I bought my car thinking it was a 2k. I know this might sound dumb but I took the key FOB to the local V-Dub dealer today to get new batteries and the parts guy said that the batteries were the old style and that my car was probably a 99.5 car instead of a 2K. Any way to know? Someone on here was saying that a 2K was not a good year for the B5. What are the differances between the 99.5 and the 2K?

 

99.5 has a big port head and DBC (drive by cable - metal cable from peddel to the TB)
2000 has a small port head and DBW. (drive by wire - electronically controlled TB)

So you actually lucked out, be happy

 

Cincy, what would I look for to verify that my car is indeed a 99.5?

 

Okay, I just looked. It has the drive-by-wire system so I assume it's a 2K and has the smaller port heads. Was there a difference in HP or TQ ratings between 99.5 and 2K? I know they bumped it for 01. What did they change between 00 and 01?

How much of a difference are we talking about with the 99.5 and 2K heads?

 

Look at your VIN and count 8 digits in from the right side. If the eighth is an X, you have a '99, if it's a Y, you have a '00.

 

There is a tab on the head by the timing belt that has the engine code on it.

AEB = 99.5
ATW = 2000



as for powerwise, i think they are rated the same. The head doesnt make to big of a differnce until your looking at 300+ whp

 

Thanks Sineo, your suggestion proves it's a 2K.

Cincy, As much as I'd love to say this car could have 300 whp at some point, it's never going to happen. About the most I'll do with this car is a Ko4, high-flow cat and an exhaust like Borla or Milltek. With the programming I wouldn't imagine that would push me much beyond 200-225 whp. Sound accurate to you?

 

Just over 200whp is about right. With those mods, the head and everything else doesnt really matter.