hi this might be a dumb question but how can tell what engine is a A12 and which a A14? (from looking at em?)

cause my mate is buying a ute with a A14 in it but we just wanna make sure that is an A14

my a12 has a12 in the engine number and a12 in the cast of the block on the drivers side.

I beleive there is a way of telling from the manifolds, not sure exactly what it is, someone here would know though.

An easy way to tell the difference is the A10 and A12 have the distributor toward the front of the engine, under the no. 1 spark plug. The A13, A14, A15 and A12A have it just about in the middle of the engine.

The most positive ID is the block stamp as mentioned. It's on the right side of engine block, towards the back. Wipe the grease off the flat spot to read the mark.

Some A12's also come out with the middle mounted distributor. They were used in the 120Y models in NZ. As DD has said, the ID on the block is the best way of telling.

the number stands out, there will be two little sections sticking out of the block, wipe the grease off em, the first will have a1# the other some other numbers, they are right next to each other

here's picture of the engine mark (click to see full size):

thanks that is helpful now we will know what A series it is