How do air-cooled Porsches not overheat?

As the name implies, air-cooled engines rely on the circulation of cool air to…well cool the engine down! Metal fins sit around the outer surface of the head and cylinder block which increase the airflow to keep the engine cool and running properly.

Are Porsche cars air-cooled?

Although it was standard equipment up until the late 1990’s, the air-cooled Porsche engine has since been phased out, replaced with more powerful and efficient water-cooled engines in all of their vehicles.

What is so special about air-cooled Porsches?

The air-cooled flat engine was also an ideal choice for sports cars such as the Porsche 911 as its low design lowered the car’s centre of gravity, giving a sportier and more dynamic style of driving. Installing the engine at the back also gave more traction as the weight rested on the drive axle.

How does Porsche air-cooled engine work?

An air-cooled Porsche’s blower pushes cool air over the top of the engine and down, but its very function is part of the reason air-cooled cars would fail to meet today’s tough emissions regulations. The cool air blower ventilates the deep fins on both the cylinders and heads of an air-cooled Porsche engine.

Can an air-cooled engine overheat?

Air-cooled engines are more likely to overheat. They can also be more expensive to build and the large fans used to cool the engine can take away a lot of power.

When did Porsche stop air-cooled?

With the fifth generation of the 911 introduced in 1997 – the type 996 – Porsche took the bold step to stop using air-cooled engines. After 34 years, the sports car manufacturer completely revamped its icon with the new 911 and in doing so solved a number of urgent challenges.

What is the last air-cooled Porsche?

993
However, the real reason that true Porsche enthusiasts still cherish the 993 is the fact that this model, produced from 1993 to 1998, was the last 911 with an air-cooled flat engine. For five decades, the 911 has been the centrepiece of the Porsche brand.

What are the disadvantages of air-cooled engines?

What are the disadvantages of an air-cooled engine? Air-cooled engines are more likely to overheat. They can also be more expensive to build and the large fans used to cool the engine can take away a lot of power.

When did Porsche stop making air-cooled?

However, the real reason that true Porsche enthusiasts still cherish the 993 is the fact that this model, produced from 1993 to 1998, was the last 911 with an air-cooled flat engine. For five decades, the 911 has been the centrepiece of the Porsche brand.

Why did Porsche get rid of the air-cooled engine?

Fifty years (1948 to 1998) of air-cooled technology and then Porsche’s air-cooled engines were abruptly gone. People often ask why the Porsche air-cooled engine had to go. There are a few reasons, but the most relevant is based around emissions. More specifically, cold start and restart emissions.

Are air-cooled Porsche 911s any good?

As much as it pains me to admit it, this generation of air-cooled Porsche 911 is not very exciting to drive unless you are absolutely pushing it. For 90 percent of the time, the suspension is quite stiff, the A/C is about as cold as Florida in the peak of summer, and the engine sounds quite rough in stock form.

What does the cooling fan do on a Porsche?

The iconic Porsche cooling fan, a critical piece of the air-cooled engine, directs air over the cylinders and heads, and its belt spins the alternator. Josh Scott More than a dozen makers exploited air cooling in the 20th century, none so successfully as Porsche.

What cars have air-cooled engines?

When air-cooled engines are mentioned, we tend to think of the VW Beetle or Porsche 911, but plenty of other cars featured them as well. Air-cooled engines are popular in the aviation industry where greater airflow provides superior cooling negating the need for radiators and coolant.