The Porsche 930.1 is a 2,994 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1989. It debuted in the 911 Turbo (930) and featured Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, a single KKK turbocharger, and an air-to-air intercooler mounted above the rear decklid. Output varied by market and year, ranging from 191 kW (260 PS) to 221 kW (300 PS) in later variants, with torque figures between 320–380 Nm.
Fitted exclusively to the 911 Turbo (930) series—including coupé and Targa body styles—the 930.1 was engineered for high‑performance grand touring with emphatic throttle response and a dramatic powerband. Emissions compliance was initially Euro 1‑equivalent under EU Directive 70/220/EEC; later models incorporated modified injection and exhaust tuning to meet tightening standards.
One documented concern is turbo lag and boost threshold behavior due to the K27 turbo's large turbine housing and mechanical K-Jet system's fixed fuel map. Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB‑85‑04 notes that prolonged full boost without proper warm-up can induce detonation or ring land failure. In 1989, the 930.1 was superseded by the 3.3L M30/70 (930.20), which featured improved wastegate control and revised intercooling.
Production years 1975–1985 meet pre‑Euro emissions norms; 1986–1989 models comply with transitional EU standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/ICE/9301).
The Porsche 930.1 is a 2,994 cc air-cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance 911 Turbo models (1975–1989). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection with a KKK K27 turbocharger to deliver a pronounced torque curve and exhilarating top-end power. Designed under early EU emissions frameworks, it balances track capability with street usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,994 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, OHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 70.4 mm | |
| Power output | 191–221 kW (260–300 PS) | |
| Torque | 320–380 Nm @ 4,000–4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical continuous injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro / Transitional EU | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K27 single turbo (air-to-air intercooler) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Porsche-approved 15W-50 synthetic (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 227 kg |
The K27 turbo delivers a sharp powerband but significant lag below 3,500 rpm, demanding anticipatory driving. Bosch K-Jet’s mechanical nature lacks adaptive fuel correction, making high-temperature or high-load conditions prone to lean spikes. Premium RON 98 fuel is mandatory to prevent detonation under boost. Oil changes every 7,500 km with high-thermal-stability 15W-50 oil are critical due to air-cooling limitations. The intercooler ducting must remain unobstructed to avoid heat soak-induced knock, as noted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB‑85‑04.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche-approved 15W-50 synthetic with API SF/CC rating (Porsche TIS LUB-930). Modern equivalents must meet Porsche C30 specification.
Emissions: Pre-Euro norms apply to 1975–1985 models; transitional EU compliance for 1986–1989 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/ICE/9301).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 300 PS output requires RON 98+ fuel and functional intercooler (Porsche PT‑1988).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M30/68, FUE-930, TRB-930, LUB-930
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/ICE/9301)
EU Directive 70/220/EEC – Emissions for Petrol Engines
The Porsche 930.1 was used exclusively in the Porsche 911 Turbo (930) platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting. This engine received model-year-specific updates—such as revised wastegate actuation in 1986 and intercooler shroud redesign in 1988—creating subtle interchange limits. No third-party licensing occurred. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code '930.1' is stamped on the rear crankcase near the oil filler tube (Porsche TIS M30/68). The type plate on the front trunk wall lists engine number prefix '930'. Early models (1975–1977) lack an intercooler hump; 1978+ units feature the iconic 'tea tray' rear spoiler housing the intercooler. K-Jetronic fuel distributor with mechanical airflow sensor confirms 930.1 (vs. later Motronic in 930.20). Do not interchange turbo or exhaust manifolds across 1985/1986 boundaries due to wastegate bracket revisions (Porsche PTB‑86‑12).
The 930.1's primary reliability risk is detonation-induced ring land or piston failure under boost, particularly with incorrect fuel or aggressive driving before warm-up. Porsche internal service data from 1987 indicated a notable recurrence of turbocharger oil seal leaks contributing to bearing wear, while UK DVSA records show elevated MOT advisories for exhaust integrity due to high thermal stress. Extended idling and insufficient warm-up cycles increase thermal shock risk, making driving discipline and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1984–1989) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 930-1.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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