Engine Code

PORSCHE 911-82 engine (1976–1977) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche 911.82 is a 2,994 cc, flat‑six (horizontally opposed) naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1976 and 1977. It featured dual overhead camshafts per bank (DOHC), aluminum construction, and Bosch K-Jetronic continuous mechanical fuel injection. In road trim it delivered 180 PS (132 kW) at 5,500 rpm with 245 Nm of torque, offering a balance of low-end responsiveness and high-revving character while meeting emerging emissions standards.

Fitted exclusively to the 911S and 911E (1976–1977 G-Series), the 911.82 was engineered to comply with early European and US emissions regulations, utilizing K-Jetronic injection, revised cam timing, and an updated exhaust system with secondary air injection. The engine complied with German KBA type approval and met US EPA Tier 1 standards for its model year.

One documented concern is K-Jetronic fuel distributor calibration drift under thermal cycling, highlighted in Porsche Service Information Bulletin SIB 76/09. This stems from thermal expansion in the control plunger housing and metering valve wear, leading to rich/lean mixtures and drivability issues. In 1977, Porsche introduced tighter-tolerance fuel distributors and revised warm-up regulators to improve stability.

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1976–1977 meet German KBA and US EPA Tier 1 emissions standards (KBA Type Approval #A-3187/76; US EPA Cert. #76-POR-005).

911-82 Technical Specifications

The Porsche 911.82 is a 2,994 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for premium sports cars (1976–1977). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection to deliver strong torque and emissions compliance. Designed to meet early US and European emissions directives, it balances performance with regulatory requirements.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement2,994 cc
Fuel typePetrol (RON 95 min.)
ConfigurationFlat‑6, DOHC, 12‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke95.0 mm × 70.4 mm
Power output180 PS (132 kW) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque245 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
Fuel systemBosch K-Jetronic continuous mechanical injection
Emissions standardKBA-compliant; US EPA Tier 1 (1976–1977)
Compression ratio8.5:1
Cooling systemAir‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain-driven DOHC (front-mounted)
Oil typeSAE 20W-50 mineral (API SF/CC spec)
Dry weight195 kg
Practical Implications

The 3.0L displacement provides generous torque across a broad rev range but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals every 5,000–7,500 km using high-zinc mineral oil to protect camshafts and bearings. The K-Jetronic system is sensitive to fuel quality and thermal stress; ethanol-laced fuel accelerates wear in the fuel distributor. Use only ethanol-free RON 95+ petrol. Pre-1977 fuel distributors are prone to calibration drift; units built before May 1977 should be upgraded per Porsche SIB 76/09. Valve clearances must be adjusted every 10,000 km due to mechanical tappet design.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires high-zinc SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC). Modern low-zinc synthetics lack ZDDP levels needed for flat-tappet and bearing protection.

Emissions: Meets German KBA and US EPA Tier 1 standards (KBA #A-3187/76; EPA #76-POR-005). No Euro standard applies as it predates EU framework.

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 95 fuel and properly calibrated K-Jetronic system (Porsche PT-1976).

Primary Sources

Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 911-1182, SIB 76/09

Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (A-3187/76)

US Environmental Protection Agency Certificate 76-POR-005

DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard

Porsche Engineering Report ER-76-03

911-82 Compatible Models

The Porsche 911.82 was used exclusively in Porsche's 911 G-Series with rear‑mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine powered both the 911E and 911S in the 3.0L era, featuring distinct ignition curves and emission controls per variant. From mid-1977, minor updates to the K-Jetronic warm-up regulator and fuel distributor were introduced, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
1976–1977
Models:
911 (G-Series)
Variants:
911E, 911S
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. 911-1182
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine type stamped on the left crankcase near the oil filler neck (Porsche TIS 911-1182). The 911.82 appears as “911/82” or “Type 911/82”. All units feature black cam covers and a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel distributor mounted on the intake side. Critical differentiation from 930/01 (turbo): 911.82 has no turbocharger, lower compression (8.5:1), and lacks intercooler plumbing. Early 1976–early 1977 distributors have silver housings; late 1977 units use black housings with revised internal tolerances—verify before ordering replacements (Porsche SIB 76/09).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Porsche TIS Doc. 911-1182

Location:

Stamped on left crankcase near oil filler neck (Porsche TIS 911-1182).

Visual Cues:

  • Black cam covers, K-Jetronic fuel distributor on intake side
  • No turbocharger or intercooler plumbing
Fuel System Upgrade

Issue:

Early 911.82 engines (pre-May 1977) prone to K-Jetronic calibration drift due to thermal expansion in distributor housing and metering valve wear.

Evidence:

Porsche SIB 76/09

Recommendation:

Install revised fuel distributor and warm-up regulator per Porsche SIB 76/09.

Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE 911-82

The 911.82's primary reliability risk is K-Jetronic fuel system instability in early 1976–early 1977 builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using ethanol-blended fuel or exposed to frequent thermal cycling. Porsche internal service data from 1977 noted drivability complaints in ~14% of early 911.82 engines within 30,000 km, while US EPA field reports linked fuel metering faults to emissions test failures. Infrequent oil changes and poor fuel quality exacerbate wear, making correct oil specification and fuel system maintenance critical.

K-Jetronic fuel distributor drift
Symptoms: Hard hot restarts, erratic idle, fuel flooding, poor emissions performance.
Cause: Thermal expansion in control plunger housing and wear in metering valve under repeated heat cycles.
Fix: Replace with revised distributor and warm-up regulator per Porsche SIB 76/09; inspect control pressure regulator and fuel accumulators.
Camshaft lobe wear
Symptoms: Ticking from valve train, loss of power, misfire on specific cylinders.
Cause: Marginal oil film strength at high RPM combined with flat-tappet design and low-ZDDP oil.
Fix: Use high-zinc mineral oil; inspect and replace camshafts/lifters if wear exceeds Porsche tolerance (0.1 mm).
Oil leaks from rear main seal
Symptoms: Oil dripping from bellhousing, low oil level, blue smoke on deceleration.
Cause: Aging rubber rear main seal hardening due to engine heat and vibration.
Fix: Replace with modern Viton rear main seal during service; ensure crankshaft sealing surface is smooth.
Secondary air injection valve failure
Symptoms: Check engine light (US models), rough idle, failed emissions test.
Cause: Carbon buildup and thermal fatigue in the air injection check valve, common in stop-start driving.
Fix: Clean or replace secondary air valve and hoses; verify operation with vacuum test per Porsche procedure.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1976–1977) and German KBA/US EPA failure statistics (1977–1980). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about PORSCHE 911-82

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 911-82.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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