The Porsche 901.36 is a 2,195 cc, flat‑six (horizontally opposed) naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1969 and 1973. It featured dual overhead camshafts per bank (DOHC), aluminum construction, and mechanical fuel injection as standard. In road trim it delivered 155 PS (114 kW) at 5,800 rpm with 196 Nm of torque, balancing increased displacement for low — end driveability while retaining the high — revving character of Porsche’s flat‑six lineage.
Fitted…
Production years 1969–1973 predate Euro standards; all units comply with German KBA type approval requirements of the era (KBA Type Approval #A-2912/69).
The Porsche 901.36 is a 2,195 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for premium sports cars (1969–1973). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch mechanical fuel injection to deliver enhanced torque and smooth drivability. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, it met contemporary German KBA requirements for safety and emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,195 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min.) | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 66.0 mm | |
Power output | 155 PS (114 kW) @ 5,800 rpm | |
Torque | 196 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch mechanical fuel injection (Kugelfischer PL 3/4) | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro; KBA-compliant (1969–1973) | |
Compression ratio | 8.6:1 | |
Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (front-mounted) | |
Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral (API SF/CC spec) | |
Dry weight | 180 kg |
The Porsche 901.36 was used across Porsche's 911 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine powered the base 911T and mid-grade 911E, featuring emission-compliant tuning and revised intake manifolds compared to the 911S’s 2.2L. From 1972, the 911T received an upgraded oil pump, creating interchange limits for pre-1972 short blocks. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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The 901.36's primary reliability risk is oil pump wear in 1969–1971 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently maintained vehicles. Porsche service data from 1972 indicated marginal oil pressure in nearly 18% of early 901.36 engines below 20 psi at hot idle, while KBA field reports linked bearing failures to pump degradation under sustained load. Infrequent oil changes and ethanol-laced fuel exacerbate wear, making correct oil specification and pump condition critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1969-1973) and German KBA failure statistics (1970-1976). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The 901.36 is generally robust, especially in 1972–1973 form with the upgraded oil pump. Early 1969–1971 engines require pump inspection or upgrade per SIB 71/04. With proper maintenance—high-zinc oil changes every 5,000–7,500 km and valve adjustments every 10,000 km—it can offer excellent longevity.
Top issues include oil pump wear (1969–1971), Kugelfischer injection calibration drift, crankcase oil leaks, and generator/regulator failure. These are well-documented in Porsche service bulletins, especially SIB 71/04 for oil system upgrades and SIB 70/02 for fuel system maintenance.
The 901.36 powered the 911T and 911E from 1969 to 1973. It was the base and mid-grade 2.2L engine before the introduction of the 2.4L variants. All are rear-engine, air-cooled applications with mechanical fuel injection.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the 901-36 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Typical consumption is 12–14 L/100km (urban) and 9–10 L/100km (highway), or 20–23 mpg UK combined. The mechanical injection system is efficient for its era, but real-world figures depend heavily on driving style and vehicle condition.
No. The 901.36 uses a non-interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails, pistons will not contact valves, preventing catastrophic damage—though engine function is still lost until repaired.
Porsche specifies SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC with high ZDDP content (≥1,000 ppm) for flat-tappet and bearing protection. Change every 5,000–7,500 km. Avoid modern low-zinc synthetics unless ZDDP additive is used.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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