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Porsche 993: Performance Modifications

Here are some ideas for getting some more performance out of Porsche's best example of the air-cooled 911.

By Jeff White - March 13, 2015

This article applies to Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

So, you've purchased a Porsche 993 since prices are high and you wanted to make sure you grabbed one before it's impossible. You snagged a completely stock version and, like most petrol heads, now you just can't leave it alone. You have to add your personal touch to it and make it your own. But where do you start? What is going to give you the best bang for your buck when looking at ways to make a great car even greater? These are questions we normally ask ourselves when we add a new car to our collections. A lot of times it comes down to personal preference and what we're looking to get out of the vehicle at the end that directs where we spend our time and money. To give a helping hand, here are some ideas that might get you pointed in the right direction.

Performance Upgrades for the Porsche 911 Carrera 993

When dealing with performance modifications, there are endless options out there on the market. Starting with a budget in mind will help in narrowing that down and might help you get pointed in the right direction. The most important thing to remember is that no matter how much you spend, as long as you are increasing the performance of the vehicle, then it is usually money well spent. Also, if you focus on making the car drive better, it's very hard to go wrong when deciding on what parts to choose. At the end of the day, who doesn't want a car that drives better?

Figure 1. Porsche 911 Carrera 993.

Evo High Flow Air Intake

DIY Cost– $195

Professional Cost – $250-$450

Skill Level – Easy. Install only requires basic hand tools and limited skill.

A high flow aftermarket air intake is a simple way to upgrade your vehicle, just like with the exhaust. Stock air intakes installed from the factory tend to be very restrictive. Installing an intake like the Evo High Flow intake will allow air to enter your engine much quicker. The faster you can get the air into the engine, and the faster you can get the air out, the better the performance. Also, doing this upgrade along with a performance exhaust is a great combo for added performance gains.

Fabspeed Maxflo Performance Exhaust System

DIY Cost – $1,595.00

Professional Cost – $1,600-$2,200

Skill Level – Moderate. Special tools might be needed to complete the job.

Exhausts are always a good way to let the engine of any vehicle breathe better. Most stock vehicles from the factory come with very restrictive exhausts so that they can easily pass regulations. Putting a more free-flowing exhaust will not only make the car sound better but will also improve driveability. This specific system is made out of T304 Stainless Steel so it will stay looking good and last a very long time. It is also lighter than the factory system, and we all know that saving weight is free speed.

Bilstein HD (B6) Shocks and Struts

DIY Cost – $1,600-$1,800

Professional Cost – $2,000-$2,500

Skill Level – Hard. Special equipment and a good knowledge of suspension systems is required to perform this install.

Changing out shocks and struts in a car to an upgraded version is something that is often times overlooked. It can improve many aspects of the car's performance including safety. It will also help in making the car more drivable and easy to control. It is also possible to change the ride height while performing this upgrade, but that is something that should be done depending on what you're looking to get out of your car. It's recommended discussing it with a knowledgeable suspension expert first.

Pro Tip

As well as having a budget, it's always a good idea to come up with a plan of attack when upgrading your car. Knowing what you're trying to achieve when deciding on what upgrades to perform will keep you from wasting time and money, and at the end will bring you more satisfaction from the upgrades you do end up installing.

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