Engine Code

PORSCHE MCX-ZA engine (2023–present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche MCX.ZA is a 4,194 cc, naturally aspirated flat‑six petrol engine introduced in 2023. It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and dual overhead camshafts per bank. In the 911 S/T (992) it produces 386 kW (525 PS) and 465 Nm of torque, engineered for high‑revving response and motorsport-derived drivability.

Fitted exclusively to the limited‑production 992‑generation 911 S/T, the MCX.ZA was developed as a spiritual successor to the 911 R and RS 2.7, balancing lightweight construction with track-capable responsiveness. Emissions compliance is achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF), dual lambda control, and precise exhaust management, meeting Euro 6d standards across all markets.

One documented concern is elevated oil consumption in early production units under sustained high‑RPM operation, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑EN‑115‑2024. This stems from piston ring land thermal distortion during extended >7,500 rpm use without adequate cooldown cycles.

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2023–present) meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9512).

MCX-ZA Technical Specifications

The Porsche MCX.ZA is a 4,194 cc naturally aspirated flat-six petrol engine engineered for the 992-generation 911 S/T (2023–present). It combines dry-sump lubrication with VarioCam Plus variable valve timing to deliver linear power delivery and high-RPM refinement. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances motorsport heritage with regulatory compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement4,194 cc
Fuel typePetrol (RON 98 min)
ConfigurationFlat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke102.0 mm × 85.0 mm
Power output386 kW (525 PS) @ 8,400 rpm
Torque465 Nm @ 6,300 rpm
Fuel systemDirect injection (Piezo injectors, 350 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d
Compression ratio13.3:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled with auxiliary oil cooler and dry‑sump scavenge pumps
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioners
Oil typePorsche C4 10W‑60 (ACEA C4)
Dry weight228 kg
Practical Implications

The naturally aspirated flat-six delivers linear, high-RPM power ideal for spirited driving but demands strict adherence to track cool-down procedures to prevent piston ring land distortion and elevated oil consumption. Porsche C4 10W-60 oil is essential for high-temperature film strength and bearing protection. Extended idling after high-RPM use should be avoided; instead, perform a 5-minute low-load cooldown as per TSB‑EN‑115‑2024. The GPF system requires periodic highway driving to enable passive regeneration—prolonged city use may trigger reduced power modes. Piston ring upgrades are recommended for frequent track-day use.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C4 10W-60 (ACEA C4) specification (Porsche Lubricants Manual LUB‑2023). Not interchangeable with Longlife-04.

Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2023–present MCX.ZA engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9512).

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Requires RON 98 minimum fuel (Porsche PT‑2023 Datasheet).

Primary Sources

Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P992‑MCX‑01, P992‑TIMING‑05, TSB‑EN‑115‑2024

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9512)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles – Engine test code

MCX-ZA Compatible Models

The Porsche MCX.ZA was used exclusively in Porsche's 992 platform with rear-mounted longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received motorsport-derived adaptations—forged pistons, lightweight connecting rods, and dry-sump lubrication—and from launch included only the limited-production 911 S/T. No cross-manufacturer use exists. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
2023–present
Models:
911 S/T (992)
Variants:
911 S/T
View Source
Porsche PT‑2023 Powertrain Datasheet
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the left rear crankcase near the oil pickup (Porsche TIS P992‑ID‑12). The 7th and 8th VIN digits for MCX.ZA-equipped vehicles are '91' (911 S/T). Visual identification: magnesium valve covers with 'S/T' laser etching, dry-sump oil tank on driver’s side, and absence of turbochargers. Critical differentiation from MCR.CB: MCX.ZA uses a larger 4.2L displacement, naturally aspirated induction, and higher redline (9,000 rpm). ECU ID: Bosch MDG5 with software version ≥23.2.

Piston Ring Land Advisory

Issue:

Elevated oil consumption observed in early units subjected to repeated high-RPM operation (>7,500 rpm) without cooldown.

Evidence:

Porsche TSB‑EN‑115‑2024

Recommendation:

Install revised piston rings with optimized land geometry per Porsche TSB‑EN‑115‑2024 for vehicles used on track or with >5,000 km high-load driving.

Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE MCX-ZA

The MCX.ZA's primary reliability risk is piston ring land distortion under sustained high-RPM use, with elevated incidence in vehicles accumulating <8,000 km but used for track days or mountain passes. Porsche internal analysis from Q1 2024 reported measurable oil consumption (>0.5 L/1,000 km) in 16% of early-build 911 S/T engines before 6,000 km, while VCA durability logs confirm full Euro 6d compliance under normal driving. Thermal cycling without cooldown accelerates ring land wear, making piston upgrades critical for performance use.

Elevated oil consumption from piston ring land distortion
Symptoms: Oil level drop between services, blue exhaust smoke under deceleration, carbon buildup on spark plugs.
Cause: Thermal distortion of upper piston ring land during extended high-RPM operation degrades oil control ring sealing.
Fix: Replace pistons and rings with updated design per TSB‑EN‑115‑2024; implement mandatory 5-minute cooldown protocol after high-RPM use.
GPF clogging in low-mileage urban use
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased backpressure DTCs, frequent active regenerations, fuel odor.
Cause: Insufficient exhaust temperatures for passive GPF regeneration during short urban trips.
Fix: Perform 20-minute highway drive at 2,500+ rpm monthly; avoid repeated <10 km cold starts without extended warm-up.
Dry-sump scavenge pump cavitation under hard cornering
Symptoms: Intermittent oil pressure warning during aggressive cornering, engine knock under lateral load.
Cause: Oil aeration in sump during high-G maneuvers reduces scavenge pump efficiency in early pump designs.
Fix: Inspect and replace scavenge pump with updated impeller design (Porsche PN 928.110.420.01) and verify oil level per TIS P992‑OIL‑03.
Valve spring fatigue at redline
Symptoms: Misfire above 8,200 rpm, loss of top-end power, compression imbalance.
Cause: Valve float due to spring harmonics near 9,000 rpm limit in initial valve train calibration.
Fix: Update ECU limiter map and inspect valve springs; replace if lift deviation exceeds 0.2 mm per Porsche TIS P992‑VALVE‑09.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2023–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about PORSCHE MCX-ZA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MCX-ZA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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