Hi, Is there any way of finding out the exact age of an mx5 engine using the engine number only, the engine in question is a 1.8 from a eunos import and it is about a 95/96 age. The engine number starts with a BP
Cheers for any replies
Richard
You could try Carbon Dating 
Good call mate
In fact it’s more or less impossible to tell, without a list of vin numbers against engine numbers. As far as I know there are no factory records of engine numbers
If you are trying to work out whether its a 1995 or 1996 engine; the style of camcover bolts is one indicator; 96 engines have plain steel bolts, 95 engines have chrome domed bolts (and a chromed breather tube, if present). Coil packs, if present; 95; 4 pin, 96; 3 pin. The 1996 Roadster engine will also have a larger throttle body than the 1995 motor (looks different from the outside as well).
The 1996 MY motor was introduced in late 1995. You can fit either engine to either car, no problems. My 1996 car is running a RS-Limited engine, with 1996 injectors, 1996 inlet manifold/ throttle body and 1996 coil pack.
I work in an engine plant, and there will definately be a date stamp somewhere - on the block. Older engines used to have numbers stamped on, later one’s use “pin” machine - the numbers are made up of tiny dots.
I haven’t looked , but I’ve been told it’s near the top of the block at the rear end.
iddy.
The engine number isn’t the problem, on a 1.6 it’s at the rear top of the block just below the master cylinders, similar place on the 1.8 but on the exhaust side. The problem is that there doesn’t appear to be a factory, or otherwise definitive list of engine numbers to VIN numbers.
There is a contact at Mazda UK who (for a charge) will tell you the production date of an engine from engine number.
I don’t see them making much money out of that service Robbie. Maybe as a gesture of good will they could publish the lists for the use of the enthusiast and potential customer?