911lnv87

Hi All,

I am looking into buying a 993, but I would like to know a little more from you experts the difference between the years and updates.

I have heard a lot that the best one to buy was the 95 models but I am not sure where I have heard this from and on what it is based, as usually phase 2 model of any Porsches are the best one to get.

Any recommendation explanation would be greatly appreciated.

Louis

NYC993

Search in google "Porsche 993 95 vs 96"

Vram and obd2 were the main additions in 96

phoneyman

Which state are you in? Having a '95 will help of your state does OBD/ more stringent checks for Smog. There's also some other pluses / minuses associated between the two.

911lnv87

Thank you NYC993, I have started the reading and it is interesting.

As per the state I am in, it is so far VA, are they on the hard one to get?

993/907

My personal opinion for what it is worth:
Early 95's have OBDI code readers which do not monitor supplemental air injection (SAI) ports like the later OBDII cars.
SAI ports can clog, throwing a code to the later OBDII readers....won't pass smog inspection.....advantage to the earlier OBDI cars.

Bigger issue for me is the earlier cars did NOT have the drive-block ignition immobilzer, which can fail for various reasons and are expensive to repair; immobilzer cannot be removed from later OBDI cars like mine...frustrating.
Immobilzers can be removed from 96 and later OBDII cars.

Most of the early 95's have the basket handle third tailight....some object to the look and prefer the later version with third light above the rear window.
Personally, the look of the basket handle has grown on me and I like the look.

95's did not come with Varioram.....others can discuss pros and cons of that.

Gordo

Spyder_Man

I ended up with an earlier '95 993. Being in California, the '95 was a favorable year for OBDI/SAI/SMOG check issues. Additionally, I got 'lucky' and found one without the immobilizer. Regarding aesthetics, a previous owner replaced the rear basket-handle brake light with the top-of-rear-window 3rd brake light found on later model 993 coupes. He also added a turbo-look front bumper and rear-wing. Lastly, I have read that non-varioram 993s don't have as smooth of a torque/power band as their varioram brethren, but after swapping a 911chips brand performance chip in my '95, I have no complains about smooth torque/power.

So the point is, somethings are easily changed (like aesthetic mods and non-varioram performance vis-à-vis a performance chip) while other things aren't easily changed (like OBDI vs. OBDII and the drive-block immobilizer). Consider these factors when shopping for your 993. Lastly, there isn't really such a thing as a 'bad production year' for 993s, but there are poorly maintained 993s out there. So worry less about the model year and more about the PPI results, repair records and your gut reactions.

Happy hunting!

911lnv87

Hi All, thank you so much for all of your advise, I shall soon be able to look at some, my dream one would be a targa... so wish me good luck.

and again thank you.

Louis

pp000830

The bigger issue is what of the known maintenance and repair issues have been addressed on the specific car you are considering. For example if the valve guides have been replaced the clogged injector issue is basically a non-issue for potentially the life of the engine.
Attached is my ever added to laundry list of things that may assist you in the questions you may want to ask the seller about previous service work.

Andy

pirahna

If you want a Targa then the 95's are out as they didn't start making the Targa until the 96 model year.

soundbehindyou

Then there is the operation of the Targa roof...make sure that is checked out as well. There are numerous threads here on Targa roof concerns or not....once again, records, records, records....best of luck!

NYC993

Pardon my ignorance but why is obd1 so preferable in CA vs other states? In NJ if you have CEL on you won't pass emissions. Is there something stricter in CA? I understand there are some states that won't check your obd as part of inspection.

Is there no CEL in obd1? Or just no monitoring of SAI? I feel like the issue is overblown. Plus sai is for a reason to improve emissions. I'm no green peace but i like to breathe some oxygen.

Spyder_Man

There is a CEL with OBD1. It just doesn't trigger if the SAI clogs. Also we have the perk of one, rather than four, O2 sensors.

mpruden

CA is the same in this regard. CEL = failed emissions test.

And you are correct. There is no CEL for SAI malfunction in the obd1 993s.

Bottom line, in a 95 993, you can possibly still pass emissions with a mechanically malfunctioning SAI system. With a 96 and later, a malfunctioning SAI system (as determined by the ECU) will never pass the test.

NYC993

Thanks
I believe the last statement is not entirely true. I read people reseting CEL related to SAI, doing drive cycle and passing emissions before the light comes up again. I guess it depends on how badly the system is clogged up. But it can be cleaned out in most cases.

NC TRACKRAT

Here in NC, '95 and back vehicles are only subject to safety inspections, i.e., no OBDII port/computer read-out to DMV. IMHO, the early '95 Carrera is a delightful road car. I could drive it from here to Hell and back and never get tired of it.