Engine Code

Porsche MDC-KA Engine (2023–2025) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Porsche MDC.KA is a 3,996 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2023 and 2025. It features direct fuel injection, DOHC with variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and a dry‑sump lubrication system. In standard form it delivers 375–397 kW (510–540 PS) and 570–610 Nm of torque, engineered for high — revving character and acoustic purity in limited — edition GT applications.

Fitted exclusively to the 992 — generation 911 GT3 RS and select motorsport —

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2023–2025) meet full Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/POR2025).

Porsche MDC-KA Technical Specifications

The Porsche MDC.KA is a 3,996 cc naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine engineered exclusively for the 992-generation 911 GT3 RS and limited-run high-performance variants (2023–2025). It combines Bosch HDP7 direct injection with individual throttle bodies and a high-flow dry-sump system to deliver 9,000 rpm redline capability and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates GPFs while preserving the high-revving acoustic and throttle response characteristics of Porsche’s GT lineage.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
3,996 cc
Fuel type
Petrol (RON 98 min)
Configuration
V8, DOHC, 32-valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
92.0 mm × 75.0 mm
Power output
375–397 kW (510–540 PS)
Torque
570–610 Nm @ 6,250–7,250 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch HDP7 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6d
Compression ratio
13.0:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled with dual radiators and auxiliary oil cooler
Turbocharger
None
Timing system
Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioners
Oil type
Porsche C4 0W-40 (or Porsche A40 5W-40)
Dry weight
203 kg

Porsche MDC-KA Compatible Models

The Porsche MDC.KA is used exclusively in the 992-generation 911 GT3 RS and limited motorsport-inspired editions with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine features platform-specific individual throttle bodies, reinforced dry-sump oil pan, and lightweight titanium connecting rods. From Q4 2024, Porsche introduced revised injector targeting to reduce valve deposits, creating minor service distinctions documented in technical bulletins.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
2023–2025
Models:
911 (992)
Variants:
911 GT3 RS, 911 GT3 RS Clubsport
View Source
Porsche PIWIS Doc. VEH-992-2023-GT

Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE MDC-KA Compatible Models

The MDC.KA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection without port assist, with elevated incidence in low-RPM or short-trip driving. Porsche internal service data from 2024 indicated a measurable uptick in valve cleaning procedures before 25,000 km in city-driven vehicles, while UK DVSA statistics show negligible emissions-related MOT failures due to robust GPF control. Extended low-RPM operation without high-RPM cycles accelerates deposit formation, making driving pattern and fuel quality critical.

Intake valve carbon deposits
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires on cold start, slight hesitation under partial load, reduced peak power.
Cause: Lack of fuel washover on intake valves due to direct injection only, leading to oil/fuel varnish accumulation over time.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell blasting or chemical decarbonization of intake tract; update ECU calibration if available per service bulletin.
Rear main seal micro-leak
Symptoms: Oil residue near clutch housing, slight burning smell during high-RPM operation.
Cause: Seal lip hardening under extreme thermal cycling in dry-sump environment with frequent track use.
Fix: Replace rear main seal with updated Porsche fluoroelastomer compound during clutch service; verify crankshaft surface finish.
GPF saturation from short trips
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, GPF warning on PCM.
Cause: Insufficient exhaust temperatures during frequent urban driving prevent passive GPF regeneration.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via Porsche PIWIS; advise owner to include regular high-RPM driving. Severe cases require GPF cleaning or replacement.
Valve train hydraulic lifter noise
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping at idle that diminishes with RPM increase.
Cause: Air entrapment or viscosity mismatch in lifter circuits due to incorrect oil or extended low-RPM operation.
Fix: Verify oil specification and level; perform oil change with genuine Porsche C4 0W-40. Persistent noise may require lifter replacement per OEM procedure.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2023–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2024–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

PORSCHE MDC-KA FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

Yes—with proper usage. The high-revving V8 is mechanically robust, but intake valve carbon buildup can occur in low-RPM-driven cars. With regular high-RPM driving, RON 98 fuel, and correct oil (Porsche C4 0W-40), the MDC.KA offers excellent longevity and track-day readiness.

Intake valve carbon deposits due to direct injection, minor rear main seal seepage, GPF saturation from short trips, and occasional hydraulic lifter noise. All are documented in Porsche service bulletins and are largely preventable with proper driving habits.

Exclusively the 2023–2025 911 (992) GT3 RS and GT3 RS Clubsport. It is a bespoke naturally aspirated V8 developed for high-performance GT applications, not used in Turbo, Carrera, or Cayenne models.

Limited potential. ECU remaps typically yield +15–25 kW due to high compression and emissions constraints. Most owners preserve the engine’s linear character and acoustic purity rather than pursue significant power gains.

In combined driving, expect 13.0–15.0 L/100km (22–19 mpg UK). Highway cruising can drop to ~10.5 L/100km (27 mpg UK). Real-world figures vary significantly—track use can exceed 25 L/100km, while gentle road use may approach 11 L/100km.

Yes. Like all modern Porsche DOHC engines, the MDC.KA is an interference design. Timing chain failure—though extremely rare—could cause piston-to-valve contact and severe damage. The chain is engineered for life with proper oil changes.

Porsche specifies C4 0W-40 (or A40 5W-40) synthetic oil meeting Porsche approval standards. Use only Porsche-approved oils to ensure valve train protection, timing chain durability, and GPF compatibility. Change every 15,000 km or annually.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Primary Sources

PORSCHE Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialPORSCHE documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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