'74 2.0 Engine without Engine Number?
 

I looked at a '74 2.0 today, but didn't see an engine number in the normal location (at the front of the engine, near the timing cover). The area looked blank. Pretty sure it was a 2.0 liter motor, but no number. Could it have been a factory replacement engine perhaps? Any other ways to tell if it's truly a 2.0 liter motor? It had the green fuel injectors, so I think those are only on 2.0 liter motors, right?

For the 2.0L, the intake manifold is attached to the head with three studs. The 1.7 and 1.8 use four studs.

Since the cases are all the same, check the heads. Even then, it is physically possible to build a 1.7 motor with 2.0 heads (I know at least one person who did so in order to fit within a given racing class), but it is highly unlikely.

The 2.0 heads are among the most expensive 2.0 parts, so if you have three-stud heads it is likely that you have at least 1971cc displacement. But the only way to be absolutely certain is to pop the heads off and measure the bore and stroke.

--DD

Aha, so the cases for 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0 liter motors are all the same? How about the fuel injection components or layout. Any difference that would be obvious on a 2.0 engine to differentiate it from a 1.7 or 1.8?

The only difference in the case is the serial number stamp. (Some of the VW applications have a different oil filler and dipstick setup.)

The injection in the 2.0 is noticeably different. The throttle body is vertical, and sits on top of the manifold. The 1.7 and 1.8 have horizontal throttle bodies.

--DD

Hmmm....well, the engine I looked at definitely had a vertical throttle body. But no serial number was stamped on the case, where it would be normally for a 2.0 engine. Did factory replacement cases come with no serial number perhaps?

It could be. Mine has no serial number on it either, and I was told that it was because it was a replacement case. I'm not sure on that, but...

Check over on the right half of the crankcase back near the flywheel end. 1.7s and 1.8s were stamped there; and some 1.7s may have been stamped on the side of the case near there.

--DD

Ok. How about the green fuel injectors? Weren't they only on 2.0 engines?

In 914s, yes.

--DD

most replacement engines do not have serial #s on them even in today's cars. i have a 914-6 with a replacement motor in int...no serial or engine type on it anywhere

Ok. So what's the impact on the value of a 914 2.0 liter car with a replacement motor in it?

Unless you're enterin concours events, not much...

--DD

It took me a while to find my engine s/n, too, but I moved a few hoses and wiped up the area with a rag and then it was visible.