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 fo…
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 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 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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
Yes, with attentive maintenance. The 911.08 is robust but requires valve adjustments every 10,000 km, oil changes every 5,000 km, and inspection of cylinder head integrity—especially on pre-mid-1968 units. Many original engines remain in service today due to Porsche’s over-engineered design.
Cylinder head fin cracking (early units), Bosch MFI calibration drift, valve cover oil seepage, and tappet rattle are most frequent. These are well-documented in Porsche TSBs from the late 1960s and remain common in vintage export 911 T restorations.
Exclusively the export-market Porsche 911 T (1967–1969), in both coupe and Targa body styles, primarily destined for North America, Australia, and the Middle East. It was never sold in the German domestic market.
Yes—common upgrades include higher-compression pistons (9.8:1+), performance cams, and MFI recalibration. The stock MFI system can be tuned for ~150 PS. However, any tuning must preserve air-cooling balance and account for regional fuel quality limitations.
Approximately 11–12 L/100km (24–26 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can achieve 9.5 L/100km (30 mpg UK). Fuel consumption is slightly better than higher-compression variants due to gentler tuning.
No. The 911.08 is a non-interference engine—the piston design ensures valves and pistons never contact, even if timing is lost. This enhances safety during cam or gear failure, though valve damage can still occur from over-revving.
SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (non-detergent). Porsche recommends against modern synthetics due to seal compatibility. Change every 5,000 km or annually to protect bearings and cam lobes.
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