1985 Carrera vs. 1986 Carrera

[panamericana]

Hi, my understanding is that the 1985 Carrera and the 1986 Carrera are "virtually identical". However, I wonder if there are in fact any differences. Did Porsche introduce any innovations for the Carrera for the 1986 model year?

[dsmeyer]

The '86 Carrera has bigger A/C vents, larger anti roll (sway bars), larger rear torsion bars, the seats were 20mm lower, and the trunk carpet was upgraded.

[Canada Kev]

I believe the 85 also has a different evaporator box for the AC in which you can use Kuehl's fan, where the 86's is different. That's all I got...

[stlrj]

Late 86's came with the 87 control units.

[Klax]

86 was first year for 3rd brake light

[porschenut]

Late 86 also got the fuses for the footwell blowers, and the cruise control module was moved from the trunk to under the radio.

[931GT]

The 85's are also the only year to have about 3/4 inch more height on seat mounts. Good if you're a shorter fella but not so good if you are 6' or above.

[Barrpete]

Originally Posted by porschenut

Late 86 also got the fuses for the footwell blowers, and the cruise control module was moved from the trunk to under the radio.

My '86 was built in February, no footwell blower fuses but the cruise module is under the radio.

[Wil Ferch]

Most '85's had the demountable rear axle shafts at both ends ( bolted both ends), whereas I believe later models had outboard ends friction welded...... others here can chime in with details on this....

[panamericana]

Thanks all -- very helpful and interesting.

[OttawaDave]

Originally Posted by 931GT

The 85's are also the only year to have about 3/4 inch more height on seat mounts. Good if you're a shorter fella but not so good if you are 6' or above.

Ask me how I know....I'm only barely 6', and with helmet, it's snug.

[gregwils]

Originally Posted by Wil Ferch

Most '85's had the demountable rear axle shafts at both ends ( bolted both ends), whereas I believe later models had outboard ends friction welded...... others here can chime in with details on this....

Correct. Porsche changed the axle shafts mid-way during the '85 production run, so depending on the date of manufacture for the '85 it will either have the earlier (75 - 85) outer cv that can be detached from the hub or the later (85 - 89) outer cv that is integrated with the hub. The only impact is you need to replace the entire axle if the outer cv's go bad.

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by Barrpete

My '86 was built in February, no footwell blower fuses but the cruise module is under the radio.

Yep, February build was too early for the fuses. My car was built in June '86 and it has the fuses from the factory.