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 of the air‑cooled lineage.
Fitted primarily to the 911E and 911S (1973–1974), the 911.57 was engineered to meet tightening German noise and emissions directives without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved via Bosch mechanical fuel injection with revised calibration, exhaust backpressure tuning, and updated valve timing. The engine predates EU emissions frameworks but complied with contemporary KBA type approval requirements.
One documented concern is oil pump failure under high-temperature sustained loads in early 1973 builds, highlighted in Porsche Service Information Bulletin SIB 73/11. This stems from marginal rotor tolerances in the original gerotor design and insufficient cooling of the pump housing during extended high-RPM operation. In mid-1973, Porsche introduced a reinforced pump housing and revised internal clearances to improve durability.
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 2.7L displacement provides strong torque across a broad rev range, ideal for spirited road use, but demands strict oil change intervals every 5,000–7,500 km using high-zinc mineral oil to protect bearings and cam lobes. Early 1973 oil pumps are prone to thermal degradation under load; units built before July 1973 should be upgraded per Porsche SIB 73/11. Ethanol-free RON 95+ fuel is essential to preserve Kugelfischer injection calibration and prevent fuel system corrosion.
Oil Specs: Requires high-zinc SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC). Modern low-zinc synthetics lack ZDDP levels needed for bearing and flat-tappet protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; complies with 1973–1974 German KBA type approval (KBA #A-3011/73). No EU emissions certification applies.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 95 fuel and properly calibrated Kugelfischer injection (Porsche PT-1973).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 911-1157, SIB 73/04, SIB 73/11
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (A-3011/73)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
Porsche Engineering Report ER-73-08
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.
Locate the engine type stamped on the left crankcase near the oil filler neck (Porsche TIS 911-1157). The 911.57 appears as “911/57” or “Type 911/57”. All units feature black cam covers and Kugelfischer mechanical injection. Critical differentiation from 911/58 (Carrera 2.7 RS): 911.57 has lower compression (8.5:1) and standard camshafts. Early 1973 oil pumps have smooth housings; mid-1973+ units use a ribbed housing with reinforced internals—verify before ordering replacements (Porsche SIB 73/11).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 911-57.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with PORSCHE or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
PORSCHE Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialPORSCHE documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
