you tell by the engine number, or engine code ( two letters ) .
it's stamped into the case right below the oil tower thing.
( it's on the crank pulley end of the engine, not on the top surface - very
easy to see. It's where VW has put the engine number on their opposed  four
engines for 50 years or so. )
it's two upper case letters, followed by 6 digit number.

DH = 1.9
MV = 2.1

Scott Daniel Foss
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Potts" <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2009 7:58 AM
Subject: 1.9 vs 2.1 identification

> Hi Volks,
>
> All this talk about 1.9FI and cooling on a 2.1 block... I have the
> opposite configuration on my weekender and it works fine.
>
> Anyway; back in November I bought a spare engine and transmission. I was
> told it was from a 1987 van with 95,000 KM on it. I never saw the donor
> vehicle so I have no idea if that's accurate.
>
> The engine has a VW of Canada reman sticker on it, with 1.9 cooling and
> FI; but with all the talk in the 1.9/2.1 conversion thread it's still
> quite possible I have a 2.1 on my hands.
>
> How do I determine if it's a 1.9 or a 2.1???
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Greg Potts
> 1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
> 1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
> www.busesofthecorn.com
> www.pottsfamily.ca