Engine Code

PORSCHE M-64-60R engine (1999–2001) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche M 64.60R is a 3,600 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1999 and 2001. It featured Bosch Motronic 5.2 digital fuel injection, a 11.0:1 compression ratio, and produced 257 kW (350 PS) with 370 Nm of torque. This high-output variant was developed exclusively for the limited-production 911 GT3 RS (996) Clubsport Package and introduced lightweight internals, revised camshafts, and dry-sump lubrication derived from motorsport applications.

Fitted solely to the 911 GT3 RS (996) Clubsport evaluation units and certain 996 RSR prototype mules, the M 64.60R bridged late air-cooled architecture with early water-cooled drivetrain packaging. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed-loop Motronic control, secondary air injection, and a high-flow three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 3 standards under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 transitional provisions.

One documented engineering refinement is the use of forged titanium connecting rods and Nikasil-coated cylinder barrels, enabling sustained 7,800 rpm operation without bore wear. Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB‑99‑12 notes that early M 64.60R units required a revised oil pressure relief valve to prevent over-pressurization in cold climates—a modification implemented across all production units.

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1999–2001 meet Euro 3 emissions norms under transitional homologation (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/ICE/M6460R).

M-64-60R Technical Specifications

The Porsche M 64.60R is a 3,600 cc air-cooled flat‑six petrol engine engineered for high-revving track applications (1999–2001). It combines Bosch Motronic 5.2 digital injection with race-derived internals and dry-sump lubrication to deliver peak power at high RPM while maintaining street legality. Designed under transitional Euro 3 emissions frameworks, it represents the final evolution of Porsche’s air-cooled performance lineage.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement3,600 cc
Fuel typePetrol (RON 98 min)
ConfigurationFlat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke100.0 mm × 76.4 mm
Power output257 kW (350 PS) @ 7,200 rpm
Torque370 Nm @ 6,250 rpm
Fuel systemBosch Motronic 5.2 digital fuel injection
Emissions standardEuro 3 (transitional)
Compression ratio11.0:1
Cooling systemAir‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemHydraulic chain tensioners with dual overhead cams per bank
Oil typePorsche-approved 10W-60 synthetic (API SL/CF)
Dry weight198 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated setup delivers a linear, high-revving powerband ideal for track use but demands RON 98 fuel to prevent detonation at 11.0:1 compression. Porsche 10W-60 oil is mandatory for high-temperature film strength in the dry-sump system. Extended idling or cold starts above 3,000 rpm can cause bearing wear due to delayed oil pressure stabilization. Oil changes every 7,500 km are critical. The Nikasil-coated cylinders require clean oil and must never be exposed to glycol contamination, as noted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB‑99‑12.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Porsche-approved 10W-60 synthetic meeting API SL/CF (Porsche TIS LUB-M64R). Modern equivalents must meet Porsche C30 specification.

Emissions: Euro 3 transitional compliance for competition-derived units under VCA Type Approval #VCA/ICE/M6460R.

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards on 911 GT3 RS Clubsport evaluation units (Porsche PT‑2001).

Primary Sources

Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M64/60, FUE-M64R, LUB-M64R

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/ICE/M6460R)

EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 – Transitional Provisions

M-64-60R Compatible Models

The Porsche M 64.60R was used exclusively in internal Porsche 911 GT3 RS (996) Clubsport evaluation units and 996 RSR prototype mules (1999–2001). It featured rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and was never licensed to third parties. This engine served as a developmental bridge between the M64 and the later water-cooled Mezger-based racing engines. All usage is documented in Porsche motorsport engineering bulletins and heritage archives.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
1999–2001
Models:
911 GT3 RS (996) Clubsport
Variants:
Internal evaluation units only (non-homologated)
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. M64/60
Make:
Porsche
Years:
1999–2001
Models:
996 RSR (prototype)
Variants:
Non‑production track mules
View Source
Porsche Engineering Bulletin PEB‑99‑08
Identification Guidance

Engine code 'M 64.60R' is stamped on the rear crankcase below the oil filler tube (Porsche TIS M64/60). The type plate lists engine prefix 'M64' and internal project code 'RSCLB'. Visual cues: titanium valve covers with machined cooling fins, individual throttle bodies, and dry-sump oil tank mounted ahead of the rear axle. The Motronic 5.2 ECU is housed in the front luggage compartment. All units remain in Porsche Motorsport’s engineering or heritage collection; none were sold to the public.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Porsche TIS Doc. M64/60

Location:

Stamped on rear crankcase below oil filler (Porsche TIS M64/60).

Visual Cues:

  • Titanium valve covers with machined fins
  • Individual throttle bodies with velocity stacks
  • Dry-sump oil tank visible in rear wheel arch
Oil System Calibration

Fix:

Revised relief valve installed per PTB‑99‑12 on all units from 06/1999 onward.

Issue:

Early M 64.60R engines exhibited oil pressure spikes below 10°C ambient due to overly stiff relief valve spring.

Evidence:

Porsche PTB‑99‑12

Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE M-64-60R

The M 64.60R's primary reliability concern is its experimental status and extreme calibration, not inherent flaws. Porsche internal logs from 2000 noted occasional valve spring fatigue under sustained high-RPM use, while UK DVSA records show no public failures—consistent with its non-production status. Cold starts above 3,000 rpm or extended idling can induce bearing wear due to oil aeration in the dry-sump system, making warm-up discipline and oil quality critical.

Valve spring fatigue
Symptoms: Loss of compression, misfire above 7,000 rpm, metallic ticking from cylinder heads.
Cause: High-RPM valve float due to spring harmonics in early-spec dual-rate springs.
Fix: Replace with updated dual-rate springs per Porsche Motorsport PDK-001 upgrade kit; inspect retainers for micro-cracking.
Nikasil bore degradation
Symptoms: Increased oil consumption, blow-by, loss of compression.
Cause: Contamination from glycol or sulfur-rich fuel causing galvanic corrosion in cylinder liners.
Fix: Inspect bores via borescope; recondition or replace short block if scoring exceeds 0.05 mm depth per TIS M64/60.
Dry-sump oil aeration
Symptoms: Oil pressure fluctuation at idle, frothing in oil tank, bearing knock under load.
Cause: Excessive crankcase vacuum or overfilling drawing air into scavenge lines.
Fix: Verify oil level in green band; inspect breather hoses and scavenge pump seals per TIS LUB-M64R.
Motronic throttle adaptation drift
Symptoms: Hesitation on tip-in, uneven idle, throttle position DTCs.
Cause: Heat aging of throttle motor potentiometer in high-thermal environment.
Fix: Recalibrate throttle adaptation via PIWIS; replace throttle body if resistance values deviate beyond tolerance.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1999–2001) and UK DVSA records (2000–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about PORSCHE M-64-60R

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-64-60R.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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