993 transmission: longer gear ratios starting in 1996?

[tonikaram]

I am told that after 1996, 993's were built with longer transmission ratios. This of course was rather upsetting news to me (in the middle of my seek for one), as I would like my Porsche to have the gear ratio that will take it to its maximum speed most effectively.

Do 993's really have different gear ratios post 1996? Does this include the 6th gear and was the maximum speed affected?

Kay

[Pickled Piper]

Have a look in the 993 area on the Porsche Club GB forum. lot's of detail about transmission types and model years etc.

pp

[abarber]

Pickled Piper said:

Have a look in the 993 area on the Porsche Club GB forum. lot's of detail about transmission types and model years etc.

pp

Not all, but some 96 onwards cars do have longer ratio's. Only way of telling for certain is the gearbox code. G50/G21 C2 or G64/21 C4 models have the shorter gears. This was changed to much longer rations (G20) for noise / emissions. There are exceptions though. They feel much more sluggish, so much so that many change them.

[tertius]

According to Adrian Streather's book there are 12 different 6-speed manual gearboxes used in the 993. Some used in pretty specialised applications like the GT2 but even so, its pretty hard to summarise briefly and I have the book in front of me!

Edited for spelling.

Edited by tertius on Tuesday 21st November 20:55

[ian_uk]

If you are looking for a RHD UK car then unless you are looking at a specialist model such as RS then there are two gearbox ratios, /21 with the sorter ratios and /20 with longer ratios.

The switchover happened in 1996 with the change to Varioram. You do find some early 1996 Varioram cars with the /21 ratio but most Varioram seem to have /20.

The difference is not as noticable as you might think. Because the pre-varioram cars need to be rev-ed more the /21 suits them better. Varioram cars have noticably more torque lower down and therefore make better use of the longer /20 ratios.

It's expensive to change the ratios (guessing at about 4-5K). Wouldn't reject a car just because it's got longer ratios as it's likely to be Varioram car which overall is a better package performance wise (but not much in it).

Ian.

Edited by ian_uk on Tuesday 21st November 23:10

Edited by ian_uk on Tuesday 21st November 23:11

[wildoliver]

I would kill for one of these /20 boxes as I want long ratio's lol!

[Mogulboy]

From Paul Frere's book "Porsche 911 Story"

[tonikaram]

I think if I can imagine my perfect 993, it would be with short gears (20) and no varioram. I remember the press coverage of the varioram and indeed they found the 272bhp engine (no varioram) more alive and explosive, i.e more fun to drive.

I also remember the press saying that the 993 S makes it slightly more sticky on the road, but slightly less lively and less dynamic to drive. All in the same direction as the varioram.

It's sad though, because the 993S and 4S are drop dead gorgeous.

Kay

[tertius]

Mine is standard Carrera pre-vario, have only briefly experienced a vario car so can't really compare, but certainly very happy with mine, though it really needs a remap now to prolerly exploit the recent engine rebuild.

If you are looking, I would also seriously suggest you consider LHD, as not only are they cheaper (in the UK at least) the LH footwell is 100mm longer than the RH footwell making for a vastly improved driving position.

[abarber]

The VRAM models have not only more mid range but also top end with larger valves etc. If you want one with shorter gears, buy one. There are quite a few out there, not just narrow bodied cars either. There are 1997 C4S out there with shorter ratios, probably other widebody cars too. Look on Rennlist for more info.

Gear G50/20 G50/21
1 3.818 3.818
2 2.047 2.150
3 1.407 1.560
4 1.110 1.242
5 0.921 1.027
6 0.775 0.820

Edited by abarber on Wednesday 22 November 14:21