🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

968

Model Years Covered:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

Chassis Code:

944 (modified)

Engine Code Base:

M44/43

Engine Code Turbo:

M44/43 Turbo (specific designation may vary, often referred to by turbocharging)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Porsche 968 was positioned as a more accessible, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car within Porsche's lineup, offering a blend of performance and GT comfort. It represented the evolution of the front-engined transaxle Porsches.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against cars like the Chevrolet Corvette C4, Nissan 300ZX Z32, Toyota Supra Mk. IV, Mazda RX-7 FD, and BMW 8 Series.

Key Features:

Transaxle design for optimal weight distribution, powerful 3.0L 4-cylinder engine with VarioCam, distinctive pop-up headlights, robust build quality, sophisticated suspension tuning.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides technicians and dedicated enthusiasts with the authoritative, factory-backed information necessary for accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of the Porsche 968. Crucial for maintaining the unique engineering and performance characteristics of this model.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive global coverage for Porsche 968 models

Page Count:

Extensive (Specific page count not provided, but described as 'comprehensive' and meeting 'Porsche technicians worldwide' needs, implying several thousand pages)

Manual Type:

Workshop Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts), fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control, turbocharger systems (where applicable)

Drivetrain Systems:

Transmission (manual and Tiptronic), clutch, differential, driveshafts, axles

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shocks), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump), wheel alignment

Brake Systems:

Brake hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, power windows, mirrors, wipers, climate control electronics, ECU diagnosis

Body Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seat adjustments, structural components, chassis lubrication

Climate Control:

HVAC system, refrigerant circuits, blower motor, climate control module

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, coolant checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, air filter replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, common faults and remedies, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine component clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages and resistances, alignment angles

Technical Depth:

Extremely high. Covers complete vehicle disassembly, repair, and reassembly, including detailed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures suitable for professional technicians. Includes specifications for specialized tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High Resolution. Optimized for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.0L (2990cc) Inline-4 (M44/43)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 16 Valves

Bore X Stroke:

104.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.0:1

Horsepower Hp:

236 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft:

225 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Vavle Timing:

VarioCam variable valve timing system on intake camshaft

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic M2.10 electronic fuel injection and ignition management

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Turbo Engine Variant:

3.0L (2990cc) Inline-4 Turbocharged

Turbocharger:

Single turbocharger with intercooler

Turbo Horsepower Hp:

Approx. 300-320 hp (Specific Turbo models and power figures may vary by market and tuner, but factory specifications for limited runs or specific markets exist)

Turbo Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 310-330 lb-ft (Specific Turbo models and power figures may vary by market and tuner)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed manual (G92/00 or similar designation)

Optional Transmission:

Tiptronic automatic transmission (Aisin Warner 4-speed automatic with manual shifting option)

Transaxle Layout:

Rear transaxle configuration, combining transmission and differential for optimized weight balance

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Porsche specified synthetic gear oil, e.g., Mobilube SHC 75W-90 or equivalent

Tiptronic Transmission Fluid:

Porsche approved ATF, e.g., Esso LT 71141 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4435 mm

Width Mm:

1735 mm

Height Mm:

1280 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

2500 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1450 kg (Varies by specification and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approx. 1800 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No specific government safety ratings readily available for this era and specific model's NHTSA/Euro NCAP scores. Porsche's engineering focused on occupant protection through structural design.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control (on some models/options)

Passive Features:

Driver and passenger airbags, reinforced safety cage, side-impact protection beams, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners

Front Brakes:

Vented discs (size varies by market and model, e.g., ~298mm front, ~290mm rear for standard models)

Rear Brakes:

Solid or vented discs (size varies by market and model)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic factory radio/cassette player, with optional CD changer. Many owners upgrade to modern head units for improved functionality.

Driver Assistance:

ABS, optional cruise control.

Connectivity:

Limited by era. Factory diagnostic port for ECU communication.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Check manual for exact Porsche specification (e.g., 15,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Replace every 45,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first, due to interference engine design. This is a critical item covered in detail.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual specification. Porsche G48 coolant recommended.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, typically around 30,000 miles. Use correct NGK plugs specified for the engine.

Engine Oil Spec:

Porsche A40 or C30 specification synthetic oil, e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for exact approval codes).

Coolant Spec:

Porsche G48 (Ethylene Glycol based, phosphate-free) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 or higher specification brake fluid (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV). Needs regular flushing due to moisture absorption.

Known Issues Engine:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), VarioCam solenoid failures, oil leaks (e.g., front crankshaft seal, oil pressure sender), potential for IMS bearing issues (less common than later models but possible with high mileage/neglect).

Known Issues Transmission:

Clutch wear, potential for Tiptronic transmission control unit issues, driveshaft CV joint wear.

Known Issues Electrical:

Corrosion in electrical connectors, ABS sensor failures, headlight mechanism issues, climate control panel failures.

Known Issues Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, sagging springs, worn shock absorbers, power steering leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Porsche has a long-standing reputation for building high-performance sports cars with exceptional engineering, handling, and build quality, originating from Ferdinand Porsche's designs.

Model Evolution:

The 968 is the final iteration of Porsche's front-engined, rear-wheel-drive transaxle sports car lineage, evolving from the 924 and 944. It featured significant updates including a larger engine, updated styling, and the introduction of VarioCam technology.

Production Years:

1991-1995

Production Volume:

Approximately 12,700 units worldwide across all variants (Coupe, Cabriolet, Turbo S, Turbo RS).

Production Location:

Stuttgart, Germany (primarily at Porsche's main plant, though some assembly may have occurred elsewhere for specific components or markets).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific 'awards' are scarce for this model compared to iconic predecessors, the 968 is highly regarded by enthusiasts for its driving dynamics, engineering, and as a modern classic Porsche. Often praised for its handling and braking capabilities.