How to tell what year engine?

[Wogdog]

I currently have a 99 zx2, have a 4 wire MAF which means is a pre 99.5 build. Previous owner, I think, has changed the engine. I do not know if the new engine is pre 99.5 or out of a later model. Also, if the engine is off a later model is there adverse effects running it with a pre 99.5 PCM. It runs ok ,doesn't seem to matter on PCM, but there may be something subtle that I am missing. :?

[ZX2R]

What color/what type of valve cover do you have? the 98 valve covers came on some 99's. It then changed to a white VCT logo'd cover and finally the black that most of us have. My 99 is 2/99 build date and has the blacktop engine. The only snag between the two versions, is the crank position sensor has to be swapped. If it wasn't done the car wouldn't start.

[Wogdog]

Its a black valve cover.

http://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee355/Hobotiger/Picture016.jpg

[mechtech]

The engine guts are the same.
There are timing belt differences - an extra pulley and a longer belt.
But that's it.
Your engine does not have the holes for the spark plug wire cover plate, so it is not real early.

BTW - You have your intake breather on backwards!

[iceracer]

I new there was something odd about it.

[Wogdog]

Doh, thanks mech, ill take care of that

[Eckz]

What color/what type of valve cover do you have? the 98 valve covers came on some 99's. It then changed to a white VCT logo'd cover and finally the black that most of us have. My 99 is 2/99 build date and has the blacktop engine. The only snag between the two versions, is the crank position sensor has to be swapped. If it wasn't done the car wouldn't start.

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/1844/p7280319xk3.jpg


My car is a 98, and on one of patches I found a 97 build date or w/e,

White top? engine change?