Is there a way to tell what motor I have by the number stamped on the block?

[Rusnak_322]

I am looking at a bitsa bike. The frame and motor were not originally together. I have the number that is stamped on the block, but I am having trouble decoding exactly what it is. Can I tell what year, model and displacement motor I am looking at? Can I tell if it has chrome liners?

The number is VC 096155

I found a couple of links that say that the VC is a 1974-75 850T motor, but the range of numbers in the links are lower than the bike I am looking at.  They are VC 11111 – VC 13793.

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzitech.dk/gb_en_technical_moto-guzzi-frame-numbers.htm

http://www.mgcn.nl/html/numbers.htm

any help would be appreciated. I am looking forward to my first Guzzi!

[rocker59]

On all Guzzis, the two-letter prefix notes the engine type, but not a year.

My guess is you have an 850 out of a different bike than a 74-75 850T.

[fotoguzzi]

put up a few pics.. or tell us more.. Loop or Tonti frame ? is there an oil filter? you can tell by the 2 bolts going up thru the center of the sump pan.. if not there and only perimeter bolts,  you have a no filter motor, pre 75

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I have a T3 engine, the number it is VD 101061. You most likely have an 850-T engine.

Loop or Tonti frame ?

Loops stopped at VP 63xxx, so it wouldn't be from one.

[Rusnak_322]

I don't own the bike yet, in fact I have only seen pics. The frame is a 1977 V1000. The motor is not original to this frame.
I don't have any pics of the bottom of the motor.

[Two Checks]

Sounds like a late 75 T or T3 as its number is higher than my old 75 T.

IIRC frame and engine #s didn't always match.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I don't own the bike yet, in fact I have only seen pics. The frame is a 1977 V1000. The motor is not original to this frame.
I don't have any pics of the bottom of the motor.

The '76 Convert I just parted out had engine (and frame) number 131871.

[unclepete]

My 1976 850 T3 : Built Jan. 1975 , # VD 100922 .  Too many numbers to square with either of the lists linked .