The Porsche 930.02 is a 3,299 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1989. It was the heart of the iconic 911 Turbo (930), featuring a KKK turbocharger, Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, and forged internals for high boost resilience. In standard European trim it produced 221 kW (300 PS) and 450 Nm of torque, delivering dramatic acceleration for its era.
Fitted exclusively to the 930-series 911 Turbo (G-model through 1989 911 Turbo “Slantnose”), the 930.02 was engineered for high‑performance grand touring with a focus on top‑end thrust. Emissions compliance was achieved through secondary air injection and lean‑burn strategies, allowing Euro 1-equivalent compliance in later markets under German TÜV and UK VCA frameworks.
One documented concern is turbocharger lag and associated heat stress on exhaust manifolds, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑930‑1986. Early units used a single K27 turbo with minimal intercooling, contributing to detonation under aggressive driving. From MY1978, a larger intercooler was added (“whale tail” body), improving thermal margins and reliability.
Production years 1975–1989 meet national emissions standards of the era; Euro 1 compliance applies only to select 1989 exports (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/930T).
The Porsche 930.02 is a 3,299 cc air-cooled flat-six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring (1975–1989). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with a single KKK K27 turbocharger to deliver explosive top-end power and strong mid-range thrust. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, later units incorporated modifications to meet national and VCA-equivalent requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,299 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat-6, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (KKK K27) | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 70.4 mm | |
| Power output | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro; later exports meet national equivalents (e.g., VCA) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled (oil-cooled heads) | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K27 single turbo, no intercooler (1975–1977); air-to-air intercooler (1978–1989) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-stage, robust design) | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 20W-50 or equivalent mineral oil (API SG/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The K27 turbo delivers dramatic top-end surge but exhibits significant lag below 3,000 rpm, demanding anticipatory driving. Oil changes every 5,000 km with high-zinc mineral oil (e.g., Porsche Classic 20W-50) are critical to protect camshafts and turbo thrust bearings. The air-cooled design is sensitive to ambient heat—extended idling or slow traffic can cause oil overheating. Exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking from thermal cycling; upgraded ceramic-coated manifolds per TSB-930-1986 reduce failures. Fuel must be ≥RON 98 to avoid knock under boost.
Oil Specs: Requires high-ZDDP mineral oil (e.g., Porsche Classic 20W-50). Modern synthetics may lack necessary cam protection (Porsche Lubricants Guide 1987).
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; only 1989 export models received VCA-equivalent certification (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/930T).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power varies by market due to boost pressure (0.8–1.1 bar) and exhaust tuning (Porsche PB-930-89).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PT-930-75, FT-930-77, TSB-930-1986
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/930T)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Measurement Standard
The Porsche 930.02 was used exclusively in Porsche's 930 platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—the 1978 intercooler necessitated a revised rear body and oil cooling circuit—and from 1986 the slantnose (Flachbau) variant retained identical engine specs but with enhanced ducting. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code 930.02 is stamped on the crankcase near the oil filler tube (Porsche TIS PT-930-75). The 10th VIN digit is '9' for 1979–1989 models; earlier chassis use model year codes per German standards. Visual cues: 1975–1977 units lack intercooler (smaller rear spoiler); 1978–1989 have “whale tail” with visible intercooler scoop. Turbocharger is KKK-branded K27 with “930” cast into housing. Do not confuse with non-turbo 3.0/3.2 SC engines—they lack turbo plumbing and heat shielding.
The 930.02's primary reliability risk is turbocharger and exhaust manifold heat degradation, with elevated incidence in high-ambient climates or aggressive track use. Porsche internal data from 1987 noted exhaust manifold cracks in nearly 30% of pre-1980 units by 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show frequent oil-related failures in poorly maintained examples. Thermal stress and delayed oil changes make cooling system integrity and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1975-1989) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 930-02.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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