The Peugeot PRV 2.8L is a 2,849 cc, 90° V6 petrol engine co-developed by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo, produced between 1975 and 1998. It features a cast-iron block, aluminium heads, and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank with two valves per cylinder. Early versions produced 103 kW (140 PS), while later fuel-injected variants reached up to 125 kW (170 PS), with torque figures between 215–235 Nm.
Fitted to models such as the Peugeot 504, 505, and 605, the PRV 2.8L was engineered for smooth torque delivery and relaxed highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through carburetion (early) or Bosch L-Jetronic/K-Jetronic fuel injection (later), with most units meeting Euro 1 standards after 1992.
One documented concern is head gasket failure under sustained high-load conditions, particularly in pre-1985 units using the original gasket design. This issue, referenced in Peugeot Technical Bulletin MOT 78/12, stems from thermal stress at the siamesed exhaust ports. From 1986 onward, revised gasket materials and coolant routing reduced recurrence.
Production years 1975–1992 meet pre-Euro standards; 1993–1998 models meet Euro 1 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Peugeot PRV 2.8L is a 2,849 cc 90° V6 petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and coupés (1975–1998). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch fuel injection (post-1981) to deliver smooth torque and relaxed cruising. Designed to meet Euro 1 (post-1992) or pre-Euro standards, it balances refinement with mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,849 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 69.3 mm | |
| Power output | 103–125 kW (140–170 PS) | |
| Torque | 215–235 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Carburettor (early); Bosch L/K-Jetronic (post-1981) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (pre-1993); Euro 1 (1993–1998) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1–9.3:1 (varies by model year) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts (dual chains) | |
| Oil type | API SG/SH, SAE 10W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 172 kg |
The PRV 2.8L offers smooth V6 refinement but requires vigilant cooling system maintenance to prevent head gasket failure, especially in pre-1986 units. Use of correct 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil is essential for cam and lifter longevity. Carburetted versions demand precise mixture adjustment to avoid lean running and overheating. Post-1992 Euro 1 models include catalytic converters and oxygen sensors requiring unleaded fuel (EN 228). Bosch fuel injection systems are sensitive to fuel pressure deviations; always verify regulator function during drivability diagnostics. Replace timing chains every 120,000 km per Peugeot SIB MOT 78/12.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/SH or equivalent (Peugeot Owner Handbook 505/605). ACEA A3 not formally specified.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1993–1998 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Earlier units are pre-Euro.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 125 kW output requires Bosch K-Jetronic injection and 95 RON fuel (Peugeot TIS M3310).
Peugeot Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M3310, E09‑4521, SIB MOT 78/12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Peugeot PRV 2.8L was used across Peugeot's 504/505/605 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Renault and Volvo under the PRV consortium. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the 605 and upgraded cooling in the 505 Turbo—and from 1993 the 605 SRi adopted catalytic converters and sequential injection, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (Peugeot TIS M3310). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('8' for 2.8L). Early carburetted engines have a single downdraft carburettor and no lambda sensor; post-1981 units feature Bosch injection with a fuel rail and airflow meter. Critical differentiation from 2.5L PRV: 2.8L has 93.0 mm bore (vs. 88 mm) and longer stroke. Service parts for pre-1986 head gaskets are incompatible with later designs due to material and coolant passage changes (Peugeot SIB MOT 78/12).
The PRV 2.8L's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure in pre-1986 builds, with elevated incidence under sustained high-load or hot-climate use. Peugeot internal service data from 1984 noted a significant portion of 505 V6 engines requiring gasket replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show cooling system neglect as a leading cause of premature failure. Extended idling and towing amplify thermal stress, making coolant maintenance and mixture control critical.
Analysis derived from Peugeot technical bulletins (1978–1995) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PEUGEOT PRV-2-8L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with PEUGEOT or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
PEUGEOT Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
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.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialPEUGEOT documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
