The Porsche 930.6 is a 2,994 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1984 and 1989. It features a KKK K27 turbocharger, Bosch Motronic digital fuel injection, and an air‑to‑air intercooler. In standard form it delivered 221 kW (300 PS) and 451 Nm of torque, offering improved throttle response over earlier K-Jetronic variants.
Fitted exclusively to the 911 Turbo (930) for select markets—primarily North America—the 930.6 was engineered to meet tightening emissions requirements while retaining performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed-loop fuel control, secondary air injection, and catalytic converters, allowing adherence to US EPA Tier 0 and early California standards.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption due to ring land wear in high‑boost applications, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin 911/84/12. This issue arose from thermal stress on the Nikasil-coated cylinders under sustained boost, particularly when using lower‑octane fuel or lacking proper cooldown cycles. In 1987, Porsche revised piston design and ring tension to mitigate cylinder wear ahead of the 964 transition.
Production years 1984–1989 meet US EPA Tier 0 and select California emissions standards (EPA Engine Family Code P-930-84). Euro-market variants do not exist.
The Porsche 930.6 is a 2,994 cc air‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high‑performance sports cars (1984–1989). It combines Bosch Motronic digital fuel injection with a KKK K27 turbocharger and intercooler to deliver refined boost response and improved emissions control. Designed for US regulatory compliance, it balances turbo thrust with drivability under EPA Tier 0 standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,994 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (KKK K27) + intercooler | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 70.4 mm | |
| Power output | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 451 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | US EPA Tier 0; California ARB (1984–1989) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K27 with air-to-air intercooler | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 20W-50 or equivalent mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 235 kg |
The 930.6 delivers smoother throttle response than K-Jetronic predecessors but remains thermally sensitive. Use of high-octane fuel (RON 98+) is essential to prevent detonation and ring land damage. Extended high-boost operation without cooldown cycles accelerates cylinder wear—especially in US-spec engines with tighter emissions tuning. Oil changes every 5,000 km with correct mineral 20W-50 oil are critical to manage soot and heat. Avoid synthetic oils in original builds due to seal compatibility per Porsche L-723.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral-based 20W-50 oil meeting Porsche L-723 (Porsche Lubricants Specification L-723). Synthetic oils not recommended for original-spec engines.
Emissions: Complies with US EPA Tier 0 and California ARB standards (EPA Engine Family Code P-930-84). No Euro-market variants produced.
Power Ratings: Measured per SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across US models due to Motronic calibration (Porsche PT‑1987).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P911-84, P911-FI-84, 911/84/12
US Environmental Protection Agency Engine Family Database (P-930-84)
Porsche ETK (Electronic Parts Catalogue) – 930 Chassis Section
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche 930.6 was used exclusively in Porsche's 930 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal flat‑six layout for the North American market. This engine powered the US‑spec 911 Turbo (930) from 1984 through 1989, replacing the 930/62 K-Jetronic variant. It featured Motronic injection and revised emissions hardware to meet EPA/ARB rules. No European or third-party applications exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code 930.6 is stamped on the crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS P911-ID-01). The 10th digit of the VIN indicates model year, while the presence of a Motronic ECU (silver box with Bosch label under the passenger seat) confirms 930.6 vs. K-Jetronic. Visual cues include the whale tail spoiler (intercooler housing), O2 sensor in the exhaust downpipe, and dual catalytic converters. Critical differentiation: 930.6 uses a digital fuel distributor with throttle position sensor and idle air control valve—absent on earlier engines.
The 930.6's primary reliability risk is piston ring land failure due to thermal stress under boost, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or modified examples. Porsche internal field data from 1988 noted ring land cracks before 80,000 km in engines subjected to aggressive driving or poor fuel quality. Extended boost cycles without cooldown increase cylinder temperatures, making fuel octane and thermal management critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1984–1989) and US EPA compliance reports (1985–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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