Market Position:
The Porsche 924 was positioned as an entry-level sports coupe, offering Porsche performance and design at a more accessible price point. It bridged the gap between traditional sports cars and everyday coupes, attracting a new demographic to the brand.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Supra, Datsun Z cars, and various European coupes from brands like BMW and Alfa Romeo, emphasizing a blend of sporty handling, advanced engineering, and German build quality.
Key Features Of 924:
Transaxle design for balanced weight distribution, sleek aerodynamic styling, Porsche engineering heritage, comfortable interior for its class, and a reputation for reliable performance.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system, Clutch, Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (if applicable), Driveshafts, Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Braking system (hydraulic, ABS if applicable), Body structure, Exterior panels, Interior trim, HVAC system (compressor, evaporator, heater core, controls), Electrical system (wiring diagrams, component testing, fuses, relays, lighting, instrumentation, starting, charging), Diagnostic procedures, Troubleshooting guides
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), Component removal and installation, Engine rebuilding, Transmission overhaul, Suspension alignment, Brake system service, Electrical troubleshooting and repair, Body panel alignment, HVAC system diagnostics and repair, Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, Wiring harness repair, Spec adjustments and calibration
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive; includes detailed diagnostics, step-by-step repair instructions, torque specifications, schematics, and component testing procedures for both general maintenance and major overhaul.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts, testing specifications for all electrical components, fuel system pressure testing, ignition timing verification, emission control system diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all systems, including power distribution, engine controls, lighting, instruments, and accessories. Often color-coded in original publications.
Body Repair Information:
Information on panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window systems, body sealing, rust repair considerations, and interior trim components.
Chassis Component Coverage:
Detailed sections on suspension geometry, component replacement (shocks, springs, bushings, ball joints), steering rack overhaul, wheel bearing service, and chassis lubrication points.
Engine Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive engine specifications, clearances, torque values for cylinder head, main bearings, connecting rods, and camshaft. Procedures for piston and ring replacement, valve seat grinding, and crankshaft inspection.
Transmission Overhaul Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch pack replacement, gear synchronizer service, and torque converter seal replacement.
Key Technical Specs:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances (piston-to-cylinder wall, bearing clearances), valve clearances, ignition timing, fuel pressure, tire pressures, alignment specifications.
Engine Type 1976-1985:
Inline-4, naturally aspirated
Displacement 1976-1985:
2.0 L (1984 cc)
Bore X Stroke 1976-1985:
88.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1976-1985:
8.5:1
Horsepower 1976-1985:
110 hp @ 5800 rpm (DIN)
Torque 1976-1985:
131 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (DIN)
Fuel System 1976-1985:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Engine Management 1976-1985:
Electronic ignition, Bosch ignition control unit
Engine Type 1981-1988 924 Carrera Gt Gts Turbo 944 Engine Variant:
Inline-4, turbocharged (924 Turbo/Carrera GT/GTS)
Displacement 1981-1988 924 Turbo:
2.0 L (1984 cc)
Horsepower 1981-1988 924 Turbo:
143 hp @ 5500 rpm (DIN) (924 Turbo); 170 hp (Carrera GT); 210 hp (Carrera GTS)
Torque 1981-1988 924 Turbo:
165 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (DIN) (924 Turbo); 181 lb-ft (Carrera GT); 200 lb-ft (Carrera GTS)
Fuel System 1981-1988 924 Turbo:
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection with Turbocharger
Engine Code Early:
VW EA831
Engine Code Turbo:
924 Turbo (931)
Infotainment Features Early Models:
Basic analog gauges, AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional), manual antenna adjustment.
Infotainment Features Later Models:
Improved radio systems, potentially with graphic equalizers. Still primarily analog, focused on core driving information.
Driver Assistance Features Early Models:
Limited to the responsive chassis and braking system. No electronic driver aids.
Driver Assistance Features Later Models:
Optional ABS on some later models (e.g., 924 S) and power steering became more prevalent.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features. Primarily analog systems for vehicle operation and entertainment.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific year/engine.
Service Intervals Filters
Filter Replacement Interval:
Oil filter: With every oil change. Air filter: 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Fuel filter: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as specified for type. Typically Bosch W8AC or equivalent.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 recommended. Check manual for climate specific recommendations.
Fluid Capacities Engine Oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Porsche recommends specific coolant additives.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US quarts).
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, low viscosity, glycol-based.
Fluid Specifications Transmission Manual
Transmission Fluid Manual Specification:
SAE 75W-90 GL-4 Gear Oil.
Fluid Capacities Transmission Manual
Transmission Fluid Manual Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 Liters (2.6 US quarts).
Fluid Specifications Transmission Auto
Transmission Fluid Automatic Specification:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Fluid Capacities Transmission Auto
Transmission Fluid Automatic Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.2 US quarts) for torque converter fill.
Common Engine Issues:
Oil leaks (particularly around the oil cooler and rear main seal), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), timing belt tensioner wear, carbon buildup in older engines.
Common Electrical Issues:
Corroded grounds, failing headlight relays, aging wiring harness insulation, dashboard warning light malfunctions, intermittent gauge readings.
Common HVAC Issues:
Vacuum line leaks, blower motor resistor failure, leaky heater cores, aging A/C compressor seals.
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, aging shock absorbers, worn ball joints and tie rod ends, transaxle mounts.
Common Fuel System Issues:
Clogged fuel injectors, weak fuel pumps, aging fuel lines, issues with the fuel distributor on K-Jetronic systems.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Crucial for 2.5L 924 S (944 engine) models. Recommended interval of 40,000-60,000 miles (60,000-100,000 km) or every 5 years. Engine will suffer catastrophic damage if belt breaks.
Fuel Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline. Octane rating requirement typically 91 RON (87 AKI) for naturally aspirated models, higher for Turbo variants. Refer to manual for specific octane requirements.
Brand Heritage:
Porsche, a renowned manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, brought its engineering expertise and brand prestige to the 924, although it was its most unconventional model in terms of powertrain and drivetrain layout at the time.
Model Evolution Early Years:
Introduced in 1976, the 924 was designed as a successor to the 912. It was based on Volkswagen Group components and was initially marketed as a Porsche, marking a significant shift from the rear-engined Porsche tradition.
Model Evolution Turbo Variant:
The 924 Turbo (931) was introduced in 1979, significantly improving performance with a turbocharged 2.0L engine and upgraded chassis components. This model helped to bolster the 924's sporting credentials.
Model Evolution 924S Variant:
In 1985, the 924 S was introduced, featuring a larger 2.5L engine derived from the Porsche 944, along with suspension and brake upgrades, bringing it closer to true Porsche performance levels.
Production Period:
1976 - 1988
Manufacturing Location:
Neckarsulm, Germany (initially by Audi for Porsche)
Key Model Variants:
Porsche 924 (1976-1985), Porsche 924 Turbo (931, 1979-1982), Porsche 924 Carrera GT (limited edition, 1980-1981), Porsche 924 Carrera GTS (limited edition, 1981), Porsche 924 S (1986-1988).