Essential Porsche 993 Parts Guide for Owners | Maintenance Tips

Introduction to the Porsche 993

The Porsche 993 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between 1993 and 1998. It was the last of the air-cooled 911 models and represented a significant advance in technology and performance over previous generations.

Brief History of the 993

The 993 generation introduced a slew of upgrades and improvements while still retaining the classic 911 shape and rear-engine layout. Some highlights include:

• New multi-link rear suspension for improved handling
• Upgraded all-aluminum body shell for weight reduction
• New variable valve timing system for increased power
• Integrated bumpers and flush windows for improved aerodynamics

In total over 68,000 Porsche 993s were produced, with a wide variety of models catering to differing budgets and performance demands.

Popular Porsche 993 Models

Porsche 911 Carrera / Carrera S

The bread-and-butter 993 was the rear wheel drive Carrera coupe and cabriolet models. Offered with both a 3.6L (272 hp) and 3.8L (285 hp) flat-6, these models delivered an intoxicating mix of everyday usability and serious performance.

Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S

Situated at the top of the model range, the 993 Turbo and Turbo S represented a large evolution over past 911 Turbos. Twin-turbocharging, AWD, and advanced suspension tech led to staggering performance numbers cementing their reputation as supreme supercars.

Porsche 911 GT2

The GT2 took Turbo performance to the next level, stripping out weight and simplifying the AWD system to RWD only. With up to 430hp in European specs, the 993 GT2 remains one of the most hardcore and sought-after 911 models ever.

Finding Porsche 993 Parts

Given the 993’s status as the last air-cooled 911, parts availability and cost is an important consideration for owners. Here are some tips:

Check Your Local Porsche Dealer

Genuine Porsche parts purchased from the dealer will fit guaranteed but are generally quite expensive. Availability of new old stock parts is also constantly dwindling as time passes.

Search Online Porsche Dismantlers

A more budget-friendly route is purchasing used parts from Porsche dismantlers found online. Sites like Pelican Parts are a great resource to find both OEM and aftermarket components at reasonable prices.

Join 993-Specific Owner Forums

The most dedicated 993 communities are filled with owners parting cars or selling rare spares. Members are also very knowledgeable about cheaper alternatives for common wear items.

Consider Aftermarket Parts

While not always fitting the original specs and quality, affordable aftermarket parts are plentiful from companies like Rennline, LN Engineering, & more. Great option if budget is critical.

Common 993 Parts That Fail

To avoid being stranded by a surprise failure, keep an eye on these notorious 993 weak spots:

IMS Bearing

The intermediate shaft bearing is prone to premature failure. Have it inspected/replaced to be safe.

Cooling System

Radiators, water pumps, and piping are all common failure points. Flush system and renew parts early.

Brake & Clutch Hydraulics

Rubber components tend to degrade over time. Inspect for leaks and have seals/lines replaced preventatively.

Control Arms & Tie Rod Ends

Worn bushings in these suspension links is common. Renew for crisp turn in and handling.

Maintaining Your Porsche 993

Keeping your air-cooled classic in tip-top shape requires diligent preventative maintenance. Some best practices include:

Oil Changes Every 5,000 Miles

Frequently replacing oil is key for engine longevity. Use manufacturer recommended specs.

Inspect Axles, Drive Belts, & Hoses

These wear items fail without warning if neglected. Have rubber parts inspected yearly.

Rebuild Engine Every 100-150k Miles

Preventative engine rebuilds drastically increase reliability and performance while restoring compression.

Store Properly During Winter

Vintage cars and humidity don't mix! Ensuring your 993 stays dry when not being driven is key.

If you own or are considering purchasing one of these special 911s, understand the unique care and feeding required. Connect with the robust 993 community early-on for hands on maintenance tips to keep your classic Porsche in peak condition for decades of spirited driving to come!

FAQs

Where can I find used or aftermarket 993 parts?

The best places to source used and aftermarket 993 parts are online Porsche dismantlers like Pelican Parts, Rennline, LN Engineering as well as Porsche-specific forums and groups. These provide more affordable alternatives to purchasing from the dealer.

What are some common parts failures I should look out for on my 993?

Some notorious failure points to monitor are the IMS bearing, cooling system components, brake hydraulic seals and lines, control arm bushings, and axles or drive belts. Being proactive replacing wear items is key to reliability.

How often should I change fluids/filters on my 993?

Experts recommend changing engine oil every 5,000 miles. The industry standard is every 10,000 miles for transaxle/differential fluid and brake fluid flushes every 2 years. Follow the manufacturer maintenance schedule.

Should I rebuild the original 993 engine or swap in a new one?

For optimum reliability and performance, a full engine rebuild every 100-150k miles is recommended. This restores compression and reduces future issues versus an unknown replacement. Shop owners specializing in air-cooled engines first.