Differences between a pre 98 and post 98 ITR engine

[z3lda]

i believe that the engines are the same.. and the only way to find out is by checking the engine code..

no its not the same

u can not determine the year by lookin at the engine code.

u will find out exaclty what year its from by lookin at the numbers
stamped right ontop of the exhaust manifold on the head.

[xtercii]

no its not the same

u can not determine the year by lookin at the engine code.

u will find out exaclty what year its from by lookin at the numbers
stamped right ontop of the exhaust manifold on the head.

Just found out that the engine has an aftermarket header, so I guess the exhaust manifold way can't tell. Any other ways?