Porsche M-28-11 Engine (1982–1986) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche M28.11 is a 2,849 cc, water — cooled V6 petrol engine produced between 1982 and 1986. It features a 90‑degree V6 layout, Bosch K — Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, and a single — row timing chain driving dual overhead camshafts per bank. Output was rated at 132 kW (180 PS) @ 5,600 rpm and 235 Nm of torque, engineered for smooth mid — range delivery in front — engine applications.

Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 924 Carrera GT and limited 944 models for homologatio…

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1982–1986 meet EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Euro pre-1) standards depending on market .

Porsche M-28-11 Technical Specifications

The Porsche M28.11 is a 2,849 cc 90-degree V6 petrol engine engineered for high-revving GT applications (1982–1986). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection with dual overhead camshafts to deliver linear power and race-derived responsiveness. Designed to meet pre-Euro emissions thresholds, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability over electronic control.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
2,849 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (RON 95 minimum, RON 98 recommended)
Configuration
V6, DOHC, 24‑valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
89.0 mm × 76.0 mm
Power output
132 kW (180 PS) @ 5,600 rpm
Torque
235 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical continuous injection
Emissions standard
EU Directive 70/220/EEC (pre-Euro 1)
Compression ratio
9.7:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled
Turbocharger
None
Timing system
Single-row chain with hydraulic tensioner and phenolic/nylon guides
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
168 kg

Porsche M-28-11 Compatible Models

The Porsche M28.11 was used exclusively in the Porsche 924 platform with front-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine was developed specifically for the homologation-special 924 Carrera GT and select 944 Competition variants, featuring dry-sump lubrication, higher compression, and race-tuned exhaust. From 1986, the M28.11 was superseded by the M44/40 in the 944 S. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
1982–1986
Models:
924 Carrera GT
Variants:
Homologation special, Clubsport
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. M28-TB-1986
Make:
Porsche
Years:
1984–1985
Models:
944 (Competition package)
Variants:
Limited run, FIA Group B prep
View Source
Porsche Motorsport Bulletin #MS-84-12

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 M-28-11 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.

Timing chain tensioner rail fracture
Symptoms: Rattle from front cover (especially on deceleration), cam timing variance, misfire, check engine light (if equipped).
Cause: Material fatigue in early phenolic tensioner guides under thermal and mechanical stress during high-RPM operation.
Fix: Install revised nylon-reinforced tensioner rails and updated chain kit per TSB 944/TSB/84-03; verify cam timing with dial indicators.
K-Jetronic control pressure drift
Symptoms: Lean misfire, hesitation under load, poor cold starts, elevated exhaust temperatures.
Cause: Degraded warm-up regulator or leaking control pressure regulator causing incorrect fuel metering.
Fix: Replace warm-up regulator and control pressure device with OEM-spec units; recalibrate system per WIS Section 281.
Oil cooler seal failure
Symptoms: Oil leaks at front radiator area, low oil level, coolant contamination (in rare cases).
Cause: Aging O-rings in dry-sump oil cooler lines subjected to thermal cycling and vibration.
Fix: Replace all oil cooler seals and lines with OEM parts; inspect scavenge pump for damage during reassembly.
Exhaust manifold stud corrosion
Symptoms: Exhaust ticking, boost-like flutter (false boost), failed emissions due to air leaks.
Cause: Dissimilar metal corrosion between cast-iron manifold and aluminum head in humid climates.
Fix: Replace with stainless steel studs and copper gaskets; apply anti-seize during reassembly per Porsche torque specs.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1982–1986) and UK DVSA historic MOT failure statistics (1990–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

PORSCHE M-28-11 FAQ Common Questions Answered

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

The M28.11 offers race-bred performance but demands disciplined maintenance. Early builds (1982–mid-1984) are prone to timing rail failure, while post-TSB revisions improved durability. With upgraded rails, proper oil, and K-Jetronic care, it can be reliable. Many competition examples exceed 120,000 km with rebuilds.

Top issues include timing chain tensioner rail fracture, K-Jetronic calibration drift, oil cooler seal leaks, and exhaust manifold stud corrosion. All are documented in Porsche TSBs. Fuel system degradation is frequent in neglected examples.

Exclusively the 924 Carrera GT (1982–1986) and limited 944 Competition variants (1984–1985). It was never used in standard 924/944 models or non-Porsche vehicles. The 944 S (1987+) uses the unrelated M44/40 engine.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the M-28-11 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.

Moderate for its era. Expect 12–14 L/100km (19–23 mpg UK) in mixed driving. High-RPM use and mechanical injection reduce efficiency. Aggressive driving can exceed 16 L/100km.

Yes. The M28.11 is an interference V6 due to tight piston-to-valve clearance at TDC. If timing chain fails or jumps, severe valve and piston damage is likely. Tensioner rail integrity is critical.

Porsche specifies 10W-40 synthetic meeting A40 (or ACEA A3/B3) with high detergent content. Change every 10,000 km or annually. ZDDP additives are beneficial for cam lobe protection under high-load conditions.

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.