🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

911

Model Variant:

G-Series (Third Generation)

Year:

1986

Chassis Code:

911 (G50 Transmission)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics of the iconic 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera, a pivotal year marking the introduction of the G50 transmission.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-accurate information that aftermarket manuals often lack, ensuring the integrity and correct servicing of a classic Porsche.

Ease Of Use:

Organized for clarity with sequential procedures and detailed diagrams, making complex tasks manageable for experienced DIYers and professionals.

Accuracy:

Directly from Porsche, ensuring unparalleled accuracy for specifications, diagnostic procedures, and repair sequences.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for full factory service manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.2L Flat-6 (Carrera), including M930/20 and M930/21 variants, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, and emissions control.

Transmission:

G50 5-speed manual transmission, including clutch, shifter mechanism, and gearbox components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems (McPherson struts front, trailing arms rear), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures, and steering components.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, front and rear discs, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Full electrical system schematics, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, and accessory circuits.

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, glass replacement, door mechanisms, hinges, locks, trim, bumpers, and structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped), including refrigerant system, blower motor, and climate controls.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system components and diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, brake fluid, coolant), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt adjustments, and lubrication points.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation across all covered systems.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults and malfunctions.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and other critical technical data for proper repair and adjustment.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

N/A (This is a printed manual)

Print Quality:

High-quality reproduction of original factory documentation, featuring clear text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

Likely a durable comb binding, perfect binding, or hardcover, designed for workshop use.

Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments, often slightly thicker than standard paper to withstand handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, Air-Cooled Flat-Six

Displacement:

3164 cc (3.2 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

95 mm x 74.4 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Engine Code Variants:

M930/20 (US/Japan), M930/21 (Europe)

Horsepower:

207 hp @ 5900 rpm (M930/20), 217 hp @ 5900 rpm (M930/21)

Torque:

265 Nm (195 lb-ft) @ 4800 rpm (M930/20), 284 Nm (209 lb-ft) @ 4800 rpm (M930/21)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch CIS-K Jetronic (Continuous Injection System)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributor and coil

Cooling System:

Air-cooled with oil cooler

Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (9 US Quarts) with filter change

Engine Mounting:

Rubber isolation mounts

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

G50 5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Gear Ratios G50:

1st: 3.000, 2nd: 1.750, 3rd: 1.240, 4th: 0.960, 5th: 0.770, Reverse: 3.000

Final Drive Ratio:

3.444:1 (31/9 teeth)

Optional Transmission:

None for 1986 model year Carrera; G50 was the significant update.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-5 SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., Porsche Part # 000 043 205 32)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

3.0 Liters (3.2 US Quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4271 mm (168.1 inches)

Width:

1651 mm (65.0 inches)

Height:

1310 mm (51.6 inches)

Wheelbase:

2271 mm (89.4 inches)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 130 mm (5.1 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1210 kg (2668 lbs) for Coupe

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically published in easily accessible formats for this era, but significant for load limits.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Modern crash testing standards were not applied to vehicles of this era. Primarily relied on passive safety design elements of the time.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with internally vented rotors (front and rear).

Steering:

Rack and pinion, power assisted (standard on 1986 Carrera).

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with height adjustment.

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis and crumple zones designed to Porsche's safety standards of the period.

Fuel Tank Protection:

Under-car steel shield protecting the fuel tank.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically an original Porsche AM/FM cassette player with optional amplifier. Modern head unit upgrades are common.

Speakers:

Factory speaker placement (e.g., dashboard, door panels).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard equipment for the 1986 model year.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some models, integrated into steering column controls.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards. Primarily mechanical and electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Frequent track use may require more frequent changes.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km), replace as needed or every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) depending on plug type (original spec likely Bosch W-series).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km).

Valve Adjustment:

Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) due to tappet clearances.

Engine Oil Specification:

Multi-viscosity oil, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 recommended, meeting Porsche A40 specification (or equivalent vintage spec like VW 501 01).

Coolant Specification:

Not applicable (air-cooled engine).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4.

Oil Leaks:

Common due to age and material degradation of seals and gaskets (e.g., crankshaft seals, valve cover gaskets).

Heater Boxes:

Flaps within the heater boxes can seize or break, impacting airflow and heat distribution.

Fuel Line Deterioration:

Original fuel lines can degrade over time, requiring replacement with modern, compatible materials.

Transmission Synchros:

While the G50 is robust, synchros can wear, especially with aggressive driving or improper shifting.

Cis System Tune Ups:

Requires periodic checks and adjustments of mixture and idle speed for optimal performance and emissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Porsche has a storied history of performance, engineering excellence, and motorsport success, with the 911 being its enduring icon.

G Series Generation:

The 1986 model falls within the third generation (G-Series) of the 911, which ran from 1974 to 1989. This generation saw continuous evolution, culminating in the introduction of the G50 gearbox and the 3.2L engine.

1986 Key Updates:

Introduction of the new Getrag G50 5-speed transaxle, replacing the older 915 gearbox. Revised engine management for the 3.2L flat-six. Minor cosmetic updates, including larger impact-absorbing bumpers (mandated by US regulations) and often updated interior trim.

Production Years G Series:

1974-1989

Manufacturing Location:

Stuttgart, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Classic Car Status:

The 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera is widely regarded as a highly collectible classic sports car, celebrated for its timeless design, driving dynamics, and air-cooled engine character.

Automotive Press Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists of the era for its performance, handling, and build quality, solidifying its place in automotive history.