Matching numbers, How to know Options

[trojanhorsepower]

How does one match the engine, trans and chassis numbers. I have read several times that the COA's are not accurate, so how can we tell. I can see how one could narrow the numbers down to production years, but is there a way to decipher the VIN or other numbers and determine what the engine, trans numbers should be?

Thanks

-Peter

[JeffBowlsby]

Usually true on the tranny number, but not always. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Pat Garvey]

Usually true on the tranny number, but not always. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Is this a 1974 anomoly?

[Tom_T]

Usually true on the tranny number, but not always. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Is this a 1974 anomoly?

I wonder if they're just being cagey on that, or if the Karmann plant was just loose on recording info to the Kardex, on which PCNA bases the COAs?

I do know that they refused to list my 73 914-2.0 as a 2.0 on their first erroneous attempt at my COA, until I sent a pic of the GA code - even after I read it to the gal on the phone! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

To me that is BS, because if they have the record of what the car was built as & with which engine/etc., then they should just list it for you on the COA so you know what to restore it to, & not play games with owners! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Another shortcoming is that they won't list otherwise optional equipment on a COA for those models & MYs which had extra goodies included in their base price, such as Carrera RS, 73 914-2.0 marketed as "914 S", etc.

For example in the case of the 73 MY 914-2.0's which came "loaded" - they should have their Porsche (VW-Porsche) model number of 914 with what was included:

Model #: 473614 (World) Appearance/Performance 2.0L

Model #: 473644 (North America - non-CA) Appearance/Performance 2.0L

Model #: 473664 (California-only) Appearance/Performance 2.0L

These are from Jeff Bowlsby's website:
http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/ModelNumbers.htm