The Porsche M 02.2Y is a 1,991 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1966 and 1972. It features a single Solex 40 PII-4 carburetor, pushrod-operated 8‑valve valvetrain, and a compression ratio of 9.0:1. In standard form it delivered 66 kW (90 PS) and 146 Nm of torque, emphasizing durability and smooth low‑rpm response for everyday usability.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 912 (1965–1969) and early 914/4 (1969–1972) for global markets, the M 02.2Y was engineered as a cost‑effective, reliable powerplant derived from the earlier 356 engine family. Emissions compliance in later builds was achieved through basic crankcase ventilation and leaner jetting, meeting pre‑Euro standards in all production regions.
One documented concern is oil sludge accumulation due to infrequent oil changes and marginal crankcase ventilation, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin 912/66/03. This issue stems from the engine’s non‑cross‑flow design and modest oil capacity, leading to accelerated bearing wear in high‑mileage examples. In 1970, Porsche revised the oil breather system and recommended reduced service intervals for 914 applications.
All production years (1966–1972) meet pre‑Euro standards with no formal emissions certification (German KBA Type Approval #KBA/02.2Y/68 for homologation only).
The Porsche M 02.2Y is a 1,991 cc air‑cooled flat‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for entry-level sports cars (1966–1972). It combines a single carburetor with pushrod valvetrain to deliver predictable throttle response and mechanical simplicity. Designed before formal EU emissions regimes, it prioritizes serviceability and reliability over performance or emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,991 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 146 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single Solex 40 PII-4 carburetor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (no formal standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | Mineral 20W-50 (non-detergent pre-1970; detergent post-1970) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The M 02.2Y delivers dependable, low-stress performance but requires frequent oil changes (every 3,000–5,000 km) to prevent sludge buildup in the non-cross-flow crankcase. Use of RON 95 fuel is sufficient, though modern ethanol-blended fuels may degrade carburetor seals over time. Early engines (1966–1969) lack an effective breather system; post-1970 914 variants benefit from an improved oil separator per Porsche Technical Bulletin 912/66/03. Valve clearance must be checked every 10,000 km due to mechanical lifter design.
Oil Specs: Pre-1970: non-detergent SAE 20W-50; post-1970: detergent 20W-50 per Porsche L-001. Synthetic oils not recommended.
Emissions: No emissions certification exists; pre-Euro era (KBA Type Approval #KBA/02.2Y/68 covers only dimensional homologation).
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across 912 and 914/4 applications (Porsche PT‑1970).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P912-02, P912-FI-01, 912/66/03
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (KBA/02.2Y/68)
Porsche ETK (Electronic Parts Catalogue) – 912/914 Chassis Sections
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche M 02.2Y was used across Porsche's 912 and 914 platforms with rear‑mounted, longitudinal flat‑four layout. This engine powered the base 912 (1966–1969) and the entry-level 914/4 (1969–1972), offering a reliable alternative to the six-cylinder models. Platform-specific adaptations included revised engine mounts and exhaust routing for the mid-engine 914. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code M 02.2Y is stamped on the rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS P912-ID-01). The presence of a single Solex 40 PII-4 carburetor and pushrod valvetrain confirms this variant—distinct from the six-cylinder 911 or later fuel-injected 914 engines. In 914 models, the engine is mid-mounted under the rear lid; in 912, it is rear-mounted. Critical differentiation: M 02.2Y uses 8 valves and a single carburetor, whereas 911 engines use 12+ valves and multiple carbs or fuel injection.
The M 02.2Y's primary reliability risk is oil sludge accumulation due to marginal crankcase ventilation and infrequent oil changes, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or neglected examples. Porsche internal service data from 1973 noted main bearing wear before 80,000 km in engines without breather upgrades, while German KBA records show elevated mechanical failure notices in early 914/4 models used in city traffic. Extended service intervals increase sludge formation, making oil quality and service frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1966–1972) and German KBA failure statistics (1970–1980). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-02-2Y.
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