The Peugeot 405 T16 is a 1,905 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1988 and 1992. It features a cast-iron block, aluminium cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts, and a Garrett T3 turbocharger, delivering 160 kW (200 PS) and 260 Nm of torque in road-going form. The engine’s high specific output was enabled by multi-point fuel injection and a forged rotating assembly, providing strong mid-range thrust for spirited road use.
Fitted exclusively to the homologation-special 405 T16 sedan and Mi16 variants, the engine was developed to support Peugeot’s World Rally Championship program under Group A rules. It was engineered for responsive performance and rally-bred durability, with emissions compliance achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda sensor, meeting Euro 1 standards in European markets.
One documented engineering concern is head gasket failure under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Peugeot Technical Bulletin #PS-TB-89-03. This issue stems from thermal stress at the fire ring near cylinder 4 due to compact exhaust manifold routing. In 1990, Peugeot revised the gasket material and coolant channel design to improve sealing integrity.
Production years 1988–1992 meet Euro 1 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/405T).
The Peugeot 405 T16 is a 1,905 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance homologation specials (1988–1992). It combines a forged bottom end with multi-point fuel injection and a single turbocharger to deliver rally-derived responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances motorsport heritage with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,905 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (95 RON minimum) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 160 kW (200 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch LE-Jetronic multi-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary fan | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T3 (fixed geometry) | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (DOHC, 100,000 km replacement) | |
| Oil type | Peugeot 10W‑40 mineral/synthetic blend (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The low 8.0:1 compression ratio enables safe boost levels but demands high-octane fuel (95 RON minimum) to prevent knock under load. The toothed timing belt requires replacement every 100,000 km or 5 years—failure results in interference damage. The Garrett T3 turbo generates significant heat; post-drive cooldown is recommended to extend bearing life. Early head gaskets (pre-1990) are prone to failure under track use; upgraded gaskets per PS-TB-89-03 are advised. The Bosch LE-Jetronic system is sensitive to vacuum leaks and fuel pressure fluctuations.
Oil Specs: Requires Peugeot 10W-40 meeting API SG/CC (Peugeot Lubricants Spec PS-LS-88). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1988–1992 405 T16 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/405T).
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020. Output verified via Peugeot Group PT-1990 dyno logs.
Peugeot Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P45-T16-01, P45-T16-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/405T)
EU Directive 91/441/EEC (Euro 1)
The Peugeot 405 T16 was used exclusively in Peugeot's P45 platform with longitudinal front-engine mounting and no licensed derivatives. This engine received a critical head gasket revision in 1990, creating parts interchange limits between early and late production. No cross-brand usage exists. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code “XU9 T16” is stamped on the left side of the block near the bellhousing flange (Peugeot TIS P45-T16-01). VIN digit 4 is “T” for T16 variants. Critical differentiation from standard XU9: T16 uses a unique exhaust manifold with integrated turbo mount, larger intercooler, and reinforced main bearings. Pre-1990 blocks have casting number 7245; post-1990 units use 7245R with revised coolant passages. Service parts must match production date—head gasket kits for pre-1990 engines are incompatible with later units due to fire ring redesign (Peugeot TB #PS-TB-89-03).
The 405 T16's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure on early production engines, with elevated incidence in high-ambient or track use. Peugeot internal quality reports from 1989 noted a significant share of pre-1990 units requiring head resealing before 80,000 km, while UK DVLA data shows frequent MOT advisories for turbo oil leaks in surviving examples. Sustained high-load operation without thermal management makes gasket and turbo bearing longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Peugeot technical bulletins (1988–1992) and UK DVLA/DVSA historical records (1990–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PEUGEOT 405-T16.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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