The Porsche M97.77R is a 3,824 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2009. It powered the rear-engine Porsche 997 GT3 RS and featured dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 digital fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 309 kW (420 PS) and 405 Nm of torque, with a redline of 7,400 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the 997-generation GT3 RS (including limited editions like the 3.8 RS), the M97.77R was engineered for track-focused performance with motorsport-derived internals, including forged pistons, titanium connecting rods, and a dry-sump lubrication system. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed‑loop lambda control and a close-coupled three‑way catalytic converter, satisfying Euro 5 standards under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
One documented concern is rod bearing wear under sustained high-RPM track use, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑GT3‑2008. Although designed for motorsport durability, the high specific output and extended operation above 7,000 rpm could accelerate bearing fatigue in engines without frequent oil analysis or scheduled rebuilds.
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/997GT3R).
The Porsche M97.77R is a 3,824 cc water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the 997 GT3 RS (2006–2009). It combines DOHC, 24-valve architecture with dry-sump lubrication and forged internals to deliver motorsport-level responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances track capability with street legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,824 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 102.7 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 309 kW (420 PS) @ 7,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 405 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dry-sump oil system | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic lifters | |
| Oil type | Porsche Motorsport 10W-60 or Porsche Longlife 0W-40 (A40) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The M97.77R delivers race-bred high-RPM power with exceptional throttle response, ideal for track use but demanding rigorous maintenance. Oil changes every 10,000 km (or 20 track hours) with Porsche Motorsport 10W-60 oil are essential to protect titanium rods and rod bearings. Extended operation above 7,000 rpm without oil analysis accelerates bearing wear. Use RON 98 fuel to prevent knock under load. The dry-sump system requires proper de-aeration during servicing—improper refill can cause oil starvation on cornering. Post-2008 units received revised bearing clearances per TSB-GT3-2008 for improved durability.
Oil Specs: Porsche Motorsport 10W-60 recommended for track use; A40 0W-40 acceptable for road use (Porsche Lubricants Guide 2008).
Emissions: Full Euro 5 compliance confirmed under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/997GT3R.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on dynamometers at Porsche Motorsport (Porsche PB-GT3RS-09).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PT-997GT3R-06, FT-997-07, TSB-GT3-2008
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on vehicle emissions
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/997GT3R)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Measurement Standard
The Porsche M97.77R was used exclusively in Porsche's 997 GT3 RS platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine featured motorsport-specific components—including titanium rods, forged pistons, and dry-sump oiling—and was never offered in non-RS or road-focused models. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code M97.77R is stamped on the crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS PT-997GT3R-06). The 10th VIN digit is '6' (2006), '7' (2007), '8' (2008), or '9' (2009). Visual cues: all M97.77R engines have red-painted cam covers, dry-sump oil tank on right side, and “GT3 RS” insignia. Do not confuse with M97.74 (Carrera S, 325 PS) or M97.73 (997 GT3, 415 PS)—M97.77R is exclusive to GT3 RS with 420 PS and titanium rods. Engine serial number prefix “97R” confirms identity.
The M97.77R's primary reliability risk is rod bearing wear under sustained high-RPM track use, with elevated incidence in competition-driven examples. Porsche Motorsport data from 2009 indicated bearing replacements in over 15% of track-prepped GT3 RS engines by 30,000 km, while UK DVSA records show excellent road reliability with proper maintenance. Oil quality, analysis, and service intervals make bearing integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2006–2009) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-97-77R.
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