Description
Factory DeLorean DMC-12 Workshop Manual (1981–1983)
The DeLorean DMC-12 needs no introduction — the stainless-steel, gullwing-door, rear-engine sports car that became a cultural icon through Back to the Future. Only about 9,000 were built from 1981–1983 at the Dunmurry plant in Northern Ireland. This is the factory workshop manual covering every production year of the only model DeLorean Motor Company ever made.
Who This Manual Is For
DMC-12 restorers, collectors, classic-car specialists, and enthusiasts working on DeLorean’s unique combination of French PRV V6 engine, stainless-steel body, gullwing doors, and rear-engine layout. LHD (dominant) and RHD both covered.
Vehicle Coverage
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | DeLorean DMC-12 (the only DMC model) |
| VIN | Starts with SCEDT |
| Body | Stainless-steel over fiberglass, gullwing doors, 2-seat coupe |
| Engine | 2.85L PRV V6 (ZMJ-159), Bosch K-Jetronic EFI, 130 hp — rear-mounted |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual (Renault UN1) and 3-speed automatic |
| Chassis | Lotus-designed backbone, double-wishbone front suspension |
| Model Years | 1981, 1982, 1983 |
Common DMC-12 Repairs Covered
| System | Procedures |
|---|---|
| PRV V6 Engine | Timing belt replacement, head gasket (known valve-seat issue), valve adjustment |
| K-Jetronic EFI | Bosch mechanical continuous fuel injection — fuel distributor, warm-up regulator, frequency valve |
| Gullwing Doors | Cryogenic-tempered torsion bars, strut replacement, door alignment (classic DMC-12 issue) |
| Renault UN1 Gearbox | 5-speed manual shifting adjustment, clutch service, synchro replacement |
| Rear-Engine Layout | Engine mounts, exhaust routing, rear drivetrain access (engine sits behind rear axle) |
| Stainless Body | Panel alignment, fiberglass underbody, body-to-chassis mounting |
| Electrical | Original Lucas-era wiring, gullwing-door electrics, power window/lock circuits |
What’s Inside the Manual
Factory DMC workshop chapter set: diagnosis and specifications, PRV V6 engine service, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, exhaust routing for rear-engine layout, emission control (US-spec catalytic converter), lubrication and mechanical, Renault UN1 5-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmission service, brake system (front disc, rear disc), live rear independent suspension, steering (rack-and-pinion), HVAC (heater + optional AC), scheduled maintenance, lighting and switches, clutch, driveshafts, cooling system (complex rear-engine cooling with front-mounted radiator), complete electrical with wiring diagrams, suspension (Lotus-designed double-wishbone front), wheels and tyres, stainless body and fiberglass underbody, gullwing door mechanism, interior trim.
Format & Delivery
Professional PDF — searchable, printable, every OS. Instant download; lifetime re-downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the PRV V6 story on the DMC-12?
The PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 is a joint-venture 2.85L engine used in the DMC-12 (rear-mounted), the Volvo 760, Renault Alpine, and others. The ZMJ-159 tune in the DeLorean produces 130 hp. Known valve-seat wear on early examples; covered in this manual’s head service procedure.
How hard is it to work on a DMC-12?
The core mechanicals (PRV V6, UN1 gearbox, K-Jetronic) are well-documented era technology. The rear-engine layout and gullwing doors are what make it unusual. With this manual, most work is achievable by an experienced home mechanic.
Are DMC-12 parts still available?
Yes — DeLorean Motor Company (the modern successor, DMC Texas) and specialist restorers maintain a good parts supply. The manual’s part numbers help cross-reference.
Does this cover the gullwing door mechanism?
Yes. The cryogenic-tempered torsion bars, gas struts, alignment procedures, and door-seal service are all documented.
Is K-Jetronic tricky to diagnose?
It’s mechanical continuous injection — different from modern EFI. The manual’s K-Jet section covers fuel pressure testing, mixture adjustment, warm-up regulator, and frequency valve (O2 sensor) diagnostics.
What format is the manual?
PDF, searchable, printable. Instant download.
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