🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

911

Year:

1979

Internal Chassis Code:

930 (for Turbo models, but relevant to the platform evolution)

Engine Code Designation Typical:

e.g., 930/xx for Carrera 3.0/3.2, 930/xx for Turbo

👋 Introduction

Market Position Of Vehicle:

Luxury Sports Car / Icon of Automotive Engineering

Contemporary Competitors:

Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS, Chevrolet Corvette C3, Jaguar E-Type (later models), Lotus Esprit

Performance Orientation:

Renowned for exceptional handling, braking, and acceleration; rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Design Philosophy:

Evolutionary design based on the original 911, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and driver engagement.

Target Audience For Manual:

Porsche Dealership Technicians, Independent Porsche Specialists, Dedicated DIY Enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, and Overhaul Procedures

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Schedules

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era, often in multiple volumes or a large single volume)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (Primary, often with German and other language versions available)

Format:

Printed (Original Factory Publication)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (Air-cooled flat-six), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (4-speed and 5-speed G-series manual)

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (front & rear disc), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Ignition Switch, Horn, Wiper/Washer System, Power Windows, Antennas, Fuses & Relays

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Interior Trim, Glass

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC System Operation and Component Repair

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Air Filter Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush

Engine Repair:

Top-end overhaul, piston and cylinder replacement, crankshaft and connecting rod service, valve adjustment, timing chain service, oil pump service

Transmission Repair:

Clutch service, gearbox disassembly and assembly, synchromesh repair, gear selection mechanism

Brake System Repair:

Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, master cylinder repair/replacement, brake line inspection and replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting shorts, open circuits, voltage drops, component testing using multimeters and factory specifications

Body Repair And Restoration:

Panel alignment, rust repair techniques, weatherstripping replacement, interior component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format If Applicable:

N/A (Original is printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality factory printing with clear diagrams and text

Binding Type:

Typically hardcover or robust comb-binding for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, often coated paper stock to withstand grease and workshop handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Air-Cooled Flat-Six (Boxer)

Displacement Liter 911 Coupe Carrera 3 0:

3.0 L

Displacement Liter 911 Targa Carrera 3 0:

3.0 L

Displacement Liter 911 Turbo 930:

3.0 L (later models 3.3 L)

Horsepower 911 Coupe Carrera 3 0:

Approx. 200 PS (197 hp) at 6,000 rpm

Horsepower 911 Turbo 930:

Approx. 260 PS (256 hp) at 5,500 rpm (3.0L), 300 PS (296 hp) at 5,500 rpm (3.3L)

Torque Nm 911 Coupe Carrera 3 0:

Approx. 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm

Torque Nm 911 Turbo 930:

Approx. 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm (3.0L), 412 Nm (304 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm (3.3L)

Fuel Injection System:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS - Continuous Injection System)

Fuel Type Requirement:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI minimum)

Cooling System:

Air-cooled with supplemental oil cooling

Ignition System:

Mechanical Breaker-point or Electronic Ignition (depending on specific model variant and region)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Manual Transaxle

Number Of Gears:

4-speed or 5-speed (G50 gearbox introduced later in the G-series generation)

Automatic Transmission:

Not typically offered on performance variants of this era; manual was the focus.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed within the manual for each model/gearbox variant.

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Approx. 4235 mm (166.7 in)

Width Mm:

Approx. 1674 mm (65.9 in)

Height Mm:

Approx. 1310 mm (51.6 in)

Wheelbase Mm:

Approx. 2271 mm (89.4 in)

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1100 - 1250 kg (2425 - 2756 lbs) depending on model and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Typically around 1600-1700 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A for this era by modern standards; safety was evolving, with focus on crumple zones and structural integrity.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated rotors (size varies by model). ABS not standard or available.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column

Body Construction:

Reinforced steel unibody construction with integrated roll bar (Targa models).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Original factory radios (e.g., Blaupunkt) were common. Upgrade options widely available.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not standard or widely available on 1979 models.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some variants, typically mechanical actuation.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards; focus was on mechanical and driving experience.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km:

Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage.

Valve Adjustment Interval Km:

Every 20,000 - 40,000 km (12,000 - 25,000 miles), crucial for air-cooled engines.

Major Service Intervals Km:

More comprehensive inspections and component replacements at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 80,000 km).

Engine Oil Type And Viscosity:

Specific Porsche A40 or equivalent synthetic oil, often 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate, as detailed in manual. Large oil capacity (~8-10 liters).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Hypoid gear oil, GL-5 specification, typically SAE 90.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid, to be flushed regularly.

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air-cooled engine, but oil cooler circuit uses engine oil).

Oil Leaks:

Common in air-cooled engines due to engine case seals, oil lines, and valve covers. Regular inspection and tightening are key.

Fuel System Maintenance:

K-Jetronic system can be sensitive to dirt and requires precise adjustment. Fuel accumulator and pressure regulator can fail.

Engine Component Wear:

Valve guides, timing chain tensioners (especially early models), and piston rings can wear over time, requiring rebuilds.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, and front spoiler mounting points are susceptible to rust.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Porsche AG is renowned for its engineering prowess, motorsport success, and dedication to sports car performance.

G Series Generation:

The 1979 model is part of the G-Series generation of the Porsche 911 (1974-1989), characterized by significant safety and comfort updates including impact-absorbing bumpers and updated interiors.

Engine Updates:

The 3.0L Carrera engine replaced the 2.7L Carrera from previous years. The 930 Turbo received its 3.3L engine update during this generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany

Production Period For 1979 Model Year:

Circa August 1978 to July 1979

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon Status:

The Porsche 911, across all its generations, is consistently recognized as a pinnacle of sports car design and performance, celebrated in numerous automotive publications and awards for its timeless appeal and driving dynamics.