95' 993?

[wurls]

I'd like to hear from anyone that has a 1995 993 coupe that might be able to shed some insight on what it has been like to own one. I am looking at buying one, and it will be my 2nd P-Car, but my 1st 993. I would be going from a 3.2 Carrera to the 993.

Any info would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks!!!

[DougM]

I have a '95 daily driver and have previously owned an '87 as a toy. Similar raw feel but with much better heat/AC system. All around a better daily driver but still old school. However, if I was choosing between the two for a fun weekend car only, I would go with the look that you like better regarding body style.

[bart1]

My 95 has been great. Buy a good one and you will be pleased. I assume you know the differences between 95 and 96+ regarding OBD and Varioram. I have said many times before though that I would be just as happy with anything SC through 993 in equally good condition. Mine is a weekend car, 968 is the DD.

[rattlsnak]

technology speaking, a 993 is really twice the car as an earlier 911.

[wurls]

Yeah, I want a 95 to stay away from the Varioram system...just something less I'll need to fix/deal with down the road. And for the extra HP, (correct me if I'm wrong), I would think it would be barely noticeable.
Has anyone with a 95 ever done the modification of removing the "towel rack" rear brake light and installed it at the rear of the roof like the 96's and up have?
If anyone has done this, is it an expensive upgrade?

Thanks!

[bart1]

I deleted my basket handle and currently have no 3rd brakelight. Plan to do an LED one on the rear glass sometime.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by wurls

Yeah, I want a 95 to stay away from the Varioram system...just something less I'll need to fix/deal with down the road. And for the extra HP, (correct me if I'm wrong), I would think it would be barely noticeable.
Has anyone with a 95 ever done the modification of removing the "towel rack" rear brake light and installed it at the rear of the roof like the 96's and up have?
If anyone has done this, is it an expensive upgrade?

Thanks!

yes, it's easy to do, the wiring is already there. Either get a later engine lid or weld up the mounting holes.

[Bill Verburg]

JMO, but the '95s are the best
OBD1 is far easier to work w/ than '96 up OBD2
chips are easily swapped
if you really want vram it can be swapped in fairly easily
it depends on your local but where I live there are far fewer legal restrictions

it depends on what you want to use the car for but there are lots of track parts available but they are generally more expensive than 911 parts

[bart1]

Here's my deleted basket handle. Weld holes and painted, also painted engine grille. Frame around grill was not painted and you can't tell from any angle in any light.

[wurls]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

JMO, but the '95s are the best
OBD1 is far easier to work w/ than '96 up OBD2
chips are easily swapped
if you really want vram it can be swapped in fairly easily
it depends on your local but where I live there are far fewer legal restrictions

it depends on what you want to use the car for but there are lots of track parts available but they are generally more expensive than 911 parts

What is OBD1 versus OBD2?
Thanks!

[bart1]

On Board Diagnostics system. See if you can read that 964 vs 993 systems analysis post for some enlightenment on several things.

[Kiwi01]

I currently have one of each ... although the 85 is for sale.

Both are mostly stock. ... 85 911 coupe and 95 911 coupe.

I prefer the exhaust tone on the 3.2 ... at idle and very low RPM. It is easier to work on, fewer spark plugs, ignition wires, distributors ... more space in the engine bay. Tires are cheaper, the fuchs rims are ... classic. Its steering is more raw and corners at any speed are fun. However the AC is ... challenged in the Houston summers.

The 95 is more "civilized". The power steering makes the daily commute easier. The AC works in the Texas summers. The stock suspension is hands down better, yet is often considered the first upgrade that should be done. It is quicker, has more head room ( I'm 6'3") and doesn't seem to get you tired out on long runs. The 993 costs a little more to maintain ... but it performs a little better.

I am keeping the 993 but I like them both ... it would be nice to keep them both, put the 85 on a diet and add 70 hp to the 3.2 ... but i also want to stay married.

[wurls]

Originally Posted by Kiwi01

I currently have one of each ... although the 85 is for sale.

Both are mostly stock. ... 85 911 coupe and 95 911 coupe.

I prefer the exhaust tone on the 3.2 ... at idle and very low RPM. It is easier to work on, fewer spark plugs, ignition wires, distributors ... more space in the engine bay. Tires are cheaper, the fuchs rims are ... classic. Its steering is more raw and corners at any speed are fun. However the AC is ... challenged in the Houston summers.

The 95 is more "civilized". The power steering makes the daily commute easier. The AC works in the Texas summers. The stock suspension is hands down better, yet is often considered the first upgrade that should be done. It is quicker, has more head room ( I'm 6'3") and doesn't seem to get you tired out on long runs. The 993 costs a little more to maintain ... but it performs a little better.

I am keeping the 993 but I like them both ... it would be nice to keep them both, put the 85 on a diet and add 70 hp to the 3.2 ... but i also want to stay married.

NICE!!! LOL!
I totally understand the differences people point out between the 3.2 Carrera and a 993. I am thinking of a safety standpoint since I am now a family man and want to bring the kids/wife with me in the car for drives, so for me, I think the 993 is a better car with power steering, ABS brakes, and airbag. More power is just a bonus. I am a sucker though for the classic headlight lines of the 3.2/964 era, and prefer that look, but the wider non turbo body of the 993 versus a non turbo 3.2/964 looks nicer from the back.

[jimmcc]

A couple of items to watch out for:

The early '95s had an engine wiring harness problem that was finally the subject of a factory recall. The insulation was not formulated correctly and breaks down with varying outcomes none of which are pleasant. Make sure that update (replacement of the harness) has been done or have the harness checked out. I'm not sure if the recall is still in effect.

The rubber mounts on the front a-arms are subject to failure which results in erratic handling especially under downhill braking. The arm is allowed to twist in the mount which results in minor toe changes.

There are threads on Pelican describing both.

Mine was early production (October 94) and has been great despite the above and normal wear and tear. I disagree with one comment that it is twice the car of a SC. I transitioned form an 80 SC to the 993 and the ride, power, fit, quality etc. is far more than double.

Hope this helps and good driving.

[jhubs]

I have owned a 1987 911 and my current 95, 993. The reason I switched to the 95 993 is that the 993 has air bags, power brakes, AC that really works, clutch that is softer and easier on the knee and comfort when traveling... to name a few. The 993 is arguably the best looking 911 ever made. I have looked at 996s and 997s and prefer the looks of the 993.
I changed the OEM front bumper to a Euro Turbo bumper and the car came with an upgraded suspension. It is a modern car, but still fun to drive! There are a lot of good 95s out there so wait for a good one. JMO, but stay away from Cabs. There is always a lot of them for sale and there is a reason for it. I have had friends that purchased Cabs and sold them quickly because of noise, heating, cooling, etc. If you live in the desert or in a tropical climate a Cab would be fun... not here in Colorado or the great and frozen north. IMHO, leave the basket handle on... I like it!





Jerry

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by wurls

I'd like to hear from anyone that has a 1995 993 coupe that might be able to shed some insight on what it has been like to own one.

My 993 is my first Porsche so I can't comment on how it compares to other vintages of the 911, but in the few months I've driven it before winter layaway, it has been an incredible experience.

It is an 06/1995 production so it has the third brake light mounted just below the top of the rear window; I prefer that configuration to what you call the towel rack.

Working on it is probably similar to your 3.2. Having wrenched on everything from chainsaws to aircraft, a Porsche is not service friendly, but then you probably know that.

Find the right one and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Pylot2]

My 95' 993 is my third Porsche, the others being early 70's Pcars that I was under more than in. Can't comment on how it compares to other vintages of the 911s.

In my opinion, it is the best body style of all the 911's and being a 993, the last of the oil-cooled! Simple maintenance is a joy, but other tasks can be a bit challeging.

Do your homework, join the local chapter of PCA, find a reputable local mechanic, and make sure the car you are purchasing comes with as much history and documentation as possible. If well cared for, the 993's are bullet proof!

The ac/heat is wonderful compared to earlier vintages, and they handle like a dream!

[Pylot2]

My 95' 993 is my third Porsche, the others being early 70's Pcars that I was under more than in. Can't comment on how it compares to other vintages of the 911s.

In my opinion, it is the best body style of all the 911's and being a 993, the last of the oil-cooled! Simple maintenance is a joy, but other tasks can be a bit challeging.

Do your homework, join the local chapter of PCA, find a reputable local mechanic, and make sure the car you are purchasing comes with as much history and documentation as possible. If well cared for, the 993's are bullet proof!

The ac/heat is wonderful compared to earlier vintages, and they handle like a dream!

[wurls]

Originally Posted by jhubs

I have owned a 1987 911 and my current 95, 993. The reason I switched to the 95 993 is that the 993 has air bags, power brakes, AC that really works, clutch that is softer and easier on the knee and comfort when traveling... to name a few. The 993 is arguably the best looking 911 ever made. I have looked at 996s and 997s and prefer the looks of the 993.
I changed the OEM front bumper to a Euro Turbo bumper and the car came with an upgraded suspension. It is a modern car, but still fun to drive! There are a lot of good 95s out there so wait for a good one. JMO, but stay away from Cabs. There is always a lot of them for sale and there is a reason for it. I have had friends that purchased Cabs and sold them quickly because of noise, heating, cooling, etc. If you live in the desert or in a tropical climate a Cab would be fun... not here in Colorado or the great and frozen north. IMHO, leave the basket handle on... I like it!





Jerry

Jerry,

I LOVE the look of your 993! That is how I would like for my future 993 to look. The wheels...what size are they, where did you get them, and how much are they? Also, what size rubber are you running on the wheels?

Thank you!

[wurls]

Originally Posted by Pylot2

My 95' 993 is my third Porsche, the others being early 70's Pcars that I was under more than in. Can't comment on how it compares to other vintages of the 911s.

In my opinion, it is the best body style of all the 911's and being a 993, the last of the oil-cooled! Simple maintenance is a joy, but other tasks can be a bit challeging.

Do your homework, join the local chapter of PCA, find a reputable local mechanic, and make sure the car you are purchasing comes with as much history and documentation as possible. If well cared for, the 993's are bullet proof!

The ac/heat is wonderful compared to earlier vintages, and they handle like a dream!

Looks EXACTLY like the car I am interested in! Now that I see another black 95 993 I want it!!! LOL!
Any other pictures of your car would be great to see on this forum...in fact, all 95 993's would be great to see!
I'll post pictures if/when I get mine!
Cheers!