www.QV500.com - Porsche 911 (1974 - 77) Part 2: 911 H, I & J-series
 
Porsche’s 1975 model year H-series 911's went into production during August 1974, these revised versions incorporating a number of changes and improvements over the outgoing G-series. Most notable, however, was the arrival of an exciting new 3-litre Turbo (covered in Part 3) that saw the 911 re-enter the supercar premier league. Worryingly though, in order for the normally aspirated 911's to comply with even stricter US emissions legislation, Porsche were forced to produce two engines specifically for North America. These were the 165bhp ‘49-State’ motor and the 160bhp California-only unit, both of which were de-tuned from the regular 175bhp S.
   
Designated Typ 911/43 (or 911/48 if coupled with the Sportomatic transmission), the ‘49-State’ motor boasted an output of 165bhp at 5800rpm, this 10bhp drop off being attributable to the presence of a mandatory air pump. Meanwhile, the Typ 911/44 (911/49 for Sportomatic) California-legal unit produced just 160bhp and came equipped with the aforementioned air pump in addition to thermal reactors and exhaust gas re-circulation equipment. North American-bound Carrera's were still outlawed from running the 210bhp Typ 911/83 engine, those examples destined for the US instead being fitted with either the ‘49-State’ or California legal powerplants. Other 2.7-litre engines were re-designated for the 1975 model year although specifications remained unchanged, the base model 911 becoming Typ 911/41 (911/46 for Sportomatic) whilst Typ 911/42 engines (911/47) were used for the 911 S. Once again, all three variants were fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox as standard, five-speeds being a cost option. Considering the sorry state that Carrera's were forced to adopt during this period, it was surprising that Porsche deemed it necessary to incorporate additional aerodynamic addenda to their anaemic North American flagship. US-bound Carrera's were the first series production models to come fitted with the now familiar ‘Whale Tail’ rear deck spoiler as seen on the 3-litre Carrera RS of 1974. This was joined by a deeper chin spoiler to counteract the additional rear downforce and was again derived from the RS item. Standard fit for the USA, the wing pack remained optional in other markets. Universal changes were few though, just colour-coded light surrounds for 911's and S variants replacing outdated chrome.
 
The 1975 model year also saw limited production of a 25th Anniversary 911 and S, both of which were upgraded with a series of interesting options. A thicker rear anti-roll bar, five-speed gearbox and Fuchs forged alloy wheels were the most notable additions whilst all 1063 examples were completed in Diamond Silver metallic paintwork with ‘Black-Look’ chrome deletion. Interiors got a three-spoke sports steering wheel (from the Carrera) and special silver and black tweed trim. Available as a Coupe or Targa, all were fitted with a numbered plaque on the passenger side of the dash to celebrate Porsche’s 25th year of sports car manufacture.
   
1975 model year 911's went out of production during July 1975, by which time nearly 8000 had been completed, 2236 as 911's in Coupe (1238) and Targa (998), 4478 911 S in Coupe (2695) and Targa (1783) and finally 1110 as Carrera's in Coupe (518) and Targa (197). 395 165bhp US Carrera's were also made. August 1975 saw the introduction of the 1976 model year I-series 911, although while a number of blanket revisions were made, the availability of a new 3-litre engine was of most interest. All 911's now received an electric drivers side door mirror, more secure door locks and a galvanised chassis and body that had been hot-dipped in zinc. The base model 911 now came fitted with an S-spec 165bhp engine designated as Typ 911/81 (or 911/86 if fitted with the optional Sportomatic transmission). Irrespective of engine, Sportomatic now became a three-speed unit having reached the limit of its torque capacity. Re-designated 911 Lux, the entry-level model gained the turbocharged 930's four journal camshafts and a more efficient five-blade cooling fan. Meanwhile, the 911 S became a North American only model and ran an almost identical 165bhp engine (although with designation Typ 911/82 (Typ 911/84 for California) or Typ 911/89 when fitted with Sportomatic). Thus for 1976, 911 buyers could choose either the 911 Lux / 911 S entry level version (depending on market destination), or the new flagship Carrera 3.0 that replaced the previous years 210bhp H-series 2.7. Once again, US emissions legislation dictated this last model was illegal for sale in North America. Running what was essentially a normally aspirated version of the Typ 930/50 turbo engine, displacement of the Carrera 3 was an identical 2994cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 95 x 70.4mm respectively.
 
Designated Typ 930/02 (930/12 if fitted with Sportomatic), maximum power might have been 10bhp down with just 200bhp at 6000rpm, but it was achieved with considerably improved torque and engine flexibility. Compression was increased over the Typ 930/02 (to 8.5:1) in an attempt to compensate for the lack of a turbocharger although the aluminium crankcase, Nikasil cylinders and Bosch K Jetronic were all imported from the awesome 930. Performance figures for the Carrera 3 were a more than adequate 146mph top speed and 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. 1976 model year 911 production totalled some 9400 units split three ways.
   
Of these, 3444 were 911's in Coupe (1868) and Targa (1576), 4384 911 S' in Coupe (2209) and Targa (2179) and 1572 911 Carrera 3's, again in Coupe (1093) and Targa (479) trim. The J-series 911 went into production during August 1976 for the 1977 model year, production once again being split between the 2.7-litre 911 Lux / 911 S and the Carrera 3. Engines went unchanged although there were some slight revisions to suspension geometry in order to improve camber adjustment. Alterations were by this time becoming more superficial than mechanical, Porsche holding out on any significant developments for the 1978 model year 911 SC. Inside, new face-level central vents were introduced to the dash whilst door locks disappeared into the door tops and could be raised/lowered via a recessed circular knob in the door. Carrera 3's could optionally be trimmed in pinstripe fabric whilst all owners could specify a Comfort Pack that included softer Bilstein shocks, electric windows and 14-inch Fuchs forged alloy wheels. US-bound 911's fitted with the Comfot pack also received cruise control whilst all Targa's got matt black roll-over hoops. Another limited edition 911 was produced for the ’77 model year, the 911 S Signature simply being dressed up with colour coded metallic platinum bodywork and Fuchs five spoke wheels, a special beige and tweed upholstery, smaller diameter Carrera 3 three spoke steering wheel and embossed Ferry Porsche signature. By the time production of the J-series 911 ended in July 1977, over 15,500 had been produced in the space of 12 months, this figure being split as follows: 4173 911 in Coupe (2449) and Targa (1724) configurations, 6518 911 S (non EU model) in Coupe (3771) and Targa (2747) and 2119 Carrera 3, also in Coupe (1473) and Targa (646).