Segment:
Luxury Sports Car
Target Audience:
Performance enthusiasts, collectors, Porsche owners requiring professional-level repair information
Competitors Era:
Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS, Jaguar XJS, Chevrolet Corvette C3
Performance Focus:
Legendary handling and driving dynamics
Design Heritage:
Iconic silhouette evolved from earlier 911 generations
Manual Utility:
Authoritative resource for maintaining peak performance and originality
Primary Focus:
Mechanical and electrical systems repair and maintenance
Secondary Focus:
Bodywork adjustments and specifications
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 800-1200 (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Likely printed manual (original factory documentation), may also exist in digital PDF format
Engine:
Air-cooled flat-six (e.g., 3.0L, 3.2L for Carrera), fuel injection (K-Jetronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication
Transmission:
Manual transaxle (e.g., 915 series), clutch, driveshafts
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front and rear), parking brake, ABS (if equipped on specific variants)
Suspension:
Torsion bar front suspension, trailing arm rear suspension, shock absorbers, steering system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system, charging system, starter, instruments, power windows, wipers
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, fluid checks, belt tensioning
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component removal and reinstallation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault codes (if applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive: covers everything from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Digital Format:
PDF (if digitized), typically high-resolution scans of original pages
Print Quality:
Original factory print quality (clear text, legible diagrams)
Binding:
Original: Spiral-bound or stitched hardbound; Digital: Accessible via PDF reader
Paper Type:
Original: Heavyweight, matte paper for durability; Digital: N/A
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, naturally aspirated flat-six boxer
Displacement 2.7:
2687 cc (for 911 SC, Carrera 2.7)
Displacement 3.0:
2994 cc (for 911 SC, Carrera 3.0)
Displacement 3.2:
3164 cc (for 911 Carrera 3.2, introduced late 1983 model year, may have some 1978 relevance in terms of evolution)
Horsepower 911 Sc:
180 hp (approx. for US models), 204 hp (for European models)
Horsepower Carrera 3.0:
200 hp
Torque 911 Sc:
217 lb-ft (approx.)
Torque Carrera 3.0:
263 Nm (approx.)
Fuel Injection Type:
Bosch K-Jetronic CIS (Continuous Injection System)
Fuel Grade:
Unleaded premium gasoline (e.g., 91 octane or higher)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with breakerless distributor
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transaxle (915 series)
Transmission Type:
Automatic (Sportomatic or Tiptronic - rare for this specific year but a possibility for some markets/later models that influenced design)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual based on model variant (e.g., 911 SC vs. Carrera)
Length:
Approx. 4271 mm (168.1 in) for 911 SC
Width:
Approx. 1668 mm (65.7 in) for 911 SC
Height:
Approx. 1320 mm (52.0 in) for 911 SC
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1120-1220 kg (2470-2690 lbs) for 911 SC
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2271 mm (89.4 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 130 mm
Crash Test Era:
No standardized modern crash test ratings comparable to today's NCAP or IIHS
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc brakes, potentially with optional ABS on some later models or variants
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage inherent in Porsche design
Fuel Tank:
Protected fuel tank location
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or annually, per manual recommendation
Major Service:
As per manual, often involving valve adjustment, spark plug replacement, fuel filter, air filter replacement
Engine Oil Type:
Air-cooled specific formulation, e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact Porsche A40 or equivalent spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 9-10 liters (including oil cooler)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5 (check manual for specific type and friction modifiers)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Engine Tin Wear:
Intercase bearing wear on early G-series, particularly with high mileage or aggressive use
Fuel System Leaks:
Aging fuel lines and injector seals can develop leaks
Valve Adjustment:
Requires periodic adjustment to maintain performance and engine health
Corrosion:
Rust potential in common areas like wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms
Founding:
Ferdinand Porsche, 1931
Philosophy:
Engineering excellence, performance, and motorsport success
911 Debut:
1963 (as Porsche 901, renamed 911)
G Series Introduction:
1973 (G-Series update)
1978 Updates:
Part of the G-Series, typically featuring larger bumpers for US safety regulations, introduction of 911 SC (Super Carrera)
Production Location:
Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany
Relevant Variants 1978:
911 SC (Coupe, Targa, Cabriolet), 930 Turbo
