Porsche 356SC Type 616/16 Engine

Porsche 356SC Type 616/16 Engine

The Porsche 356 SC (Type 616/16) engine represents the pinnacle of the 356 “pushrod” flat-four development. Introduced in late 1963 for the 1964 model year, it was the high-performance heart of the 356 C, the final evolution of the 356 series.

Listing Details

• Porsche Type 616/16 Flat-Four
• Rebuilt to 1,720cc
• Dual Downdraft Carburetors
• Bosch Distributor
• Engine Number P☆820404☆
• Neutek SX1 Camshaft
• Exhaust System

1. Key Technical Specifications

The 616/16 was effectively a refined and more powerful successor to the earlier “Super 90” (616/7) engine.

• Engine Type: Air-cooled, horizontally opposed (Flat) 4-cylinder.

• Displacement: 1,582 cc (1.6 Liters).

• Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 (up from the 8.5:1 found in the standard 356 C).

• Horsepower: 95 hp (DIN) @ 5,800 rpm.

  • Note: Some sources cite 107 hp (SAE), but the standard factory rating for the “SC” is 95 DIN.

• Torque: 91 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm.

• Carburetion: Twin Solex 40 PII-4 dual-throat carburetors.

2. Internal Engineering Features

What separated the 616/16 from the standard “C” (616/15) engine were internal upgrades designed to handle the higher revs and increased output:

• Crankshaft: Counterweighted forged steel crankshaft for improved high-rev balance.

• Valves: Sodium-filled exhaust valves (to assist with cooling) and larger intake/exhaust ports.

• Camshaft: A more aggressive “high-lift” camshaft profile.

• Crankcase: Features reinforced webbing and improved lubrication passages; it also uses the 55 mm large-journal main bearings inherited from the Super 90.

3. Serial Number Ranges

Matching numbers are vital for 356 SC values. The engine type “616/16” is stamped on the right-hand side of the case, near the generator stand.

• Serial Series: Generally starts with 810001 and up (for 1964 models) and 820001 and up (for 1965 models).

• Replacement Engines: Cases stamped with P* (e.g., P-8xxxxx) are usually factory replacement units.

4. The 356 SC vs. The 912 (Type 616/36)

While the 356 SC was the top-tier engine of its day, it was the direct ancestor of the engine found in the early Porsche 912.

• The 912 engine (Type 616/36) is essentially a refined version of the 356 SC engine, utilizing a slightly lower compression (9.3:1) and different cooling sheet metal to fit the 911-style engine bay.