Numbers match a boxster long block?

[99BlackBox]

Silly question maybe...but is there a way to numbers match the major components of a boxster engine? Reason I ask is that I noticed that my 4-6 head doesn't have the pretty waffling on the exterior that the case and head 1-3 have. It is just "flat casting"

Is this a sign of a possible aftermarket head or were some just like this? All pictorials of engine teardowns show the 'waffled' external casting look everywhere on the engine. The numbers on both valve covers match (and have the "VarioCam" casting) but IDK about the head body. There is a tiny patch of waffled look in one location but does not cover the entire head.

I'm in the process of an IMS rebuild which is why I'm inside the compartment. This is just a cosmetic thing, but I was like as I'm looking at it...

Thanks for any info on this!

[Wayne 962]

There might have been a swap a long time ago if the factory found a fault, or if the engine was repaired by a previous owner. Can you post a picture so that we can see?

thx,

Wayne

[99BlackBox]

I mis-spoke before, it is cyl 1-3 that is "missing" the waffled look and 4-6 that has it. Here are the pics...

End of the 4-6 Head with the pattern...


Underside of 4-6 head showing pattern...


End of 1-3 head showing a small patch but that's it...


Underside of 1-3 head with no pattern at all...


So to reiterate, does a number stamped into the heads and case identify in any way that the three were originally together from the factory (i.e. "numbers matching")??

Thanks!

[Wayne 962]

Hmm, not that I'm aware of. I don't think it really matters too much?

-Wayne

[BYprodriver]

I think you are seeing 1 end on 1head & the opposite end of the other head. Thats how they are installed on the engine.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

I think you are seeing 1 end on 1head & the opposite end of the other head. Thats how they are installed on the engine.

They are definitely different, you can see that at the bottom, where the exhaust mounts. However, I don't think it's too important, although a bit odd. The heads on these cars are identical left to right in the castings, so they should be the same.

-Wayne