Ok...so I have a question...cases without serial numbers ...hmmm

[speedo]

When we see cases that were replacement from the factory with all the correct casting numbers, but no serial numbers...does that mean that people looking for that "special" numbers matching engine could potentially use that engine/case to stamp the correct numbers to match their COA? Don't get me wrong...I am not a fan of VIN swapping, but just realized that I have a clean (no serial number case) and some of the inquiries about the engine are focused on the lack of serial numbers. What am I missing...or are we getting into the arena of the..."unspoken"?

Speedo

[pwd72s]

It just tells me that you have a replacement case. Nothing wrong with that. What would be wrong would be faking an original engine serial number on a replacement case...Read more here...but if you read the case law here, you'll note people who got into heap big trouble for changing engine block numbers.

VIN tampering

[Grady Clay]

Lars,

Keep the engine. No S/N cases are very valuable just for the reason you discribe. No VIN swapping there.

An attempt at 'numbers matching' is far better suited with a replacement case than altered numbers. No numbers is better than molested numbers of any type.

Best,
Grady

[bimmerracer]

As I understand it, early 911 cases (prior to '69) did not have any VIN or S/N. I have two original early engines, both without VIN or S/N.

[djpateman]

Not true at all. You just got lucky with two un-numbered cases. They actually have a third number that later engines did not have.

Third number on engine case

[Matt Monson]

Lars,
You tread in the realm of the unspoken...

There's a certain shop in Boulder that has a couple of 901/16 unstamped cases from Vasek's old stash. You might head down there and see what they would pay you for it. I remember the asking price on them was always really really high whenever I used to quote them for sale. He might pay you a lot for one...

[docrodg]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

Lars,

Keep the engine. No S/N cases are very valuable just for the reason you discribe. No VIN swapping there.

An attempt at 'numbers matching' is far better suited with a replacement case than altered numbers. No numbers is better than molested numbers of any type.

Best,
Grady

Putting on numbers is illegal by all except the manufacturer. Follows is federal law:
18 USCS § 2321 (2003)

§ 2321. Trafficking in certain motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts

(a) Whoever buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part, knowing that an identification number for such motor vehicle or part has been removed, obliterated, tampered with, or altered, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

Originally Posted by bimmerracer

As I understand it, early 911 cases (prior to '69) did not have any VIN or S/N. I have two original early engines, both without VIN or S/N.

They all had numbers, unless they were replacement cases. You just happen to have gotten two early engines that were replacements.

[db_cooper]

When I was with Porsche, 1977 to 84, the "unit room" at the dealerships used a set of numerated strike dies, to be used when they had to replace an engine or transmission case. Vehicle kept the original serial numbers. Cases were always supplied without a VIN, for the logical reasons.

[TRE Cup]

Replacement blocks come with no type # or serial #. If you find a motor for sale with a type number and no serial number, get a strong flashlite and magnafying glass. Check out the post where that serial # should be. The nefarious were known to weld up and machine those tabs smooth in an effort to make stolen motors "legal"
California cops are wise to this subterfuge, and its a quick way to lose your car to the impound lot.

For a while Porsche was supplying new blocks with DOT-R and that famous fox face (CP) stamped on the bottom of the case

[bimmerracer]

Thanks djpateman for the link to the case pictures. I stand corrected. For your records, the case info I have is:

Case 1 - 901/14 15032 *3281281* (original from my car)
Case 2 - 901/14 13896 *3281037* (spare motor)

[speedo]

This was a naive curious question, and I am pleased that I asked. Goes without saying...that an unstamped case is better than obviously an altered case...but less desireable than a numbers correct case. Questions like this ...somewhat "provacative" bring out all kinds of "answers of character" from board members. And if you have a thick skin...can be somewhat entertaining.

Thanks

Speedo