HAGERTY 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Owner’s Manual

1987 Porsche 911 Carrera

2dr Cabriolet 6-cyl. 3165cc/214hp Bosch Motronic FI

Value adjustments

Model description

The 3.2-liter 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera debuted hot on the heels of a very successful run of 911SC models, built from 1978 to 1983. The Carrera—priced at $32,000—shared most of its visual cues with its immediate predecessor, but benefitted from added power and performance, as well as other evolutionary updates.

The cars came as they had when the SC bowed out—in coupe, open Cabriolet, and the in-between Targa body styles. The chief upgrade in the Carrera was the larger 3.2-liter flat six engine, which looked much like that of the 3.0 it replaced but was built chiefly of all-new parts. One crucial change was an improved timing chain tensioner, which had been an issue on previous models. Also new was Bosch Motronic fuel injection, which replaced the K-Jetronic system of yore. The engine produced 200 horsepower and came mated to a Getrag five-speed manual transmission. This was enough to propel the Carrera from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

Standard goodies included leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, a sunroof, and 15-inch alloys, while cruise control, 16-inch wheels, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo were popular options. For those who wanted to appear faster than they actually were, a Turbo Look appearance package was available on coupes, which provided the large whale tail and wider rear wheelwells, but not the actual turbocharger.

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Changes were few for 1985, though the Turbo Look package now carried over to Cabriolets and Targas. Big news came in 1986, when Porsche reintroduced the 911 Turbo (or 930, if you like) following a long absence. The cars cost $48,000, and it used its 282 hp to hair-raising effect. Minor changes crept into the standard Carrera, including lowered front seats to increase head room.

Power output increased in 1987, up to 214 hp, with an added bump in torque as well, from 185 to 195 ft-lb. The clutch was upgraded from mechanical to hydraulic operation, and the old Getrag five-speed was replaced with a much better Getrag G50 unit with improved synchromesh. The popular and somewhat controversial (among purists, anyhow) slant nose option was available on Turbos and Carreras alike, for more than $20,000 over the Turbo’s MSRP.

Porsche celebrated the 250,000th 911 built in 1988 with a Commemorative Edition, which featured Diamond Blue Metallic paint with matching wheels and a silver-blue interior. A Club Sport option also came out for the coupes, which stripped the cars of many creature comforts, while adding upgraded suspension components, front and rear spoilers, sport seats, and a slightly revised engine. Only a handful were made.

Porsche also marked the model’s silver birthday with a 25th Anniversary Special Edition in 1989 that was limited to just 500 examples — 300 coupes and 200 Cabriolets. The cars were available in either Satin Black Metallic or Silver Metallic paint. Porsche reimagined the venerable 911 further for 1989, and the look that had carried it for a decade got a smoothing over, in addition to a higher degree of technical sophistication. But not before the mid-1980s Carrera had played its evolutionary part in the 911 story.

Body styles

1984-1989 Porsche 911 stats

Equipment

Vehicle’s condition classification

#1. Concours
#1 vehicles are the best in the world. Imagine the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted.

#2. Excellent

2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They might even be former #1

vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws but will be able to find some. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. The vehicle drives as a new vehicle of its era would.

#3. Good

3 vehicles drive and run well but are not used for daily transportation. The

casual passerby will not find any visual flaws, but these vehicles might have some incorrect parts. #3 vehicles could possess some, but not all, of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as fresh paint or a new, correct interior.

#4. Fair

4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome

might have pitting, the windshield might be chipped and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Imperfect paintwork, split seams or a cracked dash might be present. No major parts are missing, but there might be non-stock additions. A

4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration.

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