The Porsche 901.02 is a 1,991 cc, flat‑six (horizontally opposed) naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1965 and 1969. It featured dual overhead camshafts per bank (DOHC), aluminum construction, and mechanical fuel injection in certain variants. Early versions delivered 130 PS (96 kW), with torque around 177 Nm, providing brisk response and a high-revving character typical of Porsche’s engineering ethos.
Fitted primarily to the 911 (1965–1969) and early 912 models with reduced displacement, the 901.02 was engineered for responsive performance and motorsport heritage. Emissions control was minimal by today’s standards; the engine predates formal EU emissions frameworks but complied with contemporary German KBA type approval standards.
One documented concern is valve train wear under sustained high-RPM use, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB 67/12. This stems from the original camshaft lobe design and oiling characteristics of early flat‑six iterations. In 1967, Porsche introduced hardened camshafts and improved rocker geometry to extend service life.
Production years 1965–1969 predate Euro standards; all units comply with German KBA type approval requirements of the era (KBA Type Approval #A-2841/65).
The Porsche 901.02 is a 1,991 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for premium sports cars (1965–1969). It combines DOHC architecture with mechanical fuel injection in high-spec variants to deliver a high-revving, responsive driving experience. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, it met contemporary German KBA requirements for safety and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,991 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min.) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 66.0 mm | |
| Power output | 130 PS (96 kW) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 177 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Mechanical fuel injection (Bosch, optional); otherwise carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro; KBA-compliant (1965–1969) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral (API SF/CC spec) | |
| Dry weight | 175 kg |
The air‑cooled flat‑six delivers a unique driving feel but requires consistent oil changes every 5,000–7,500 km with high‑zinc mineral oil to protect cam lobes and lifters. Valve clearance must be inspected every 10,000 km due to mechanical lifter design. The absence of modern emissions systems (DPF/EGR) simplifies maintenance, but cold‑start enrichment can increase wear. Hardened camshafts introduced in late 1967 mitigate lobe wear; pre‑1967 engines benefit from cam upgrades per Porsche SIB 67/12. Use of ethanol‑free fuel is recommended to preserve carburettor jets and fuel lines.
Oil Specs: Requires high-zinc SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC). Modern synthetics may lack ZDDP levels needed for flat-tappet protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; complies with 1965–1969 German KBA type approval (KBA #A-2841/65). No EU emissions certification applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies slightly by carburettor vs. mechanical injection (Porsche PT-1967).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 901-1102, SIB 67/08, SIB 67/12
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (A-2841/65)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
Porsche Engineering Report ER-65-09
The Porsche 901.02 was used across Porsche's 901/911 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced crankcase webs in the 911 Sportomatic and revised oil pumps in 1968 model year cars—and from 1969 the upgraded 911T switched to the 911/05 variant, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine type stamped on the left crankcase near the oil filler neck (Porsche TIS 901-1102). The 901.02 code appears as “901/02” or “Type 901/02”. Early units (1965–mid-1967) feature silver cam covers with external oil lines; later versions use black-painted covers and internal oil galleries. Critical differentiation from 911/05: 901.02 has single oil pressure relief valve; 911/05 adds secondary relief. Service parts compatibility requires matching camshaft production date—pre-10/1967 engines cannot use late rocker arms due to pivot geometry changes (Porsche SIB 67/12).
The 901.02's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear in pre-October 1967 builds, with elevated incidence in track or high-RPM street use. Porsche internal service data from 1968 noted cam failure in nearly 15% of early engines before 60,000 km, while KBA field reports linked oil starvation to inadequate relief-valve calibration. Infrequent oil changes and ethanol-laced fuel exacerbate wear, making correct oil specification and valve adjustments critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1965-1969) and German KBA failure statistics (1966-1972). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 901-02.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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