"I am biased to the OBD1 cars of the 1995 MY. It seems they have the least amount of nagging glitches.

At first I was sure I wanted a 96-98 993, but after reading their pitfalls, I am glad (after the fact) to own a 95 model.

Chris Walrod"

I just read this assessment from another thread. I made a search and did not come up with appropriate details, so I'm tapping into your collective wisdom once again.

Is the above observation correct? Please explain why? I've always thought the MYs with the OBD2 ECUs are more desirable.

Need your education.

Thanks.

CP

 

Different people would desire different model year cars for different reasons. That said, I desire the '96-'98 cars first because that's when the Targas were made, and second because of the Varioram intake, which adds 12 HP (factory rating). OBD-I vs. OBD-II isn't a big deal to me.



-Chris

 

The only reason one would prefer OBDI vs OBDII is the fact that OBDI doesn't trigger the CEL with the carbon buildup problem that can occur in these cars. The carbon issue is only related to emissions. I can't think of other differences.

95's offer better (easier) "plug and play" chipping.

 

I prefer the OBD1 cars mostly because of the CEL issues that have been discussed. Some triggers include carbon build-up, random misfire errors, and a few other intermittant CEL anomalies. There have been a few instances of people having trouble smogging their cars because of the required OBD2 error reading. There have been others who disable their Drive-Block, not sure what trouble it presents though.

The 95 cars are easier to chip, but are 12HP less than the 96-98 cars.

The parts I dont like about the 95 cars is the third brakelight location. Although now a warranty fix, 95 and some 96 cars had engine wire loom trouble.

Over all, like others have said, all 993's are awesome cars with their own glitches. Most thankfully are pretty trivial, but as pure enthusiasts, these small glitches tend to get amplified.

 

CP:

Both MY 993's have their attributes; one just chooses what you want and what is most important to you.

There are major differences in operating parameters between OBD-I & OBD-II and the latter is far less forgiving about operating conditions and parameters. The Air Injection code problems are a perfect case in point. Since OBD-I is not as particular about things, they tolerate operational issues better than OBD-II cars.

As stated above, the OBD-II cars are much easier and less expensive to chip, as they were the last cars with a socketed, removeable EPROM. You will have to decide whether the torque increase provided by the Varioram intake is worth it or not. All things being equal, two identical engines: one with VR and one without, will make almost equal HP; only the torque spread is different.

 

OBD1 or OBD2?-I had to have an "S- that automatically limited the MY's for me. Never have had any problems with my car either-not one warning light-nada.

 

"Advantages" of each:

'95: Fewer CEL problems, apparently don't have the intake carbon buildup problems of later years, no "Immobilizer" lock system, cheaper than later cars. 12HP advantage of later years I believe is largely psychological.

'96 and up: You can diagnose CEL problems with a laptop and independent software, nicer third brake light, can fit 18" wheels on them w/o some suspension changes, late '96 and newer don't have wiring harness trouble, only way to get a C4S.

 

Steve -- I assume you meant to say that OBD-I cars are easier and less expensive to chip.

 

Hi Todd:

Yessir,...indeed they are,..

Ray:

I must make one small but very important point here,....

OBD-I cars do have the carbon build-up issues all right, OBD-I engine management parameters simply tolerates them. The 12 HP can be felt by almost anyone, but there are ways of closing that gap.

I've been watching this carbon buildup issue and making detailed notes about what I see in all the heads I do here. After I've gathered enough data, I'll likely post something here about it. All 993's (and earlier) have the same problems, its just that the draconian OBD-II standards do not tolerate any small variances here.

 

Folks,

Thanks for the great infomation thus far.

CP

 

Me likey OBD1. Easier to coax (chip) and less tempermental.

I also prefer narrowbody. Ruf likes 'em slim too.

 

no "Immobilizer" lock system[/B]

Actually the later model 95's think built after Jan 95 all had Immobilizer lock system. The earlier builds in 94 did not.

 

I specifically looked for a late build 95 993 to avoid the nettlesome CEL issue and to get the window spoiler third brake light. I also figured the Rennsport chip with the increased 15-18 hpwould help close any gap that the 96-98 car enjoyed. Had no desire to get an S body.

 

IMHO, Is 12 HP really discernable? I doubt it, it is 2 or 3% at the wheels. My 95 was an incredibly fun car and seemed as fast as my 4S which I thought was a tad sluggish at full throttle compared to my 95. Maybe the added weight of the front drive blunted the added performance...... Did feel the need to have the excessive Coke bottle shape though ;-)

The BIG difference is that varioram gives much better drivabiltiy at low revs, which makes a HUGE difference around town. I doubt it helps much around a track where one can keep the revs up.

 

Obviously, I cannot speak for anyone else but I can sure feel a real honest-to-God 12 HP change,......

You are correct though, the AWD wide-body platform does somewhat dull the power differences but Varioram makes more usable torque from 2000 RPM to 5500 RPM. After the intake resonance flap opens, the differences are very small. The dyno graphs really show the changes, too.