Porsche Type 528 engine is a classic four-cylinder, air-cooled engine designed by Porsche in the early 1950s. It is most famously associated with the Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super model, which was a significant step forward in the evolution of Porsche’s high-performance engines. The Type 528 engine was noted for its engineering excellence and served as a foundation for the company’s later advancements in performance and reliability.

Porsche Type 528 Design and Specifications

The Type 528 was part of Porsche’s development of air-cooled engines, building on their experience with smaller engines from the 356 series. The engine’s lightweight design and compact structure made it highly efficient and responsive for sports cars of its era.

Key Specifications:

• Engine Type: 4-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed (boxer)
• Displacement: 1.5 liters (1488 cc)
• Bore x Stroke: 80 mm x 74 mm
• Power Output: 70 horsepower at 5,000 RPM
• Compression Ratio: 8.2:1
• Fuel System: Dual carburetors
• Cooling: Air-cooled with a fan-assisted system
• Ignition: Magneto or coil-based ignition system, depending on the variant

Porsche Type 528 Performance

The Type 528 engine offered exceptional performance for its time, powering the Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super to impressive speeds and acceleration. With its 70 hp output, it was significantly more powerful than earlier engines in the 356 series, making the 1500 Super one of the faster production cars of its time.

Performance Highlights:

• Top Speed: Around 100 mph (160 km/h)
• 0 to 60 mph: Approximately 13-14 seconds
• Fuel Economy: Moderate, given its performance orientation and air-cooled design

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Porsche Type 528 Applications

The Porsche Type 528 engine was primarily used in the Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super model, which was introduced in 1952 and produced through 1955. The engine’s reliability and performance also made it a popular choice for early motorsports applications, including rallying and endurance racing, where Porsche began building its motorsport reputation.

Significance in Porsche History

The Type 528 engine represents a crucial period in Porsche’s engineering history, where the company began producing more powerful and efficient engines for its sports cars. It laid the groundwork for future air-cooled engine designs, including those used in the legendary 911 models.

By focusing on lightweight construction and efficient power delivery, Porsche established a design philosophy that would define its cars for decades to come. The Type 528, with its boxer layout and air-cooling system, is a direct ancestor of the engines found in later Porsche models, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation.

FAQs

1. What is the Porsche Type 528 engine?

• The Porsche Type 528 is a 1.5-liter, air-cooled, flat-four (boxer) engine, developed by Porsche in the early 1950s. It was designed primarily for the Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super model.

2. How much horsepower does the Type 528 engine produce?

• The Type 528 engine produces 70 horsepower at 5,000 RPM, which was a significant performance improvement for Porsche’s 1.5-liter engines during that time.

3. What type of cooling system does the Type 528 engine use?

• The engine uses an air-cooled system, typical of Porsche’s designs during that era, with a fan assisting in the cooling process.

4. Which cars used the Porsche Type 528 engine?

• The engine was primarily used in the Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super models, which were produced between 1952 and 1955.

5. What is the top speed of a car equipped with the Type 528 engine?

• Cars equipped with the Type 528 engine, such as the Porsche 356 Pre-A 1500 Super, could achieve a top speed of approximately 100 mph (160 km/h).

6. How does the Porsche Type 528 engine differ from earlier Porsche engines?

• The Type 528 engine offered more power (70 hp) than earlier Porsche engines, thanks to a higher compression ratio, dual carburetors, and improved engineering. It also featured more robust internals to handle higher RPMs and greater loads.

7. Is the Porsche Type 528 engine still in use today?

• While the Type 528 engine is no longer in production, it is highly prized by classic car enthusiasts and collectors, especially those restoring or maintaining vintage Porsche 356 models.

8. What is the significance of the Type 528 engine in Porsche’s history?

• The Type 528 engine marked a major step in Porsche’s evolution towards higher-performance sports cars. It was instrumental in establishing Porsche’s early reputation for engineering excellence and laid the groundwork for the brand’s future air-cooled engines.

9. Can the Type 528 engine be used in motorsports?

• Yes, during its time, the Type 528 engine was used in early motorsports, including endurance racing and rallying, thanks to its reliability and performance.

10. How does the Type 528 compare to later Porsche engines?

• The Type 528 engine is a predecessor to Porsche’s more advanced engines, such as those found in the 911 series. Although it was powerful for its time, later engines benefited from technological advances like improved air-cooling, fuel injection, and more efficient designs.