Hi,
My 1972 914 is VIN 4722904683.

The engine number in my 914 is EA023811.

Could this be the original engine to the car? … Could it be a VW type 4 engine. How do I tell the difference?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice

Only way to tell is get a COA from Porsche. Click on the right and corner of this forum 914 info. Should be able to help provide information.

EA023811
EA was used in VW's from 1972-1974 (1700cc engine) but also in the 914 between 1972-1973 (also 1700cc)

Thanks. Does the number 023811 help tell if its a 914 or VW engine? ... or any other bolt-on parts or stampings that are Porsche or VW only?

Thanks for this!

You do not have a Porsche engine. All 1700 engines in 914s are VW Type IVs.

A 914 is more VW than it is Porsche

No, it does not (at least not for me).
But since your car is a 914 from 1972, and the engine is from that same period, it is likely, and I agree a Certificate would be the way to make sure it is....

Thanks. So numbers matching for a 914 1.7 is more about (period correct) 72 car, 72 engine? This is what 914 owners look for when buying a 914 base. Not so much if its a VW or Porsche engine correct? ... at least for the 4's

No...numbers matching = numbers matching, not period correct.
If you are happy it does not matter, if you are going for a restoration it is more important to have a numbers matching car. If you just want to drive it, it is better to have a running period correct engine than a non-op numbers matching car :-)

If you have the original owners manual it should have the engine serial number recorded in it.

Your engine number EA023811 falls within the range of engine numbers for your VIN 4722904683

VIN Range 4722900001 - 4722921580
Engine # Range EA0000001-EA0057000

So, more than likely, the engine is the one that came with the car. Of course, the only sure way to know is to get a COA.

Thanks everyone for your input!

All /4 cars had VW engines. The T4 engine *is* a VW engine.

Although VW had some help from Porsche when they designed it but that's besides the point.

You will find VW stampings all over your engine, which is *correct* for a /4.


PS: The only way to find out if it is the original engine and thus "numbers matching" is to order a COA from PCNA.

Thanks!

For the sake of argument, I would argue that a 914/4 Porsche has a PORSCHE engine in it, regardless of its supplier. Its similar to the VW engine in some of the VWs of the same era, but not identical in every respect. It was built, configured and intended for the PORSCHE 914.

Any chance you can provide a quick "punch list" that summarizes key differences?
Thanks!

For a start, oil filler location.

I believe the 412 wagons had the oil filler in the same location as the 914...

--DD

If IF you're building up a concourse car, then it'd be important to get a COA to make sure. If you're looking at building a driver, then you're a-ok to have everything period correct. The fact that your engine stamps are within the range for that year car, you're likely looking at the engine that came with it.

914 buyers aren't looking at the engine stamps 99/100 times. They're looking at the hell hole and making sure it's as rust-free as possible. So if you're looking to build it up to sell some day, this isn't something that most of us would give a second glance at.

Just my .02

Resurrecting this thread, I am looking at a '73 914. Originally 1.7L, the engine has been replaced by GEX rebuilt unit, GEX paperwork indicates 1.8L. Block number is VW (logo) followed by W0037789. According to engine codes W indicates either a 1970-1971 1.7 Porsche engine or 1971 1.7 411/412 application.

Should I be put off by the VW logo stamped in front of the engine number? The current owner believes that it is a 1.8L as stated on GEX paperwork. Could this be a 1.7L modified for 1.8L?

You shuld be more put off the GEX rebuilt the motor. Do a search...

You can build any-displacement 914 engine on any 914 case. W would have originally been a 1.7, but if you use 1.8 P&Cs and 1.8 heads it's basically a 1.8 motor. Or swap in 2.0 crank and rods, 2.0 P&Cs, 2.0 heads, and it's a 2-liter.

But with GEX on the build sheet, it could be anything from a 1.8 to a mis-matched collection of scrap parts held together by silver paint and good intentions. And the good intentions are running out.

--DD