The Porsche 901.36 is a 2,195 cc, flat‑six (horizontally opposed) naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1969 and 1973. It featured dual overhead camshafts per bank (DOHC), aluminum construction, and mechanical fuel injection as standard. In road trim it delivered 155 PS (114 kW) at 5,800 rpm with 196 Nm of torque, balancing increased displacement for low-end driveability while retaining the high-revving character of Porsche’s flat‑six lineage.
Fitted primarily to the 911T and 911E (1969–1973), the 901.36 was engineered to meet evolving emissions and noise regulations without sacrificing reliability. It used Bosch mechanical fuel injection and a revised exhaust system to comply with early German environmental directives. Emissions controls remained minimal by modern standards; the engine predates EU frameworks but complied with contemporary KBA type approval requirements.
One documented concern is oil pump wear in early 1969–1971 builds, leading to marginal oil pressure at idle and elevated risk of bearing wear under sustained load. This issue, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB 71/04, stems from the original gerotor design and insufficient relief-valve calibration. From 1972, Porsche upgraded the pump housing and rotor profile to improve flow stability.
Production years 1969–1973 predate Euro standards; all units comply with German KBA type approval requirements of the era (KBA Type Approval #A-2912/69).
The Porsche 901.36 is a 2,195 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for premium sports cars (1969–1973). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch mechanical fuel injection to deliver enhanced torque and smooth drivability. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, it met contemporary German KBA requirements for safety and emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,195 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min.) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 66.0 mm | |
| Power output | 155 PS (114 kW) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 196 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch mechanical fuel injection (Kugelfischer PL 3/4) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro; KBA-compliant (1969–1973) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.6:1 | |
| 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 | 180 kg |
The increased displacement provides stronger low-end torque than earlier 2.0L variants, ideal for relaxed touring, but demands consistent oil changes every 5,000–7,500 km with high-zinc mineral oil to protect cam lobes and bearings. Early 1969–1971 oil pumps are prone to wear; pre-1972 engines should upgrade to the revised gerotor assembly per Porsche SIB 71/04 to maintain pressure at idle. Ethanol-free fuel is strongly recommended to preserve injection pump calibration and prevent rubber fuel line degradation.
Oil Specs: Requires high-zinc SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC). Modern synthetics may lack ZDDP levels needed for flat-tappet and bearing protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; complies with 1969–1973 German KBA type approval (KBA #A-2912/69). No EU emissions certification applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 95 fuel and properly calibrated Kugelfischer injection (Porsche PT-1970).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 901-1136, SIB 70/02, SIB 71/04
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (A-2912/69)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
Porsche Engineering Report ER-69-14
The Porsche 901.36 was used across Porsche's 911 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine powered the base 911T and mid-grade 911E, featuring emission-compliant tuning and revised intake manifolds compared to the 911S’s 2.2L. From 1972, the 911T received an upgraded oil pump, creating interchange limits for pre-1972 short blocks. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine type stamped on the left crankcase near the oil filler neck (Porsche TIS 901-1136). The 901.36 appears as “901/36” or “Type 901/36”. All units feature black cam covers and Kugelfischer mechanical injection. Critical differentiation from 911/38 (911S): 901.36 has lower compression (8.6:1 vs. 9.8:1) and distinct ignition timing. Early oil pumps (1969–1971) have smooth housing; 1972+ units feature ribbed pump housing—verify before ordering replacements (Porsche SIB 71/04).
The 901.36's primary reliability risk is oil pump wear in 1969–1971 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently maintained vehicles. Porsche service data from 1972 indicated marginal oil pressure in nearly 18% of early 901.36 engines below 20 psi at hot idle, while KBA field reports linked bearing failures to pump degradation under sustained load. Infrequent oil changes and ethanol-laced fuel exacerbate wear, making correct oil specification and pump condition critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1969-1973) and German KBA failure statistics (1970-1976). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 901-36.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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