The Porsche M 97.22 is a 3,824 cc, water-cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2008. 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 294 kW (400 PS) and 430 Nm of torque, delivering high-revving performance with strong top-end character for the 911 GT3.
Fitted to the Porsche 911 (997) GT3 and GT3 RS, the M 97.22 was engineered for track-focused dynamics with lightweight internals, dry-sump lubrication, and optimized airflow. Emissions compliance was achieved via a sport-calibrated three-way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, allowing Euro 4 compliance across all markets while retaining race-derived responsiveness.
One documented concern is excessive valve guide wear under sustained high-RPM operation, noted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑997‑06‑09. The high valve spring pressures and aggressive cam profiles accelerate guide wear if oil changes exceed recommended intervals. From 2007, Porsche implemented revised valve guide materials to improve longevity in competition applications.
All production years (2005–2008) meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9722).
The Porsche M 97.22 is a 3,824 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for the 997-generation GT3 and GT3 RS (2005–2008). It combines VarioCam Plus with lightweight forged internals and dry-sump lubrication to deliver race-level responsiveness and high-revving character. Designed to meet Euro 4, it balances emissions compliance with uncompromised performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,824 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 102.7 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 294 kW (400 PS) @ 7,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 430 Nm @ 5,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with enlarged oil cooler and dry-sump system | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus | |
| Oil type | Porsche C30 10W‑60 full synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The M 97.22 delivers exhilarating high-RPM power but demands rigorous maintenance due to its race-derived valvetrain. Oil changes every 7,500 km with Porsche C30 10W‑60 full synthetic oil are essential to protect valve guides and cam lobes. Use of 100 RON fuel is recommended to prevent knock under load. Engines built before 2007 should be inspected for valve guide wear if used on track; post-2007 units feature improved guide materials per TSB‑997‑06‑09. Valve clearance checks every 20,000 km are advised due to solid lifter design.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C30 10W‑60 full synthetic oil (Porsche SIB TSB‑997‑06‑09). Lower-viscosity oils risk accelerated valve guide wear.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all model years (2005–2008) per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9722.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes 100 RON fuel and optimal ignition timing (Porsche TIS Doc. 997‑PERF‑41).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 997‑GT3‑35, 997‑FUEL‑38, TSB‑997‑06‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9722)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche M 97.22 was used exclusively in Porsche's limited-production 997 GT3 and GT3 RS with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—titanium connecting rods, lightweight crankshaft, and dry-sump oil tank integrated into chassis—and from 2007 the valve guide material update improved durability, creating absolute interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine type is stamped on the left rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS 997‑ID‑18). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year; 997 GT3 VINs begin with WP0ZZZ99 and include “GT3” or “GT3RS” in the model field. All M 97.22 engines feature black cam covers with “GT3” laser etching, dry-sump oil tank mounted ahead of the front axle, and individual throttle bodies. Do not confuse with base Carrera M97/01 (3.6L) or Turbo engines—M 97.22 has 102.7 mm bore and no turbo plumbing.
The M 97.22's primary reliability risk is valve guide wear under sustained high-RPM operation, with elevated incidence in track-used pre-2007 examples. Porsche internal service logs from 2009 indicated guide-related oil consumption in ~11% of 2005–2006 GT3 engines subjected to frequent track days, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary air injection degradation in low-mileage units. Extended oil intervals and infrequent driving accelerate wear and carbon buildup, making oil discipline and usage pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2005–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2008–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-97-22.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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