If you want to talk model numbers, we can do that. The Porsche 968 was essentially the new 944 – using body parts from the 944 S2, fact fans – and pre-dated the 993, which was another incarnation of the 911. But that’s not where this car lives. It’s in the hearts of those of us who love the smell of burning rubber in the morning…

Why so? Because the Porsche 968 was thrust into the world as both a coupe and cabriolet, with the ground-breaking Tiptronic shift system and a six-speed manual transmission available for the first time. More than that, it delivers a ‘booming’, ‘torquey’ (not Torquay, a very different proposition), ‘smooth and energetic’ drive.

(And that’s the point. This isn’t one for the beard-strokers as it faded away in 1995 after poor sales. It’s a Porsche fans’ car, as the above adjectives from Evo magazine prove.) Like any Porsche, as the handbook will doubtless say, with careful maintenance and regular servicing, your purchase should give you years of unalloyed joy.

So, let’s get yours revving.

If you’ve fried your head gasket, then we’ll need to get that fixed. See also this bottom end gasket set. If you’re doing one, you may as well do that, too. No-one likes messing with gaskets, but you won’t like what happens next if you neglect them.

A 240 HP output means the Holy Trinity of your connecting rod, and the small and big end bearings put in a mighty shift every time you let the good times roll. And to keep going, you’d be well advised to stick to genuine parts when you change conrod, bearing kits, – everything down to the nuts and bolts. It’s a Porsche. No compromise.

Piston from a height…

Did someone say, ‘I have a 924 S, a 944 or 968 and need a matching bearing set, shaft bearing, and/or con rod bearings too’? Send them this way. If you want to replace quality for quality, and need shiny new pistons for your 968 or 944 S2, we recommend Wössner.

This UK-based, family firm have been serving Porsche customers with quality components – pistons and conrods specifically – for more than 40 years. That’s the kind of longevity you want for a deathless brand and a car built with no sell by date.

Pedal, meet metal.

Being ‘torquey’ has a cost, and buying generic cylinder head valves can prove more expensive that genuine parts in the long run – specifically AFTER a long run. So, Design 911 only stock 968 valve springs, cylinder head exhaust valve kits, inlet valve kits, and exhaust valve guides that are either genuine like-for-like replacements, or OE Match components.

Chamber made.

Our original and after-market piston rings are made from forged steel or performance coated materials to improve durability and reduce friction, and ensure that whatever goes in the combustion chamber stays right there.

Up on blocks

As with everything, there’s a right and a wrong way to get things done. And an engine overhaul is no place for the amateur. Don’t be afraid to take advice from those who do this day in and day out.

Here’s an example – when removing the balance shaft belt and ancillary products on your 968, you’ll need to plug up the holes on the engine, to stop leaks from the missing shafts. We can fix that, just as we can help fix whatever ails your clutch, gearbox, transmission or transmission. Take a look: It’s all here.

Torque isn’t cheap.

If you want to wring every drip of HP from your 968, then re-mapping your car’s ECU gets you more clutch-stretching torque. That risks terminal wear to the pressure and drive plates. A Sachs performance clutch lives longer, thanks in part to the extra thermal resistance.

Every little helps …

While you’re at it, replacing the standard Porsche open differential with a Quaife ATB Helical LSD differential – it’s an upgrade from the conventional plate-style limited slip differential, as it uses gears rather than clutch plates to deliver a much smoother feel. Hmm. Nice.

Fly by night.

And last but not least, saying goodbye to your standard issue flywheel and hello to this lightweight, ‘tuned’ billet model means extending your engine life. And when your motor looks like the Porsche 968, who wants to think engines?

Ready to fuel the passion for your Porsche 968 or any other model? Dive into our world at www.design911.co.uk. From gaskets to pistons, we’ve got your performance needs covered. Rev up with genuine parts and expert advice – because every Porsche deserves the best.

968 (1992-1995)