Porsche 930-25 Engine (1975–1989) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche 930.25 Petrol is a 3,299 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged engine produced between 1975 and 1989. It featured a single‑overhead‑cam (SOHC) per bank layout and Bosch K — Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, delivering 221–300 PS depending on model year and specification. The horizontally opposed cylinder design ensures a low centre of gravity—critical for the 911 Turbo’s (930) renowned handling balance.

Fitted exclusively to the 911 Turbo (930) varian…

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Pre‑1986 models meet no formal emissions standard; 1986–1989 units meet early Euro 1-equivalent standards in select markets (KBA Type Approval #KBA/930/8124).

Porsche 930-25 Technical Specifications

The Porsche 930.25 Petrol is a 3,299 cc air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged engine engineered for rear‑engine sports coupes (1975–1989). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with a KKK turbocharger to deliver high torque and dramatic power delivery. Designed before formal EU emissions regimes, later variants adopted catalytic converters to meet early regulatory thresholds.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
3,299 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (Unleaded recommended post‑1986)
Configuration
Flat‑6, SOHC per bank, 12‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged (KKK K27)
Bore × stroke
100.0 mm × 70.4 mm
Power output
221–300 PS (163–221 kW)
Torque
285–385 Nm @ 4,000–5,000 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch K-Jetronic continuous mechanical injection
Emissions standard
None (pre‑1986); early Euro 1 equivalent (1986–1989)
Compression ratio
7.0:1
Cooling system
Air‑cooled (oil‑cooler assisted)
Turbocharger
KKK K27 (single, non‑intercooled pre‑1978; intercooled from 1978)
Timing system
Chain‑driven camshafts (single per bank)
Oil type
15W‑50 semi‑synthetic (post‑1980)
Dry weight
235 kg

Porsche 930-25 Compatible Models

The Porsche 930.25 Petrol was used exclusively in Porsche's 911 Turbo (930) platform with rear‑engine longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific updates—intercooler introduction in 1978 and catalytic converter integration in 1986—creating clear generational breaks in parts interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
1975–1977
Models:
911 Turbo (930)
Variants:
930 Turbo (non-intercooled)
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. P930‑75B
Make:
Porsche
Years:
1978–1985
Models:
911 Turbo (930)
Variants:
930 Turbo (intercooled)
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. P930‑78D
Make:
Porsche
Years:
1986–1989
Models:
911 Turbo (930)
Variants:
930 Turbo, 930 Clubsport
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. P930‑86E

Looking for a replacement Porsche engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.

Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.

Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE 930-25 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 seizure from oil coking
Symptoms: Loss of boost, blue exhaust smoke, whining or grinding from turbo, oil leakage at center housing.
Cause: Heat soak after boost operation carbonizes oil in turbo center housing, starving bearings of lubrication.
Fix: Replace turbo with OEM-reconditioned unit; install oil line upgrade kit and enforce cooldown routine per Porsche bulletin.
Cylinder head stud pull-out or stripping
Symptoms: Oil leaks at head/case junction, compression loss, misfires.
Cause: Repeated thermal cycling and high boost stress the magnesium crankcase threads holding head studs.
Fix: Install helicoil or timesert inserts in case threads; use updated ARP studs and torque-to-yield procedure per TIS.
K-Jetronic warm-up regulator failure
Symptoms: Hard cold starts, rich running, black smoke, poor idle stability.
Cause: Diaphragm wear or vacuum leak in warm-up regulator (WUR) alters control pressure during engine warm-up.
Fix: Test and recalibrate WUR on bench; replace with OEM-spec unit if out of tolerance per Porsche fuel system guide.
Intercooler duct oil contamination
Symptoms: Reduced boost efficiency, oil mist in intake tract, carbon buildup on intake valves.
Cause: Positive crankcase pressure vents oil vapour into intercooler via breather lines in high-load operation.
Fix: Install inline oil separator in breather circuit; clean intercooler and intake runners; inspect for clogged PCV.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1975–1989) and Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) failure statistics (1980–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

PORSCHE 930-25 FAQ Common Questions Answered

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

The 930.25 is robust when driven respectfully, but its turbocharged air-cooled design demands disciplined cooldown and high-quality oil. Neglecting post-drive cooling leads to turbo failure. Well-maintained 930s can exceed 200,000 km. Post-1986 models benefit from catalytic and ECU improvements enhancing drivability and emissions compliance.

Top issues include turbo oil coking, cylinder head stud pull-out, K-Jetronic WUR failure, and intercooler oil contamination. These are documented in Porsche service bulletins. Oil leaks from case seals and distributor wear are also frequent due to thermal cycling.

This engine powered all 911 Turbo (930) models from 1975 to 1989: non-intercooled (1975–1977), intercooled (1978–1985), and catalytic/Clubsport (1986–1989). No other Porsche or third-party models used this specific turbo flat-six configuration.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the 930-25 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 14–17 L/100km (17–20 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Aggressive use or track days can push this beyond 20 L/100km. Economy is heavily influenced by warm-up enrichment and boost events due to the mechanical injection system.

No. The flat-six uses a non-interference valvetrain. If the timing chain fails, valves and pistons do not contact, preventing catastrophic damage—though the engine will stall and require service.

Porsche specifies 15W-50 semi-synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 spec (post-1980). Pre-1980 engines used 20W-50 mineral, but modern semi-synthetics offer better turbo protection. Change every 5,000–7,500 km or 6 months—whichever comes first.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.

Evidence and uncertainty

A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.

Transparency in gaps

A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

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.

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.

Methodology

Data compilation

Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.

Corrections & Submissions

Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.

Copyright & Legal

Copyright and permissions

Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

Ownership and commercial services

EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.

Funding model

Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.

Verification and identification note

Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.