🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

924

Chassis Code:

Type 931 (Turbo), Type 924 (Non-Turbo)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Porsche 924 was positioned as Porsche's entry-level sports coupe, designed to attract a broader market and compete with European and Japanese sports cars. It offered Porsche performance and handling at a more accessible price point.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles such as the Toyota Celica Supra, Datsun 280ZX, Ford Capri, and various European coupes from BMW and Audi. Its rear-engine layout (transaxle) was a unique feature in its class.

Selling Points:

Affordable Porsche, balanced weight distribution due to transaxle design, distinctive styling, capable handling characteristics, availability of naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typical service manuals for this era are 1000+ pages)

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on typical availability for this market)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnostics, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (CIS-L-Jetronic)

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, ABS (on later models if equipped)

Transmission:

Manual transaxle (Type 016), automatic transaxle (Type 017), clutch system, driveshafts, axle boots

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion bar suspension, shock absorbers, bushings, control arms, anti-roll bars

Steering:

Rack and pinion steering, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, tie rod ends

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, gauges, dashboard instruments, fuse box, relays, power windows, door locks

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seals, upholstery, HVAC system

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component troubleshooting

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable)

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and routine service to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed component diagnostics and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Searchable PDF text (high likelihood for digitally sourced manuals)

Printability:

Printable (standard PDF functionality)

Quality:

Varies by source, but a good quality digital scan will retain clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

VW EA831 (modified)

Displacement:

2.0 L (1984 cc)

Configuration:

Inline-4, front-mounted

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (typical for non-turbo)

Horsepower Hp:

Approx. 110 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (NA models)

Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 120 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm (NA models)

Horsepower Hp Turbo:

Approx. 143-170 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (924 Turbo models)

Injection Type:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) mechanical fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Type:

Liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributor (early), breakerless ignition (later)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual transaxle (early models)

Type Later:

5-speed manual transaxle (Type 016) became standard on many models

Type:

3-speed automatic transaxle (Type 017)

Layout:

Rear transaxle design for optimal weight distribution (engine front, transmission rear)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific viscosity for temperature range)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

Approx. 166.0 inches (4216 mm)

Width Inches:

Approx. 66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Height Inches:

Approx. 49.5 inches (1257 mm)

Wheelbase Inches:

Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm)

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) depending on model and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

Approx. 3500 lbs (1588 kg)

Cargo Volume Cubic Feet:

Approx. 10.2 cu ft (rear hatch area)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

NHTSA ratings for this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. However, the 924 featured a robust chassis for its time.

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Drums (standard). Front discs were larger on Turbo models. Optional ABS on very late models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often aftermarket upgrades are present.

Gauges:

Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature.

ABS:

Optional on later models, not standard.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards. Limited to basic vehicle electrics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (manual), check owner's manual for automatic

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for temperature specific recommendations)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Fuel System:

Aging fuel lines and connectors, potential for cold start issues with CIS, clogged fuel injectors.

Electrical:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failing relays, aging dashboard instruments, headlight switch failures.

Suspension:

Worn bushings, leaky front struts, aging ball joints and tie rod ends.

Engine:

Oil leaks from seals and gaskets, timing belt inspection (though the 924 used a chain), head gasket issues on high-mileage engines.

Turbocharger:

Wear on turbocharger bearings, wastegate issues, intercooler leaks (on Turbo models).

📚 Vehicle History

Porsche Philosophy:

While developed with Volkswagen and sharing some components, the 924 embodied Porsche's commitment to sports car engineering, handling balance, and driver engagement.

Introduction Year:

1976 (debut), 1977 (market introduction)

Key Updates:

Introduction of the 924 Turbo (931) in 1978, followed by the 924 Carrera GT and 924 Carrera GTS for homologation. A significant facelift occurred in 1980 with aerodynamic enhancements and interior updates. Later models saw minor engine power increases and optional features.

Manufacturing Location:

Neckarsulm, Germany (initially by Audi NSU)

Production Years Overall:

1976–1988 (globally, with the 944 taking over as the primary entry-level offering in most markets later)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Reviews:

Praised for its handling and build quality, though sometimes criticized for its perceived lack of power compared to other Porsche models. Recognized as a successful entry-level sports car.

Classic Car Status:

Increasingly recognized as a desirable classic, particularly well-maintained examples and the rarer Turbo and homologation variants.