Endriu993

Dear friends,
I am looking for a repairing kit for the vacuum units part of the varioram system.
I have been told that sometimes the internal membranes get worn (and leaks..) and can be replaced without replacing the whole unit.
Is anyone aware about this? Maybe having the codes to get such repairing kit.
Tks in advance for your support

Endriu993

One more question..
Does anyone know the difference between the vacuum unit 993 110 462 02 (2 units) and the vacuum unit 993 110 461 03 (1 unit), both are parts of the varioram system ?
I am wondering how comes that the two vacuum units installed on the two sides of the manifold, serving the same function, are having two different codes.
thanks again for your support!

71-3.0-911

The arms are very different. The diaphragms are the same, regardless of side, but the actual arms and their length vary based upon location on the vram. If you look closely at the right and left, you'll see this.

pp000830

Hi Endriu,
On the internet I saw all sorts of replacement diaphragms, unfortunately, none for the applications on our engines.
I will look further as if available it will save a lot of money as even if replacement new ones are purchased under a non-Porsche part number they seem rather expensive.
One of the actuators crosses to the manufacturer's part number Pierberg 7.14242.07 also used on a BMW.
Under the BMW part number on Pelican parts 11617786961 the actuator is $46
Under the 993 part number 99311046202 the part is $103, go figure
Andy

Endriu993

Yes! I noticed the same. Unfortunately only one out of the two codes is utilized on BMW cars. I have been quite surprised to notice that BMW parts (having the same code) are much cheaper compared to the Porsche ones..

boomboomthump

I'm not aware that they are serviceable. Have you tested to see if they hold vacuum pressure? If you find any that don't hold pressure or leak down quickly, replace the whole unit.

pp000830

I seem to recall when I took the original ones off my car the arms had a threaded section with a stop nut so the length of the pushrod could be adjusted. This allowed the same part to be sold under the two different needed part numbers with the pushrods pre-adjusted to different lengths.

When I replaced them the replacement units had pushrods that were solid molded plastic and were not adjustable and so each part number became unique in construction.

I believe the Varioram uses three of the part number 99311046202 at $103 each, a direct replacement is under the BMW 11617786961 part number for $46 each,

and the remaining unique actuator with the different arm length could possibly be Mac Guyvered using the take-off original used pushrod and swapping it out with the one that comes with the less expensive BMW Pelican Parts sourced replacement actuator.

This would result in a total cost of $200 in the BMW boxes or so for all four units vs $400 in Porsche boxes.
Andy

rdad993

I was curious about the cost of the Varioram unit so I was looking on Auto Atlanta. I noticed the 96-98 Tiptronic is shown as having a 3.7 liter engine vs the 3.6 for the other 993's. I had no idea this is the case. I looked further at the cylinders and heads and they don't seem to show any difference between the Tippy and the other 993's. Does anyone have any knowledge of the this variation? Thanks

71-3.0-911

The automatic transmission equipped 993s do not have a larger engine. Typo.

pp000830

Hi Rdad
Must be a typo.
Here is the factory info.
Andy

rdad993

Thanks, that's what I figured, it made no sense, but there it was.

Meenrod

For me this juice is not worth the squeeze. These units are replaced once every 15 or 20 years. Just buy the factory part and be done with it. The hardest part is the removal and reinstallation as it requires the Varioram intake to be removed to get at the one on the top near the firewall.

I did mine myself using factory new parts and did the resonance flap too as it tends to leak oil vapor. This is a good time to do the ISV as well.

pp000830

Hi Meenrod,
The new ones have what looks to be clear silicone diaphragms vs black rubber on the original ones so they may be a one-shot deal as a replacement part.
I agree that buying new ones is the way to go, and one can save $150 by simply buying three of the four in the engine compartment as a BMW dealer part number 11617786961.

I was able to replace all three on the Varioram without removing the manifold, which involved using a mini-ratchet with 1/4" screwdriver bits and taking one's time so as to not get frustrated replacing the one tucked under the manifold.
Andy