Porsche 930-2 Engine (1978–1989) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche 930.2 is a 3,299 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1978 and 1989. It features a single KKK turbocharger, Bosch K — Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, and a dry‑sump lubrication system. In standard 911 Turbo (930) form it delivered 221 kW (300 PS) and 450 Nm of torque, with strong top‑end thrust ideal for high‑speed autobahn driving.

Fitted exclusively to the 911 Turbo (G — model and early 964) from 1978 to 1989—specifically th…

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1978–1988 meet Euro 0 standards; 1989 US-spec models may have limited Euro 1 compliance depending on configuration .

Porsche 930-2 Technical Specifications

The Porsche 930.2 is a 3,299 cc air-cooled flat-six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for the 911 Turbo (1978–1989). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with a single KKK turbocharger to deliver strong top-end power and high-speed stability. Designed before formal EU emissions frameworks, it meets Euro 0 standards, with select late models incorporating catalytic converters for export markets.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
3,299 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (RON 98 min)
Configuration
Flat-6, SOHC, 12-valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged (KKK K27)
Bore × stroke
100.0 mm × 70.4 mm
Power output
221 kW (300 PS) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque
450 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection
Emissions standard
Euro 0 (pre-1989); limited Euro 1 for US-spec 1989
Compression ratio
7.0:1
Cooling system
Air-cooled (fan-driven)
Turbocharger
KKK K27 (single-scroll, non-VGT)
Timing system
Gear-driven camshafts (no chain/belt)
Oil type
Porsche Classic 20W-50 or equivalent
Dry weight
210 kg

Porsche 930-2 Compatible Models

The Porsche 930.2 was used exclusively in Porsche's 911 Turbo (930) platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intercooling in the 1986–1989 models and strengthened transmission housings for torque management—and from 1989 the 964 Turbo adopted the water-cooled M64/01, creating a hard interchange limit. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
1978–1989
Models:
911 Turbo (930)
Variants:
930/60 (3.3L Turbo)
View Source
Porsche Group PT-1985

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Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE 930-2 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 bearing failure (oil coking)
Symptoms: Whining or screeching under boost, oil leaks from center housing, loss of power, blue smoke on deceleration.
Cause: Residual heat after shutdown carbonizes oil in center housing, starving bearings on next start.
Fix: Replace turbo with OEM K27 unit; install electric auxiliary oil pump or enforce 2–3 min cooldown per Porsche SIB.
Fuel distributor sticking (K-Jetronic)
Symptoms: Erratic idle, lean misfire at cruise, hard cold starts, fuel smell.
Cause: Contamination or varnish buildup in mechanical fuel distributor affecting plunger movement.
Fix: Remove and recalibrate fuel distributor per Porsche TIS; replace O-rings and verify control pressure regulator function.
Crankcase ventilation (CCV) clogging
Symptoms: Oil leaks from seals, positive crankcase pressure, oil in air filter housing.
Cause: Oil vapor condensation in CCV hoses over time, especially in short-trip use.
Fix: Replace CCV hoses and oil separator with OEM parts; inspect for excessive ring blow-by as root cause.
Thermal reactor degradation (early models)
Symptoms: Excessive underhood temps, discolored paint, exhaust leaks near cylinder heads.
Cause: Cast-iron thermal reactors crack from thermal cycling; gaskets fail due to extreme heat.
Fix: Replace with OEM-style units or retrofit late-model intercooler system per specialist guidelines; not covered in standard SIBs.
Research Basis

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

PORSCHE 930-2 FAQ Common Questions Answered

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

The 930.2 is robust when maintained correctly, but demands disciplined driving habits. Turbo longevity hinges on post-drive cooldowns. Early models (1978–1985) are more prone to heat issues than intercooled 1986–1989 versions. Use of correct 20W-50 oil and RON 98 fuel is essential. Well-kept examples can exceed 200,000 km with turbo rebuilds.

Top issues include turbo bearing failure from heat soak, K-Jetronic fuel distributor sticking, CCV system clogging, and thermal reactor degradation on early cars. Oil leaks from rear main seals are also frequent due to case pressure. All are documented in Porsche service bulletins and workshop manuals.

Exclusively the 911 Turbo (930) from 1978 to 1989—badged as 930/60 (standard) or 930/62 (slant-nose). It powered all 3.3L Turbo variants globally. No other Porsche or external manufacturer used this engine; it was replaced by the water-cooled M64 in the 1990 964 Turbo.

Yes, cautiously. Common upgrades include boost increase (to 1.2 bar), larger intercooler, and modified wastegate. Power gains of +30–50 PS are achievable while retaining stock internals. However, fuel system (K-Jetronic) limits precise control—many convert to electronic EFI for reliability. Always upgrade oil cooling and maintain cooldown protocol.

Poor by modern standards. Expect 15–18 L/100km (16–19 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising at 120 km/h yields ~13 L/100km, while aggressive driving exceeds 20 L/100km. High consumption is typical for air-cooled turbo engines of this era.

No. Like all Porsche air-cooled flat-six engines, the 930.2 is a non-interference design. If timing gears fail (extremely rare), valves and pistons do not contact. However, catastrophic turbo or oil failure can still cause severe damage due to dry-sump dependency.

Porsche recommends 20W-50 mineral oil with high ZDDP (≥1200 ppm), such as Porsche Classic or equivalent. Synthetic oils are discouraged in original engines due to seal compatibility and cam wear concerns. Change every 7,500 km or annually, whichever comes first.

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

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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.

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VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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