The 993, in the ever-reaching World of Porsche, is recognised as pure-bred automotive royalty – with a considerable number of admirers coining it the best 911 to have graced the roads.

With an aesthetic that placed it in a limbo between new and old, as it arguably resembles both contemporary 21st Century Porsche models and also more vintage vehicles – which is primarily due to it retaining the core architecture of classic cars like the 356 while also having added modern licks such as flared wheel arches, softer bumpers and teardrop mirrors – it was clear from the offset, even in terms of design alone, that Tony Hatter had come up with a winner when he presented the blueprint in 1991.

Steering away from the widely loved design, the 993 also benefitted from vast technical improvements. Among these newly implemented features was an all-new alloy suspension, which took inspiration from the scrapped 989 project; this not only provided a solution to the oversteer that previous 911s had tended to experience but also provided far superior handling and driving stability – this was so well received it even continued onto the installment that followed it, the 996.

The introduction of the 993 also saw the first 911 to have a six-speed manual transmission as standard, an increase from the previous four or five-speed transmission, and, on later variants, four-speed automatic transmission became an option (although this hindered top-speed and acceleration due to the subsequent weight-increase).

Additional tech advancements seen on the 993 were an all-wheel-drive option, a dual-flow exhaust system, larger brakes and refined power-steering – this, coupled with its new design, solutions to old 911 flaws and overall betterment saw it soar off of shelves (literally) with a total of over 68,000 models being sold during its running time between 1994 and 1998.

With all walks of the 993 being so widely perfected, both visually and internally, it’s hard to see what, if anything, you could do to improve upon its brilliance. However, with all older cars, new technology and all-around upgrades can help to push this model to its full potential.

So, without further ado, let’s go through some of our top upgrades for the 993 and all its variants.

Our Tip Picks For 993 Upgrades

Front and rear NTR R1 suspension kit

Kits are supplied complete, ready to fit with Nitron race springs (including helpers where required) and top mounts.

NTR R1 System offers unrivalled performance and value with a design that gives drivers a wide range of effective, easy to use damping control.

2-Way combined damping adjustment.

Developed from our full race suspension and sharing many components with the R3 system, the R1 offers exceptional performance, reliability and value for both road and track use. Widely praised by drivers around the world and respected for out-performing considerably more expensive suspension kits.

R1 kits provides uncompromising quality, reliability and performance without the need for a remote canister. Fade-resistant and hand built with ultra-low friction components, the R1 shock is made to last on the road and track.

The high-grade materials protect against corrosion whilst reducing weight. Every R1 kit is custom built, sprung and fully serviceable. Titanium and hard-anodised parts are hand-built to last not only season after season but also during the harshest of winters.

You can shop it here.

 

 

Transmission case for 6-speed manual transmission

A gearbox that corresponds to the original part at the time: to ensure incomparable original part quality in terms of mechanical processing and surface quality, the gearbox for the Porsche 993 was re-launched by Porsche Classic.

The die-casting process used in this context – as in the series production at the time – provides a very fine and smooth surface. In addition to the original appearance, another advantage of this surface quality is its particularly good resistance to dirt and corrosion. For optimal fit and tightness, the housing halves were machined using drilling and milling with the highest precision. The aluminium alloy used is a new material specification that was approved by the Porsche development centre in Weissach.

You can shop it here.

 

 

Performance Clutch Kit

Kit Includes: 

1 x Performance Clutch Centre Plate Rigid HD.

1 x Performance Clutch Pressure Plate HD.

1 x Performance Clutch Release Bearing.

Performance clutch cover differences to OE: higher transmittable torque, higher clamp load, release travel might be a less, possible higher pedal force. Effortless exchange with OE clutches.

Typical applications include chip tuning, turbocharger and supercharger modifications, 1/4 mile-race, race circuit (endurance race, Clubsport, autocross), hill climbing (e.g. group N), rally (e.g. group N), slalom, drift racing.

You can shop it here.

 

 

Wheel hub carrier

Special front uprights (wheel carriers) were equipped on the 993 RS and cup cars, correctly called RS uprights but sometimes called GT2 uprights or EVO uprights. The reason for RS uprights is to correct undesired geometry changes caused by running a lower ride height.

RS upright advantages include improved suspension travel, superior camber gain, and reduced bump steer. The result is superior performance and rides quality.

RS uprights are an awesome upgrade for any lowered 993 or 964 including C2, C4 and Turbo.

Elephant Racing designed RS uprights faithfully reproduce the factory RS geometry. They are made of aircraft-grade 7075 aluminium billet for superior strength. They are a direct replacement for the factory 993 RS uprights.

They accept standard 993 front wheel bearings and cover plates. GT2 type tie rods are required.

993 RS Upright vs Standard Upright Differences

There are three basic differences between RS uprights and standard uprights:

• The wheel bearing has been moved up about 15mm relative to the ball joint

• The steering knuckle is relocated and has • inverted mounting of the tie rod

• RS uprights are aluminium as are standard 993 uprights. 964 standard uprights are steel.

993 RS Upright Geometry Correction

Lowering a 993 with stock uprights causes several undesired geometry changes, all of which are corrected by the RS uprights.

RS uprights improve camber gain. The lower control arm angles up at the ball joint end, putting the suspension at a poor point on the camber curve. RS uprights angle the lower control arm back down, thus enhancing camber gain and ride quality.

RS uprights improve suspension travel. Lowering the car compresses the front strut and reduces available suspension travel. The result is premature bottoming out, poor handling and ride quality caused by contact with the bump stop – which creates an abrupt and unsettling rise in spring rate at that corner that unsettles the car. RS uprights put back suspension travel.

RS uprights reduce bump steer. Lowering the car moves the stock tie rod into an unfavourable position on the bump steer curve, making the car a handful to drive over uneven surfaces and requiring frequent adjustments at the steering wheel to maintain a steady trajectory. RS uprights relocate the tie rod end placing the bump steer in a favourable position on the curve at lowered ride height.

You can shop it here.

 

 

Gearbox side cover plate G50

The 993 transmission side cover is popular for kit car and V8 applications. It will not flex and minimises gear misalignment under load. Machined in house from 6061 aluminium billets.

You can shop it here.

 

 

Retractable 3-point inertia reel front seat belts

Rennline’s 3 point retractable seat belt kit is designed to fit the 1994-1998 Porsche 993 front driver and passenger seats.

Each seat belt comes with a chrome lift latch buckle and nickel snap hook end fittings. The 47mm polyester webbing is sourced from Germany and is available in a variety of different colours, with colour-coordinated stitching. 

Mounting hardware not included. 

These seat belts are certified to meet FMVSS209.

You can shop it here.

 

 

Final Thoughts

The 993 will forever remain a Porsche icon and, with selected upgrades, you can continue to ensure your model runs smoothly and to the best of its ability.

Have any queries about parts for your Porsche 993 or need some more information about the upgrade that’s right for you?

Don’t hesitate to contact us, visit our shop to see items on offer or enquire about our services – we’ll be happy to help with all manners of Porsche!

 

993 (1994 - 1998)