The Porsche 616.36 is a 1,582 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four (boxer) petrol engine produced between 1960 and 1965. It featured a single overhead camshaft per bank (SOHC), Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Rated output was 77 kW (105 PS) at 6,200 rpm with 137 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, giving the 356 Super 90 brisk performance for its era.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 356 B Super 90 and certain 356 C variants, the 616.36 was engineered for spirited road driving with responsive throttle and crisp high‑rpm character. Emissions controls were not mandated during this period, so the engine used a conventional mechanical Bosch fuel injection system without catalytic or EGR hardware.
One documented concern is oil leakage from the pushrod tube seals and crankcase joint, referenced in Porsche Technical Bulletin TSB‑61‑03. This stems from gasket material degradation over time and thermal cycling. Porsche later improved sealing materials in service part updates to mitigate seepage in high‑mileage units.
Production years 1960–1965 predate EU emissions legislation; engine is exempt from Euro standards (KBA Historical Vehicle Registry, Ref. HVR/616/1962).
The Porsche 616.36 is a 1,582 cc air‑cooled flat‑four engineered for lightweight sports cars (1960–1965). It combines Bosch mechanical fuel injection with a high‑revving SOHC layout to deliver responsive performance and linear power delivery. Designed before emissions regulations, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and driver engagement over compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,582 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4 (boxer), SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 73.0 mm | |
| Power output | 77 kW (105 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch mechanical fuel injection (MFI) | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-regulation) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled (fan‑driven) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The gear-driven SOHC layout provides precise valve actuation and high-rpm reliability but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 10,000 km. Bosch MFI systems demand clean, dry fuel and calibrated injectors to prevent lean running. Air-cooling efficiency drops in stop-and-go traffic, so thermal management via fan belt tension and cylinder head fin cleanliness is critical. Pushrod tube seals are prone to hardening with age—replacing them with modern Viton equivalents per TSB‑61‑03 prevents oil weeping. Use only non-detergent mineral oil to protect older bearing surfaces.
Oil Specs: Requires non-detergent SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Porsche 356 C Owner's Manual, 1964). Modern synthetics may damage vintage seals.
Emissions: No emissions standard applies (pre-1970). Exempt under KBA Historical Vehicle Directive (HVR/616/1962).
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020. Verified in KBA Type Approval KBA‑356B/1961.
Porsche Technical Service Bulletins: TSB‑61‑01, TSB‑61‑02, TSB‑61‑03
Porsche 356 Workshop Manual (1963), Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG
Porsche Engineering Report ER‑616/1960
The Porsche 616.36 was used exclusively in the Porsche 356 B and 356 C platforms with rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine featured platform-specific intake manifolds and exhaust headers—and from 1964 the 356 C received revised engine mounts and updated pushrod tubes, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code “616.36” is stamped on the left crankcase flange adjacent to the generator stand (Porsche TSB‑61‑01). The 616.36 is identifiable by its Bosch mechanical fuel injection pump (mounted vertically on the rear crankcase) and twin‑barrel air cleaner housing. Do not confuse with the 616/1 (carbureted) or 616.21 (lower-compression). All 616.36 units have a 20 mm oil filler cap and lack emissions hardware. Engine numbers for this variant begin with “61636*”.
The 616.36's primary reliability risk is oil leakage from aging pushrod tube seals and crankcase joints, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or long-idle vehicles. Porsche internal field reports from 1966 noted over 60% of 356s required resealing after 80,000 km, while KBA preservation audits confirm oil seepage as the most common mechanical defect in surviving units. Thermal cycling and infrequent use accelerate gasket hardening, making periodic inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1960–1966) and KBA historical vehicle audits (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 616-36.
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