The Porsche M30.69 is a 3,299 cc, air-cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1993. It features a single KKK K27 turbocharger, Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection, and an air-cooled crankcase with oil-cooled cylinder heads. Output was rated at 235 kW (320 PS) in the 964 Turbo S and 221 kW (300 PS) in standard 964 Turbo variants, delivering improved throttle response over the earlier 930.09.
Fitted exclusively to the 964-generation 911 Turbo (965), the M30.69 was engineered for refined high-speed performance while meeting stricter emissions standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter, lambda sensor feedback, and revised combustion chamber design, meeting EU Directive 83/351/EEC and US EPA Tier 0 requirements.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust valve guides under sustained high-boost operation, leading to oil consumption and compression loss. This issue, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 911/TSB/91-08, was addressed in 1992 with upgraded guide materials and revised valve stem seals.
Production years 1989–1991 meet EU Directive 83/351/EEC (transitional Euro 1); 1992–1993 models comply with Euro 1 standards depending on market (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8540).
The Porsche M30.69 is a 3,299 cc air-cooled flat-six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance GT applications (1989–1993). It combines Bosch Motronic digital fuel injection with a single KKK turbocharger to deliver smoother response and precise emissions control. Designed to meet transitional Euro 1 and US EPA standards, it balances analog driving dynamics with digital-era compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,299 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 minimum recommended) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, OHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (KKK K27) | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 70.4 mm | |
| Power output | 221–235 kW (300–320 PS) @ 5,750–5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 412–450 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | EU Directive 83/351/EEC (1989–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1993) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled block, oil-cooled heads | |
| Turbocharger | Single KKK K27 (non-water-cooled CHRA) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven intermediate shafts (no timing belt/chain) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-50 synthetic (Porsche A40 spec) | |
| Dry weight | 235 kg |
The Motronic system provides improved throttle response and emissions control over mechanical injection, but demands a fully functional lambda sensor and catalytic converter for closed-loop operation. Strict 7,500 km oil changes with high-ZDDP 15W-50 oil are essential to protect valve guides and cam lobes. Exhaust valve guide wear is a known risk under track use; 1992+ engines include upgraded guides per TSB 911/TSB/91-08. Allow 2–3 minutes of idling post-drive to prevent turbo oil coking, especially in pre-1992 units.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A40–compliant 15W-50 with ZDDP for flat-tappet cam and valve train protection (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-89-08).
Emissions: Meets EU Directive 83/351/EEC (1989–1991) and Euro 1 (1992–1993) depending on market (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8540).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020. Turbo S output (320 PS) requires RON 98 fuel and precise boost control (Porsche TIS Doc. M30-TB-1992).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M30-TB-1989, FI-89-13, M30-TB-1992
Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 911/TSB/91-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8540)
EU Directive 83/351/EEC
The Porsche M30.69 was used exclusively in the Porsche 964 platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered the 964 Turbo and Turbo S, featuring revised cam profiles, updated oiling, and Motronic control—differentiating it from the prior 930.09. From 1994, the 993 Turbo adopted the twin-turbo M64/80, ending M30.69 production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine type ‘M30.69’ is cast into the left-side crankcase near the oil filler tube (Porsche WIS 135.01). The presence of a catalytic converter, lambda sensor wiring, and black Motronic DME box (Bosch 0 261 200 209) under the passenger seat confirms identity. VIN 7th digit ‘9’ denotes 964 Turbo. Critical differentiation from 930.09: M30.69 uses Motronic injection, revised compression (8.0:1), and updated cylinder heads. Service parts for fuel and emissions systems are not interchangeable with 930-series engines (Porsche TSB 911/TSB/90-05).
The M30.69's primary reliability risk is exhaust valve guide wear under sustained high-boost or track use, with elevated incidence in pre-1992 units. Porsche internal quality reports (1993) indicated valve seal replacement in over 14% of early-build engines before 90,000 km, while DVSA MOT data shows frequent catalytic converter faults in UK examples due to unburned fuel from Motronic calibration drift. Extended boost cycles and inadequate cooldown make oil quality and post-drive idle critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1989–1993) and UK DVSA historic MOT failure statistics (1995–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-30-69.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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