Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1974 vwbeetle engine, buggy engine, vw beetle

Question
hello, I have a 1974 vw beetle but I think the engine is not the ine that came with car when new. The number above the crankcase is B5546 AD/AS 36560. I need to know what it is so I can start ordering parts since this was a Christmas present from my wife I do want to start to restore the engine first. Thankyou very much.  It has RACKED my brain and about to drive me crazy.

Answer
The number you have doesn't appear to be a VW number at all. Are you sure the engine is a VW engine? In model year 1974 the crankcase number started with AK-0-239-365. If this was a replacement VW crankcase, it would not have any number on the replacement. You could have yourself a Dune Buggy engine in there. Hope this helps...