Engine Chassis matching help

[MarkWard]

Hello, when I purchased my 1980 911 I asked the forum what engine number should be in my chassis. A member pointed me to a table that someone had put together.

A good friend just purchased a 1974 914 and has the same question. I told him I’d ask since I have a log in. Is there a way to tell by the VIN what engine should have come from Germany. AI says it could have a 2.0 or a 1.8. From the picture I’m 98% sure it has 2.0 heads. Thank you in advance for any help.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The VIN tells you exactly four things:

- That it's a four-cylinder 914 (model "47")
- The model year ("0" through "6")
- The factory where it was made ("29" meaning Karmann)
- The series number within the model year

That's it. The only way the VIN can tell you the original displacement of the engine is if it's a 70-72 when there were only 1.7s, or a 76 when there were only 2 liters.

If the emissions control stickers are sill present in the engine bay, you may be able to tell that way. 1.7 == 102 cubic inches; 1.8 == 110 cubic inches; 2.0 == 120 cubic inches.

The spark plugs on the 1.7 and 1.8 exit the engine tin on a flat horizontal part, while the 2.0 plugs come out on the side vertical part (or on the bend between the two). Also, the intake pipes are held onto the head with four studs on the 1.7 and 1.8 heads, and only three studs on the 2.0 heads.

If the fuel injection is still present, the 1.8 has an air filter box on the left side of the engine bay which has a part with a quarter-circle "bump out" on it and a multi-wire plug going into it. That has a large rubber S-shaped pipe that runs to a horizontal throttle body. The 2.0 air cleaner is partly rectangular but with a triangle sticking out of one side that connects to the vertical throttle body.

--DD

[MarkWard]

DD, thank you. It definitely has 2.0 heads. Not sure if the EPA sticker is present, but will check. It’s been converted to dual downdrafts, so no air box. I believe he was interested to know if it’s “original” as delivered or updated at some point.

Personally I’d like a 2.0, but others might be more concerned it’s not original engine size if it’s resold. Thanks again.

[djpateman]

Another clue to the original engine size is to be found on a decal located above the gas tank. The decal provides tire information. If the decal shows SR-15 then it is the 1.7 or 1.8 engine, and if it shows HR-15 then it is the 2.0 engine.
Further, if he wants to determine the exact engine that was originally installed, then I can assist for a fee; I have to purchase the factory data. Email me for more info.

[MarkWard]

Originally Posted by djpateman

Another clue to the original engine size is to be found on a decal located above the gas tank. The decal provides tire information. If the decal shows SR-15 then it is the 1.7 or 1.8 engine, and if it shows HR-15 then it is the 2.0 engine.
Further, if he wants to determine the exact engine that was originally installed, then I can assist for a fee; I have to purchase the factory data. Email me for more info.

Thank you for taking the time to add more information. I’ll forward your reply to him.