The Porsche M 64.01 is a 3,600 cc, water-cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1994. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and Bosch Motronic 2.1 electronic fuel injection. In standard 964 Turbo and Carrera form it delivered 221–265 kW (300–360 PS) and 370–450 Nm of torque, with strong top-end thrust and improved drivability over its air-cooled predecessor.
Fitted to the Porsche 911 (964) Carrera and Turbo from 1989 to 1994—the first water-cooled 911 generation—the M 64.01 marked Porsche’s transition away from air cooling. It was engineered for enhanced refinement and emissions compliance, using a dual-circuit cooling system and exhaust-side catalytic converters. Early models met Euro 1 standards; select export variants achieved limited Euro 2 alignment.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner rails, identified in Porsche Technical Bulletin 911/601/90. This stems from marginal lubrication in the upper chain path under high-temperature duty cycles. In 1995, Porsche revised the engine to the M 64.03 with reinforced timing components and updated emissions systems.
Production years 1989–1992 meet Euro 1 standards; 1993–1994 export models may have limited Euro 2 compliance depending on configuration (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9101).
The Porsche M 64.01 is a 3,600 cc water-cooled flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the 911 (964) platform (1989–1994). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch Motronic 2.1 electronic fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and enhanced thermal stability. Designed during the transition to formal EU emissions frameworks, it meets Euro 1 standards, with select late models incorporating secondary air injection and updated catalysts for Euro 2 alignment.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated (Carrera) / Turbocharged (Turbo) | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 221–265 kW (300–360 PS) | |
| Torque | 370–450 Nm @ 4,200–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 2.1 electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1989–1992); limited Euro 2 for 1993–1994 export | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 (NA) / 8.5:1 (Turbo) | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled (dual-circuit) | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K27 (Turbo models only) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | Porsche-approved 10W-60 or 15W-50 (mineral/synthetic blend) | |
| Dry weight | 190 kg |
The M 64.01 offers refined, high-revving performance with improved thermal management over air-cooled predecessors but requires attention to timing chain tensioner rails. Extended high-RPM operation without adequate warm-up increases wear in the upper chain path. Use of RON 98 fuel is essential, especially for Turbo variants, to prevent knock under boost. Bosch Motronic 2.1 relies on intact oxygen sensor feedback; degraded sensors cause lean running and rough idle. Naturally aspirated engines benefit from higher compression, while Turbo models demand strict cooldown protocols post-drive to protect the K27 turbocharger.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche-approved 10W-60 or 15W-50 with high-temperature stability (Porsche Lubricants Guide Rev.1). Modern low-viscosity oils are unsuitable.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all non-export 1989–1992 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9101). 1993–1994 US and Japanese market units may include secondary air injection for limited Euro 2 alignment.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Turbo output assumes 98 RON fuel and intact boost control (Porsche TIS Doc. 964-03-90).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 964-01-89, 964-03-90, SIB 911/601/90
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9101)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Porsche M 64.01 was used exclusively in Porsche's 911 (964) platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised oil cooler integration in the Carrera and reinforced transmission housings for Turbo models—and from 1995 the 993 generation adopted the M 64.03, creating a hard interchange limit. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine type stamped on the left crankcase near the oil pump flange (Porsche TIS 964-01-89). The engine code "M 64.01" appears on a foil label affixed to the intake manifold. Carrera versions feature black valve covers; Turbo models use silver covers with “Turbo” script. Critical differentiation from M 64.03: M 64.01 lacks updated chain rails and secondary air injection on late models. Timing tensioner rail wear is internal—requires inspection during major service per Porsche SIB 911/601/90.
The M 64.01's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner rail wear, with elevated incidence in high-RPM or track-driven examples. Porsche internal service data from 1992 noted rail replacements in ~10% of 964 Turbos before 80,000 km under performance use, while UK DVSA records show strong mechanical integrity in standard road applications. Extended high-load operation without warm-up increases thermal stress on chain components, making operating discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1989-1994) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-64-01.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with PORSCHE or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
PORSCHE Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialPORSCHE documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
