🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Porsche Model: 924 Codes Chassis Code: Type 931 (Turbo), Type 924 (Non-Turbo) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Porsche 924 was positioned as Porsche's entry-level sports coupe, designed to attract a broader market and compete with European and Japanese sports cars. It offered Porsche performance and handling at a more accessible price point. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles such as the Toyota Celica Supra, Datsun 280ZX, Ford Capri, and various European coupes from BMW and Audi. Its rear-engine layout (transaxle) was a unique feature in its class. Key Features Selling Points: Affordable Porsche, balanced weight distribution due to transaxle design, distinctive styling, capable handling characteristics, availability of naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Years: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (typical service manuals for this era are 1000+ pages) Manual Type Type: Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English (assumed based on typical availability for this market) Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete overhaul, diagnostics, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (CIS-L-Jetronic) Brakes: Hydraulic system, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, ABS (on later models if equipped) Transmission: Manual transaxle (Type 016), automatic transaxle (Type 017), clutch system, driveshafts, axle boots Suspension: Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion bar suspension, shock absorbers, bushings, control arms, anti-roll bars Steering: Rack and pinion steering, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, tie rod ends Electrical: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, gauges, dashboard instruments, fuse box, relays, power windows, door locks Body: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seals, upholstery, HVAC system Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation Repair: Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component troubleshooting Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and routine service to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed component diagnostics and specifications. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Searchability: Searchable PDF text (high likelihood for digitally sourced manuals) Printability: Printable (standard PDF functionality) Print Quality Quality: Varies by source, but a good quality digital scan will retain clarity of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: VW EA831 (modified) Displacement: 2.0 L (1984 cc) Configuration: Inline-4, front-mounted Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 (typical for non-turbo) Performance Horsepower Hp: Approx. 110 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (NA models) Torque Lb-Ft: Approx. 120 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm (NA models) Horsepower Hp Turbo: Approx. 143-170 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (924 Turbo models) Fuel System Injection Type: Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) mechanical fuel injection Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Cooling System Type: Liquid-cooled Lubrication System Oil Capacity Quarts: Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter Engine Management Ignition System: Electronic ignition with distributor (early), breakerless ignition (later) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual transaxle (early models) Type Later: 5-speed manual transaxle (Type 016) became standard on many models Optional Type: 3-speed automatic transaxle (Type 017) Features Layout: Rear transaxle design for optimal weight distribution (engine front, transmission rear) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific viscosity for temperature range) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Inches: Approx. 166.0 inches (4216 mm) Width Inches: Approx. 66.7 inches (1694 mm) Height Inches: Approx. 49.5 inches (1257 mm) Wheelbase Inches: Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm) Weights Curb Weight Lbs: Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) depending on model and equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs: Approx. 3500 lbs (1588 kg) Cargo Cargo Volume Cubic Feet: Approx. 10.2 cu ft (rear hatch area) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: NHTSA ratings for this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. However, the 924 featured a robust chassis for its time. Active Features Braking System: Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Drums (standard). Front discs were larger on Turbo models. Optional ABS on very late models. Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts Steering Column: Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often aftermarket upgrades are present. Gauges: Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional on later models, not standard. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None by modern standards. Limited to basic vehicle electrics. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type) Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Every 30,000 - 60,000...
The Porsche 924 was positioned as Porsche's entry-level sports coupe, designed to attract a broader market and compete with European and Japanese sports cars. It offered Porsche performance and handling at a more accessible price point.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles such as the Toyota Celica Supra, Datsun 280ZX, Ford Capri, and various European coupes from BMW and Audi. Its rear-engine layout (transaxle) was a unique feature in its class.
Key Features
Selling Points:
Affordable Porsche, balanced weight distribution due to transaxle design, distinctive styling, capable handling characteristics, availability of naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.
Diagnostic procedures for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and routine service to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed component diagnostics and specifications.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Searchability:
Searchable PDF text (high likelihood for digitally sourced manuals)
Printability:
Printable (standard PDF functionality)
Print Quality
Quality:
Varies by source, but a good quality digital scan will retain clarity of diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
VW EA831 (modified)
Displacement:
2.0 L (1984 cc)
Configuration:
Inline-4, front-mounted
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical for non-turbo)
Performance
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 110 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (NA models)
Torque Lb-Ft:
Approx. 120 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm (NA models)
Horsepower Hp Turbo:
Approx. 143-170 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm (924 Turbo models)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) mechanical fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling System
Type:
Liquid-cooled
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributor (early), breakerless ignition (later)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed manual transaxle (early models)
Type Later:
5-speed manual transaxle (Type 016) became standard on many models
Optional
Type:
3-speed automatic transaxle (Type 017)
Features
Layout:
Rear transaxle design for optimal weight distribution (engine front, transmission rear)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (verify specific viscosity for temperature range)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Inches:
Approx. 166.0 inches (4216 mm)
Width Inches:
Approx. 66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height Inches:
Approx. 49.5 inches (1257 mm)
Wheelbase Inches:
Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (1180-1270 kg) depending on model and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:
Approx. 3500 lbs (1588 kg)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Cubic Feet:
Approx. 10.2 cu ft (rear hatch area)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA ratings for this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. However, the 924 featured a robust chassis for its time.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Drums (standard). Front discs were larger on Turbo models. Optional ABS on very late models.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often aftermarket upgrades are present.
Gauges:
Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional on later models, not standard.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Limited to basic vehicle electrics.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (manual), check owner's manual for automatic
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for temperature specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Fuel System:
Aging fuel lines and connectors, potential for cold start issues with CIS, clogged fuel injectors.
Worn bushings, leaky front struts, aging ball joints and tie rod ends.
Engine:
Oil leaks from seals and gaskets, timing belt inspection (though the 924 used a chain), head gasket issues on high-mileage engines.
Turbocharger:
Wear on turbocharger bearings, wastegate issues, intercooler leaks (on Turbo models).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Porsche Philosophy:
While developed with Volkswagen and sharing some components, the 924 embodied Porsche's commitment to sports car engineering, handling balance, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1976 (debut), 1977 (market introduction)
Key Updates:
Introduction of the 924 Turbo (931) in 1978, followed by the 924 Carrera GT and 924 Carrera GTS for homologation. A significant facelift occurred in 1980 with aerodynamic enhancements and interior updates. Later models saw minor engine power increases and optional features.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Neckarsulm, Germany (initially by Audi NSU)
Production Years Overall:
1976–1988 (globally, with the 944 taking over as the primary entry-level offering in most markets later)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Reviews:
Praised for its handling and build quality, though sometimes criticized for its perceived lack of power compared to other Porsche models. Recognized as a successful entry-level sports car.
Ratings
Classic Car Status:
Increasingly recognized as a desirable classic, particularly well-maintained examples and the rarer Turbo and homologation variants.