of the "gold" colored valve cover, but it might just seem like that to me. But I'm not sure if that is a significant change and if this is year specific or not.

Vin would probably help, and think you might also tell by ECM number/code and what vehicle it was from.

And the R31 RB20's had red colored valve covers and they were also ribbed on top.

/\ smells to me like some one wants to make an Arby's order to go