Newbie question., How do I tell a 2.0 from a 1.7 Options

[Doug73/2.0]

Saturday I'm looking at a local 73 with a 2.0. Just to be sure what should I look for to confirm that it is infact a 2.0 and not a 1.7. Given how many 914's I've looked at these past three months, seems a silly question, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) but all the others I stopped when I saw rust beyond my ability. I know the engine code should be a GB100 but where do you look on the engine for it.
Thanks for the advice.
Doug

[Dave_Darling]

I go by looking at the heads. It is very unlikely for someone to swap the 2.0 heads onto a smaller-displacement engine. Much more so than swapping other parts around.

You can build a motor with 1971cc displacement (stock 2.0 displacement) on any VW Type IV case. It won't be a "real" 914 2.0 without the three-stud heads, though it could make more or less power than a stock 2.0 914 motor.

If the engine number (which is in front of the oil filler on a 914--remember the fan is toward the front of the car!) starts with "GA" or "GB" or "GC", and if it has the three-stud heads, chances are very very good that it's a 2.0 motor.

BTW, I think it's easier to look at where the spark plugs exit the engine tin than to feel for the intake studs. If the plug wires go through the engine tin where the tin is horizontal, on top of the cylinders/heads, you have 1.7 or 1.8 or Bus 2.0 heads. If the plug wires come out on the vertical side part of the engine tin, you have 2.0 914 heads. A little tough to describe, but obvious if you have seen both.

--DD