993 Purchase Considerations

[guardsredcab]

I am considering purchasing a 1995 993. Considering that Porsche usually makes improvements each year in a specific model run, I am concerned about owning the first year of the 993. I am looking for guidance as to what improvements I may be forgoing (or worse, which problems I may be inheriting) by purchasing a 1995 vs. a '96 or '97? This particular example is a C2 (50K miles) with manual transmission and bolt on modifications such as short shift kit, mufflers, ECU and PSS9. It's beautiful and appears to have been very well cared for. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[NC TRACKRAT]

I am considering purchasing a 1995 993. Considering that Porsche usually makes improvements each year in a specific model run, I am concerned about owning the first year of the 993. I am looking for guidance as to what improvements I may be forgoing (or worse, which problems I may be inheriting) by purchasing a 1995 vs. a '96 or '97? This particular example is a C2 (50K miles) with manual transmission and bolt on modifications such as short shift kit, mufflers, ECU and PSS9. It's beautiful and appears to have been very well cared for. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

If you pass on it, can I have the contact info.? Seriously, the '95 is considered to be the BEST year by many. Sure, it's not the widebody and yes, it's down a few hp because of no VARIORAM but it's pure Porsche. No OBDII, just OBD I, and hopefully, it's too early and may not have the dreaded IMMOBILIZER. In addition, depending on the VIN, it may not have SAI (Secondary Air Injection). Just get a good PPI. If it passes, buy it and enjoy it!

[guardsredcab]

I am considering purchasing a 1995 993. Considering that Porsche usually makes improvements each year in a specific model run, I am concerned about owning the first year of the 993. I am looking for guidance as to what improvements I may be forgoing (or worse, which problems I may be inheriting) by purchasing a 1995 vs. a '96 or '97? This particular example is a C2 (50K miles) with manual transmission and bolt on modifications such as short shift kit, mufflers, ECU and PSS9. It's beautiful and appears to have been very well cared for. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

If you pass on it, can I have the contact info.? Seriously, the '95 is considered to be the BEST year by many. Sure, it's not the widebody and yes, it's down a few hp because of no VARIORAM but it's pure Porsche. No OBDII, just OBD I, and hopefully, it's too early and may not have the dreaded IMMOBILIZER. In addition, depending on the VIN, it may not have SAI (Secondary Air Injection). Just get a good PPI. If it passes, buy it and enjoy it!

Thanks for the input. I was not aware that the 95 had OBD I (I thought they went to OBD II with the changeover from 964). I've heard that this is a good thing, but I've never known why. Forgive my ignorance... can you fill me in on the immobilizer and SAI? Trying to learn as much as possible.

[wvicary]

1995 also had a different rear suspension and a problem with the engine compartment wiring harness. If the wiring harness hasn't been changed Porsche will still repair it under a open recall. There was also a update to the distributor housing. I have never heard anyone call the 95 the BEST of the 993's... as always buy the newest you can afford.

http://p-car.com/diy/diy.html

http://www.993faq.com/

Have a look over the above sites to get some more information.

[guardsredcab]

1995 also had a different rear suspension and a problem with the engine compartment wiring harness. If the wiring harness hasn't been changed Porsche will still repair it under a open recall. There was also a update to the distributor housing. I have never heard anyone call the 95 the BEST of the 993's... as always buy the newest you can afford.

http://p-car.com/diy/diy.html

http://www.993faq.com/

Have a look over the above sites to get some more information.

Thanks for the information and the additional resources. The car has had the wiring harness change. Not sure about the distributor housing. I'll ask. I'd love to buy a later one, but they've gotten so expensive (except very high mileage examples). Thanks again.

[guardsredcab]

1995 also had a different rear suspension and a problem with the engine compartment wiring harness. If the wiring harness hasn't been changed Porsche will still repair it under a open recall. There was also a update to the distributor housing. I have never heard anyone call the 95 the BEST of the 993's... as always buy the newest you can afford.

http://p-car.com/diy/diy.html

http://www.993faq.com/

Have a look over the above sites to get some more information.

Thanks for the information and the additional resources. The car has had the wiring harness change. Not sure about the distributor housing. I'll ask. I'd love to buy a later one, but they've gotten so expensive (except very high mileage examples). Thanks again.

[NC TRACKRAT]

I am considering purchasing a 1995 993. Considering that Porsche usually makes improvements each year in a specific model run, I am concerned about owning the first year of the 993. I am looking for guidance as to what improvements I may be forgoing (or worse, which problems I may be inheriting) by purchasing a 1995 vs. a '96 or '97? This particular example is a C2 (50K miles) with manual transmission and bolt on modifications such as short shift kit, mufflers, ECU and PSS9. It's beautiful and appears to have been very well cared for. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

If you pass on it, can I have the contact info.? Seriously, the '95 is considered to be the BEST year by many. Sure, it's not the widebody and yes, it's down a few hp because of no VARIORAM but it's pure Porsche. No OBDII, just OBD I, and hopefully, it's too early and may not have the dreaded IMMOBILIZER. In addition, depending on the VIN, it may not have SAI (Secondary Air Injection). Just get a good PPI. If it passes, buy it and enjoy it!

Thanks for the input. I was not aware that the 95 had OBD I (I thought they went to OBD II with the changeover from 964). I've heard that this is a good thing, but I've never known why. Forgive my ignorance... can you fill me in on the immobilizer and SAI? Trying to learn as much as possible.

The IMMOBILIZER is the ANTI-Theft device from Hell, designed by some demented German electrical engineer with an unhappy childhood. In addition to keeping thieves out, it can turn on the owner like a woman with PMS! Early U.S. 993's only had a basic alarm system with driveblock, not the dreaded IMMOBILIZER. If this car just has a simple key with no remote keypad, then it doesn't have the IMMOBILIZER. SAI is Secondary Air Injection, basically an air pump to inject air into the exhaust ports. On an OBDI car, it's really along for the ride and UNNECESSARY. On '96 up, it's an integral part of OBDII and if it clogs up, you fail inspection. Early '95 U.S. cars didn't have SAI. IMHO, simpler is better. The less do-dads on a car the less problems. Early '95's are that kind of Porsche. As I said B4, if you don't buy it, I'd like to have a shot at it. My '95 would love the company and my wife would love to have one for herself.

[guardsredcab]

NC... thanks for the info. I'll ask about the key and the SAI. I've learned an amazing amount about the 993 today - more than I know about the 996 I've owned for 3 years. This whole arena of carbon build up and the metallurgy of valve guides is beyond my technical comprehension. I certainly agree that simpler is better... I miss the '69 Camaro I had in HS... I could actually work on it. I'm working on convincing my wife about this purchase. If I fail in that endevour, I'll send you the contact info. It's a beautiful car. Thanks again for your assistance.

[guardsredcab]

To NC TRACKRAT and WVICARY, Thank you for your advice and counsel. learned a lot from your posts and recommedations. The 993 passed the PPI. I bought it and love it. I'll post a picture later. One question... compared to my 996, this car has a surprisingly large turning radius. Is this normal? The car has PSS9s and larger than stock tires (w/offset wheels). Not sure this could make a difference. Haven't heard any rubbing or other unusual noises when making a tight turn. Thanks!

[wvicary]

Congrats on the new motor..... be sure to post pics asap.

[White987S]

The 993's are pure art. I have been looking at '96 and '97 993TT for about a year now. Done a few PPI's. Yet to pull the triger.

[NC TRACKRAT]

To NC TRACKRAT and WVICARY, Thank you for your advice and counsel. learned a lot from your posts and recommedations. The 993 passed the PPI. I bought it and love it. I'll post a picture later. One question... compared to my 996, this car has a surprisingly large turning radius. Is this normal? The car has PSS9s and larger than stock tires (w/offset wheels). Not sure this could make a difference. Haven't heard any rubbing or other unusual noises when making a tight turn. Thanks!

Congratulations! The offset and larger tires, combined w/PSS9 could most definitely affect turning radius but, unless you know it's been done recently and correctly, I would make sure that the car is properly aligned and that, with the PSS9, it is properly lowered and corner-balanced. Research to find the best possible P-Car race/enthusiast shop with the right equipment and expertise to do the above. It's going to run you $350 to $500 depending on shop rate but will be well worth it.