How are engines classified?

[Sinub]

How are engines given names? I can't really find an answer and not sure if there is a definite answer although I know the number such as in ours, k24 the 24 represents the volume it holds, 2.4 but where does the K come from and the z and 7, and like for other engines too B16, and other company's too such as ford, or nissan, or VDub

 

[webby]

Sometimes it has to do with displacement. I'm sure a lot has to do with what's not already taken, so things can be patented/trademarked.

 

[Nix]

Sometimes the letters are just the next set to help identify year ranges for certain blocks or to help signify where the engine was made with trailing letters indicating things like displacement, turbo, stroke, carb or electronic, and so on.

Ex: My favorite the Nissan RB26DETT

RB engines were produced from 1985-2004 and all RB engines were made in Yokohama, Japan.

The 26 is 2.6L

D - dual cam

E - electonic fuel injection

T - turbo

TT - twin turbo


Not all manufacturers follow this but the leading letters usually designate some sort of casting with the block in terms of style, orientation, or location of manufacture. Trailing numbers and letters are designations of the actual engine type and build.