3.2-liter 1984-89 Porsche 911 Carrera: Everything you need to know | PCA Spotlight

[@HayabusaOrlando]

This man is an expert speaker. Never a break with an um or anything like that. It was a pleasure listening to him speak about his love of Porsches.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

We kinda like him too, LOL.

[@artmchugh5644]

Well you may enjoy my video of our 85 carrera! Shot this on my phone!! No editing!!😀😀😀🚘🚘🍺🍺🍺

[@artmchugh5644]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2irZ4doe7yDkKM

[@billholtzman4392]

My real father' had a 9ll targa SC with a convertible when I was líttléé

[@billholtzman4392]

So we had to re home our awesome Porsche 911 because of terrible scerkumstansis

[@Feamsterr]

The fact this was one take, with no cuts, and the host didnt reference any material is astounding. Loved the video

[@modspell]

Well-- 37:50, 1:00:57 :')

[@RichardFrankz]

I own a 1984 911 3.2 I guards red with white pearl leather interior with a red leather dashboard. It also has the turbo look package. I purchased this car in 1985 and have loved this car for 37 years.

[@zahemi914]

I am jealous.... Keep it, the 80s models are sexier and more appealling than later models

[@j.j.abbott522]

Would you sell?

[@keithad6485]

I am envious, I owned a 911SC for five years from 2000, I so miss my 911, loved driving it. loved the sound!

[@herbertball429]

The most brilliant expert I've heard on Porsche. Could make a fortune as a buyers consultant. Just knows the brand through and through.

[@richardclegg5853]

ZERO pretention, Nathans a "true" PORSCE FANatic, equal parts knowledge and passion. Having watched near every video he's participated in, I don't think he's ever had a negative comment about ANY PORSCHE. Even complementary of my personal favorite (mostly because I can afford it), the much maligned 996. The "purists" could really learn a lot about attitude from this National Treasure... As he's said many times, simply "buy the best car you can afford" and drive it

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Fantastic video. This guy’s knowledge of 911s is like an encyclopedia! The tragic part is that most of these cars were rarely driven. They are cars…meant to be DRIVEN!

[@carfan3762]

You are a great connoisseur. Every potential customer in the US for a 911 of this era should consult you ! It is very interesting listening to your exhaustive commentaries. Thank you !

[@dedwardmalick]

One of the best videos I have ever watched regarding air-cooled 911's

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terenceanderton9851]

Quite informative and interesting appears to be a modest kind of guy

[@navid20]

Im on holiday in the south of France now. I still watched this video from start to finish without being uninterested for a single second. Really enjoyed it. And what a remarkable collection of cars!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@nineeleventhings]

Wow! Thanks for those detailed information about the 3.2. Many of it I didn´t know yet. I got my 85 3.2 from Canada. Driving her - she's called Martha - in Germany it always makes me think, what amazing roads it must have seen already😌 And now I show her the country where she comes from and give her all the love an old car needs, with repairing everything myself💁🏼‍♂️

[@timgraysontv]

This is the ultimate informational video of 1984-1989 Porsche 911s.

[@jons9117]

This is an excellent video and I learned a lot even as a 1986 Carrera owner! What a great presentation and makes me happy to own one! Keep up the great videos and can’t wait until the next one.

[@Ninedetails]

This is possibly the most informative Porsche video on KZbin; and I’ve watched hundreds. The level of detail is great. You helped me make my mind up and I just pulled the trigger on a 1988 3.2 Carrera after watching this. I was hesitant by the 190k miles more from a resale perspective, however it has £30k ($45k usd) spend on a glass out restoration at OPC and the paint is flawless. Also had a full engine and suspension rebuild etc. Your comment about miles not being important if the rest is genuine and has been invested in, is what made me pull the trigger and I’m really happy I did. Will be on KZbin soon :)

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Congratulations!

[@JoeDjoep]

This must be the most informative video on the beloved Carrera 3.2! I thought I knew a thing or two on this model, but I actually learned a lot here. Excellent video!

[@micheldupuis4625]

nobody can explain a P-car better than Mr Merz !!

[@claudiodiez55]

1995 993 Owner Since 2014 Great Information Video.

[@jlexjmjmjm655]

My '88 sits in the garage as it snows outside with only 38,000 miles on it. When a car is garaged for 6 months out of the year, it won't see as many miles as a California car. Had an '85 with 65,000 miles on it. The 915 transmission was really balky when downshifting into 2nd. The G50 on the '88 is miraculous by comparison. Would never go back to the 915. Terrific video. Thanks for the effort.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe.

[@MarkJohnsonrealestate]

The day I fell in love with Carmine red! Thanks for mentioning my Magnus Walker steering wheel, hopefully this will make him famous😂

[@Mar3nBu]

Awesome video Nathan!

[@ZOANOM]

What a wealth of knowledge... As a proud owner of two of these beautiful cars, an '87 (full race prep) and an '88 (street), both Venetian Blue, I'm thrilled to see the excitement remains.

[@DrKyleStanley]

I could listen to him go into deep detail about these cars forever! Keep the videos coming!!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to subscribe.

[@greggmcelhinney5537]

Fantastic synopsis of the 3.2 Carrera era.....Incredible knowledge and I learned a lot about the cars and their differences. Thank you for putting this together. I will look forward to more of these videos with Nathan in the future.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gastondeveaux3783]

Thank you so much. This is one of the best vids I've seen on KZbin, ever !

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you liked it!

[@garydixon8097]

Very informative video Nathan, I learned a lot and I have owned many of these cars. Yes literally!

[@ansonsliu]

This is the definition of GREAT CONTENT!

[@dansherman9778]

Nicely done! Looking forward to the PPI video! Thanks and keep up the great work, Nathan.

[@user-tc2ne5rt3n]

This makes me so nostalgic for my 89. It had Linen Grey paint and a silk grey interior. Sold it to make room for a 95 993. I was heart broken when the new owner striped the interior and made it into a track car with less than well thought out "enhancements". The heating controls were on the floor and it completely indecipherable unless you studied the owner's manual. It had such character. I've had the pleasure of riding in an 88 Clubsport on the track as well. Those are special! Thank you for making this video especially your comments on the 915 vs the G50.

[@flat6fever680]

Man that guy knows his stuff. I watched the whole video even though I have no intention of owning an early 911. It isn't that I wouldn't like to own one but have a 996 and 981 and 2 early Miatas so am tapped out on inside storage. Thanks for making and posting these great videos! Don't worry after watching this I'm already scheming on how to make room : )

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Love it!

[@YoChasly]

One can never have enough 911’s! Very interesting to hear the colour detail and combinations.

[@jimg6313]

I received a rather quick response to my comment yesterday from Nathan himself, as anyone so interested can see. Needless to say, that response has simply raised my estimation of this nationally known guy because in addition to his professionalism and knowledge he shows respect by addressing indivdual comments personally in a detailed and thoughtful way. a highly unique quality these days ... thank you Nathan! (if you ever get over to Battle Ground, look me up, I'm in the ORPCA - I'd be humbled to buy you a beer or 2!!)

[@travis3810]

I have an ‘86 3.2 in Meteor Metallic with the navy partial leather interior. 125k miles. Bought it with 17k in ‘91 as the 2nd owner and I’m not parting ways anytime soon!! Awesome video and I learned quite a few things. Very informative.

[@kevinsamuels5868]

Super. Video A man who knows his subject ! Thank you. 👍

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@sgttombailes3380]

OH ! How I miss my '80 Guards Red SC.. Wish I had never sold it. Owned it for 18 years. I kick myself everyday for selling it. However, now I do have a newer 911 Cab in triple Black that kinda puts a bandaid on my regrets. But, I did LOVE that old SC.

[@lonpalm]

Excited to see the PPI video!

[@robvideomaker5823]

Wow I thought I knew a lot about Porsche. I own a 87 Targa, read a couple of books before I bought mine but realize there is so much more to know. Thank you for sharing your collection and knowledge.

[@rakercyclin]

Thanks for the mention on the phone dials. I get so many comments on my '84 with them, like "why did you trade down to them?".

[@WedgePerformance]

Just picked up a high mileage '87 3.2 Cab. This video was extremely helpful and educational. Hope to go on a PCA PNW drive soon.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad it was helpful! Be sure to subscribe.

[@christopherkarras8517]

Superbly done, and all without apparent notes. Impressive. Hope I do not miss the PPI video to come.

[@obi-wankenobi7160]

Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for your support!

[@dre3951]

At 11:40 says Grand Prix White first appeared in 1986. I have a 1985 cabriolet, with an Oct 1984 build date, that I bought in 1996, still with original Grand Prix White paint. Maybe it came earlier on the cabriolets??? Great video. Incredible detail and accurate information here.

[@diso41]

I'm a 911 3.2 1984 owner, very good video! thanks!

[@helmuttdvm]

I had two Carreras (84 & 87), both with well over 100,000 miles. Bulletproof cars, but I certainly loved learning some of the subtle differences between the years. Great video!

[@troxx2393]

Must have been great to own one of these beauties, what color options did you choose?

[@helmuttdvm]

@@troxx2393 One was Grand Prix White, the other Platinum Metallic.

[@troxx2393]

@@helmuttdvm Man your a lucky guy, white looks absolutely beautiful on these 911's. Black and white are my favorite colors on this generation.

[@thomashauck9103]

Such an amazing video - I've become obsessed with watching and learning from Nathan. He's fantastic!

[@paulsoares9503]

Excellent presentation. I learned alot being a novice 3 year owner of my triple black 1985 Carrera. More videos please.

[@ceyrich]

One of the best yet!

[@jessicadelva8246]

Geweldige presentatie. Ik heb er veel van geleerd. Aweson.

[@erikwiechers8785]

I'm a hardcore 964 guy, but starting to grow into the G series, very helpful vid

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Superb video and gorgeous cars! Thank you PCA. Love my 87 3.2

[@dimitar117]

Truly amazing video! Very informative and showing great deal of knowledge. My father brought a genuine Porsche catalogue from abroad while sailing, showing the models between 1983-1990 and since I opened it I fell completely in love with the 1988 911 Carrera targa 3.2 I am working hard and I dream of owning one. I am also restoring a BMW and would love to go through the whole process with such an engineering masterpiece like the Porsche. Greetings from Bulgaria! Keep up the amazing work!

[@elcom1985]

Great video, thanks from Italy!!!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@yankee_911_guy]

Another outstanding video by Mr. Merz..

[@joeglynn2010]

I have owned my CE Coupe for 25 years. Currently clocked at 275,000 miles. Yes, the interior is a unique color. Just finished mine and had hides custom dyed to replicate the metallic sheen. Not quite sure why anyone would own one of these cars and only have 9,000 miles. Conservative estimate has me enjoying roughly 4600 hours of driving my car. Yes, you can get $30,000 more for your garage queen. But I would argue that if you are not driving a Porsche because you want the value to stay high......you could never afford it in the first place. Thank you for this great video of 3.2 cars. P.S. I really want your house.

[@nathanmerz]

Joe, well done on having ENJOYED your car for over a quarter millions miles! I own both low and high mileage cars and there is value in having one to jump in and drive but there is also value in having a reference standard example to remind us of what they were like when new. I always figure there is a place in this hobby for those that drive them until the wheels fall off and for those whose joy comes from simply enjoying it more as a piece of static art work. I'll have a beer with either type of owner!

[@joeglynn2010]

@@nathanmerz Good point Nathan. I agree with you. There are some cars that I would be just as happy putting in my living room and just staring at them. Did not mean to disparage collectors. But for the most part I need to drive my cars. Thanks again for the video very well done.

[@stevenmccornack548]

Dude - you are my HERO!!! I'm the proud owner of a pristine, all-original 1985 Targa (inherited from my original-owner folks); and this is THE most authoritative video I have EVER seen. My only questions are (1) how many of these are YOUR cars? and (2) how can we contact you? (not trying to be intrusive - just wanted to say "Hi" and "Thanks!"). Regardless, THANK YOU for this INCREDIBLE tour of an ASTONISHING collection of 3.2's. Having grown up in Seattle myself, I know it's a great place for cars - and the conifers (Douglas Firs) in the background are unmistakable. 🙂

[@TorneroCarlos]

Love the comparison between G50 and 915. Fair and complete. Had no idea the G50 was not a Porsche product. The 915 is also race tested 😬

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe.

[@benjaminbinon5673]

Great video... congratulations. I though I knew everything about the 3,2 Carrera, I learned a few new things :-). I own a dark blue '85 coupe for five years now, it becomes in better condition every year, all the time I spend on it. Looking forward to see the next video.

[@shallikin]

What a great video. Full of tips and knowledge that would take years to gather. It had me running back to my car to check a bunch of things:) Thank you very much for the knowledge.

[@walterpollard9756]

Thanks so much for making this video and for the link on BAT. I know a lot more about my 89 coupe and its relatives now.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Very welcome!

[@gabebercz6651]

I had a great laugh when you mentioned the “murder scene red interior”. My first 3.2 was an 86 targa in guards red with the red interior. Way too much red!

[@wypilotifr]

Great video- very thorough and well done! (That was great info on the C02 option code sticker on the 84-85)

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@jekutube9]

Own a 1987 targa like the one in your garage since 1991. Call it our land boat, only drive spring, after a few good rains so the salt is washed away from the streets, to fall. Things that you might have mentioned … some wheel hubs are hand painted at the factory. I not to long ago removed the yellowish underspray they apply at the factory when shipping ( now I understand it was to prevent corrosion. :,( ) to see if I could spot where I developed an oil leak. Ended up getting a valve job at a reputable Porsche repair shop and they actually spotted a tube on top leaking oil that needed replacing. Also targa tops need replacing ( my experience they tend to leak a little if I get caught in the rain - which is rare ( specifically headliner wears) and found a guy in NJ that did a great job. Unfortunately my compressor is MIA, unless I do not know where to look? But now I know where the jack is. Thanks for an informative video! Another hard find is VARTA batteries, they last a long time. Now I’m gonna go out for a leisurely drive soon. Not a record keeper, but got it at 28k and now it has 38k, a weekend sometimes driver 😉

[@TechnoloG84]

I was using a file folder for my documentation but switching to the three ring binder tomorrow. Have a 02 996 c4.

[@johnclark1925]

This was a fantastic video. I regret not buying my mates mint 3.2 in the 90’s… now they will probably always be over my budget… but I live in hope. 😎🤘

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe.

[@gombay746]

Great information. Keep these videos coming.

[@rcking345]

fantastic video!! thank you for explaining all the small details.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe.

[@Craaaaabs]

Great video. Looking forward to the PPI

[@Duchydog]

Great video! Don't forget the 1988 model year added the separate speakers in the door panels as another way to differentiate from the 1987.

[@staceybsnyder]

Phenomenal video. Thanks for all the details!

[@navyfan87]

What an incredible video. Thanks for making this and sharing it. Great job!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jayagopal50]

Excellent.Need to hear more from him.964 PLEASE.

[@tom512tr]

Great video! Very informative. Now I know what to look for.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad it was helpful! Be sure to subscribe.

[@miamirice6840]

fantastic video. thank you. look forward to watching them all. prob never be fortunate to drive an air cooled but sure appreciate them.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@fernywings8922]

My dream cars I like the Targa personally thank you sir!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe.

[@paulkithoray2803]

Brilliant video, really in depth, learnt so much, thank you.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to subscribe.

[@IanWhelan]

Great video! One thing not touched on was the option for a Limited Slip Differential. My '87 G50 has one. Also, somewhat touched on, but not specifically, is that in '87 the CHMSL was mounted on the top of the spoiler in the little ET head. Kind of like the cabrio he had there. Another thing is that there was a sport suspension option, which just meant you had different shocks. I realize that this video may not have intended to get into each and every possible option.

[@ntm4122]

Ian, yes limited slip (option code 220) was available throughout the production run and is a worthwhile option for sure. "Sport Suspension" in this era simply means the car came equipped with Bilstein shocks vs. Boge.

[@smote911]

This was a really well done video and I learned so much!!!! Thanks for taking the time to produce it!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Braydenplaysallday]

I’d absolutely love to see a longhood comparison next! 🙏🏻

[@GarthGoldberg]

Nice summary. As a former '80 SC and '87 Carrera 3.2 owner I agree with all your points. I didn't really notice the difference in noise between the 915 and G50 transmissions, but the difference in clutch effort and easier shifting was noticeable with the latter. Also, I got a new clutch at about 110,000 miles and the throw-out lever arm was noticeably worn; replacement made the action much smoother and easier. Also, the steering rack and tie rods were worn out, causing the car to "tram line" and tires to wear out prematurely. A car with 120,000+ miles will have a lot of things that just start to wear out. It all can be replaced of course and didn't used to be so expensive. I paid $1,600 for a clutch (dealer special) and $1,300 for a steering rack. Probably a lot more expensive now. Question: If one is only driving his car 1 to 2,000 miles a year, why should he care about oil consumption? Both of my cars were in good running condition when sold, one with 108,000 miles and the other with 140,000. What you say about the A/C is correct. Even when fully charged with new hoses etc. it's not adequate. You need A/C not only for hot weather, but muggy weather and even in the winter for defogging. It's for this reason I would never go back to one of these cars as a daily driver or otherwise. They were great cars in their day but time has moved on. The new cars are better in every way. Even the driving dynamics, especially the ride, are better, in my opinion. That's my choice.

[@grantrobinson7101]

I really enjoyed this.informative,interesting,easy watch 👌🏻

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charleswhitfield8915]

THE best Porsche class summary I’ve seen. Please can we have the same for some other eras like 1970-1973 and the SC era. Thank you PCA.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks! We will likely be doing more videos like these based on the interest in this video.

[@TeamPavlik]

Awesome that you had so many beautiful examples to go along with the topic. So much good info in this vid. Makes me want to double check my 88 coupe for a few things

[@franknutt1876]

Absolutely fantastic video, I’m on my 3rd 3.2 (along with a 993, 996 and 991) and absolutely love them. I hate all the debates about the gearbox, I’ve had both and agree buy on the condition of the car.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@christopherwilliams4552]

Nathan - it's a distinct pleasure to have watched your overview on the 3.2 models. Great exposition of more generalized knowledge with just enough "nerdy" insights (915 vs G50, for ex.) to keep it interesting. I look forward to your next vid. I own a 2010 Cayman S, but there's at least one air cooled 911 in my future!

[@solochamp07]

Great video, thanks! One variant not mentioned, likely due to it's rarity, is the 89 Speedster. I have a particular affinity for those as at that time I detailed cars and had two customers who had them. Magnificent automobiles. Looking forward to future productions.

[@hobocatlawrence]

WoW..... What a great grouping of some of my favorite Porsches ! Nathan, what a stellar presentation ~ (I also love the SC and Carrera 3.2 - 911s and own a pristine '88 with low miles in Venetian Blue) Keep up the GREAT videos with informative history on one of Porsche's best products made !

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wernerengel4919]

Fantastic info on these gorgeous cars. Much appreciated.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe.

[@martinsmith834]

Hi Nathan, What a really great video. I learnt a lot. I have a 31,000mile 1988 911 Guards red/Black leather bought from Sloan Cars. Love the car. Looking forward to many more video`s Thanks Martin Vancouver Canada

[@gillesaranda2843]

Popopoh.... they all look new... my favorite one is the quartz one... in despite of all the others which are absolutely stunning.....

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe.

[@gillesaranda2843]

@@PorscheClubofAmerica Done👍.... on FB, just in case, I do have 2 albums called classic 911 (almost 2000 pictures) with only aircooled 911 from 69 through 89.... and it’s just about colors.... it’s the only car which can allow any color.... which is less true with the modern ones.....

[@martissalma]

Excellent Video!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you liked it!

[@guillermogallego2300]

Great video! Very well explained and helpful, thanks!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to subscribe!

[@ivancorcuera2893]

A BRILLIANT DIRCUSE!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it. Be sure to subscribe.

[@frankvella1392]

All those beautiful cars are his ??? 😎🇩🇪very good video 👍

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Those are not all his cars. Friends/PCA members volunteered their cars for the video. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frankvella1392]

@@PorscheClubofAmerica Sweet!! Id wished he use my 1987 cabriolet venetian blue with campaign 👍🇩🇪😎

[@Henke3000]

This is a fantastic video! Thank you sir!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

You're very welcome!

[@bor.is.coffee]

Thank you very much for so many informations about this model and years of evolution.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@hotshot409]

As an equally tech nerd and 86 owner this is the best video on the 3.2 around. Well done. Even got the the no code 84-85 sticker! No cruise cable that red 19K mile one? 😉

[@VaughnJogVlog]

These are come CLEAN cars. Wheels look factory new.

[@ulrikhjalber6871]

Really good information video, answered alot of my question!😊

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Laguna2013]

When Nathan Merz is in the video please consider putting that fact in the title! Please make more with him.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

We'll consider it, thanks for the suggestion. Glad you enjoy his videos!

[@eddiealvarado3923]

Oh wow! That 87 is the same color spec as mine including the white and burgundy interior

[@mariospeedwagon007]

Excellent video.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you liked it!

[@speier]

Wow thank you for doing this video. I learned a lot! I have an 88 turbo and almost all of this stuff still applies.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe!