ausdan

Im taking a look at one of these today, I know the difference with the 96 and 97/98 is

Within the 1996 through 1998 production run, there were two distinct differences - the 1996 and the later ones. The 1997s and 1998s had the following differences from the 1996s: 1 - Stronger transmission input shafts (a known weakness due to the combination of immense power and AWD). 2 - An ECU that was able to be flashed and modified (the 1996 was not modifiable). 3 - With the addition of a Porsche child seat, the passenger airbag was cutoff, thereby fostering a new generation of enthusiasts. 4 - Motion sensors for the alarm that were integrated into the map light above the rear view mirror. 5 - Standard wheel center caps that said "turbo" (the 1996 version had Porsche crests).

This car has a 96 build date and is a 97 model, does the above apply to it as a 96 or a 97? Any help i am going to look for the 'Turbo' written on the standard wheel center caps but I dont know what else to look for.

No HTwo O

How do people do this upgrade? Is this done when the LSD is rebuilt?

ca993twin

The 1997 input shaft is said to be a tiny bit stronger... still not able to withstand side step launches. My 1996 Ruf Turbo R has 116k miles on the original gearbox... not a problem. This is not a worthwhile upgrade. Another note... my previous 1996 turbo was a very early build (3/95) and had "Turbo" script on the center caps.

Some tuners are now able to modify the 1996 ECUs.

No HTwo O

OK, where exactly is the input shaft?

chris walrod

The input shaft runs almost the length of the gbx and has 1st and 2nd gear integral to the shaft. Complete gbx disassembly is required whereas to install a diff just the side cover requires removal (along with both output shafts).

sfbanchs

my 1996 has turbo center caps also and the 96 ecu is now modifiable, also the 97 turbo pressure hoses are imporved

chris walrod

Also new for the 97 model year, a light was added above the ignition key surround, also a microswitch on the clutch pedal requiring one to depress the clutch pedal to start the car.

Texas993

And the motion sensor you mention was only available in Europe. Not sure where you are located.

I have the motion sensor on my car, but it was a special order and Euro delivery. I am under the impression that it is unusual in US cars. Not that it is a big deal.

TB993tt

My guess is that input shaft weakness is a myth, mine is May '95 delivery, '96 model year and has done plenty of hard starts eg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06nMeQ-_b60

My 3rd 5th and 6th gears have been rebuilt over the years having succumbed to big torque but input shaft has given zero problems in fact I think this was the shaft which I had chopped when I converted to 2WD so I have a new one in when I went back to 4WD, there was no mention of a stronger item -urban myth ?

One benefit of early cars is they had special conrods which were used on the first race GT2s, (mine had these until they bent and were replaced with Carrillos) the later cars had a different weaker design. The reason I know this is when I had my first engine build in 1997 the proposed build sheet included a new set of these GT2 rods but when the engine was opened they were already there....

Earlier cars were more stout

sfbanchs

[QUOTE]Also new for the 97 model year, a light was added above the ignition key surround[QUOTE]

Not so sure this is accurate as mine is a 96 and has the light, but mine is a late build 96

IamSMC

http://993tt.com/

TB993tt

That site has always had many errors...

From that site:
Warped 1st Gear shaft - If the car was drag-raced, the 1st gear shaft could be warped. Have the mechanic down shift into 1st gear at 25 MPH and verify that it goes into 1st easily. Also have him listen to any strange transmission noises when down-shifting. Note: The 1st gear shaft was improved in the 1997 model.

Just because it keeps being repeated doesn't mean it is factual - Until someone posts up a picture of the old and new improved input shafts pointing out how they are different this has to remain in the "urban myth" category....

LAT

Toby; speaking of bent shafts I have one in my car. It is still very drivable but down shifting to 1st only works at a standstill. I thought it was syncros and bad shifting by the prvious owner.

How many hours to rebuild the tranny and what is new main shaft worth?

WHB Porsche

The differences were by model year, so this car is a '97.

Toby - I don't understand what you mean with regards to the input shaft being "chopped" when you converted to 2WD. The input shaft is integral to the transmission, perhaps you mean the driveshaft from the transmission to the front wheels?

chris walrod

I think he meant the pinion shaft splines were cut off where it mounts the VC.