VW 4-cyl. 16V head comparison 1.8L PL and 2.0L 9A These are some video camera shots of a recent side-by-side head comparison that I had the opportunity to do with my buddy Ben Harder.  It seems we're always digging into the similar things at the same time, so we thought we'd compare the two and grabbed the video camera as an afterthought (so some of the shots are crummy and a few required a flashlight).  

Use this as a tool to identify 1.8L vs. 2.0L heads when buying a head from a junkyard or individual.  FWIW combustion chambers seemed identical.

Your comments are welcome, email me at rapieper at yahoo dot com.

All 1.8L head photos are on the left, and 2.0L photos are on the right!

The 1.8L SN is 027103373E and the 2.0's is 051103373. I believe VW used the first three digits to identify the model line that the part was first used on.  Note the waffle pattern across the front edge of the head on the 2.0L, not present on the 1.8L.

Note the bulge on the 1.8L head near the lifting lug, absent on the 2.0L head.

On the left side of the head, also note the bulge difference under the exhaust cam bearing. The area behind this is for the intercam gears and their oil 'bath.'