The Porsche 930.03 is a 3,299 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1989. It featured a KKK K27 turbocharger, Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, and an air-to-air intercooler introduced in 1978. In standard form it delivered 221 kW (300 PS) and 451 Nm of torque, enabling strong acceleration while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Fitted exclusively to the 930-series 911 Turbo (G-model and early 964), the 930.03 was engineered for high‑performance grand touring. It balanced brute-force turbo response with Porsche’s hallmark rear‑engine handling—albeit with noticeable turbo lag by modern standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic secondary air injection and catalytic converters on later models, meeting Euro 1 in select markets.
One documented concern is crankcase pressure buildup leading to oil leaks or seal failure, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin 911/75/88. This issue stems from inadequate crankcase ventilation under boost, especially when the oil breather system is clogged or modified. In 1986, Porsche introduced a revised breather and PCV setup to mitigate these effects ahead of the 964 transition.
Production years 1975–1985 meet pre‑Euro standards; 1986–1989 models may comply with Euro 1 in select markets (German KBA Type Approval #KBA/930.03/86).
The Porsche 930.03 is a 3,299 cc air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high‑performance sports cars (1975–1989). It combines mechanical K-Jetronic fuel injection with a KKK K27 turbocharger and intercooler to deliver strong mid‑range thrust and high‑speed stability. Designed before formal EU emissions regimes, later variants adopted catalytic converters to meet early Euro 1 requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,299 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (KKK K27) + intercooler (from 1978) | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 70.4 mm | |
| Power output | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 451 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical continuous injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (early); Euro 1 (1986–1989, select markets) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K27 with air-to-air intercooler (post-1977) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 20W-50 or equivalent mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 240 kg |
The 930.03 delivers dramatic turbo thrust but requires meticulous maintenance of its air-cooling and oil systems to avoid overheating or seal failure. Use of high-octane fuel (RON 98+) is essential to prevent detonation under boost. The breather system must remain unobstructed—clogged breathers increase crankcase pressure and accelerate rear main seal leaks. Early cars (1975–1977) lack an intercooler and run higher intake temps, making them prone to heat soak; post-1978 models benefit from the intercooler but still demand careful warm-up and cooldown cycles. Oil changes every 5,000 km with correct viscosity are critical due to the engine’s high thermal load.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral-based 20W-50 oil meeting Porsche L-723 (Porsche Lubricants Specification L-723). Synthetic oils are not recommended for original-spec builds.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies only to 1986–1989 models in select EU markets (KBA Type Approval #KBA/930.03/86). Earlier models lack catalytic converters.
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020 standards. Output varies slightly by market due to emission controls (Porsche PT‑1985).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P911-75, P911-FI-01, 911/75/88
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (KBA/930.03/86)
Porsche ETK (Electronic Parts Catalogue) – 930 Chassis Section
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche 930.03 was used exclusively in Porsche's 930 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal flat‑six layout. This engine powered the original 911 Turbo (G-model) from 1975 through 1989, receiving key updates including intercooler adoption in 1978 and breather system upgrades in 1986. No licensed third-party applications exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code 930.03 is stamped on the crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS P911-ID-01). The 10th digit of the VIN indicates model year, while model designation '930' confirms Turbo application. Early engines (1975–1977) lack an intercooler scoop on the rear decklid; 1978–1989 models feature a prominent 'whale tail' rear spoiler housing the intercooler. Critical differentiation: 930.03 uses K-Jetronic injection with a mechanical fuel distributor (silver), unlike later Motronic systems. The turbocharger is a KKK K27 with 'KKK' cast into the housing.
The 930.03's primary reliability risk is rear main oil seal failure due to excessive crankcase pressure under boost, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or modified examples. Porsche internal field reports from 1987 noted recurring seal leaks before 80,000 km in pre-1986 builds, while German KBA data shows elevated oil-consumption notices in early 930 Turbo models. Extended boost cycles without breather upgrades increase stress, making crankcase ventilation and seal integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1975–1989) and German KBA failure statistics (1980–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 930-03.
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