The Porsche MCW.BA is a 3,996 cc, naturally aspirated flat‑six petrol engine introduced in 2020 for the 911 GT3 (992.1). It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and a high-revving valvetrain with solid lifters. In standard form it delivers 375 kW (510 PS) at 8,400 rpm with torque of 470 Nm, engineered for motorsport‑derived responsiveness and linear power delivery.
Fitted exclusively to the 992.1‑generation 911 GT3, the MCW.BA is the road‑legal evolution of Porsche’s motorsport flat‑six architecture. It uses a rigid crankcase, dry‑sump lubrication, and individual throttle bodies to deliver exceptional throttle precision. Emissions compliance is achieved through port injection assist, gasoline particulate filters (GPF), and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 6d standards across all markets.
One documented engineering refinement relates to early‑production valve spring durability under sustained high‑rpm use, addressed in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 992‑06‑21. Affects initial GT3 units built before May 2021, causing occasional valve float above 8,200 rpm. Porsche issued revised dual‑rate valve springs and updated lifters to resolve high‑rpm valvetrain stability.
All production years (2020–present) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Porsche MCW.BA is a 3,996 cc flat‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high‑performance 911 GT3 applications (2020–present). It combines individual throttle bodies with dry‑sump lubrication and solid lifters to deliver motorsport‑level throttle response and high‑rpm stability. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions, it balances track capability with road legality and daily usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,996 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 102.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 375 kW (510 PS) @ 8,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 470 Nm @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection with port assist (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 13.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Dual‑circuit water‑cooled with oil cooler | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with solid lifters | |
| Oil type | Porsche C4 (SAE 0W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The high-compression, naturally aspirated design demands premium fuel (RON 98) and strict oil discipline to protect solid lifters and dry-sump components. Porsche C4 (0W‑40) oil is essential for cam/lifter wear prevention under sustained high rpm. Extended track use requires oil changes every 10,000 km or 12 months. The GPF system mandates occasional sustained high-load operation to prevent clogging. Early units (pre-05/2021) should receive valvetrain upgrade per SIB 992‑06‑21 to ensure 8,400 rpm reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C4 (0W‑40) specification (Porsche SIB 992‑05‑21). Equivalent to ACEA C3 with Porsche-specific HTHS requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies universally (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901), including RDE compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 510 PS output requires RON 98 fuel and ambient temperatures below 35°C (Porsche TIS Doc. 992‑P05).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 992‑E50, 992‑F15, 992‑C05, SIB 992‑05‑21, SIB 992‑06‑21
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Porsche MCW.BA is used exclusively in Porsche's 992.1 GT3 platform with longitudinal rear‑mounting. This engine features motorsport-derived dry‑sump lubrication, individual throttle bodies, and solid lifters—and from mid‑2021, revised valve springs—creating strict interchange limits. No licensing partnerships exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code MCW.BA is laser-etched on the left rear crankcase near the oil pump housing (Porsche TIS 992‑E50). VIN 7th digit is 'G' for GT3; 10th digit '1' denotes 2021 model year. Early units (build date <05/2021) use single-rate valve springs with silver retainers; updated units feature dual-rate springs with black anodised retainers. Do not interchange camshafts or lifters between pre- and post-May 2021 builds—valvetrain calibration differences cause high-rpm instability per Porsche SIB 992‑06‑21.
The MCW.BA's primary reliability concern is early-production valve spring durability under sustained high‑rpm operation. Porsche internal data from Q3 2021 indicated a subset of pre‑May 2021 GT3 units exhibited valve float above 8,200 rpm, while no bottom‑end failures have been reported. High thermal and mechanical loads make oil quality and valvetrain inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2020–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MCW-BA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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