The Porsche M 28.22 is a 2,449 cc, single — overhead — cam inline‑six petrol engine produced between 1982 and 1989. It featured Bosch K — Jetronic continuous mechanical fuel injection, a cast — iron block with aluminum head, and a non — intercooled KKK turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 147 kW (200 PS) and 285 Nm of torque, offering accessible turbo performance for its transverse — mounted 924 Turbo and 944 Turbo applications.
Fitted to the 924 Turbo (1982–1985) and ea…
Production years 1982–1989 meet Euro 0 standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/82/M28/05).
The Porsche M 28.22 is a 2,449 cc inline‑six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for front-engine, transverse applications in the 924 and 944 Turbo (1982–1989). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with a KKK turbocharger to deliver linear power delivery and strong mid-range response. Designed under pre‑Euro emissions frameworks, it relies on EGR and catalytic converters for market-specific compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,449 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 70.0 mm | |
Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 285 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic continuous mechanical injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 0 | |
Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | KKK K26 (non‑intercooled) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
Oil type | Porsche Classic 15W‑50 (API SF/SG) | |
Dry weight | 165 kg |
The Porsche M 28.22 was used exclusively in Porsche's 924 and 944 platforms with transverse front-mounted layout and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised coolant manifolds in the 944 and upgraded exhaust routing in 1987 models—and from 1989 was replaced by the M 28.23 with intercooler and revised turbo, creating clear generational boundaries. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M 28.22's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure at cylinder #6 due to turbo-induced thermal stress, with elevated incidence in hot-climate or track use. Porsche internal data (1986) noted a 10% failure rate in pre-1987 engines before 100,000 km, while TÜV Germany MOT records show high coolant contamination rates in high-mileage examples. Sustained high-load operation without cooldown accelerates thermal cycling, making gasket upgrades and post-drive idle critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1982–1989) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (1985–1995). 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 M 28.22 offers engaging turbo performance but requires attentive maintenance. Early models (1982–1986) are prone to head gasket failure; post-1987 engines with MLS gaskets are significantly more robust. With RON 98 fuel, regular oil changes, and cooldown discipline, well-maintained examples can exceed 150,000 km reliably.
Top issues include head gasket failure at cylinder #6, turbo oil coking, K-Jetronic regulator faults, and coolant system degradation. These are well-documented in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/944/84 and TIS 944-series service manuals.
Exclusively fitted to the 1982–1985 Porsche 924 Turbo and 1985–1989 Porsche 944 Turbo (951 chassis). No other Porsche or external brands used this specific engine code.
Yes, but conservatively. Boost increases beyond 0.8 bar require head gasket upgrades and fuel system recalibration. Popular mods include K27 turbo swap, larger fuel head, and intercooler retrofit. However, the 7.5:1 compression limits safe power to ~240 PS without internal reinforcement.
Moderate for a turbo inline-six: ~12.5 L/100km (22.6 mpg UK) combined, rising to ~15 L/100km in city driving and dropping to ~9.5 L/100km on highway. Aggressive driving can exceed 17 L/100km. High consumption is typical for early turbocharged engines.
No. The M 28.22 is a non-interference engine due to sufficient piston-to-valve clearance in its SOHC layout. Timing chain failure typically results in loss of compression but not catastrophic valve/piston collision.
Porsche specifies 15W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/SG with high ZDDP content (e.g., Porsche Classic Oil). Oil must be changed every 7,500 km to protect cam lobes and turbo bearings. Modern SM/SN oils lack necessary zinc and are unsuitable.
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