1987 Porsche 911 Workshop Manual

The 1987 Porsche 911 Workshop Manual provides comprehensive technical information for the air-cooled 911 model featuring a 3.2-liter flat-six engine, 5-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive configuration, and classic Porsche engineering. This manual covers maintenance procedures, repair instructions, technical specifications, and troubleshooting guides for professional mechanics and enthusiasts. Below are key sections for vehicle specifications, maintenance schedules, engine systems, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and diagnostic procedures.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Brake System 6. Suspension & Steering 7. Electrical System 8. Fuel System 9. Cooling & Exhaust 10. Body & Interior 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 1987 Porsche 911 including engine, transmission, dimensions, and performance data.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	3.2L Air-cooled horizontally opposed 6-cylinder
Power Output	217 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Fuel System	Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
Brakes	Four-wheel disc brakes
Wheelbase	89.4 inches
Curb Weight	2756 lbs
Top Speed	149 mph

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Spark Plugs: Replace every 15,000 miles
Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Brake Fluid: Change every 2 years
Valve Adjustment: Every 15,000 miles
Timing Chain Inspection: Every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Use only Porsche-approved fluids and parts. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine Systems

Detailed procedures for engine maintenance and repair.

Engine Removal: Support transmission, disconnect all connections, lift carefully
Cylinder Head: Torque sequence critical - follow specified pattern
Fuel Injection: K-Jetronic system adjustment requires special tools
Ignition System: Bosch electronic ignition timing procedures
Oil System: Dry sump system maintenance and bleeding

CAUTION! Engine components are precision parts; handle with care to avoid damage.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Transmission Type: 915 5-speed manual gearbox
Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.20, 2nd: 1.89, 3rd: 1.26, 4th: 0.95, 5th: 0.76
Final Drive: Limited-slip differential standard
Clutch: Single dry plate, hydraulic operation
Shift Linkage: Requires precise adjustment for smooth operation
Transmission Fluid: Porsche-approved gear oil only
Drive Axles: CV joint maintenance and replacement procedures

Brake System

Brake system maintenance and repair procedures for optimal stopping performance.

Front Brakes: 11-inch ventilated discs, 4-piston calipers. Rear Brakes: 11.3-inch discs, single-piston calipers.

Brake Pad Replacement: Remove wheels, compress caliper pistons, install new pads. Brake Bleeding: Two-person procedure, start with farthest wheel from master cylinder. Parking Brake: Cable adjustment under center console.

Suspension & Steering

Front: MacPherson struts with torsion bars. Rear: Semi-trailing arms with torsion bars.

Strut Replacement: Support vehicle properly, use spring compressor
Torsion Bar Adjustment: Special tool required for preload setting
Wheel Alignment: Factory specifications critical for handling
Steering Rack: Manual steering gear maintenance and adjustment

Tip: Always use proper lifting points when raising vehicle.

Electrical System

12-volt negative ground system with Bosch components.

Battery: Located in front trunk, maintenance-free type
Alternator: Bosch 90-amp output, voltage regulator testing
Starter: Bosch reduction gear type, solenoid testing
Fuse Panel: Located under dashboard, fuse ratings and locations
Wiring Diagrams: Color-coded schematics for troubleshooting
Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, tachometer, warning lights
Lighting Systems: Headlight adjustment, bulb replacement

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical work to prevent shorts.

Fuel System

Bosch K-Jetronic continuous fuel injection system.

Fuel Pump: Electric pump in tank, mechanical pump on engine. Fuel Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles. Injectors: Testing and cleaning procedures. Air Flow Sensor: Calibration and adjustment. Cold Start Valve: Function testing and replacement.

Cooling & Exhaust

Air cooling system and exhaust maintenance.

Cooling: Engine oil cooling, cylinder head fins cleaning. Thermostat: Oil thermostat operation and testing. Fan: Engine cooling fan operation and belt adjustment. Exhaust: Heat exchanger system, muffler replacement.

Body & Interior

Galvanized steel body panels, classic 911 styling.

Door Adjustment: Hinge and striker plate adjustment. Window Regulators: Manual window mechanism service. Seats: Recaro sport seat adjustment and repair. Dashboard: Instrument cluster removal, switch replacement.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Fuel pressure, ignition timing	Check fuel pump pressure, verify ignition timing
Poor idle	Air leaks, throttle adjustment	Inspect vacuum lines, adjust throttle position
Transmission noise	Low fluid, worn bearings	Check fluid level, inspect for bearing wear
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Measure rotor runout, replace if excessive
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Clean ground points, test alternator output

Technical Support: Porsche Classic Center or authorized dealer

Parts: Genuine Porsche parts recommended for all repairs