Positioning:
Iconic sports car, representing a peak of air-cooled Porsche engineering
Competitors:
Ferrari 308/328, Lotus Esprit, Chevrolet Corvette C4
Engine Layout:
Rear-engine, air-cooled flat-six
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned handling, steering feel, and acceleration
Design Philosophy:
Evolutionary design with a focus on performance and driver engagement
Engine:
3.2L Flat-6 (930/20, 930/21, 930/25 variants), including DME, ignition, fuel injection, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
915 5-speed manual transaxle, G50 5-speed manual transaxle (later 1985 models), clutch system, differential
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, axles, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear MacPherson struts, torsion bars, trailing arms, anti-roll bars, bushings
Steering:
Rack and pinion, steering column, power steering system
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (solid/ventilated), brake calipers, master cylinder, ABS (optional on some models), parking brake
Electrical:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter, fuse box, wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, wipers
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seating, sunroof
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system, climate control, ventilation, A/C components
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, tune-ups, fluid checks, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and reinstalling all major components and sub-assemblies
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault codes, symptoms
Adjustments:
Valve lash adjustment, ignition timing, fuel mixture settings, brake adjustment
Checks:
Compression testing, leak-down testing, fluid level checks, electrical system testing
Depth:
Full factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Digital Format:
Not applicable (Printed Book)
Quality:
High-quality paper stock, clear text, and diagrams
Binding:
Durable binding (e.g., perfect bound, saddle-stitched) for workshop use
Paper:
Durable, grease-resistant paper ideal for workshop environments
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (Boxer)
Displacement:
3164 cc (3.2 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
95 mm x 74.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Engine Codes European:
930/20 (Carrera), 930/21 (Carrera Targa), 930/25 (Carrera Cabriolet)
Horsepower:
207 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
195 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Engine Electronics)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, Premium (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Pump:
Dual electric fuel pumps
Cooling Type:
Air-cooled with oil cooling
Oil Cooler:
Front-mounted oil cooler
Transmission Type:
915 5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Transmission Type Later 1985:
G50 5-Speed Manual Transaxle (introduced mid-model year)
Drive Layout:
Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic actuation (dry single-plate)
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often optional or standard on certain variants
Length:
Approx. 4271 mm (168.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1676 mm (66.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1310 mm (51.6 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2273 mm (89.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1120-1200 kg (2469-2646 lbs) depending on body style and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1650 kg (3638 lbs)
Crash Test Information:
No comprehensive NHTSA/IIHS ratings available for this era, but known for robust chassis construction.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional on some models
Braking System:
Powerful four-wheel disc brakes
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Body Construction:
Integrated safety cage, crumple zones
Steering Column:
Energy-absorbing steering column
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific intervals and conditions.
Filter Replacement Interval:
Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter and fuel filter typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or as specified.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically every 30,000 miles for copper plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (specific to climate and engine condition, refer to manual). Synthetic oils are highly recommended for air-cooled engines.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 liters (10 US quarts) including oil cooler
Transmission Fluid Type 915:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (manual specifies specific types).
Transmission Fluid Type G50:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (manual specifies specific types).
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (Air-cooled engine)
Oil Leaks:
Common due to aged seals and gaskets (e.g., engine-to-gearbox, valve covers, oil cooler seals).
Valve Stem Seals:
Can degrade over time, leading to oil consumption and blue smoke on startup.
Heater Boxes:
Can seize or malfunction, affecting cabin heating performance.
Fuel Line Hoses:
Original rubber fuel lines can become brittle; replacement with modern, high-quality lines is recommended.
915 Transmission Grinding:
The 915 gearbox can be prone to grinding into 2nd or 3rd gear if not shifted carefully or if synchros are worn.
Rear Main Seal:
Leaking rear main seal is a significant repair often requiring engine removal.
Heritage:
Porsche has a long and storied history in motorsport and performance car manufacturing, dating back to the 1930s.
Predecessor:
Porsche 911 (pre-1985 G-Series updates)
Updates For 1985:
Introduction of the G50 transmission on later 1985 models, updated fuel injection (DME), improved aerodynamics, potential for ABS.
G-Series Era:
The G-Series 911 (1974-1989) represented a significant evolution, adapting the original 911 concept to meet new safety and emissions standards while retaining its core character.
Production Period:
1985 model year
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany