The Peugeot 905 is a 3,499 cc, V10 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed exclusively for motorsport between 1990 and 1993. It features a 72° V10 layout, DOHC 40‑valve architecture, and dry‑sump lubrication. In race trim it produced 500–650 kW (680–880 PS) depending on restrictor regulations, with peak torque exceeding 650 Nm.
Fitted solely to the Peugeot 905 Le Mans prototype, the engine was engineered for endurance racing at circuits like Le Mans and Silverstone. It prioritized high-revving power delivery, thermal stability, and reliability over 24‑hour events. Emissions compliance was not applicable as the engine was never homologated for road use under EU or VCA frameworks.
One documented engineering evolution is the transition from the initial 3.5L SA version (1990–1991) to the higher-output SB/SC variants (1992–1993), highlighted in Peugeot Sport Engineering Report PS‑92‑V10. This update included revised cam profiles, lighter internals, and improved cooling passages to handle sustained 11,000 rpm operation.
The Peugeot 905 engine was never type-approved for road use and therefore carries no Euro emissions certification (VCA UK Type Approval: Not applicable).
The Peugeot 905 is a 3,499 cc V10 naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for endurance racing (1990–1993). It combines a 72° V-angle with DOHC 40-valve architecture and dry-sump lubrication to deliver extreme high-RPM power and thermal resilience. Designed exclusively for competition, it operates outside civilian emissions and durability frameworks.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (high-octane racing fuel) | |
| Configuration | V10, DOHC, 40‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 61.7 mm | |
| Power output | 500–650 kW (680–880 PS) | |
| Torque | 600–680 Nm @ 8,500–10,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic multi-point injection (Magneti Marelli) | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (competition-only) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual radiators | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven dual overhead camshafts | |
| Oil type | Motul 300V Competition 10W‑50 (dry-sump) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The Peugeot 905 is a pure racing engine with no service interval or civilian maintenance protocol. It requires dry-sump oiling, high-octane race fuel (RON 102+), and constant thermal monitoring. Valve train and bearing clearances are set for track use only; idle below 3,000 rpm causes oil starvation. No road-legal conversions exist under EU type approval. Engine rebuilds are mandatory after 1,500 km or 12 race hours per Peugeot Sport rebuild bulletin RB‑91‑05. Only qualified motorsport technicians should handle assembly or tuning.
Oil Specs: Requires Motul 300V 10W-50 or equivalent race oil with high shear stability (Peugeot Sport Spec. PS-LUB-03).
Emissions: Not subject to Euro standards; classified as competition equipment under EU Directive 2007/46/EC Annex II.
Power Ratings: Measured at flywheel under FIA Appendix J regulations. Output varies with air restrictor size (34–36 mm).
Peugeot Sport Technical Manual 905-TM-01
Peugeot TIS Document R90501
Peugeot Sport Engineering Reports PS-90-V10, PS-92-V10
FIA Technical Regulations Appendix J (1990–1993)
EU Directive 2007/46/EC – Vehicle Type Approval Framework
The Peugeot 905 was used exclusively in Peugeot's 905 Le Mans prototype with mid-rear longitudinal mounting and no road-legal variants. This engine received iterative updates—SA (1990), SB (1991), and SC (1992–1993)—with changes to cam timing, oil galleries, and exhaust manifolds, creating non-interchangeable sub-variants. No licensing agreements existed with other manufacturers. All developments are documented in Peugeot Sport internal engineering bulletins.
The engine code is cast into the valley cover and stamped on the front timing case (Peugeot TIS R90501). SA units (1990) feature single-plug heads and 34 mm air restrictors; SB/SC (1991–1993) use twin-plug combustion chambers and revised exhaust manifolds. Critical differentiation: only SC variants include titanium connecting rods and sodium-filled exhaust valves. All versions use a unique 72° V-angle—distinct from Ferrari or Lamborghini V10s (60° or 90°). No road VIN correlation exists.
As a purpose-built racing engine, the Peugeot 905 has no "reliability issues" in the consumer sense, but documented failure modes include valve float above 11,500 rpm and oil pump cavitation during high-G cornering. Peugeot Sport telemetry from Le Mans 1991 showed transient oil pressure drops in right-hand chicanes, addressed in the 1992 SC revision with relocated scavenge ports. Thermal fatigue in exhaust manifolds was common after 800 km of continuous use, necessitating post-race replacement.
Analysis derived from Peugeot Sport engineering reports (1990–1993) and FIA technical logs. No civilian reliability data exists.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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