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 m…
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 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 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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The 930.6 is robust with Motronic refinement but has known weaknesses—especially piston ring land wear and turbo heat management. Engines from 1987 onward feature improved pistons. Regular oil changes, strict use of RON 98+ fuel, and proper cooldown cycles significantly enhance longevity.
Key issues include piston ring land cracking, turbo bearing wear from heat soak, Motronic sensor/wiring faults, and rear main seal leaks. These are documented in Porsche service bulletins 911/84/12 and 911/87/09, particularly in high-boost or high-mileage applications.
Exclusively the US-spec 911 Turbo (930) from 1984 to 1989, designated 930/63. It replaced the K-Jetronic 930/62 for North America to meet emissions rules. No European or other-market versions exist.
Yes—common upgrades include larger K27/K28 turbos, boost controllers, and intercooler improvements. Stage 1 tunes reach ~330–350 PS. However, the engine’s low 7.0:1 compression tolerates boost increases, but piston durability and oiling must be addressed to prevent ring land failure.
Poor by modern standards: ~17–19 L/100km (city) and ~13–15 L/100km (highway), or roughly 15–17 mpg UK combined. Aggressive driving easily exceeds 20 L/100km. RON 98 fuel is mandatory, increasing running costs.
No. The 930.6 uses a non-interference valvetrain design—pistons and valves do not occupy the same space even if timing fails. Gear-driven cams are highly reliable, making this a low-risk concern compared to thermal or sealing issues.
Porsche specifies a mineral-based 20W-50 oil meeting specification L-723. Synthetic oils are discouraged in original builds due to seal compatibility. Change every 5,000 km or annually to manage heat and soot buildup.
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