The Porsche 930.26 is a 3,600 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1994. It powered the 964-generation 911 Carrera variants, replacing the earlier 3.2-litre M30/66 unit. Engineered with dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder), Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection, and revised cylinder heads for improved combustion, it produced 210 kW (285 PS) and 340 Nm of torque.
Fitted to the 964-series 911 Carrera 2 and Carrera 4, the 930.26 was designed for balanced performance, refinement, and drivability in both daily and spirited use. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed-loop lambda control, catalytic converters, and evaporative emission controls, allowing Euro 1 compliance across all production markets under EU Directive 91/441/EEC.
One documented concern is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing wear in early 964 units, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑964‑1992. The bearing design used a single-row grease-lubricated unit susceptible to fatigue over time, especially under infrequent oil changes. From MY1993, revised bearing specifications were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 1989–1994 meet Euro 1 emissions standards (EU Directive 91/441/EEC; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/964E).
The Porsche 930.26 is a 3,600 cc air-cooled flat-six petrol engine engineered for the 964-series 911 Carrera (1989–1994). It combines Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection with dual ignition and revised cylinder heads to deliver smooth power delivery and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances classic air-cooled character with modern drivability and reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat-6, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 210 kW (285 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled (oil-cooled heads) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (with dual spark plugs per cylinder) | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 10W-60 or equivalent mineral/synthetic blend (API SG/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The 930.26 delivers linear power with strong mid-range response, thanks to its large displacement and dual ignition. Oil changes every 7,500 km using high-quality 10W-60 oil (e.g., Porsche Classic) are essential to protect the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing and valve train. The air-cooled design remains sensitive to ambient temperature—prolonged idling in traffic can cause oil overheating. Early IMS bearings (pre-1993) are prone to failure; owners should verify bearing revision status per TSB-964-1992. Fuel must be ≥RON 98 to prevent knock under load.
Oil Specs: Porsche recommends 10W-60 (mineral or synthetic blend) with adequate ZDDP for flat-tappet protection (Porsche Lubricants Guide 1991).
Emissions: Full Euro 1 compliance confirmed under EU Directive 91/441/EEC and VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/964E.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards; consistent across global markets due to standardized Motronic calibration (Porsche PB-964-92).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PT-964-89, FT-964-90, TSB-964-1992
EU Directive 91/441/EEC on vehicle emissions
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/964E)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Measurement Standard
The Porsche 930.26 was used exclusively in Porsche's 964 platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—updated engine mounts for the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and revised oil cooling for US-spec models—and from MY1993 the IMS bearing was upgraded. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code 930.26 is stamped on the crankcase near the oil filler tube (Porsche TIS PT-964-89). The 10th VIN digit is 'K' (1989), 'L' (1990), 'M' (1991), 'N' (1992), 'P' (1993), or 'R' (1994). Visual cues: all 964 engines have dual distributors (left/right) for dual ignition; non-turbo units lack intercooler scoops. Do not confuse with 930.02 (turbo) or M30/66 (3.2L pre-1989)—the 930.26 has larger displacement and Motronic injection.
The 930.26's primary reliability risk is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Porsche internal data from 1993 indicated IMS failures in approximately 8% of pre-1993 engines by 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show related oil contamination issues in neglected vehicles. Infrequent oil changes and thermal stress make lubrication integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1989–1994) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE 930-26.
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