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 to the 930-series 911 Turbo (G-model and early 964), the 930.09 was engineered for high-speed grand touring with emphatic throttle response once boost engaged. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust air injection and thermal reactors in early variants, with later US models adding catalytic converters to meet evolving standards (EPA/DOT and EU Directive 70/220/EEC).
One documented concern is premature turbocharger bearing wear due to thermal shock from aggressive driving followed by immediate shutdown, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 911/TSB/85-06. This led to oil coking and reduced turbo life. From 1986, Porsche revised oil lines and introduced a post-shutdown oil circulation recommendation to mitigate this issue.
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 K27 turbo provides dramatic mid-range surge but exhibits pronounced lag below 3,000 rpm, requiring anticipatory driving. Strict adherence to 7,500 km oil change intervals using high-zinc 15W-50 oil is critical to protect journal bearings and prevent oil coking in the turbo. Allow 2–3 minutes of idling post-drive to cool the turbo before shutdown. Bosch K-Jetronic demands clean fuel and calibrated control pressures; degraded warm-up regulators commonly cause rich running. Catalytic converter-equipped models require unleaded premium (RON 98).
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A40–compliant 15W-50 (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-87-11). Zinc/phosphorus additives essential for flat-tappet cam protection.
Emissions: EU Directive 70/220/EEC applies to pre-1984 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). US and late EU models include catalysts per EPA/DOT and national amendments.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Turbo S output (320 PS) requires RON 98 fuel and precise boost control (Porsche TIS Doc. 930-TB-1989).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 930-TB-1978, FI-81-09, 930-TB-1989
Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 911/TSB/85-06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
EU Directive 70/220/EEC
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.
Engine type ‘930.09’ is cast into the left-side crankcase near the oil filler tube (Porsche WIS 135.01). The VIN 7th character is ‘9’ for all 930 Turbo models. Early (1975–1977) units lack an intercooler (‘whale tail’ without intake); 1978+ feature a prominent intercooler scoop. Turbocharger housing has ‘KKK K27’ stamped on compressor housing. Critical differentiation from 964-era M30/69: 930.09 uses dry-sump with external tank and mechanical fuel injection, while 964 uses Motronic and revised oiling. Service parts are not interchangeable across generations (Porsche TSB 911/TSB/88-12).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 930-09.
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