A way to identify a Gen 1 vs a Gen 2 block

[JDmustang82]

Good evening everyone! I have been looking online in a lot of different places but cant seem to find a way to identify a gen 1 vs gen 2 short block. are there any good tells to see a difference or just part numbers? have a car that I think the engine has been changed but not sure how to tell with the motor in the car. there are some obvious sings like the timing cover bolt and other things in the engine bay have been removed at some point in time.

 

[mwjscn]

I believe the easiest way to tell if you have a Gen 2 shortblock from the outside is the oil filter adapter section on the block.


Gen 2 has a distinct water-to-oil cooler, but from what I've read you can actually dismount that and run without, so it being there or not isn't exactly empirical.

Gen 1 oil filter adaptor pad layout:

Gen 2 oil filter adaptor pad layout:


The OEM adaptor housings themselves are different, and not cross compatible. You may be also able to identify the year block by checking the arrangement of the 'ears' on the housing's filter flange.

Gen 1


(they point towards the front of the engine)
Gen 2


I believe the sensor also comes straight-out on the Gen 1, where it's cocked to the side on the Gen 2.
Gen 2 example below, you can see the Gen 1 example in the in-car shot above.

 

[JDmustang82]

Cool! thank you for the information. that should be a easy way for me to tell this weekend when I have to work on it.

 

[Fabman]

I believe the easiest way to tell if you have a Gen 2 shortblock from the outside is the oil filter adapter section on the block.
View attachment 63569
View attachment 63570
Gen 2 has a distinct water-to-oil cooler, but from what I've read you can actually dismount that and run without, so it being there or not isn't exactly empirical.
View attachment 63571
Gen 1 oil filter adaptor pad layout:
View attachment 63572
Gen 2 oil filter adaptor pad layout:
View attachment 63573

The OEM adaptor housings themselves are different, and not cross compatible. You may be also able to identify the year block by checking the arrangement of the 'ears' on the housing's filter flange.

Gen 1
View attachment 63575
View attachment 63576
(they point towards the front of the engine)
Gen 2
View attachment 63574

I believe the sensor also comes straight-out on the Gen 1, where it's cocked to the side on the Gen 2.
Gen 2 example below, you can see the Gen 1 example in the in-car shot above.
View attachment 63577

Great information. Thanks for the insights!