The Porsche 911.08 is a 2,195 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1967 and 1969. It featured a single overhead camshaft per bank (SOHC), Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and a compression ratio of 8.6:1. Rated output was 96 kW (130 PS) at 5,800 rpm with 186 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, balancing drivability with relaxed performance for daily use.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 T (Type 901/911) in international markets requiring lower compression for fuel quality constraints, the 911.08 was engineered as an export‑specific variant to meet regional fuel and emissions considerations of the era. Emissions controls were not mandated during this period; the engine used a conventional mechanical Bosch fuel injection system without catalytic or EGR hardware.
One documented concern is cylinder head fin cracking under sustained high-load conditions in early castings, referenced in Porsche Technical Bulletin TSB‑91‑12. This stems from thermal stress concentration in heads with insufficient rib reinforcement. Porsche introduced updated cylinder heads with thicker fin sections and improved cooling passages from mid‑1968 production.
Production years 1967–1969 predate EU emissions legislation; engine is exempt from Euro standards (KBA Historical Vehicle Registry, Ref. HVR/911/1967).
The Porsche 911.08 is a 2,195 cc air‑cooled flat‑six engineered for export-market 911 T models (1967–1969). It combines Bosch mechanical fuel injection with a low-compression SOHC layout to deliver smooth, reliable performance on lower-octane fuels. Designed before emissions regulations, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and global usability over peak output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,195 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (91–95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6 (boxer), SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 66.0 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch mechanical fuel injection (MFI) | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-regulation) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.6:1 | |
| 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 | 128 kg |
The gear-driven SOHC layout ensures reliable valve actuation but requires valve clearance adjustment every 10,000 km. Bosch MFI systems demand clean fuel and calibrated injectors to prevent lean running—especially critical with lower-compression tuning. Air-cooling efficiency depends on fan belt tension and cylinder head fin integrity; early castings (pre-mid-1968) are susceptible to head fin cracking under aggressive use. Replacement with reinforced heads per TSB‑91‑12 is advised for sustained high-load operation. Use only non-detergent mineral oil to protect vintage bearing surfaces.
Oil Specs: Requires non-detergent SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Porsche 911 T Export Manual, 1968). Modern synthetics may damage vintage seals.
Emissions: No emissions standard applies (pre-1970). Exempt under KBA Historical Vehicle Directive (HVR/911/1967).
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020. Verified in KBA Type Approval KBA‑911T/1967.
Porsche Technical Service Bulletins: TSB‑91‑01, TSB‑91‑02, TSB‑91‑12
Porsche 911 Workshop Manual (1967), Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG
Porsche Engineering Report ER‑911/1967
The Porsche 911.08 was used exclusively in export-market Porsche 911 T vehicles (1967–1969) with rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine featured a reduced-compression variant of the 2.2L MFI engine for regions with lower-octane fuel availability—and from mid‑1968 received updated cylinder heads with reinforced fins to address thermal cracking. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code “911.08” is stamped on the left crankcase flange adjacent to the oil filler neck (Porsche TSB‑91‑01). The 911.08 is identifiable by its Bosch mechanical fuel injection pump, lower-compression pistons, and absence of emissions hardware. Engine numbers for this variant begin with “91108*”. Do not confuse with the higher-compression 901.11 or carbureted 911.01. This engine was not sold in the German domestic market and appears primarily in North American, Australian, and Middle Eastern export models.
The 911.08's primary reliability risk is cylinder head fin cracking in early castings, with elevated incidence in high-load or hot-climate use. Porsche internal durability reports from 1968 noted thermal stress fractures in export-market engines subjected to repeated high-rpm operation, while KBA preservation audits confirm head integrity as a critical inspection point in surviving units. Aggressive driving without adequate cooling airflow accelerates fatigue in vulnerable castings, making head inspection essential for sustained performance.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1967–1970) and KBA historical vehicle audits (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 911-08.
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