The Porsche 901.07 is a 1,991 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six (boxer) petrol engine produced between 1964 and 1969. It features a dual carburettor fuel system, overhead valve (OHV) layout, and dry sump lubrication. In standard form it delivered 95 kW (130 PS) at 6,100 rpm with 171 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, offering refined performance for its generation.
Fitted exclusively to the first series of Porsche 911 (901 series) and early 911 T variants, the 901.07 was engineered for responsive throttle response and high‑revving character. Emissions control was minimal by modern standards, meeting only pre‑Euro regulatory thresholds enforced in West Germany at the time.
A documented concern is valve seat wear under sustained high‑load conditions when operated on unleaded fuel without hardened valve seats. This issue, noted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB‑67/12, prompted upgraded cylinder heads from mid‑1967 onward. Later service updates recommended valve seat inserts for engines retrofitted to modern fuel.
Production years 1964–1969 predate Euro emissions standards; compliance is governed by national type approvals (KBA Germany #11223).
The Porsche 901.07 is a 1,991 cc flat‑six air‑cooled petrol engine engineered for lightweight sports cars (1964–1969). It combines twin Solex carburettors with OHV architecture to deliver linear power delivery and high‑revving character. Designed before formal Euro emissions regimes, it relies on mechanical simplicity and thermal efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,991 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Leaded, compatible with unleaded with upgrades) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6 (boxer), OHV, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 66.0 mm | |
| Power output | 95 kW (130 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 171 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin Solex 40 PII-4 carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (national type approval only) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled (fan‑driven) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 125 kg |
The OHV flat-six provides a linear, rev-happy character ideal for spirited driving but requires periodic valve clearance checks every 10,000 km. Running on modern unleaded fuel demands hardened valve seats or lead substitutes to prevent recession. The dry-sump system demands precise oil level checks with engine running. Carburettor synchronization is essential for smooth idling and throttle response. Use only non-detergent mineral oil to preserve vintage oil pump clearances.
Oil Specs: Requires non-detergent SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) per Porsche Lubricants Guide 1968.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions regime; governed by KBA Germany national type approval (KBA #11223).
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020 standard. Output verified in KBA approval documentation.
Porsche Werkstatthandbuch 911 (1965)
Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB-67/12
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database #11223
Porsche Engineering Report ER-901/68
The Porsche 901.07 was used across Porsche's 901/911 platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling shrouds in early coupés and stiffer mounts for the 911 T—and from mid‑1967 the introduction of hardened valve seats for leaded-fuel phaseout planning, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the crankcase near the oil filler tube (Porsche Werkstatthandbuch 911/1965). The prefix '901/07' confirms this variant. Visual cues: twin Solex carburettors on intake side, air-cooled fins on cylinders, and dry-sump oil tank on right-hand side. Differentiate from later 911/02 by carburettor type, power output, and valve count.
The 901.07's primary reliability risk is valve seat wear when operated on unleaded fuel without modification. Porsche internal service data from 1968 noted elevated valve recession in pre‑mid‑1967 builds, while KBA workshop reports indicate carburettor imbalance as a frequent cause of rough running. Extended high-RPM use without oil changes accelerates cam lobe wear, making oil quality and valve clearance checks critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1967–1970) and Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) failure statistics (1968–1973). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 901-07.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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