The Porsche M 97.70S is a 4,377 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2009. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and Bosch Motronic ME7.8 sequential fuel injection with VarioCam Plus variable valve timing. In standard form it delivered 309 kW (420 PS) at 7,000 rpm, with peak torque of 460 Nm at 4,600 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 (997) GT3 and GT3 RS models globally, the M 97.70S was engineered as a high‑revving, motorsport‑derived powerplant emphasizing lightweight internals, dry‑sump lubrication, and track‑ready durability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel mapping and catalytic converters, enabling full Euro 4 compliance across all production regions.
One documented concern is premature wear of the hydraulic VarioCam actuator solenoids under extreme thermal cycling, highlighted in Porsche Service Bulletin 997 08 2007. This issue stems from repeated cold starts followed by high‑load operation without adequate warm‑up, potentially causing erratic cam phasing, rough idle, or power loss.
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9678).
The Porsche M 97.70S is a 4,377 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for high‑performance track applications (2006–2009). It combines dry-sump lubrication, individual throttle bodies, and VarioCam Plus to deliver high-revving character and motorsport-derived response. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances racing pedigree with road-legal compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,377 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 102.7 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 309 kW (420 PS) @ 7,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 460 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 with individual throttle bodies | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dry-sump lubrication | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus hydraulic phasers | |
| Oil type | Porsche A40 (SAE 10W-60) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The high-compression, high-revving design delivers race-car response but requires disciplined warm-up and cooldown protocols. Porsche A40 (10W-60) oil is essential for bearing and cam protection under extreme thermal loads. Cold starts must be followed by 2–3 minutes of gentle operation before high-RPM use. The VarioCam system demands clean oil—extended service intervals accelerate solenoid wear. Post-2007 engines feature upgraded solenoid seals per Porsche SIB 997 08 2007. Dry-sump capacity (12L) prevents oil starvation during hard cornering but requires precise fill level to avoid aeration.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A40 (10W-60) specification (Porsche SIB 997 09 2008). ACEA A3/B4 equivalent acceptable if A40 unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2009 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Peak output requires RON 98 fuel and functional catalyst (Porsche TIS Doc. 997-7112).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 997-7101, 997-7112, SIB 997 08 2007
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Porsche M 97.70S was used exclusively in Porsche's 997 GT3 and GT3 RS platforms with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor running changes—revised VarioCam solenoid seals in 2008–2009 and updated dry-sump scavenge pump—and was the final evolution of the M97 naturally aspirated GT3 line before the 3.8L M97/72. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS 997-7300). The engine number begins with "97/". The M 97.70S is identified by its 4.0L displacement, individual throttle bodies, and dry-sump oil tank. Visual cue: GT3/GT3 RS models feature fixed rear wing, center-lock wheels, and GT3 badging. Do not confuse with M97/72 (3.8L)—bore/stroke and cam profile differ significantly.
The M 97.70S's primary reliability risk is VarioCam solenoid failure due to thermal shock, with elevated incidence in track-used or cold-start-abused examples. Porsche internal data from 2008 indicated a measurable share of early GT3 engines required solenoid replacement before 60,000 km, while owner logs link cam phasing faults to inadequate warm-up protocols. Aggressive use without thermal discipline accelerates wear, making oil specification and operational procedure critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2006–2009) and GT3 owner association failure logs (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-97-70S.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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