The Porsche M96.79 Petrol is a 3,600 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six engine produced between 2002 and 2005. It featured a dual overhead cam (DOHC) per bank layout and Bosch Motronic ME7.8 electronic fuel injection, delivering 320 PS (235 kW) with 370 Nm of torque. The horizontally opposed cylinder design ensures a low centre of gravity—critical for the 911 (996) GT3 and GT3 RS’s track-focused dynamics and high-revving precision.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 (996) GT3 and GT3 RS variants, the M96.79 was engineered as a high-performance evolution of the M96 lineage, emphasizing rev limit, throttle linearity, and mechanical robustness under sustained load. Emissions compliance in European markets was achieved through three-way catalytic converters and oxygen sensor feedback, allowing adherence to Euro 3 standards from launch.
One documented concern is cylinder bore scoring in early production units, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/03/11. This issue stems from marginal clearance tolerances and thermal stress in the Nikasil-coated aluminum bores under extended high-RPM operation. In late 2003, Porsche transitioned to Alusil-based bores to improve durability in track environments.
All models (2002–2005) meet Euro 3 emissions standards in European markets (KBA Type Approval #KBA/996/3042).
The Porsche M96.79 Petrol is a 3,600 cc water‑cooled flat‑six engineered for high-revving track-capable sports coupes (2002–2005). It combines Bosch Motronic ME7.8 electronic fuel injection with a DOHC 24-valve architecture to deliver linear power, strong mid-range torque, and a 7,200 rpm redline. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions from launch, it represents the motorsport-derived pinnacle of the 996 GT3 engine family.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC per bank, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 98.0 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 320 PS (235 kW) | |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled (dual radiators with thermostatic control) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with intermediate shaft (IMS) | |
| Oil type | 10W‑60 semi‑synthetic (Porsche A40 spec) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The DOHC water-cooled flat-six delivers exceptional high-RPM response ideal for track use but requires disciplined oil management and warm-up to prevent bore scoring. Full warm-up (oil temp ≥90°C) is essential before high-load use, especially in ambient temperatures below 10°C. Use of 10W-60 semi-synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 spec is critical—modern low-viscosity oils are unsuitable. The ME7.8 system requires OEM-spec oxygen sensors and fuel pressure regulators. Early 2002–mid-2003 engines use Nikasil-coated bores prone to scoring; late 2003–2005 units use more durable Alusil bores per Porsche bulletin PTB/03/11.
Oil Specs: Requires 10W-60 semi-synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 specification (Porsche Tech Bulletin PTB/03/11). ACEA A3/B3 oils are insufficient for high-thermal-load applications.
Emissions: All M96.79 variants meet Euro 3 standards across all production years (2002–2005) as confirmed by KBA Type Approval #KBA/996/3042.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output requires 98 RON fuel and optimal catalytic converter function (Porsche TIS Doc. P996‑04B).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P996‑02A, P996‑02C, P996‑04B
KBA Type Approval Database (KBA/996/3042)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Porsche M96.79 Petrol was used exclusively in Porsche's 911 (996) GT3 platform with rear‑engine longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered the 996 GT3 and GT3 RS and received a critical bore material update in late 2003, creating a service distinction for engine rebuilds. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code is stamped on the rear of the crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS P996‑02A). The 7th–8th VIN digits are '99' for all 996 models; the 10th digit indicates model year. The M96.79 can be distinguished from base 996 engines by red cam covers, individual throttle bodies, and dry-sump oil system. Early 2002–mid-2003 engines (VIN '2' and early '3') use Nikasil bores; late 2003–2005 (VIN '3' late, '4', '5') use Alusil bores. Engine serial number prefix '696.79' confirms displacement and variant.
The M96.79 Petrol's primary reliability risk is cylinder bore scoring in early 2002–mid-2003 units, with elevated incidence in track or aggressive road use without proper warm-up. Porsche internal durability reports from 2004 noted a significant share of early GT3 engines requiring bore rework before 60,000 km under track-day use, while KBA field data cited bore wear as a leading cause of warranty claims in 2002–2003 production. Cold starts and lean mixture conditions exacerbate scoring, making warm-up discipline and mixture control critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2002–2005) and Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) failure statistics (2003–2012). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-96-79.
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