🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

968

Years Covered:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

Chassis Codes:

968

Engine Codes:

M44.43

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe/convertible

Predecessor:

Porsche 944

Positioning:

A more refined and modern iteration of the front-engine Porsche transaxle sports car.

Competitors:

Chevrolet Corvette (C4), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3/Mk4), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD)

Engine Technology:

VarioCam variable valve timing system

Transmission Option:

Tiptronic automatic transmission (first for Porsche)

Design Evolution:

Largely based on the 944 S2 chassis, but with significant styling and mechanical updates, including the 911 Turbo-inspired front end.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Factory Service and Repair

Scope:

Comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF/eBook)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M44.43), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Tiptronic and Manual)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Instrumentation, Comfort Systems

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Climate Control (HVAC)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair

Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds

Depth:

Extensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized tools and procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text

Printability:

Printable pages

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text

Type:

N/A (Digital)

Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2990 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

104.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.1:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 Valves, VarioCam variable valve timing

Horsepower:

236 hp (176 kW) @ 6200 RPM

Torque:

225 lb-ft (305 Nm) @ 4750 RPM

Redline:

6600 RPM

Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic M2.10.4 Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Coolant Type:

Porsche Approved G-48 or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Manual Transaxle (G50/30)

Type:

4-Speed Tiptronic Automatic Transaxle

Gear Ratios Manual:

3.818 (1st), 2.278 (2nd), 1.500 (3rd), 1.152 (4th), 0.923 (5th), 0.763 (6th), 3.89 (Reverse), 3.80 (Final Drive)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (Porsche Approved)

Transmission Fluid Tiptronic:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

170.1 in (4320 mm)

Width:

67.7 in (1720 mm)

Height:

50.0 in (1270 mm)

Wheelbase:

94.5 in (2400 mm)

Front Track:

57.9 in (1470 mm)

Rear Track:

58.5 in (1485 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

3109 lbs (1410 kg)

Curb Weight Tiptronic:

3197 lbs (1450 kg)

Weight Distribution Approx:

48% Front / 52% Rear

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not rated (vehicles of this era typically not tested)

ABS:

Bosch ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASR - Automatic Slip Regulation on some models)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Rollover Protection:

Integrated roll bar behind seats (Coupe) / Pop-up rollover protection bar (Cabriolet)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory installed Porsche CD/Radio system (various generations available, e.g., Blaupunkt)

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (HVAC)

ABS:

Standard ABS system for enhanced braking control.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Connectivity Options:

Limited by era; typically external auxiliary inputs may be added to the factory radio.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Timing Belt:

Every 40,000 - 50,000 miles or 4-5 years (critical replacement item).

Spark Plugs:

Every 30,000 miles

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ACEA A3/B4 recommended).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (minimum), Porsche approved (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV).

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.

Coolant:

Porsche G-48 (or equivalent blue/green ethylene glycol based coolant).

Common Problems:

Timing belt tensioner failure (requires proactive replacement), fuel distributor leaks, aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), ABS sensor failures, window regulator issues, exhaust manifold cracks.

Common Problems Detail:

The M44 engine's timing belt system, particularly the hydraulic tensioner, is a known point of failure. Water pump failure can also lead to belt damage. The fuel distributor on early models can develop leaks, requiring rebuild or replacement. The transaxle design can sometimes lead to clutch release bearing noise or wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Porsche's long history of performance car manufacturing, dating back to the Porsche 356.

Predecessor Evolution:

The 968 is the final evolution of the front-engine, rear-drive transaxle Porsches that began with the 924, followed by the 944 series.

Design Philosophy:

Aims to blend Porsche performance with a more comfortable and modern GT experience, bridging the gap between the 944 and the 911.

Production Years:

1991-1995

Production Volume:

Approximately 12,700 units worldwide

Manufacturing Plant:

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, Germany (and Reutter Building)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Prestigious Awards:

While specific awards for the 968 are scarce, it was lauded for its chassis balance, sharp handling, and sophisticated engineering, continuing Porsche's reputation for building driver-focused sports cars.

Handling Reputation:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its excellent handling and driver engagement.