The Porsche 930.09 is a 3,299 cc, air — cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1989. It features a single KKK turbocharger, Bosch K — Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, and an air — cooled crankcase with oil — cooled cylinder heads. Output ranged from 221 kW (300 PS) to 235 kW (320 PS) in the 1989 “Turbo S” variant, delivering strong mid — range thrust and a distinct lag — heavy powerband characteristic of early turbo systems.
Fitted exclusively t…
Production years 1975–1983 meet EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Euro pre-1); 1984–1989 models comply with revised EU emissions thresholds and US EPA standards depending on market (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Porsche 930.09 is a 3,299 cc air-cooled flat-six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance GT applications (1975–1989). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with a single KKK turbocharger to deliver dramatic boost-driven torque and high-speed stability. Designed to meet pre-Euro and transitional EU emissions standards, it balances analog driving feel with period-appropriate emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,299 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 minimum recommended) | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, OHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged (KKK K27) | |
Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 70.4 mm | |
Power output | 221–235 kW (300–320 PS) @ 5,500–5,800 rpm | |
Torque | 412–450 Nm @ 4,000–4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical continuous injection | |
Emissions standard | EU Directive 70/220/EEC (pre-1984); Euro pre-1 / US EPA (1984–1989) | |
Compression ratio | 7.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Air-cooled block, oil-cooled heads | |
Turbocharger | Single KKK K27 (water-cooled CHRA post-1986) | |
Timing system | Gear-driven intermediate shafts (no timing belt/chain) | |
Oil type | SAE 15W-50 synthetic (Porsche A40 spec) | |
Dry weight | 232 kg |
The Porsche 930.09 was used exclusively in the Porsche 930 platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intercoolers in 1978 and upgraded turbo housings in 1986—and from 1989 the 964 Turbo adopted the 3.3L M30/69 variant, ending 930.09 production. No partnerships existed for this engine. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The 930.09's primary reliability risk is turbocharger bearing failure due to thermal stress, with elevated incidence in track or aggressive road use. Porsche internal service data (1986) indicated turbo replacement in nearly 18% of pre-1986 units before 80,000 km, while DVSA historic MOT reports cite frequent exhaust leaks and air-injection system faults in UK-registered examples. Extended hot idling and delayed cooldown cycles make oil quality and post-drive cooldown critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1978–1989) and UK DVSA historic MOT failure statistics (1990–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The 930.09 offers thrilling performance but demands disciplined maintenance. Early models (1975–1985) are prone to turbo and fuel system issues, while post-1986 revisions improved durability. With correct oil, cooldown discipline, and K-Jetronic maintenance, it can be reliable. Many well-kept examples exceed 150,000 km.
Top issues include turbo bearing failure from thermal shock, K-Jetronic calibration drift, exhaust manifold cracks, and cylinder head stud pull. All are documented in Porsche TSBs. Oil coking and rich running are frequent in neglected examples.
Exclusively the 911 Turbo (930) from 1975 to 1989, including the 1989 Turbo S. It was never used in non-930 models or licensed externally. The 964 Turbo (1990+) uses the updated M30/69 engine.
Yes. Common upgrades include larger K27/K28 turbos, intercooler enhancements, and fuel system recalibration. Stage 1 gains (~350 PS) are achievable with supporting mods. However, the 7.0:1 compression limits safe boost; internal upgrades are needed beyond 400 PS.
Poor by modern standards. Expect 14–16 L/100km (17–20 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Aggressive use can exceed 20 L/100km. High consumption is due to low compression, rich K-Jetronic mixtures, and turbo lag requiring frequent throttle input.
No. The 930.09 is a non-interference (interference-free) flat-six due to its hemispherical combustion chambers and valve timing geometry. If timing gears fail (extremely rare), piston-to-valve contact is unlikely.
Porsche specifies 15W-50 synthetic meeting A40 (or ACEA A3/B4) with high ZDDP content for flat-tappet cam protection. Change every 7,500 km or annually. Avoid low-viscosity oils—they lack film strength for high-load bearings.
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