🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Porsche Model: 968 Model Years Covered: 1992-1995 Generation: 3.0L (944 S3) Chassis Code: 968 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: A high-performance grand tourer that represented the evolution of Porsche's front-engine, rear-drive layout, bridging the gap between the 944 and the later Boxster/911 generations. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with other European sports cars of its era, such as the BMW M3 (E36), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), and certain models from Lotus and Ferrari, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and Porsche engineering. Key Features Distinguishing Features: Advanced VarioCam variable valve timing system, transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution, potent 3.0L M64 engine, distinctive 'transparency' design cues (headlights). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Overhaul And Rebuilding: True Brakes: True Sunroof: True Timing Belt Replacement: True Trouble Codes: True Wiring Diagrams: True Troubleshooting And Diagnostics: True Engine Performance: True Front End Procedures And Specifications: True Suspension: True Transmission Information: True Air Conditioning Service And Capacities: True Computer Diagnostic Codes: True Firing Orders: True Detailed Specifications: True Factory Maintenance Schedules And Charts: True Serpentine Belt Routings With Diagrams: True Timing Belt Service Procedures: True Driving Concerns: True Complete Torque Specifications: True U Joint And Cv Joint Service Procedures: True Repair Procedures: True Hundreds Of Illustrations: True Page Count Estimated Pages: 5000+ Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Delivery Method: Digital Download (ZIP Archive) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive overhaul, rebuilding, performance tuning, timing belt system, serpentine belt routing, firing orders, detailed specifications. Transmission: Detailed information including service procedures, technical specifications, and potentially fluid requirements. Brakes: Complete service and repair procedures, including specifications and diagnostics. Suspension: Front end procedures, specifications, and general suspension repair. Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, and diagnostic procedures. Climate Control: Air conditioning service and capacity information. Body And Chassis: Sunroof operation and service, U-joint and CV-joint service procedures, general repair procedures. Procedures Included Maintenance: Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid capacities, general upkeep. Diagnostics: Trouble codes, computer diagnostic codes, troubleshooting guides, and general diagnostics for various systems. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for a wide range of vehicle components. Rebuilding: Comprehensive engine overhaul and rebuilding procedures. Adjustments: Tuning for engine performance, front-end alignment specifications. Technical Depth Depth: Extremely comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilding and advanced diagnostics, suitable for professional mechanics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Accessibility: Viewable on all computers (PC & MAC) and printable. Zoom functionality for detailed viewing. Print Quality Printability: High-resolution PDFs designed for clear printing of specific pages. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) Download Requirements Unzipping Software Windows: WinZip (or equivalent Windows zip utility) recommended for opening ZIP files. Unzipping Software Mac: Archive Utility (built-in OS X) or Stuffit Expander (free) recommended for opening ZIP files on Mac. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M64/01 (and later variants) Displacement: 2990 cc (3.0 Liters) Configuration: Inline-4 (Water-cooled) Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam variable valve timing Performance Horsepower: 236 hp (176 kW) @ 6200 rpm Torque: 225 lb-ft (305 Nm) @ 4800 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M2.10 fuel injection Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Lubrication Oil Type: Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent recommended for performance). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed manual transaxle Optional Transmission Type: Tiptronic automatic transmission (optional, often considered a precursor to modern automatics with manual shifting capability). Features Transaxle Layout: Rear-mounted transaxle (engine in front, transmission in rear) for 50/50 weight distribution. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: Refer to manual for specific gear oil specifications (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 with appropriate viscosity). Automatic Transmission Fluid: Refer to manual for specific Tiptronic fluid specifications. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4430 mm (174.4 in) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height: Approx. 1280 mm (50.4 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2443 mm (96.2 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1400-1480 kg (3086-3263 lbs), depending on configuration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to vehicle placard. Towing Capacity: Not recommended or specified. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: Specific official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era may be limited; consult historical automotive safety databases. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Optional Porsche Traction Control (PTC) or limited-slip differential (LSD). Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or introduced later in the production run. Seat Belts: 3-point seat belts with pretensioners. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones, typical of Porsche engineering. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory cassette or CD player with amplifier, often upgradable with modern head units. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Instrumentation: Comprehensive analogue gauges including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltage. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by era;...
A high-performance grand tourer that represented the evolution of Porsche's front-engine, rear-drive layout, bridging the gap between the 944 and the later Boxster/911 generations.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with other European sports cars of its era, such as the BMW M3 (E36), Chevrolet Corvette (C4), and certain models from Lotus and Ferrari, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and Porsche engineering.
Comprehensive overhaul, rebuilding, performance tuning, timing belt system, serpentine belt routing, firing orders, detailed specifications.
Transmission:
Detailed information including service procedures, technical specifications, and potentially fluid requirements.
Brakes:
Complete service and repair procedures, including specifications and diagnostics.
Suspension:
Front end procedures, specifications, and general suspension repair.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, and diagnostic procedures.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning service and capacity information.
Body And Chassis:
Sunroof operation and service, U-joint and CV-joint service procedures, general repair procedures.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid capacities, general upkeep.
Diagnostics:
Trouble codes, computer diagnostic codes, troubleshooting guides, and general diagnostics for various systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for a wide range of vehicle components.
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive engine overhaul and rebuilding procedures.
Adjustments:
Tuning for engine performance, front-end alignment specifications.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Extremely comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilding and advanced diagnostics, suitable for professional mechanics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Accessibility:
Viewable on all computers (PC & MAC) and printable. Zoom functionality for detailed viewing.
Print Quality
Printability:
High-resolution PDFs designed for clear printing of specific pages.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Download Requirements
Unzipping Software Windows:
WinZip (or equivalent Windows zip utility) recommended for opening ZIP files.
Unzipping Software Mac:
Archive Utility (built-in OS X) or Stuffit Expander (free) recommended for opening ZIP files on Mac.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M64/01 (and later variants)
Displacement:
2990 cc (3.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline-4 (Water-cooled)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam variable valve timing
Performance
Horsepower:
236 hp (176 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft (305 Nm) @ 4800 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M2.10 fuel injection
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Lubrication
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent recommended for performance).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transaxle
Optional
Transmission Type:
Tiptronic automatic transmission (optional, often considered a precursor to modern automatics with manual shifting capability).
Features
Transaxle Layout:
Rear-mounted transaxle (engine in front, transmission in rear) for 50/50 weight distribution.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil specifications (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 with appropriate viscosity).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific Tiptronic fluid specifications.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4430 mm (174.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1280 mm (50.4 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2443 mm (96.2 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1480 kg (3086-3263 lbs), depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard.
Towing Capacity:
Not recommended or specified.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
Specific official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this era may be limited; consult historical automotive safety databases.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional Porsche Traction Control (PTC) or limited-slip differential (LSD).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or introduced later in the production run.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones, typical of Porsche engineering.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory cassette or CD player with amplifier, often upgradable with modern head units.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive analogue gauges including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltage.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on car systems rather than external device connectivity.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual; typically 5,000-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Interval:
Critical: Typically every 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years due to belt degradation and potential for catastrophic engine damage if it fails. Manual will specify exact interval and replacement procedure.
Major Service:
Includes timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, fluid changes, and inspections at specified intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts).
Coolant Type:
Porsche Approved Coolant (e.g., Zerex G-05 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Coolant hoses, fuel lines, suspension bushings, catalytic converter, window regulators, and potential for timing belt tensioner wear.
Electrical Gremlins:
Like many cars of this era, can suffer from aging wiring insulation, corrosion in connectors, and intermittent faults in various electronic modules. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial here.
Transaxle Leaks:
Seals in the transaxle can degrade over time, leading to fluid leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Legacy:
Porsche, a renowned German manufacturer with a long history of producing iconic sports cars, known for engineering excellence, racing heritage, and distinctive designs.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Evolved from the Porsche 944, sharing its basic platform and transaxle layout but featuring significant updates and a redesigned front end inspired by the 928. It was the final iteration of the front-engine, rear-drive Porsche lineage that began with the 924.
Production
Production Years:
1991-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Neckarsulm, Germany (at the former Audi plant).
Body Styles:
Coupe (968) and Cabriolet (968 Cabriolet).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Often praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, handling, and unique engine note, though some criticized its slightly less visceral feel compared to air-cooled 911s or its higher price point.
Collectibility:
Increasingly recognized as a collectible modern classic Porsche, valued for its distinct design and driving experience.