Lusting for a 993 coupe

[DARISC]

I'm considering buying a 993 coupe to share daily driver duties with my 82 911SC (gold plated, never to be sold). I'm about to start researching and figured I'd ask for some opinions (yeah, I know - use the search button - I will, I will!).

Want a coupe, 2wd. Don't work on my own car (expert crossthreader). Is there a preferable year to look for (I'm not particularly taken with the advice to buy the latest model I can afford - bought an SC while shopping for a a Carrera 'cause I wanted raw & visceral [same would be preferable in a 993]).

If you'd not feel your wasting your time, sho would like to hear your feedback (can't get the image of that beautiful 993 form out of my mind).

Thanks

[flyenby]

Go to Rennlist.com that is the ultimate 993 forum

[kang]

I’m not really sure what opinion you are asking for… There are many threads on what year 993 to get. In a nutshell, the ‘95’s are not subject to the secondary air injection (SAI) check engine light (CEL), which will cause you to fail smog checks (see the two sticky threads at the top of this forum). The later years are subject to this problem (which can be a ~$5,000 repair for a top-end), but they have the Varioram intake. This intake boosts mid-range torque. However, I have heard that a strong ’95 will be faster than a weak ’96. Plus, you can chip a ’95 for about $500, and it closes the gap significantly. This increase in mid-range torque is good for city driving, but in only decreases the 0-60 time by .1 second (according to the factory).

The other differences between the years are really minor…

[maxnine11]

kang has made some excellent points.

Even though the 993 is a newer car, a small budget must be set aside. (besides the original purchase price)

-Potential valve guide wear and SAI blockage (unless already addressed)
-suspension upgrade (the original Monroes have a very short life span and the stock springs put the car at 4x4 height- and going with Biltstein HDs or pss9's etc. will also get back some of the "rawness" that you mention)
-you may also want heavier than original sway-bars
-the sound of the stock 993 is a bit of a letdown IMO. A motorsound airbox cover and either aftermarket mufflers or modified original mufflers will put a grin back on your face!

There are cars with the original M030 suspension that obviously handle better than the base suspension, but the struts are again made by Monroe (crap), and the M030 springs for North America put the car way up in the air. The thicker sway bars are about the only thing that is a bonus in the long run.

Shopping tip- as these cars get older, proper care and maintainence can be more important than actual miles on the car.
There are some 80,000 mile cars that i would choose over some 50,000 mile cars.

good luck,

max