993 questions

[Bullet Bob]

I posted this in the 911 forum but I guess it would be more appropriate to have it here.

I am thinking about upgrading from my '88 Carrera to a 96-97 993 and I have a few questions. Does the 993's AC blow cold? Also, does it have cup holders? I pretty much know what to expect with the car so these might seem like splitting hairs. Warm weather is coming and I'm tired of getting out of my '88 with my shirt stuck to my back as this is my daily driver. I'm also a coffee junkie and I really miss cup holders :-)

Also, these seem to be hard to find. Any particular reason for this? Anything I should look out for? Will a 993 last for 250k+ miles like my Carrera?

Thanks,
Bob

[aigel]

- Does the 993's AC blow cold?

Yes. Not freeze you out of the car ice cold, but sufficient for 100 degree weather.

- Also, does it have cup holders?

No, but there are excellent aftermarket units available that bolt to your door panel. These came with my car. They are sturdier than any factory cup holder Porsche makes.

- Also, these seem to be hard to find. Any particular reason for this?

There weren't many made. There seem to be many long term owners as well. My 993 was from the first owner who held on to it for 9 years.

- Anything I should look out for?

Check engine light issue is the main deal on these. Otherwise there is no major issues.

- Will a 993 last for 250k+ miles like my Carrera?

Yes. Some may have valve guide wear that warrants a top end along the way, but that's unchanged from the 3.2 Carrera.

Hope this helps!

George

[kang]

Bob,

See the sticky thread on this forum about the check engine light. If Oregon has strict smog checks, you might want to consider a ’95. While it has the same issue (blocked SAI passages) it won’t throw a CEL for them, due to being OBD-I versus OBD-II for the later cars. The increase in torque in the later models (due to the variorum) is so slight that some don’t even notice it.

There are also cup holders that replace the cassette tray in the center console. I have one version of these, but can’t find a picture of it. They are available on eBay sometimes. They can also be found at the various parts vendors, like Pelican, etc. I’m sure you have some of your favorites.

And yes, with proper maintenance, they should easily last 250K miles. Like George said, some may require a top end for either the SAI problem or valves so loose you burn too much oil.

Good luck!

[Doug751]

Try this new drink holder; bettter for bottles than coffee.

[Marco8]

Hi Bob,

Recently made the move from an 88 cab to a 96 coupe and am very happy w/ the results.

Here is some info that you might find useful.

The 95 has no varioram (introduced in 96) and consequently less hp/torque (from memory 270 vs 285). The 95 is ODB1 vs 96 and later which are ODB2. This means you have more potential emission problems w/ a 96 and later 993.

A known problem w/ 96 and later 993s are clogged SAI (secondary air injection) passages. This is a US specific problem (thank you EPA), and is somewhat unpredictable when it could rear its ugly head (I have read people having this problem w/ 20K miles and my car 110K has never had a problem-go figure). This (emission) problem, in my opinion has led to many premature top end rebuilds. I spoke to an independent svc mgr and he said they have done a number of 993 top end rebuild starting in the 60K-70K range and clogged SAI was a catalyst for having the job done.

Please note, my understanding is the SAI has nothing to do w/ the performance and longevity of the engine. Anyone on the board please correct me if I'm wrong here.

Anyway the 993 does everything better (faster, handling, braking, safer, comfort), than your 3.2, but you will be trading the raw fun of the 3.2 for a much more civilized ride.

Good luck.

[aigel]

Note that while the 993 will be a smoother "civilized" ride, don't get fooled into thinking that it's a fat GT car that doesn't perform. It's performance is much superior to the Carrera / SC. Everything is superior. Brakes, suspension, power ...

I pushed my modified SC (81 SC Coupe - Street or Track - Great Value!) on the track pretty hard on R compound tires. First time out with the 993 on street tires and taking it fairly easy, I got the same lap times. All with full a/c on the way to the track, smooth ride on the interstate and nice stereo and 6CD changer for entertainment along the way.

George