Identifying Engine Codes

It's not uncommon to discover that the engine in your Bus was replaced along the way and is not the "correct" one for your year. Knowing this can save you the inconvenience of ording the wrong part! Below are some of the most common engine codes found on Busses and Vanagons in the U.S., in roughly chronological order. On the Type 4 ('72-83) engine, the code can be found stamped just in front of the breather tower. Do not go by the code on the fan shroud, as it may not be original to that engine. For a full list of engine codes on VW cars, click here.

Type 1 Engines (found on Bus thru 1971)

D Thru 8/65, 1200cc (34 hp),
O 1964, 1500cc (44 hp)
H 1965, 1500cc (44 hp)
HO, TO 1966-67, 1500cc (44 hp)
B5 1968, 1600cc single port, single relief
B 1969, 1600cc single port
B6 1970, 1600cc single port, dual relief, for Type 1 vehicles
AE 1971-72, 1600cc dual port, 8/70-7/71
AH 1973-1974, 1600cc dual port, for Type 1 vehicles
AJ, AS 1975-79 1600cc dual port, for Type 1 vehicles
F1, F2 1300-1600cc replacement engine case
AK 1967-74 1500-1600 replacement engine case
AB, AD, AM 1600cc replacement engine case

Type 4 Engines (found on 1972-1983 Bus & Vanagon)

CB 1972-73 Bus, 1.7 liter, Dual carb, manual trans
CD 1973 Bus 1.7 liter, Dual carb, auto trans
EB 1973 VW 412, 1973 Porsche 914, Calif emissions, L-Jetronic
EA 1972-74 VW 411 / 412, 1972-73 Porsche 914, 1.7 liter, D-Jetronic
EC 1974 VW 412, 1974 Porsche 914, 1.8 liter, Calif emiss, L-Jetronic
ED 1975 Bus, 1.8 liter, L-Jetronic fuel injected
AW 1973-75 Bus, 1.8 liter
GA 1973-74 Porsche 914 , 2.0 liter, D-Jetronic
GC 1975-76 Porsche 914 , 2.0 liter, D-Jetronic
GD 1976-77 Bus, 2.0 liter, L-Jetronic, Solid Lifter
GE 1978-79 Bus, 2.0 liter, L-Jetronic, Hydraulic Lifter (1978: oval exhaust ports / 1979: square ports.)
CV 1980-83 Vanagon, 2.0 liter, L-Jetronic, Hydraulic Lifter

Watercooled Engines (Vanagon)

CS 1982-84 Vanagon, 1.6 liter, Diesel
DG, DH 1983-85 Vanagon, 1.9 liter watercooled gas, fuel injected
MV 1986-91 Vanagon, 2.1 liter watercooled gas, fuel injected