engine numbers - how do I know what is most recent?

[rjm]

I've got a 94 Camry, but it came with a 2l 3sfe as original. The engine is low on compression and to redo would be to expensive, so I want to buy a Japan imported 2nd hand 3sfe. Only thing is that I won't know how old the engine is and for how long its been lying in a warehouse. Is there a way, by checking the engine number, that I would know the year of manufacture?

[88 LE]

Originally posted by rjm
Is there a way, by checking the engine number, that I would know the year of manufacture?

If you can get the VIN off the engine theres a way of checking it, but i'm not sure with JDM engines.