Need help identifying engine block code or cyclinder head

[GTA_G20]

I've been looking for a M96 core and finally located one locally. Seller claims it was removed from a Gembella boxster, which really means nothing to me. Anyways it had this stamped on the side of the motor, possibly the head. Did not have much access as the motor is in a crate on a shelf. Anyhow number reads as follows:

996 104227 0 R

If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it. Im hoping this is possibly a 3.4 rather than a 2.5 but it really doesnt matter

[Loren]

You will need the engine serial number - it will start with M96/

For example:

(image courtesy Tool Pants)

[Cloudsurfer]

I would imagine that it's either a 2.5 or 3.2 that was removed for a conversion. You will be able to break down the engine code to determine it's displacement. They read something like M96/01, M96/03, etc.

As to looking up history of the motor, that's a bit more complicated. You can't call Porsche and give them an engine serial # and expect to get service records and vehicle history from that. Heck, many dealers that I've tried getting records from over the years (where I owned the entire car and wanted some more background) wouldn't even give that info out without a signed consent form from whoever was the owner of record when the car was serviced at their facility (for liability reasons). I'd say unless you can get the VIN from the donor car it's going to be impossible to track down maintenance history. Even then, depending upon who you're dealing with, you may or may not be able to obtain any further info.

I believe the # that you referenced above is a head serial #, which by the way, will not match left to right, nor match the serial # of the case halves due to the way that Porsche ran these things off the assembly line (they actually use the same head castings left and right, so essentially engine # 83190831 may get head # 31318 on the left and 31319 on the right, or a totally different #).

[GTA_G20]

Thanks guys.

At the time I saw the serial number and not until I got home and online did I realize that I was looking at the head not the block. I guess I was hoping that the 996 preceeding the sn would suggest it being a 3.4l as the car had already been converted to gemballa and started leaking coolant from the tail pipe. The shop who did the swap ordered a crate motor from Porsche corresponding to the vin thus having nothing to do with gemballa and being plug and play for the mechanic.

Thanks again