FAST

FACTS

The 3.2L was introduced on the 1984 Carrera, replacing the old 3.0L unit. The bump in displacement was achieved by using the crankshaft and connecting rods from the 3.3L 911 Turbo while maintaining the bore spacing of the old 3.0L
The 3.2L also lacked the timing chain issues of the previous 3.0L SC thanks to superior chain tensioner oiling. These tensioners are pressure-fed oil to maintain lubrication and reduce wear, unlike the sealed-type tensioners that would fail on the 3.0L SC
These engines came with no head gaskets – instead, the sealing surfaces of the cylinder bore and cylinder head were cut at an angle and clamped together. The gasket-less design continued into the following generation 911 (964)
With no oil leak problem, faultless timing chain tensioner design, and superb G50 5 speed transmission, it’s clear why 1987-1989 Carreras are quite desirable
1987+ 3.2 Carrera’s feature the updated G50 5 spd gearbox (replacing the old 915 gearbox). The G50 offers many improvements (and some disadvantages) when compared to the 915 and is considered easier to live with everyday. To some degree, it can better cope with spirited driving (such as hard launches)
The Getrag G50 5spd benefited from a hydraulically actuated clutch instead of the 915’s cable setup (new clutch is 15mm larger). The G50 also receives a gear selector centering spring for neutral, and the shifter has a better defined gate (the 915 gate was a bit more vague)
In regards to shift feel, the G50 featured a new Borg-Warner synchromesh in place of the 915’s “balk ring” synchromesh, which made for smoother shifting. The balk ring synchromesh requires more friction to operate smoothly than typical synthetic oils provide (non-synthetics like Swepco improve the shift quality of the 915)
In addition, the G50’s new synchromesh reduced the effort required to change gears from a stop and when speed shifting (the older balk ring setup made it difficult to shift fast in the 915, especially 1st to 2nd)
However, the G50 transmission/clutch weighs roughly 27 lbs more than a 915 gearbox/clutch. In addition, the gears ratios in the 915 are more tightly spaced than in the G50 gearbox, which results in less of an RPM drop between upshifts. Wider gear ratios were used in the G50 to improve street driveability, fuel economy, and emissions over the 915 cars
In addition, G50 cars are fitted with a reduced final drive ratio of 3.44:1, compared to 3.88:1 on 915 cars. This means the 915 transmission provides greater wheel torque in each gear than the G50
The G50 was rated at 221 ft/lbs of torque, which was very similar to the ’84 and newer 915 w/ factory oil cooler. However, all G50 cars benefit from the 240mm clutch from the earlier 930 Turbo. Despite this, the improved G50 still wasn’t strong enough for use in the 1987 930 Turbo – Porsche needed 2 years to further develop the G50 into the stronger “G50/50” before it was deemed suitable for the 930’s power output, which is why the 1989 911 Turbos are the only 930s to utilize a G50 transmission

Key Model Year Changes:

1984
First year of the 3.2L engine
1985
First year of the power adjustable seat option. Seat design is slightly revised (July '84): The oil cooler is switched to a finned radiator-type heat exchanger (replacing the brass tube unit) Consequently, 1985 cars receive a larger "notch" in the lower portion of the front bumper to increase airflow to this new cooler New (standard) four spoke steering wheel Radio antenna is now embedded in the windshield Shifters now has 10% shorter throw New standard shocks (Boge dual-tube "GZ" New windshield washers are now electrically heated
1986
There is now a 3rd brake light at the top of the rear window First year of the "super short shifter" (M241) option, which reduces throw by an additional 10% (total 20% shorter than 1984 and earlier models Front seats are lowered 20mm New dash panel with larger air vents First year of the cabin heat temp sensor Carreras get larger anti-roll bars (22mm front, 21mm rear) Rear torsion bar is enlarged from 24mm to 25mm Sun visors now have vanity mirrors
1987
First year of the Getrag G50 5spd gearbox, replacing the old ZF 915 5spd unit. Reverse is now to the left-and-up of first, instead of below fifth gear The Bosch fuel injection was re-tuned to accept premium unleaded fuel, which increased power from 207 to 217hp First year of the thermostatically controlled oil cooler, which reduced cooling problems. The attached electric blower turns on when/if oil temps reach 244 F New H5 halogen headlights with replaceable bulbs (vs the sealed beam type of previous years). These new H5's look like the Bosch H1's and H4's that were found on Euro cars for decades The larger rear reflector now has the "Porsche" wording as a hologram (vs black lettering) 3rd brake light is moved to the bottom of the rear window for all models except the Cabriolet Front tire size is increased to 195/65
1988
Wheel size increases to 7x15 front/8x15 rear. Only Fuchs forged wheels are available The electric windows can now be raised by a manual crank during emergencies The center stoplight returns to the top of the rear window (coupes only) Passenger door mirror, central, electric passenger seat, and headlight washers are now standard (previously optional) Brake pads, clutch, and engine seals are now asbestos free
1989
1989 brought minimal changes Wheels are now 16" instead of 15" The door locks now include flashing LED lights to indicate whether the alarm system is armed 1989 is the final year for the G series, making way for the new 964

Specs:

3.2L air-cooled flat 6	5spd manual
217 hp @ 5900 RPM ('87+)	195 lb/ft torque @ 4800 RPM ('87+)
0-60 MPH: 6.2 seconds	Top Speed: 149 MPH
Base Price in 1987:	$38,500