Market Position:
The Porsche 968 represented the pinnacle of front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports cars for Porsche in the early 1990s, evolving from the 924 and 944 lineage with significant updates.
Competitors:
Competed against high-performance coupes like the Chevrolet Corvette C4, Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MKIV), and Mazda RX-7 (FD).
Key Features:
Transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution, powerful 3.0L 16-valve inline-4 engine with balance shafts, innovative transaxle design, sleek aerodynamic styling, and sophisticated chassis engineering.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Tiptronic), Driveshafts, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, ECUs), Climate Control, Body & Chassis, Interior, Body Exterior Panels, Instrumentation, Body Exterior Trim & Accessories
Page Count:
Approximately 1500+
Manual Type:
Factory Authorized Service & Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed overhaul procedures for the 3.0L M44.07 inline-4 engine, including timing belt replacement, valve adjustment, lubrication system, cooling system, and fuel injection diagnostics.
Transmission:
Comprehensive repair and overhaul for the 6-speed manual transaxle (G96/00) and the 4-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (A82.33), including clutch replacement and torque converter service.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams for all major systems, ECU component identification, troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults, and diagnostic procedures for systems like ABS and airbag (if equipped).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, oil change procedures, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhauls, and body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues related to engine performance, electrical systems, braking, and HVAC.
Technical Depth:
Advanced diagnostics, complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suspension geometry alignment, electrical system tracing, and bodywork repair.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2998 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
104.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Horsepower:
237 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic M2.10 Fuel Injection and Ignition System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, Chain-driven
Cooling System:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling System
Oil Capacity With Filter:
7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years
Engine Balance:
Internally balanced with two counter-rotating balance shafts.
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transaxle
Manual Transmission Code:
G96/00
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Tiptronic Automatic Transaxle
Tiptronic Transmission Code:
A82.33
Transaxle Layout:
Rear transaxle design combining clutch, transmission, and differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Porsche G 052 145 A2 (or equivalent API GL-4 75W-90 synthetic)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Porsche ATF 3353 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
2.7 Liters (2.9 US Quarts)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Length:
4435 mm (174.6 inches)
Width:
1735 mm (68.3 inches)
Height:
1270 mm (50.0 inches)
Wheelbase:
2500 mm (98.4 inches)
Front Track:
1470 mm (57.9 inches)
Rear Track:
1450 mm (57.1 inches)
Curb Weight Manual:
1480 kg (3263 lbs)
Curb Weight Tiptronic:
1520 kg (3351 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
1850 kg (4079 lbs)
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 7.0J (Front), 17 x 9.0J (Rear)
Standard Tire Size:
205/50 ZR17 (Front), 255/40 ZR17 (Rear)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 130 mm
Cargo Volume:
Convertible top stows under a rear cover, limited cargo space behind seats.
Safety Ratings:
No official NHTSA or IIHS ratings available for this specific model year and vehicle type.
ABS:
Standard Bosch ABS III system.
Traction Control:
Optional (limited availability in early models).
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over protection bars behind seats.
Infotainment System:
Factory original cassette radio with CD changer input capability. Optional Bose sound system available.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is the primary driver assistance feature.
Connectivity Options:
Limited to factory radio and optional CD changer integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11 S (or equivalent hydraulic system fluid)
Common Issues:
Timing belt tensioner wear, fuel injector issues, occasional overheating due to cooling system design, electrical connector corrosion, window regulator failure, ABS sensor issues.
Timing Belt Kit Part Number:
944.105.231.01 (example, verify with VIN)
Oil Filter Part Number:
996.107.200.01 (or equivalent Mahle OX157)
Brand Heritage:
Porsche has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance sports cars with exceptional engineering and driving dynamics.
Model Evolution:
The 968 is the final iteration of Porsche's front-engine, rear-drive transaxle sports car series, building upon the foundations of the 924 and 944. It featured a significant redesign and a new, larger engine.
Production Years:
1991-1995
Production Location:
Stuttgart, Germany (Porsche AG)
Total Production Units:
Approximately 12,700 units worldwide.
Recognitions:
While the 968 itself didn't receive specific major awards, it inherited Porsche's consistent recognition for engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Enthusiast Ratings:
Highly regarded by automotive enthusiasts for its driving purity, unique engine, and a more analog driving experience compared to contemporary competitors.
