Engine identification

[GSpreeman]

The PO of my 356 dopped in a VW engine and I'm trying to identify the "type" and displacement. Here is what is stamped on it. Any clues?

W6
5265059

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Where are the exhaust ports? If they are on the bottom of the heads, you have a Type IV engine. A "W" code Type IV would be a 1.7, at least originally... But you can build any displacement on any Type IV case.

If the ports are front and aft, then you have a Type I--pretty much. Early Buses (Type II) had just about the same engine, and the Type III was more or less a Type I with the "suitcase" cooling setup so the engine was flatter. The Type I had the fan on top of the engine, driven by a belt. It would be very tough to fit a "suitcase" motor in, so if one was used it would likely have been converted to "upright" cooling. Which would make it, effectively, a Type I.

Not sure on the case numbers of Type I/II/III engines.

Uhh, you could also have a 356 engine... Those are rather similar to the Type I.

--DD