Tried searching the forums for info on the location of the engine number to no avail.

I know the plate on the right side of the slam panel has it on but is there a number on the engine block somewhere?

I am trying to find out if the car has had a replacement motor...interestingly the cars log book does not record a number.

 

Yep, left hand side of engine (right as you look at it from the front) just behind and below the aux. belt tensioner. You'll see a flat surface. Maybe dificult to see in situ though.

 

Thanks for that, MM, couldn't see it at first but it was covered in cr ap...
added a couple pics so others can see too.

NOT very easy to see but mine matches with chassis plate on slam panel, so original engine

 

It's a bugger to read the final digit; I wet it with a Q-Tip in some forceps, to bring out the digits.

I also found there is a part no. barcode sticker by the crank pulley; a smartphome & a powerful torch will allow you to photograph it in order to read it.

 

definitely a looooong way back !

managed to clean the panel off with ferrosol and a cloth on a screwdriver...last digit just visible...ish ! anyway it was either a 6 or 8 and I went for six and when I checked the plate it was the same....can't understand why the V5c doesn't record it......
Won't be disturbing anyone in the DVLA anytime soon though

 

That was exactly my problem!

By photographing the bar code sticker I was eventually able to confirm a 6 in the end.

 

Do you have a plate on the bonnet slam panel, to the right?
I have the engine number on there but wanted to confirm the ACTUAL engine number on the block hence the thread...

 

You need mirror (and flashlight). That's how I managed to mine.