Engine Specifications API: Get Detailed OEM Engine Data by VIN
Access detailed engine specifications using a 17-character VIN or year, make, model, and Trim. Retrieve engine size, displacement, horsepower, torque, drivetrain, engine code, compression, and more with the Engine Specifications API.
See Engine Data From a Real Vehicle For Free
Take a look at a live preview of the engine specifications returned by the API. See the actual JSON response for any vehicle and see what this API provides.
How the Engine Specifications API Works
Send vehicle details, retrieve engine specifications, and receive the data in a ready-to-use JSON response.
Step 1: Identify the Vehicle
Send a 17-character VIN or use Year, Make, Model, and Trim.
Step 2: Retrieve Engine Specifications
The API returns engine details associated with the identified vehicle and configuration.
Step 3: Use the JSON Response
Receive the engine specifications in JSON, ready to use wherever the data is needed.
API Data Coverage and Accuracy
Vehicle Range
- 1981–Present
- North American Vehicles
Data Source
- OEM Documentation
- Factory Build Data
Refresh Frequency
- Updated regularly
The Value of Having Detailed Engine Specifications
The right engine data helps avoid fitment mistakes, speed up service work, and add useful detail to vehicle listings.
Match Parts More Precisely
Support Service Workflows
Improve Vehicle Listings
Build Better Fitment Tools
Key Features of the Engine Specifications API
Get detailed engine specifications through a straightforward API with flexible vehicle lookup options.
Flexible Vehicle Lookup
Look up engines by 17-character VIN or year, make, model, and trim
Ready-to-Use JSON Data
Receive clean, machine-readable engine specifications.
Fast API Responses
Retrieve engine data instantly.
High API Availability
Build on reliable API infrastructure.
Scalable Integration
Support individual or automated lookups.
Developer-Friendly REST API
Connect engine data directly to applications.
What Engine Data Can Be Retrieved?
Get more than basic engine size. Available specifications cover engine identification, performance, construction, and air and powertrain details.
Engine Identification
- Engine Type
- Engine Code
- Displacement
- Cylinder Configuration
Engine Performance
- Horsepower
- Torque
- Horsepower RPM
- Torque RPM
Engine Construction
- Bore & Stroke
- Block Material
- Cam Type
- Valve Count
Air & Powertrain Details
- Compressor Type
- Drivetrain
- Oil Cooler
- Engine Location
An Example Engine Specification API Response
{
"year": "2020",
"make": "BMW",
"model": "Z4",
"trim": "sDrive30i 2dr Rear-Wheel Drive Roadster Automatic",
"data": [
{
"title": "Engine Type",
"value": "Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded N/A"
},
{
"title": "Engine Code",
"value": "STDEN"
},
{
"title": "Engine Size",
"value": "2 L"
},
{
"title": "Cylinders Configuration",
"value": ""
},
{
"title": "Displacement",
"value": "2000 cc"
},
{
"title": "Compressor",
"value": "Intercooled Turbo"
},
{
"title": "Drive Type",
"value": "RWD"
},
{
"title": "Oil Cooler",
"value": ""
},
{
"title": "Horsepower",
"value": "255 hp @ 5000 rpm"
},
{
"title": "Torque",
"value": "295 lb-ft @ 1550 rpm"
},
{
"title": "Engine Location",
"value": "Front"
},
{
"title": "Valves",
"value": "16"
},
{
"title": "Compression",
"value": "10.2:1"
},
{
"title": "Variable Intake Manifold",
"value": ""
},
{
"title": "Bore",
"value": "82 mm (3.23 in)"
},
{
"title": "Stroke",
"value": "94.6 mm (3.72 in)"
},
{
"title": "Block Type",
"value": "I"
},
{
"title": "Block Material",
"value": ""
},
{
"title": "Cam Type",
"value": ""
}
]
}
Different Ways to Access Engine Specs With the API
Choose how to access engine data based on the preferred workflow.
Vehicle Databases
Direct API Requests
Existing Systems
Where Engine Data Fits Into Business Workflows
Engine data can influence everything from parts fitment and vehicle servicing to fleet management and performance planning.
With engine specifications, businesses can bring vehicle-specific data directly into the workflows where they need it.
Parts Retailers & Aftermarket Platforms
Use engine configuration details to support parts compatibility and component selection.
Automotive Marketplaces & Classifieds
Add detailed engine specifications to vehicle listings and comparison pages.
Repair Shops & Service Centers
Access engine specifications for service, diagnostics, and parts ordering.
Insurance & Underwriting Platforms
Use powertrain information for vehicle classification and assessment.
Fleet Operators
Keep consistent engine data across fleet, maintenance, and service records.
Performance & Tuning Platforms
Access factory engine specifications for performance planning and modifications.
Engine Specifications API vs. Manual Lookup
Finding engine information manually often means searching through specification sheets, manufacturer information, parts catalogs, or other databases for each vehicle.
The API provides engine specifications through a simple lookup, making it easier to retrieve necessary data.
| Engine Specifications API | Manual Lookup | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Identification | VIN or Year, Make, Model, Trim | Manual search |
| Lookup Speed | Seconds per vehicle | Minutes per vehicle |
| Data Format | JSON | Varies |
| Data Sources | Normalized data | Multiple sources |
| Missing Fields | Automatically omitted | Manually checked |
| Multiple Engines | Available configurations | Cross-reference required |
| Updates | Centrally updated | Source dependent |
| Repeat Lookups | Easy to repeat | Manual effort |
Make engine specification lookups faster, simpler, and easier to automate.
Connect Engine Data With More Vehicle APIs
Engine specifications become even more useful when combined with other vehicle data.
Need something beyond our existing APIs? Our developers can build a custom automotive API around your specific data and workflow requirements.
Trusted by Automotive Businesses & Developers
Thousands of businesses use Vehicle Databases to access vehicle data through APIs. See what our customers have to say about their experience.
Better experience... impossible
Easy to use, Excellent service
The support is top-notch
Put Detailed Engine Data Into Your Business Workflow
Get access to the engine specifications behind each vehicle and not just the basic year, make, and model. Start with a free test today.
FAQs on Engine Specifications API
What information does the Engine Specifications API return?
The API can return engine type, engine size, displacement, engine code, cylinder configuration, compressor type, drivetrain, horsepower, torque, bore, stroke, valves, compression ratio, block type, and other available engine specifications.
Can I look up engine specifications by VIN?
Yes. The API supports 17-character VIN lookups for supported vehicles.
Can I search for engine data without a VIN?
Yes. You can use Year, Make, Model, and Trim to request available engine specifications.
What is the difference between engine size and displacement?
Engine size commonly refers to the engine’s overall displacement, typically expressed in liters. Displacement can also be provided in cubic centimeters or other units depending on the data source and response format.
What is the difference between horsepower and torque?
Horsepower describes an engine’s rate of doing work, while torque measures rotational force. Both are useful when describing an engine’s performance characteristics.
Does the API return horsepower and torque?
Yes. Available responses can include horsepower and torque along with the RPM at which each figure is produced.
Does the API provide engine codes?
Yes, engine codes can be returned when available for the identified vehicle and configuration.
Does the API include turbocharged engine information?
The response can include compressor or forced-induction information when available. For example, the sample response identifies an intercooled turbo engine.
What vehicles are supported?
The API supports 17-character VINs and vehicles from 1981 to present, according to the product specifications provided for this page.
What are common use cases for this API?
Common applications include parts fitment, aftermarket product catalogs, repair and service software, automotive marketplaces, fleet management, insurance workflows, and performance or tuning platforms.
Can I use the API without building an integration?
Yes. Teams that don’t need a custom integration can sign in to their Vehicle Databases account and access available data directly.
What happens if the VIN is valid but engine data is limited?
The API returns whatever specifications are available for that vehicle and configuration, with unavailable fields simply omitted from the JSON response rather than returned as errors.
What happens if the VIN is invalid or can't be decoded?
The API returns a standard error response with a status code and message indicating the VIN could not be decoded.
What happens with a year, make, model, and trim lookup that matches multiple engine configurations?
Some year, make, model, and trim combinations were factory-available with more than one engine option. In these cases, the API returns the available configurations it can identify for that trim.
Should I build my integration to expect partial responses?
Yes. Because engine data completeness varies by vehicle, we recommend designing your integration to handle partial responses gracefully. For example, displaying only the fields returned rather than assuming a fixed schema will always be fully populated.