Models · Porsche
Porsche 911 Turbo 993 buying guide
The 993 Turbo, built from 1995 to 1998, was the first 911 Turbo with twin turbochargers and four-wheel drive. A small number of more powerful Turbo S models followed in 1997 and 1998.
The versions
- Turbo: 3.6 air-cooled twin-turbo flat six (M64/60), 408PS, two KKK K16 turbochargers
- Turbo S (1997 to 1998): 450PS with larger K24 turbochargers, an extra oil cooler, a four-pipe exhaust and extra side air intakes
- Factory power kit (X50) cars with 430PS
- Six-speed manual, permanent four-wheel drive through a viscous coupling, limited-slip rear differential as standard
- Wide body with a fixed rear wing housing the intercoolers
What to check on a 993 Turbo
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Turbo smoke and boost
What to look for: Watch the exhaust as the engine starts for a puff of blue smoke, and on the test drive watch the boost gauge. It should build to full pressure, about 0.8 bar, cleanly and repeatably. Listen for a whistle or whine as boost rises.
Why it matters: Blue smoke at start-up, uneven boost and whistling are the signs of worn turbocharger bearings or seals. Turbo bearings suffer when the engine is switched off hot without cooling down. A rebuild is a known job for specialists, and a recent one with paperwork is a plus.
Oil leaks
What to look for: With a torch, look at the engine from below and from the engine bay: the cam covers along each side, the timing chain housings at the front of each cylinder bank, and the oil return pipes from the turbos.
Why it matters: These are the usual leak points on the 993 Turbo engine. A light film is normal for an air-cooled engine of this age. Fresh wet oil means seals or gaskets to renew, and some jobs need the engine out.
The four-wheel drive viscous coupling
What to look for: On the test drive, find a car park and drive slowly on full lock in both directions. Feel for the car binding, juddering or tyres scrubbing as if it doesn't want to turn.
Why it matters: The viscous coupling sends between about 5 and 40 per cent of the drive to the front wheels. As it wears or stiffens, the drivetrain winds up in tight turns. It's a known wear item rather than a sign of abuse, but it's worth knowing before you agree a price.
Also in the full guide
- Intercoolers in the rear wing
- Exhaust manifolds
- Valve guides and oil use
- Air conditioning
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 993 Turbo
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Porsche 911 Turbo 964 · Porsche 911 Turbo 992 · Porsche 911 Turbo 996 · Porsche 911 Turbo 997.1 · Porsche 911 Turbo 997.2
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.