The Porsche M 48.70 is a 3,596 cc, water — cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2004 and 2005. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), VarioCam Plus variable valve timing, and Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 electronic fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 257 kW (350 PS) and 385 Nm of torque, offering high — revving performance with strong top — end power for the 911 GT3 RS.
Fitted exclusively to the limited — production 996 — generation 911 GT3 RS, the M 48.70 was en…
All production years (2004–2005) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4870).
The Porsche M 48.70 is a 3,596 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for the 996 GT3 RS (2004–2005). It combines VarioCam Plus with lightweight forged internals to deliver high-revving, track-capable performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 while prioritizing power density, it represents the pinnacle of the 996 GT3 engine lineage.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,596 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
Power output | 257 kW (350 PS) @ 7,200 rpm | |
Torque | 385 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 electronic injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 11.6:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled with enlarged oil cooler and dual radiators | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus | |
Oil type | Porsche C30 10W‑60 full synthetic | |
Dry weight | 172 kg |
The Porsche M 48.70 was used exclusively in Porsche's limited-run 996 GT3 RS with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—lightweight crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and track-calibrated oil pan—and from 2005 was phased out in favor of the M97/71 for the 997 generation, creating absolute interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M 48.70's primary reliability risk is valvetrain wear under sustained high-RPM operation, with elevated incidence in track-used examples. Porsche internal service logs from 2006 noted premature cam lobe scuffing in ~12% of 2004–2005 GT3 RS engines subjected to frequent track days without strict oil discipline, while UK DVSA MOT records show oil consumption as a secondary concern due to high ring tension. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect viscosity accelerate wear, making adherence to Porsche C30 10W‑60 and 7,500 km intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2004–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006–2023). 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 48.70 is robust for track use when maintained rigorously. Its main vulnerability is valvetrain wear under high-RPM stress. With 7,500 km oil changes using Porsche C30 10W‑60, 100 RON fuel, and post-track cooldowns, it can deliver long service life. Avoid street-only low-RPM use, which increases carbon buildup without thermal cleaning.
Top issues include cam/tappet wear, dry-sump pump cavitation during track use, exhaust valve seat recession, and CCV overpressure. These are documented in Porsche TSB‑996‑04‑11 and Motorsport service notes. All relate to the engine’s race-derived design and require proactive maintenance.
The M 48.70 was used exclusively in the 996-generation 911 GT3 RS (2004–2005). Only 662 units were produced globally. It was not used in standard GT3, Carrera, or any other Porsche model. No external manufacturers used this engine.
Minor gains are possible via ECU remap and exhaust, yielding ~365 PS, but the engine is already near its mechanical limit. Significant tuning is unnecessary—the M 48.70 is a homologated race engine. Most owners preserve originality due to the GT3 RS’s collectible status and Motorsport pedigree.
High consumption is expected: ~14–16 L/100km (17–20 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Track use exceeds 20 L/100km (14 mpg UK). Highway cruising yields ~11 L/100km (26 mpg UK). Efficiency is secondary to performance in this race-derived engine.
Yes. The M 48.70 is an interference engine. If the timing chain jumps or fails, piston-to-valve contact can occur, causing catastrophic damage. However, chain failures are extremely rare; the design omits the problematic IMS bearing found in earlier 996 engines.
Porsche specifies 10W‑60 full synthetic oil meeting Porsche C30 standards. This high-viscosity oil is critical for cam and tappet protection under high-RPM load. Change every 7,500 km or after every 3 track days. Never use lower-viscosity oils.
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