🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

968

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

968

Engine Code Range:

M44/43

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Porsche 968 represents the final evolution of the transaxle-based Porsche sports car lineage, a sophisticated and driver-focused grand tourer positioned as a more accessible entry into Porsche ownership compared to the 911.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), and Ford Mustang Cobra (SN95) in its segment, offering a unique blend of European engineering, handling prowess, and luxurious appointments.

Key Features:

Unique transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution, potent 3.0L 4-cylinder engine with VarioCam, optional Tiptronic automatic transmission, distinctive pop-up headlights, refined interior with premium materials.

Model Positioning:

The 968 was positioned as a premium sports coupe and convertible, offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and usability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All aspects of maintenance, repair, diagnostics, and troubleshooting for the 1995 Porsche 968.

Specific Models Covered:

Covers all variants of the 1995 Porsche 968, including Coupe and Cabriolet, with or without Tiptronic transmission.

Page Count:

Approx. 1800 pages (estimated for comprehensive factory documentation)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Tiptronic), Drive Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS), Bodywork, Interior, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams), HVAC, Emissions Control, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).

Chassis And Body:

Includes procedures for chassis component inspection, repair, and replacement, as well as body panel alignment, repair, and adjustment.

Climate Control:

Detailed information on the HVAC system, including refrigerant handling, component testing, and repair procedures.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled service, disassembly, assembly, repair, adjustment, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component replacement, system checks, torque specifications, tightening sequences, wiring diagrams.

Engine Management Diagnostics:

Detailed procedures for diagnosing engine performance issues, fault code retrieval, and sensor testing using appropriate diagnostic tools.

Electrical System Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive troubleshooting guides and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical components and circuits.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance tasks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and detailed body repair procedures.

Torque Specs:

Extensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners across all systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Searchable Text, High-Resolution Images)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for professional printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2990 cc)

Engine Code:

M44/43

Bore X Stroke:

104.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.0:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam (Variable Valve Timing)

Engine Designation:

M44/43 (for 1995 model year)

Horsepower:

237 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (15.8 US Quarts)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)

Recommended Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (e.g., Mobil 1, Castrol)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual Transaxle

Transmission Type:

Tiptronic Automatic Transaxle (4-Speed)

Transaxle Layout:

Rear-mounted transaxle (engine front, transmission rear) for near 50/50 weight distribution.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Porsche Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2.0) or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Tiptronic Transmission Fluid:

Porsche ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type J or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon

Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.7 Liters (2.9 US Quarts)

Tiptronic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for total system

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4435 mm (174.6 in)

Width:

1735 mm (68.3 in)

Height:

1270 mm (50.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2490 mm (98.0 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450 kg (3197 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)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 130 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not rated under modern NHTSA standards due to age of vehicle.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS - optional on some models).

Passive Features:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, driver and passenger airbags, reinforced safety cage, side impact protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory AM/FM Cassette/CD player with optional amplifier and premium sound system. Often a single-DIN unit.

Driver Assistance:

ABS, optional Traction Control System (TCS). Limited by era.

Connectivity:

None by modern standards. Basic diagnostics via OBD-II port.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 miles or 24 months.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical maintenance item).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 36 months (check specific plug type recommended).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (e.g., Castrol GTLMA, Pentosin Super DOT 4)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or CHF 202

Coolant Type:

Porsche Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Porsche G40 or G12++ compatible)

Known Issues:

Timing belt tensioner failure, ABS sensor failures, fuel accumulator issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, window regulator issues, transaxle mounts degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Porsche, founded in 1931, is renowned for its performance sports cars, motorsport success, and engineering excellence. The 968 builds upon the legacy of front-engined Porsches like the 924 and 944.

Model Evolution:

The 968 is the culmination of the Porsche Type 944 platform, introduced in 1991. It received significant updates over the 944 S2, including a larger engine with VarioCam, revised aerodynamics, updated interior, and improved suspension.

Production Years:

1991-1995

Production Locations:

Stuttgart, Germany

Total Production:

Approximately 19,000 units worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Often praised by automotive journalists for its balanced handling, refined driving experience, and unique character. Considered a modern classic and highly collectible.