1987 PORSCHE 944 Owners Manual

Engine Oils
Use only engine oils which meet the
specifications designated by PORSCHE. Your Porsche dealer will be glad to advise you on
the correct type of oil for your engine.
All current engine oils are compatible with each other, i. e. when making an oil change it
is not necessary to flush the engine if you
wish to use a different brand or grade of oil. Since, however, each brand of oil has a
special composition, you should, if possible,
use the same oil brand if it becomes
necessary to top up between oil changes.
PORSCHE engines have long intervals
between oil changes. You can make best use
of these long oil change intervals by using
multigrade oils since these are largely
independent of seasonal fluctuations in
temperature.
If your vehicle is used frequently in stop-and-
go traffic in winter, the engine will not always
be properly warmed up. Condensation from
products of combustion may accumulate in
the oil. In this case, it is advisable to change
the oil in spring so that your engine once
again has a 100% efficient engine oil.
Engine oil performance class

Engine oil is not only a lubricant, but also
serves to keep the engine clean, to neutralize
the dirt which penetrates into the engine
through combustion and to protect the engine
against corrosion. To perform these functions, the oil is provided with additives which have
been specially developed for these functions.
So-called mineral oils are produced directly
from crude oil. The oils can be further refined
(hydrocrack oils) or totally converted through a number of chemical processes (synthetic oils). These oils are structurally more efficient and
require fewer additives than simple mineral
oils.
The efficiency of an oil is expressed, for
example, by the API classifications which are
divided into categories "S" and "C". The
degrees of quality are expressed by final
letters in alphabetical order: The requirements for PORSCHE engines are API class SE/CC
to SF/CD.
Viscosity
Like all liquids, engine oil is viscous when
cold, and thin-bodied when warm.

The viscosity of an oil is expressed by its SAE class. For cold viscosity (measured at
temperatures below 0°C) the SAE class is
given as a number and the letter "W" (as in
winter); for hot viscosity (measured at 100°C) the SAE class is given only as a number. The viscosity of an oil is, therefore, always the same if it has the same number of an SAE
class.
E. g.: A 10 W -30 oil and a 10 W-40 oil have
the same viscosity when cold (below 0°C);
when hot (at 100°C) the oil with the number 30 is thinner than the oil with the number 40.
Single-grade/multigrade oils
Oils with two viscosities are called multi-g
rade oils; oils with only one viscosity are termed
single-grade oils.
Single-grade oils can only be used for the
narrow temperature range identified by their
SAE number; multigrade oils cover a wider
temperature range (see chart).
Fuel efficient oils
Fuel efficient oils reduce internal friction in the
engine. PORSCHE approves only fuel
efficient oils which are structurally so stable
that they can be used in PORSCHE engines
both as summer and winter oils (see chart of
areas of application for oils of different
viscosity). These conditions are currently
fulfilled by synthetic or hydrocrack fuel
efficient oils.

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Tires, Rims 944 / 944 S
Tires, Rims
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 215/60 VR 15 front and rear on rims 7 J x 15 H2
or 205/55 VR 16 on 7 J x 16 H2 front and 225/50 VR
16 on 8 J x 16 H2 rear
Snow tires
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 195/65 R 15 80 Q M + S front and rear on rims 7 J x
15 H2
or 215/60 R 15 80 Q M + S front and rear on rims 7 J X 15 H2
or 205/55 R 16 80 Q M + S front and rear on rims 7 J x 16 H2
or 205/55 R 16 80 Q M + S on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and
225/50 R 16 80 Q M + S on 8 J x 16 H2 rear
The load rating and identification letter for allow able maximum speed (e.g. 80 Q/VR 15)
represent minimum requirements.
Collapsible spare tire 165-15 8 PR 89 P on rim 51/2 J x 15 H2
Tire pressure always 36 psi (2.5 bar/atm.), front o r rear use. Maximum speed is 50 mph (80km/h).
Cold tire pressure front 29 psi (2.0 bar), rear 36 psi (2.5 bar)
Snow chains Should snow chains be necessary, they m ust be mounted on the drive wheels only. Maximum speed is 30 mph (50
km/h).
Always use Porsche - approved snow chains.

Important hint:
For tires with VR quality standard , there are currently no final standards concerning tire strength at speeds above 210 km/h. For this r eason,
only use tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
If you intend to use other than original equipment wheels, be sure that they conform to Porsche specif ications for your model. Check with your
Porsche dealer regarding the correct wheel specific ations for type and model year.

112

Tires, Rims 944 Turbo
Tires, Rims
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 205/55 VR 16 on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and 225/50 V
R 16 on rims 8 J x 16 H2 rear
Snow tires
(Rim offset 52,3 mm) 205/55 R 16 82 Q M+S on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and
rear
or 205/55 R 16 82 Q M + S on rims 7 J x 16 H2 front and
225/50 R 16 82 Q M + S on rims 8 J x 16 H2 rear
The load rating and identification letter for allow able maximum speed (e.g. 82 Q/VR 16)
represent minimum requirements.
Collapsible spare tire 165-15 8 PR 89 P on rim 51/2 J x 15 H2
Tire pressure always 36 psi (2.5 bar/atm.), front o r rear use. Maximum speed is 50 mph (80 km/h).
Cold tire pressure front and rear 36 psi (2.5 bar)
Snow chains Should snow chains be necessary, they m ust be mounted on the drive wheels only. Maximum
speed is 30 mph (50 km/h). Always use Porsche - app roved snow chains.

Important hint:
For tires with VR quality standard , there are currently no final standards concerning tire strength at speeds above 210 km/h. For this r eason,
only use tire makes and types tested by Porsche.
If you intend to use other than original equipment wheels, be sure that they conform to Porsche specif ications for your model. Check with your
Porsche dealer regarding the correct wheel specific ations for type and model year.

113

Dimensions

Length
Width
Height
Wheel base
Wheel track, front
Wheel track, rear
Ground clearance*
Tuning circle (curb to curb)
Tuning circle (wall to wall)
Overhang angle, front*
Overhang angle, rear*
944 / 944 S
168.90 in. / 4290 mm 68.31 in. / 1735 mm
50.20 in. / 1275 mm
94.49 in. / 2400 mm
58.15 in. / 1477 mm
57.13 in. / 1451 mm
4.72 in. / 120 mm
31.17 ft. / 9.5 m
33.80 ft./ 10.3 m
14°
15°
944 Turbo
168.90 in. / 4290 mm
68.31 in. / 1735 mm
50.20 in. / 1275 mm
94.49 in. / 2400 mm
58.15 in. / 1477 mm
57.13 in. / 1451 mm
4.72 in. / 120 mm
31.17 ft. / 9.5 m
33.80 ft./ 10.3 m
12,5°
15°

Weights

Curb weight
Maximum load capacity
Total permissible weight
Maximum axle load, front**
Maximum axle load, rear**
Permissible rack load**/***

944
2778 Ibs. / 1260kg
661 Ibs. / 300 kg
3439 Ibs. / 1560kg
1587 Ibs. / 720kg
1984 Ibs. / 900kg
165 Ibs. / 75kg 944 S
2866 Ibs. / 1300 kg
661 Ibs. / 300 kg
3527 Ibs. / 1600 kg
1609 Ibs. / 730kg
1984 Ibs. / 900 kg
165 Ibs. / 75kg 944 Turbo 2998 Ibs. / 1360 kg650 Ibs. / 285 kg 3626 Ibs. / 1645 kg1675 Ibs./ 760kg
2028 Ibs. / 920 kg 165 Ibs. / 75kg

* At total permissible weight. ** Do not exceed tot al permissible weight.
*** Applies only if the basic rack of the original Porsche Roof Transport System is used. If old type Porsche ski and luggage racks are used the
permissible roof weight is 35 kg (77 Ibs.).
The vehicle capacity weight (max. load), the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Wei ght Ratings (GAWR) for front and
rear, are listed on the sticker on the left upper s ide member in the engine compartment.
The gross vehicle weight rating includes the weight of the basic vehicle plus full tank, oil and coolant, plus max. load which combines passenger
(150 pounds / 68 kg per designated position) and lu ggage weight. Luggage weight is not increased by th e use of roof, ski or luggage racks,
unless passenger capacity is reducted accordingly.

114

Wheel Alignment
Wheel camber*
Toe-in*
Toe angle difference*
Caster*
* at DIN curb weight Front
Rear
Front
Rear
-20' ± 15',
maximum difference left to right 20'
-1° ± 20', maximum difference left to right 30'
+ 10' ±5'
0° ± 10', maximum difference left to right 20' at 20° to left and right -1° ± 20'
2,5° + 30' - 15'

Brake System
Hydraulic dual circuit brake system with
front/rear brake circuits
internally ventilated disc brakes front and rearBrake power assist
Parking brake acting on rear wheels

Chassis, Suspension
Unitized construction
Front suspension
Rear suspension
Shock absorbers
Stabilizers
Independent coil/shock absorber struts, positive ki
ng-pin offset
Independent - diagonal arm, one torsion bar each
Double acting hydraulic shock absorbers, front and rear
Diameter - front: 20 mm (optional 21,5), Turbo: 22. 5 mm or 24 x 3.7 mm
rear: 14 mm or 20 mm (optional), Turbo: 18 mm
115

Performance*

Maximum speed
Acceleration 0-60 mph Time at end 1/4 mile*
Time at end 1/4 mile*
Manual transmission944
131 mph (210 km/h) 8.3 seconds
16.2 seconds
30.1 seconds
944 S

142 mph (228 km/h)
7.7 seconds
15.4 seconds
27.8 seconds
944 Turbo

152 mph (245 km/h)
6.1 seconds
14.4 seconds
26.0 seconds
Automatic transmission944
131 mph (210 km/h)
9.8 seconds
17.2 seconds
17.2 seconds

* At curb weight and half-load capacity, excluding optional equipment and accessories.

Climbing Performance

1st gear
2nd gear
3rd gear
4th gear
5th gear
Manual transmission944
approx. 61%
approx. 33%
approx. 21%
approx. 14%
approx. 8%
944 S

approx. 62% approx. 36%
approx. 22%
approx. 14%
approx. 9%
944 Turbo

approx. 62%
approx. 49%
approx. 30%
approx. 20%
approx. 14%
Automatic transmission944
approx. 36%
approx. 18%
approx. 10%

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http://www.9ss1.dk/porsche944

117

Full-power Curves 944 Acceleration Curve Manual gearbox 944



118

Acceleration Curve Automatic 944


119

Full-power Curves
944S Acceleration Curve Manual gearbox 944S


120

Full-power Curves 944Turbo Acceleration Curve Manual gearbox
944Turbo


121

Transmission Diagram Manual gearbox
944
122

Transmission Diagram Automatic 944
123

Transmission Diagram Manual gearbox
944S
124

Transmission Diagram Manual gearbox 944Turbo
125

Gas Station Information Fuses and relays
The fuses are located within the
central electric box at the rear left
of the e
ngine compartment in front of the pivot point for the left windshield wiperarm (under black plastic cover). The use of the
fuses and relays is shown in a
list on the inside of the cover of
the fuses and relays.
Fuel recommendation
944: 91 RON (87 CLC or AKI
((R+M)/2) rating on fuel pumps in
U.S.A.) minimum.
944 S / 944 Turbo: 95 RON (90
CLC or AKI ((R+M)/2) rating on
fuel pumps in U.S.A.)
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY.
Fuel tank capacity: 21.1. U.S.
gals, or 80 liters.
Federal law prohibits use of
leaded fuel in this vehicle. Starting Manual transmission: Only start in Neutral, clutch pedal depressed. Automatic transmission:
Start in Park.
Starting cold or hot engine
Just turn ignition key. No need to
depress accelerator pedal.
Emergency starting
Car must not be started by
pushing or towing.

Seat adjustment

Pull lever in front of seat.
Backrest

Lift lever on side of seatback.
Fuel cap

Located in the right rear panel. To close, turn cap clockwise to stop. 126