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 de…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The 930.26 is generally robust, especially post-1993 models with the updated IMS bearing. Early units (1989–1992) require IMS monitoring and strict oil maintenance. With proper care—regular 10W-60 oil changes and avoiding overheating—the engine can exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Top issues include IMS bearing wear (pre-1993), rear main seal leaks, dual distributor timing drift, and oil cooler degradation. These are well-documented in Porsche service bulletins TSB-964-1992 and related TIS updates.
Exclusively the 911 Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 (Type 964) from 1989 to 1994, including Targa and Cabriolet body styles. It was never used in Turbo, RS, or non-911 models. All are air-cooled, rear-engine layouts.
Yes, modestly. Stage 1 (ECU chip, exhaust, intake) yields ~300–310 PS. Full builds can exceed 350 PS with high-compression pistons and cam upgrades. However, stock internals tolerate only limited increases—excessive boost is not applicable (naturally aspirated), but aggressive cams may reduce low-end smoothness.
Typical consumption is 13–15 L/100km (19–18 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can reach 11 L/100km (25 mpg UK). The engine prioritizes performance and torque over efficiency, though Motronic injection is more frugal than older K-Jetronic systems.
No. The 930.26 is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain fails, valves and pistons do not collide, reducing catastrophic risk. However, chain tensioner inspection is still recommended during major services.
Porsche recommends 10W-60 oil—either mineral, synthetic, or blend—meeting API SG/CD or Porsche Classic specification. Change every 7,500 km or annually. High-ZDDP content is beneficial for flat-tappet cam longevity.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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