The Porsche 911.57 is a 2,687 cc, flat‑six (horizontally opposed) naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1973 and 1974. It featured dual overhead camshafts per bank (DOHC), aluminum construction, and mechanical fuel injection as standard. In road trim it delivered 175 PS (129 kW) at 5,600 rpm with 228 Nm of torque, offering a significant low — end and mid — range improvement over earlier 2.4L units while preserving the characteristic high — revving behavior o…
Production years 1973–1974 predate Euro standards; all units comply with German KBA type approval requirements of the era (KBA Type Approval #A-3011/73).
The Porsche 911.57 is a 2,687 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for premium sports cars (1973–1974). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch mechanical fuel injection to deliver strong torque and smooth high-RPM performance. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, it met contemporary German KBA requirements for safety and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,687 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min.) | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 70.4 mm | |
Power output | 175 PS (129 kW) @ 5,600 rpm | |
Torque | 228 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch mechanical fuel injection (Kugelfischer PL 3/4) | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro; KBA-compliant (1973–1974) | |
Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |
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 | 190 kg |
The Porsche 911.57 was used in Porsche's 911 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine powered the 911E and 911S in the 2.7L generation, featuring distinct ignition and injection maps for each variant. From mid-1973, the oil pump was revised, creating service part interchange limits between early and late 1973 builds. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The 911.57's primary reliability risk is oil pump degradation in early 1973 builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature or track use. Porsche internal service data from 1974 noted oil pressure collapse in ~11% of early 911.57 engines during extended high-RPM runs, while KBA field reports linked bearing wear to lubrication breakdown. Infrequent oil changes and ethanol-laced fuel exacerbate wear, making correct oil specification and pump condition critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1973–1974) and German KBA failure statistics (1974–1978). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The 911.57 is robust when properly maintained, but early 1973 units are susceptible to oil pump thermal failure under sustained load. Mid-1973+ engines with the reinforced pump are significantly more durable. Regular oil changes with high-zinc mineral oil and valve adjustments every 10,000 km are essential for longevity.
Top issues include oil pump thermal degradation (early 1973), Kugelfischer injection drift, crankcase oil leaks, and distributor wear. These are well-documented in Porsche service bulletins, especially SIB 73/11 for oil system upgrades and SIB 73/04 for fuel system maintenance.
The 911.57 powered the 911E and 911S from 1973 to 1974 as part of the 2.7L generation. It was the standard 2.7L fuel-injected engine for non-RS applications. All are rear-engine, air-cooled coupes with mechanical injection.
Yes. Common upgrades include performance camshafts, higher-compression pistons (9.0:1+), and ported heads. Stage 1 tunes can reach 190–200 PS reliably. However, over-revving without oil system upgrades risks bearing failure—always verify oil pressure before aggressive tuning.
Typical consumption is 14–16 L/100km (urban) and 11–12 L/100km (highway), or 17–20 mpg UK combined. The mechanical injection system is less efficient than modern EFI. Driving style greatly affects real-world figures.
No. The 911.57 uses a non-interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails, pistons will not contact valves, preventing catastrophic damage—though engine function is still lost until repaired.
Porsche specifies SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC with high ZDDP content (≥1,000 ppm) for bearing and flat-tappet protection. Change every 5,000–7,500 km. Avoid modern low-zinc synthetics unless ZDDP additive is used.
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