You might try:

http://www.analogx.com/contents/vinview.htm

On certain models for certain years the engine may be determined by the 5th
digit.  On other models, you may not determine the engine from the vin.  If
there is an engine determination, it is VERY basic (such as: Gasoline, 4
Cylinder (Air or Water Cooled), it doesn't get very specific as to the
engine family).  The "decoder" site above in fact shows "unknown" for the
engine digit on my 84 Westfalia.  This info does appear in the factory
microfiche.

For VW models, the best I've used is the fiche or ETKA.  In ETKA, go to the
Database Icon (to the right of the Pencil Icon), left click on the Icon and
on the pull-down menu, select the "V PAGES".  There is a wealth of
information - have fun!

For actual engine codes (from the engine number), the best source I've used
is the original parts (print) books, factory microfiche or ETKA, depending
on what I am looking for.

Of course, for the Vanagon VIN decoding, you can refer to:

http://vanagon.com/info/vin/
--
Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
**********************************
On 10/23/06, roger sisler <rogersisler2000@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> I am interested in finding out how to read a vw vin number for not just
> vanagons,but other vw cars.Specifically, the engine part of the vin.Whichdiget is for the engine? Which engine numbers are used?Thanks