🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Porsche Model: 968 Year: 1994 Codes Chassis Code: 944 S3 / 968 Engine Code: M44.43 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe and cabriolet Segment: Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Car Competitive Analysis Key Competitors Era: BMW 8 Series, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Chevrolet Corvette Key Features Design Philosophy: Transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution, aerodynamic styling, advanced engineering for its time Technological Advancements: Variocam (variable valve timing), ABS, optional Tiptronic transmission Manual Value Proposition Target Audience: Porsche 968 owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge Benefit To Owner: Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, understand vehicle systems, and diagnose issues accurately 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Page Count: Approximately 1200 pages 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete overhaul, diagnosis, component testing, timing belt replacement, fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system Transmission: Manual (G64/00) and Tiptronic (automatic) transmission repair, fluid specifications, troubleshooting Drivetrain: Clutch system, driveshafts, differential, wheel bearings Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications Brakes: Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components, ABS system, rotor and pad replacement, bleeding procedures Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrumentation, starter, alternator, battery, comfort features, diagnostic codes Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, glass replacement, interior trim, chassis adjustments, rust prevention Climate Control: HVAC system service, refrigerant handling, component testing Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt inspection and replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including torque specifications Disassembly And Assembly: Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling all major vehicle components Diagnostics: OBD-I diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and diagnostic flowcharts Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Searchable text for quick information retrieval Printability: Printable pages for physical reference Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution images and diagrams Binding Type Digital Format: N/A (Digital file) Paper Type Digital Format: N/A (Digital file) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Displacement: 3.0 Liters (2990 cc) Bore X Stroke: 104.0 mm x 88.0 mm Compression Ratio: 11.3:1 Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variocam variable valve timing Performance Horsepower: 236 hp @ 6200 rpm Torque: 225 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M2.10 (Engine Management System), Sequential Fuel Injection Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Cooling System Cooling Type: Liquid-cooled, thermostatically controlled Lubrication System Oil Capacity: 7.5 Liters (8.0 US Quarts) Oil Filter Part Number: Porsche Genuine: 999.107.001.00 (or equivalent) Ignition System Ignition Type: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug configuration Timing Belt Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Recommended every 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), due to age and potential degradation of rubber components 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual (G64/00) Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic (Tiptronic) Features Manual Transmission Fluid: Porsche TeSys 0W-30 (or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Esso LT 71141 (or equivalent ATF) Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4435 mm (174.6 in) Width: 1735 mm (68.3 in) Height: 1275 mm (50.2 in) Wheelbase: 2500 mm (98.4 in) Front Track: 1456 mm (57.3 in) Rear Track: 1482 mm (58.3 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs) for Coupe, 1520 kg (3350 lbs) for Cabriolet Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 1830 kg (4035 lbs) Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x130 Standard Wheel Size: 17 x 7.0J (front), 17 x 8.0J (rear) Standard Tire Size: 205/50 ZR17 (front), 225/45 ZR17 (rear) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: NHTSA and IIHS ratings are not readily available for this model year from this era; emphasis was on robust construction. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard Seatbelts: 3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard Traction Control: Optional (often referred to as ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory cassette player with optional CD changer integration and premium sound system (e.g., Blaupunkt or Becker). Driver Assistance ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Tiptronic: Optional adaptive automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Connectivity Diagnostics: OBD-I diagnostic port for engine and transmission fault code retrieval. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 1 year Fuel Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles Spark...
Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs) for Coupe, 1520 kg (3350 lbs) for Cabriolet
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1830 kg (4035 lbs)
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x130
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 7.0J (front), 17 x 8.0J (rear)
Standard Tire Size:
205/50 ZR17 (front), 225/45 ZR17 (rear)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings are not readily available for this model year from this era; emphasis was on robust construction.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Traction Control:
Optional (often referred to as ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory cassette player with optional CD changer integration and premium sound system (e.g., Blaupunkt or Becker).
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Tiptronic:
Optional adaptive automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
Connectivity
Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic port for engine and transmission fault code retrieval.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles. Use high-quality iridium or platinum plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-50 (check manual for specific Porsche approvals)
Coolant Type:
Glysantin G48 (Porsche approved coolant, typically a blue/green color) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1
Known Issues
Variocam Wear:
Early Variocam units could experience wear; manual covers inspection and replacement.
Window Regulator Failure:
Common issue with power window regulators; manual provides repair procedures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues; comprehensive wiring diagrams are essential.
Fuel Level Sender Failure:
Fuel gauge issues can arise from faulty sender units in the tank.
Door Panel Sag:
Door panels can detach due to plastic clip failure; manual covers removal and reattachment.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Porsche Legacy:
Porsche's long history of performance engineering, racing success, and iconic sports car design
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Porsche 944 S2
Development:
The 968 was an extensive revision of the 944 platform, featuring a new engine with Variocam, revised bodywork, and updated interior.
Production
Production Years:
1991-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany
Production Volume:
Approximately 11,000 units worldwide (Coupe and Cabriolet combined)
Collectibility
Market Perception:
Increasingly recognized as a modern classic, offering Porsche performance and build quality at a more accessible price point than contemporary 911s.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Reviews:
Generally praised for its handling, engine responsiveness (especially with Variocam), and Porsche build quality. Often cited as a refined alternative to the 911 of its era.
Specialty Publications:
Featured in numerous classic car and sports car publications as a significant model in Porsche's evolution.