A Newbie question about model year

[GenOwner13]

So I just recently purchased a 2013 R Spec with 19K miles. Got the extended 10 yr/100K warranty too.
2 questions:
1. Reading and deciphering the VIN and Engine # codes I find that the VIN says 2013, but the engine # comes out as a 2012 TAU (5038 cc). Is it usual to find a 2012 engine in a 2013 VIN car?

2. The 19 in. wheels are pretty rough on bumpy roads. Can I get 18 or even 17 in wheels without voiding the warranty, and do they exist for an r spec?
Really enjoying this forum: lotsa great info, and thanks

 

[Mark_888]

What are you looking at that says the engine is MY 2012? Remember that a 2013 MY may be manufactured in 2012, and the engine has to be built before the final assembly date of the car. Check the driver door jamb for the build date of the car and understand that the engine has to be built before then.

 

[Last Timelord]

You can get 18's on the R spec (downsize by one).No smaller than 18's due to your brake caliper size.

 

[landtuna]

2. The 19 in. wheels are pretty rough on bumpy roads. Can I get 18 or even 17 in wheels without voiding the warranty, and do they exist for an r spec?

If you had posted a question about the R-spec my first response, as I have said several times here, is that those 19-in wheels with low profile tires do aggravate the already somewhat stiff ride. I took a trip through the wilds of L.A. a month ago and my teeth chattered all the way. Had I actually lived there I would not have bought the R-spec.

I cannot answer your question re: changing wheel sizes but keep in mind should you do that you will be altering all the devices in the car that are tied to RPM of the wheels. You might look at an online source like tirerack.com to see what alternatives exist.

 

[GenOwner13]

Thx for that insight. Most helpful.
Build date is Oct 2012 so that makes total sense. I got the data by downloading the User Manual, and getting the Engine # from the rear of the engine, and decoding the number.

On the tire issue, I'll go to Tire Rack and get a set of 18 in. winter tires & rims. If the difference in ride is substantially better, I'll order replacement 18 in. all-seasons at the next tire change.

 

[Mark_888]

Thx for that insight. Most helpful.
Build date is Oct 2012 so that makes total sense. I got the data by downloading the User Manual, and getting the Engine # from the rear of the engine, and decoding the number.

On the tire issue, I'll go to Tire Rack and get a set of 18 in. winter tires & rims. If the difference in ride is substantially better, I'll order replacement 18 in. all-seasons at the next tire change.

I would offer to trade your R-Spec Rims/Tires with someone who has a Genesis with the OEM 18" ones (if they fit OK). There has been a pretty good demand for R-Spec rims, at least before the all new 2015's came out.

 

[Mark_888]

I got the data by downloading the User Manual, and getting the Engine # from the rear of the engine, and decoding the number.

What did you use to decode the engine number? I assume that the year you got is the engine build date, and not engine model year?

 

[GenOwner13]

Build or Design......Well, not clear to me
The engine number says "Model Year" and it decodes to 2012. I don't know if that is a Build, or a Design year.
Was there any difference between the 2012 "Design Year" and the 2013?
If it's a Build year, it's probably a non issue.

 

[Mark_888]

Build or Design......Well, not clear to me
The engine number says "Model Year" and it decodes to 2012. I don't know if that is a Build, or a Design year.
Was there any difference between the 2012 "Design Year" and the 2013?
If it's a Build year, it's probably a non issue.

There were not any specification changes from 2012 to 2013, although there may have been some minor engineering/manufacturing changes that are always made from time to time.

 

[PMCErnie]

Build or Design......Well, not clear to me
The engine number says "Model Year" and it decodes to 2012. I don't know if that is a Build, or a Design year.
Was there any difference between the 2012 "Design Year" and the 2013?
If it's a Build year, it's probably a non issue.

It is the engine that came with your car. Even if it's not the original engine, you bought a used car. It is a non-issue. Did you get a Carfax report when buying the car?

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[GenOwner13]

Yep, got the carfax report from the dealer. But...FWIW, my experience with carfax reports is that they're not worth the paper they're written on. Data sources are not comprehensive enough to guarantee the report content, in my view.
Thanks for the forum help on all this, much appreciated.