ok just took delivery of a new engine from Nipponspares, one guy tells me its a 99 spec engine the other guy tells me its a late model 95-96.. are there any differences noticeable from the outside ?

 

cant post a pic until i register soon !

I cant remember what year they lost variable valve timing? Might be able to identify it from that.

Failing that im sure there must be some sort of plate on it somewhere with a manufacture date?

Im now aware of any engine differences between 95/96 and 2000.

variable valve timing was dropped circa 96

OK , after speaking to Sebastien at SpecialtyZ USA ive just learnt something,

 

He says look under the passenger side head (left), embossed into the turbo intake manifold there is a manufacturing code

 

if an engine is a year 90 - 94 the code is : L40P

 

if its a 95+ or newer the code is : L48P

 

unfortunately ive got an older spec engine :mac1:

Also , the crank angle sensor has a mitsubishi logo on the older engines with different connectors on the newer CAS

Also , the crank angle sensor has a mitsubishi logo on the older engines with different connectors on the newer CAS

 

so ask them on what grounds did they sell you a motor which they persumed to be up to a 99spec:mac1:

OK , after speaking to Sebastien at SpecialtyZ USA ive just learnt something,

 

He says look under the passenger side head (left), embossed into the turbo intake manifold there is a manufacturing code

 

if an engine is a year 90 - 94 the code is : L40P

 

if its a 95+ or newer the code is : L48P

 

unfortunately ive got an older spec engine :mac1:

 

There are other differences, Lower plenum design, injector rail and injector type, balance bar colour

 

A 96 engine would be the same as a 99. The biggest changes were all around 95.

Most obvious indications of a '95+ engine is the brass coloured balance pipe, new type injector (round/oval connectors) , CAS (also an oval connector) and 48P head stamps (as said before)

 

98+ (japanese) spec engines have all the above plus no EGR and EGR piping, which is hard to see if the engine is in the car, but should be easy to see with the engine out.