Which 993?

[ckmaggie]

Close to sealing the deal on my 85 Carrera and now thinking about a 993 and have some questions. Car is question is 95 C2 w 38k. Looks perfect inside and out. Talking w indy dealer and he started off at $42k. Questions:

- Any issues w '95 C2. I have heard that the non Varioram cars (95 I think) and desirable due to many "check engine" issues w Varioram cars.
- Think fair price for car is closer to $37k. Thoughts?
- I am a DIY'r and have read through p-car.com and most items seem easy enough. Any hidden pitfalls? Do I need a lift or will stands work?

Must say that I love my Carerra but after driving the 993, I think there may be no turning back.

Chris

[WydRyd]

Yeh, the 95's without Varioram are chipable too, whereas I heard the variorams are not as easily chipable. Not sure how accurate that is, but I DO know that it's easier to convert the non-Varioram's to Twin Turbo's whilst retaining the OEM DME & Loom etc...

[Jim Richards]

Chris, I would recommend that you do a search on this. Lot's has been said, although a lot of it is "urban myths" from people that haven't / don't own 993's. All of them are great, but like any Porsche, have their issues. I had a '95 for a number of years and enjoyed it a lot. One of my buddies has a great '96 993. Just look for the best condition, make sure the engine wiring harness recall has been performed, there's good maintenace history records, and don't pay too much as the 993 market is still a bit unsettled pricewise. I think the car you're looking at would be at most $35k from a private party, and maybe $36-37k from a dealer.

Now about Merv's twin turbo suggestion...

[Eli K]

Chris,

I've recently looked at a few 993 and was close to sealing a deal on a '98 in New England area. Although the car seemed presentable, a PPI revealed quite a few issues including oil leaks at cylinder bases, and a few other minor details.
I believe the carbon buildup issues are just as poplular on the '95 cars as on the rest of 993, only 96's and up are more sensitive and are more prone to throw up the codes.
In any case, I wouldn't just limit yourself to the '95 cars.
As Richard already mentioned above, the market is very unsettled, and I am sure if you're patient enough to wait a month or two you'll be able to save anywhere from 10-15%.
Good luck in your search!

[Rick Lee]

Chris, Jim is being generous at even $35k. That car is WAY WAY overpriced at $42k. No way in the world is it as clean or even low miles as my '96 and mine cost less that than that. All these 993 questions are tempting me to write up a fact vs. fiction thread on 993's.

[jtkkz]

1996 - 1998 993's are the bestter years.

[Ho Hum 74]

Very low 30s should be the target on 993s with 35-50k miles and in good shape.

[ljonespwc]

I own a '95 993. The Rennsport Systems chip does wonders for the midrange torque that is lacking (well, I mean lacking when compared to the Varioram cars) on the '95s--the throttle response is now fantastic, too!

I had a minor leak at the base of one of the cylinders. It was driving me nuts, so I had the motor pulled. All new gaskets took care of the leak. While we were "in there" I had the valves and valve guides inspected. A Porsche head expert strongly recommened that I replace the exhaust valves and guides--using better parts than what Porsche used at the factory. So I did.

Parts (i.e., complete gasket kit, 6 valves, guides) cost was about $1800 (US dollars, but I paid Canadian), but labor was the real killer. All in all, it required about 40 hours in labor, so you can figure out that part using your own local wrench rate.

This fellow who works exclusively on Porsche heads believes every 993 will eventually require this work--and sooner than 75,000 miles. He says the original Porsche guide material is too soft. This comes from a 30-yr Porsche tech who works on nothing but heads.

Other than that, most of the issues are covered on p-car.com, and they are all pretty minor--even DIY.

Here is a pic of mine. I LOVE it!

Lance

[curlesw]

Which years have the Varioram engine?

Wayne C.

[Ho Hum 74]

Lance,

Didn't you just purchase that car? Did the PO reveal the cylinder leak? Hope you got it sorted, it's a very pretty car.

Tristan

[Rick Lee]

V-ram was from '96 on.

[ljonespwc]

Tristan, yes I knew about some minor oil seepage when I purchased the car. The oil would run down and collect along the bottom seam of the motor and then drip onto the ground. I was kinda hoping it was just exhaust valve cover gaskets (which I also had replaced), but the oil kept coming, slowly.

I earn a living through the Internet, and I have spent countless hours looking into the "issues" on 993s. More and more, I come across posts about leaks at the base of a cylinder(s). The mileage on my car might suggest that these problems are occuring somewhat prematurely, but I'm OK with taking care of business sooner rather than later.

Thanks, it is a pretty car. Lowered, bright yellow, with the fixed spoilers and big wheels = lots of looks. The car looks as good as it makes me feel!

Lance