Porsche 930-19 Engine (1975–1989) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche 930.19 is a 2,994 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1989. It features a single KKK turbocharger, Bosch mechanical fuel injection (K — Jetronic until 1983; later models used DME), and an air — cooled architecture with finned cylinders and oil — cooled heads. In standard form it delivered 221 kW (300 PS) in the 1986–1989 iteration, with torque peaking at 453 Nm.

Fitted exclusively to the 930 — series 911 Turbo and its varia…

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1975–1985 meet US EPA Tier 1 standards; 1986–1989 models meet Euro 1 depending on market .

Porsche 930-19 Technical Specifications

The Porsche 930.19 is a 2,994 cc flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high‑performance sports applications (1975–1989). It combines air cooling with oil‑cooled cylinder heads and a single KKK turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range thrust and track‑capable output. Designed to meet US EPA Tier 1 and later Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances raw performance with evolving regulatory compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,994 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (RON 98 min)
Configuration
Flat‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
95.0 mm × 70.4 mm
Power output
221 kW (300 PS) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque
453 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch K-Jetronic (1975–1983); DME Motronic (1984–1989)
Emissions standard
US EPA Tier 1 (pre-1986); Euro 1 (1986–1989)
Compression ratio
7.0:1
Cooling system
Air-cooled (oil-cooled heads)
Turbocharger
Single KKK K27 (1975–1989)
Timing system
Gear-driven camshafts
Oil type
Porsche A40 (SAE 15W-50)
Dry weight
195 kg

Porsche 930-19 Compatible Models

The Porsche 930.19 was used exclusively in Porsche's 930 platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intercoolers in the 1986–1989 models and strengthened crankcase ventilation—and from 1984 the switch to DME Motronic fuel injection, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
1975–1989
Models:
911 Turbo (930)
Variants:
930/50 (US), 930/60 (EU), 930/80 (wide-body)
View Source
Porsche Group PT-1989

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Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE 930-19 Compatible Models

Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.

Turbocharger oil coking and bearing wear
Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup, whining turbo noise, loss of boost, oil consumption increase.
Cause: High under-hood temperatures combined with insufficient post-drive cooldown cause oil to coke in turbo center housing.
Fix: Replace turbo with OEM-rebuilt unit; ensure oil feed/return lines are unobstructed and use Porsche A40 oil. Allow 30–60 seconds idle cooldown after spirited driving.
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks
Symptoms: Oil dripping from bellhousing, oily clutch (manual), residue on transmission case.
Cause: Seal hardening due to heat exposure and crankcase pressure from turbo blow-by.
Fix: Replace rear main seal during clutch service; inspect crankcase ventilation and upgrade breather system per service bulletin.
Camshaft cover and oil pump gasket leaks
Symptoms: Oil streaks down engine sides, smell in cabin, low oil level between services.
Cause: Rubber gaskets degrade under sustained high oil temperatures inherent to air-cooled design.
Fix: Replace with OEM Viton gaskets; torque covers to specification and recheck after 500 km.
DME/Motronic electrical faults (1984–1989)
Symptoms: Intermittent idle surge, no-start, erratic fueling, check engine light (post-1986).
Cause: Moisture ingress in connectors or failing reference sensors (RPM, TDC) due to engine bay heat cycling.
Fix: Inspect DME connectors for corrosion; replace faulty sensors with OEM parts and update harness seals per Porsche procedure.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

PORSCHE 930-19 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The 930.19 offers thrilling performance but demands disciplined maintenance. Early models (1975–1983) suffer from boost lag and heat issues; later (1984–1989) units are more refined but still prone to oil leaks and turbo wear. With proper cooldowns, correct oil (15W-50 A40), and regular seal inspection, it can be dependable for enthusiasts.

Top issues include turbo oil coking, rear main seal leaks, cam cover seepage, and (in 1984–1989 models) DME electrical faults. These are well-documented in Porsche service bulletins. Cooling system limitations also mean overheating risk in traffic without auxiliary fans.

Exclusively the 911 Turbo (930) from 1975 to 1989, including US-spec 930/50 and EU wide-body 930/80 variants. It was never used in the 912, 924, 928, or 944—only the rear-engine 930 platform.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the 930-19 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.

Approximately 14–16 L/100km (17–20 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can reach 12 L/100km (24 mpg UK), but aggressive use exceeds 20 L/100km. These figures reflect the engine’s low compression and turbo lag requiring frequent throttle input.

No. The Porsche 930.19 is a non-interference (free-running) flat-six. If the timing gears fail—which is rare due to their robust design—the pistons and valves do not collide, reducing catastrophic failure risk.

Porsche specifies 15W-50 synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 standard. This high-viscosity oil is critical for bearing protection under high heat and turbo stress. Change intervals should not exceed 7,500 km or 6 months in performance use.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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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.

Regulatory Context

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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