Engine Number - I'm Stumped, 2.0 liter with a 1.7 liter code Options

[FRUNKenstein]

I have a '75 2.0 liter 914. VIN is 4752909774. I was looking for the engine block serial number, and found it in the location for a 2.0 engine. However, based on what I am seeing, the serial number is showing for a 1.7 liter block as it starts with "EA". But then the number doesn't really match up with the charts showing the engine block numbers for 1.7 liter engines because all of the EA serial numbers I see listed online start with "00" after the EA. And also, the engine serial number is in the correct location for a 2.0 liter block. So, I'm stumped.

The other unusual thing is that the last digit appears to be a 0, but it seems smaller than the other numbers. The serial number looks to be EA0152330. But again, the 0 on the end looks smaller, like maybe it really isn't part of the serial number. Any help to shed some light on what this means is greatly appreciated! Here is a pic:

[SirAndy]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[SirAndy]

Btw, the last mark is not a digit ...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/forums.pelicanparts.com-179-1625594690.1.jpg)

[GregAmy]

Yeah, I think that's a VW symbol.

What makes you confident came with a 2L engine?

So...:

- Previous owner replaced the 2L with a 1.7L
- Previous owner built a 2L using a 1.7L case.
- Previous owner replaced the rear badge on his 1.7L car with a 2L badge.

See if you can get in there and measure the stroke. 1.7L is 66mm, 2L is 71mm.

[FRUNKenstein]

Btw, the last mark is not a digit ...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/forums.pelicanparts.com-179-1625594690.1.jpg)

Well, that helps. I thought maybe the "E" was a "G", but the pics clearly show it is an "E".

[FRUNKenstein]

Yeah, that's a VW symbol.

What makes you confident came with a 2L engine?

So...:

- Previous owner replaced the 2L with a 1.7L
- Previous owner built a 2L using a 1.7L case.
- Previous owner replaced the rear badge on his 1.7L car with a 2L badge.

See if you can get in there and measure the stroke. 1.7L is 66mm, 2L is 71mm.

Well, the engine serial number isn't in the correct place for a 1.7L.

[bdstone914]

I have a '75 2.0 liter 914. VIN is 4752909774. I was looking for the engine block serial number, and found it in the location for a 2.0 engine. However, based on what I am seeing, the serial number is showing for a 1.7 liter block as it starts with "EA". But then the number doesn't really match up with the charts showing the engine block numbers for 1.7 liter engines because all of the EA serial numbers I see listed online start with "00" after the EA. So, I'm stumped.

The other unusual thing is that the last digit appears to be a 0, but it seems smaller than the other numbers. The serial number looks to be EA0152330. But again, the 0 on the end looks smaller, like maybe it really isn't part of the serial number. Any help to shed some light on what this means is greatly appreciated! Here are some pics:


1975 Porsche 914 photos


Second 914 engine block pic

.Are the heads 2.0 heads with ther intake runner bolts and spark plugs at an angle or straight down? Could be a 2.0 that was rebut with a different case or naybe it is a 1.7. Post a picture of the top of the whole engine.

[Shivers]

I scattered my 1.7 case, the number was on the flywheel end of the case, passenger side on top. I bought a replacement case that came with no number. They may have added that number to a replacement case in the 2.0 location. I believe the 412 cases had the number in that location.

[FRUNKenstein]

OK, on searching around the internet, I saw a Pelican forums discussion about the engine serial number charts having 7 digits but the numbers actually stamped into the engines omit the first "0" that's shown in the charts. So, that would make my engine serial number fall into the correct range for a 1972 1.7L engine block. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

I know from seeing for sale ads for the car from long ago that are still on the internet that the engine was rebuilt at some point prior to 2013, dual Weber carbs were added along with the proper camshaft. So, I suppose they could have used a 1.7 L engine for that rebuild. But, that still doesn't explain the location of the engine serial number stamp. When I get home tonight, I will check the 1.7 L serial number location to see if it is stamped there also. If so, then I guess someone might simply have added a second stamping in the normal 2.0 L location.

[GregAmy]

Take a peek at Bruce's post above.

Spark plugs are in different locations for the two engines, easily identified from a photo. That will at least tell you which heads are on it.

[ejm]

It's most likely a VW Type 4 engine case. They had a EA 1.7 engine with the number stamped in that place IIRC.

[FRUNKenstein]

.Are the heads 2.0 heads with ther intake runner bolts and spark plugs at an angle or straight down? Could be a 2.0 that was rebut with a different case or naybe it is a 1.7. Post a picture of the top of the whole engine.

Thanks very much - I'll take some pics tonight and post them.

[930cabman]

I have a '75 2.0 liter 914. VIN is 4752909774. I was looking for the engine block serial number, and found it in the location for a 2.0 engine. However, based on what I am seeing, the serial number is showing for a 1.7 liter block as it starts with "EA". But then the number doesn't really match up with the charts showing the engine block numbers for 1.7 liter engines because all of the EA serial numbers I see listed online start with "00" after the EA. So, I'm stumped.

The other unusual thing is that the last digit appears to be a 0, but it seems smaller than the other numbers. The serial number looks to be EA0152330. But again, the 0 on the end looks smaller, like maybe it really isn't part of the serial number. Any help to shed some light on what this means is greatly appreciated! Here are some pics:


1975 Porsche 914 photos


Second 914 engine block pic

.Are the heads 2.0 heads with ther intake runner bolts and spark plugs at an angle or straight down? Could be a 2.0 that was rebut with a different case or naybe it is a 1.7. Post a picture of the top of the whole engine.

It's anybody's guess as to what has gone on with anything close to 50 years old. Was the engine running?

Inventory what you have and move forward.

[914Sixer]

PLEASE look at the number on the case: GA013557. Clearly makes 73-74 2.0 engine block. EA would never haven been stamped on filler neck.

[euro911]

I don't think that's the OP's motor ... just a pic that Andy posted regarding the stamping after the last digit not being a '0'. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[FRUNKenstein]

I don't think that's the OP's motor ... just a pic that Andy posted regarding the stamping after the last digit not being a '0'. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Right, the photo of my engine is linked in the first post.

[914Sixer]

Sorry, I missed that info in 1st line.

[FRUNKenstein]

Sorry, I missed that info in 1st line.

I just realized that I actually do know how to insert an image (was trying to use the wrong button!), so hopefully this helps.

[914Sixer]

Got the answer on the number. Too many beers at lunch . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

[FRUNKenstein]

So, yesterday afternoon, I remembered that I got a file with a ton of receipts, including receipts for the engine rebuild. I also called one of the prior owners (from 2010 to 2013!) and he filled me in on some info. I also have the contact info for the prior owner that rebuilt the engine in 2008, although I haven't called him yet.

The car was originally a 2.0 liter. In 2008, a shop owner bought the car. The body was solid, but the engine was toast. So, he built a new engine from the ground up. Apparently he built it on a 1.7 liter VW Type 4 engine case (I haven't found the receipt for the case yet), but everything else was 2.0 liter. The original heads were sent off for rehab and re-used (I have that receipt). The cylinders and pistons were purchased new. It was converted to dual Weber carbs at that time, and the correct camshaft for carbs was installed. I have all of those receipts (literally 2 inches thick pile of receipts).

So, I think I know the answer to what happened. I guess the only remaining question is why he used a VW Type 4 1.7 liter case to build the engine on. I suppose in 2008 it wasn't that big of a deal to keep numbers matching. And although the car is in nice shape (I'd call it a good solid "3" condition), it's not a concours vehicle. I drive my cars, and this one drives great with good power. So, in the end, if the engine case number shows it wasn't the original, I can live with that. I am happy that I have all of those receipts to document the car's history.

Thanks to all of you guys for the help!