Vehicle Class:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe and cabriolet
Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car
Key Competitors Era:
BMW 8 Series, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Chevrolet Corvette
Design Philosophy:
Transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution, aerodynamic styling, advanced engineering for its time
Technological Advancements:
Variocam (variable valve timing), ABS, optional Tiptronic transmission
Target Audience:
Porsche 968 owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, understand vehicle systems, and diagnose issues accurately
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, component testing, timing belt replacement, fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual (G64/00) and Tiptronic (automatic) transmission repair, fluid specifications, troubleshooting
Drivetrain:
Clutch system, driveshafts, differential, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components, ABS system, rotor and pad replacement, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrumentation, starter, alternator, battery, comfort features, diagnostic codes
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, glass replacement, interior trim, chassis adjustments, rust prevention
Climate Control:
HVAC system service, refrigerant handling, component testing
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including torque specifications
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling all major vehicle components
Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and diagnostic flowcharts
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2990 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
104.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variocam variable valve timing
Horsepower:
236 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M2.10 (Engine Management System), Sequential Fuel Injection
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled, thermostatically controlled
Oil Capacity:
7.5 Liters (8.0 US Quarts)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Porsche Genuine: 999.107.001.00 (or equivalent)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug configuration
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Recommended every 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), due to age and potential degradation of rubber components
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (G64/00)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (Tiptronic)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Porsche TeSys 0W-30 (or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Esso LT 71141 (or equivalent ATF)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch
Length:
4435 mm (174.6 in)
Height:
1275 mm (50.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2500 mm (98.4 in)
Front Track:
1456 mm (57.3 in)
Rear Track:
1482 mm (58.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs) for Coupe, 1520 kg (3350 lbs) for Cabriolet
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1830 kg (4035 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x130
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 7.0J (front), 17 x 8.0J (rear)
Standard Tire Size:
205/50 ZR17 (front), 225/45 ZR17 (rear)
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings are not readily available for this model year from this era; emphasis was on robust construction.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Traction Control:
Optional (often referred to as ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Audio System:
Factory cassette player with optional CD changer integration and premium sound system (e.g., Blaupunkt or Becker).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Tiptronic:
Optional adaptive automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic port for engine and transmission fault code retrieval.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles. Use high-quality iridium or platinum plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-50 (check manual for specific Porsche approvals)
Coolant Type:
Glysantin G48 (Porsche approved coolant, typically a blue/green color) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1
Variocam Wear:
Early Variocam units could experience wear; manual covers inspection and replacement.
Window Regulator Failure:
Common issue with power window regulators; manual provides repair procedures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues; comprehensive wiring diagrams are essential.
Fuel Level Sender Failure:
Fuel gauge issues can arise from faulty sender units in the tank.
Door Panel Sag:
Door panels can detach due to plastic clip failure; manual covers removal and reattachment.
Porsche Legacy:
Porsche's long history of performance engineering, racing success, and iconic sports car design
Predecessor:
Porsche 944 S2
Development:
The 968 was an extensive revision of the 944 platform, featuring a new engine with Variocam, revised bodywork, and updated interior.
Production Years:
1991-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany
Production Volume:
Approximately 11,000 units worldwide (Coupe and Cabriolet combined)
Market Perception:
Increasingly recognized as a modern classic, offering Porsche performance and build quality at a more accessible price point than contemporary 911s.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Generally praised for its handling, engine responsiveness (especially with Variocam), and Porsche build quality. Often cited as a refined alternative to the 911 of its era.
Specialty Publications:
Featured in numerous classic car and sports car publications as a significant model in Porsche's evolution.