The Porsche 616.39 is a 1,582 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1960 and 1965. It features pushrod-operated valves, a single Solex carburettor, and chain-driven camshafts. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,400 rpm and 118 Nm of torque at 3,900 rpm, offering brisk performance for its era.
Fitted primarily to the Porsche 356 B (T5 and T6 chassis), the 616.39 was engineered for responsive throttle behavior, reliability in long-distance touring, and compatibility with contemporary fuel grades. Emissions controls were not mandated during this period; combustion efficiency relied on precise carburetion and tuned intake manifolds.
One documented concern is camshaft lobe wear under high-RPM or infrequent oil-change conditions, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB‑49/62. This issue stems from boundary lubrication challenges in the pushrod valvetrain. In 1963, Porsche introduced revised cam profiles and improved hardening processes to extend service life.
The 616.39 predates EU emissions regulations; no Euro standard applies (VCA historical vehicle exemption class).
The Porsche 616.39 is a 1,582 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for sports coupés and roadsters (1960–1965). It combines a single Solex 32 PBIJ carburettor with a chain-driven camshaft to deliver linear throttle response and reliable high-RPM operation. Designed before emissions mandates, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,582 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (min. 91 RON) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4 (Boxer), OHV, 2 valves per cylinder | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 73.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 3,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single Solex 32 PBIJ carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (pre-regulation era) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled (fan‑driven) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Duplex roller chain (camshaft drive) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SN or equivalent) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The pushrod valvetrain delivers classic 356 character but requires diligent oil changes every 5,000–7,000 km to prevent cam lobe wear. Use high-zinc (ZDDP) oil formulations to protect flat-tappet surfaces under boundary lubrication. Carburettor tuning must account for altitude and ambient temperature to avoid lean misfire. Chain tension should be inspected every 20,000 km; stretch beyond 2.5 mm requires replacement per PTB‑49/62. Original Solex carburettors are sensitive to ethanol-blended fuels—use ethanol-free petrol where possible.
Oil Specs: Requires ZDDP-containing SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Porsche Workshop Manual 356 B, Section 00-03).
Emissions: No emissions standard applies (pre-1970 vehicle under EU Directive 2007/46/EC Annex IV).
Power Ratings: Measured on DIN 70020 dynamometer standard. Output verified via factory test sheets (TS-61639-1961).
Porsche Technical Information System: Workshop Manual 356 B (1961)
Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB‑49/62
Porsche Engineering Report E‑112/60
EU Directive 2007/46/EC – Vehicle Type Approval Framework
The Porsche 616.39 was used across Porsche's 356 B platform with rear‑mounted longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the T6 chassis and modified exhaust routing for the Convertible D—and from 1963 the updated camshaft profiles per PTB‑49/62, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine number stamped on the crankcase near the flywheel housing (e.g., '61639*' followed by sequential digits). The 616.39 is identified by its 1,582 cc displacement, Solex 32 PBIJ carburettor, and 8.5:1 compression ratio. Pre-1963 units have smooth camshaft sprockets; post-PTB‑49/62 engines feature serrated sprockets and hardened lobes. Unlike the 616/16 (1.6L Super 90), the 616.39 lacks dual carburettors and has a single intake manifold. Do not interchange camshafts between pre- and post-1963 builds—tensioner geometry differs.
The 616.39's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear under extended oil-change intervals or high-RPM use. Porsche internal data from 1963 indicated cam failures in 12% of pre-1963 engines before 60,000 km, while later revisions saw failure rates drop below 3%. Infrequent oil changes and ethanol-blended fuels accelerate valvetrain and carburettor degradation, making oil quality and fuel selection critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1960–1965) and EU historical vehicle maintenance guidelines (2007–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 616-39.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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PORSCHE Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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