Complete Porsche 968 Parts List: A Comprehensive Guide for Owners

The Porsche 968, produced from 1991 to 1995, is a beloved front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car that combines classic Porsche DNA with distinctive styling. Whether you're restoring a 968, performing routine maintenance, or upgrading performance, having a comprehensive parts list is essential. This guide covers every major system, including part numbers, common failure points, and advice on choosing between OEM and aftermarket components. Note that part numbers can vary by year and market (US vs. Rest of World), so always verify compatibility with your specific VIN.

Engine and Drivetrain Parts

The 968's 3.0L inline-4 (M44/12 or M44/13 for US) is a high-revving, robust engine. Key parts include:

Timing Belt and Water Pump

• Timing belt: Gates T511 (OEM equivalent) or Continental. Replace every 60,000 miles or 5 years. The interference engine means belt failure is catastrophic.
• Water pump: OEM Porsche 928.106.011.03 or aftermarket like HEPU or Graf. Always replace with the belt.
• Tensioner and idler pulleys: Use OEM or INA bearings. A failing tensioner can cause belt slip.

Cylinder Head and Gaskets

• Head gasket: Victor Reinz 61-53600-00 or OEM 944.104.741.02. Common leak area on high-mileage cars.
• Valve cover gasket: Elring 144.142 or OEM. Leaks onto exhaust manifolds causing smoke.
• Timing chain guides: Rare issue, but if chain rattle occurs, replace guides (OEM 944.105.219.03) and chain.

Fuel and Ignition

• Fuel injectors: Bosch 0 280 150 711 (remanufactured). Or upgrade to EV14 for better atomization.
• Fuel pressure regulator: Bosch 0 280 160 001. Look for leaking vacuum line.
• Distributor cap and rotor: Bosch 1 237 522 064 (cap) and 1 237 013 070 (rotor). Use NGK spark plugs (BKR6EIX-11).
• Ignition coil: Bosch 0 221 122 006.

Cooling System

• Radiator: Behr or Nissens. OEM 944.106.021.09. Plastic tanks crack with age.
• Thermostat: Mahle/Thermostat 80°C, OEM 944.106.121.02. Stuck open causes poor warm-up.
• Coolant hoses: Set of silicone hoses from Samco or OEM rubber. The small bypass hose under intake is often overlooked.

Transmission and Clutch

Manual Transmission (G86/10)

• Clutch kit: Sachs 883 1199 001 (OEM) or upgraded SPEC Stage 1+. The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) is common to fail – replace with a lightweight single-mass (e.g., SPEC 8-pound) if noise is acceptable.
• Clutch slave cylinder: FTE 9050211 or OEM. Bleeding is tricky; consider a remote bleeder.
• Transmission mounts: OEM 944.375.067.00. Worn mounts cause driveline vibration.
• Shift linkage bushings: Moosehead Engineering delrin bushings eliminate slop.

Tiptronic (Automatic)

• Transmission filter and fluid: Use only Shell ATF 134 or Esso LT 71141. Filter is integral – replace pan gasket (ZF).
• Solenoid pack: Common failure – replace with remanufactured unit (Porsche part 968.000.100.00).

Suspension and Steering

The 968 uses the same basic suspension as the 944 S2, but with specific geometry.

Shocks and Struts

• Front struts: Koni Special Active (red) or Bilstein B6. OEM is Boge. For track use, Bilstein B8 with lowering springs.
• Rear shocks: Koni or Bilstein B6. Rear spring plates are prone to rust – replace if pitted.

Control Arms and Bushings

• Front control arms: Moog or Lemförder (OEM). Ball joints are integrated – replace entire arm. Squeaking means worn bushings.
• Rear trailing arm bushings: Powerflex polyurethane bushings reduce flex. OEM rubber lasts 80k miles.
• Sway bar links: Replace with OEM 944.343.703.00 or adjustable ones for corner balancing.

Steering Rack

• Rack boots: Repair kit (Porsche 944.347.697.00). Leaking rack? Seal kit available, but many replace with rebuilt unit from Porsche or ZF.

Brakes

• Front brake pads: Pagid RS4-2 (street/autocross) or Hawk HPS. OEM is Textar. Rotor size 298mm, part 944.352.041.00.
• Rear brake pads: Hawk HP+ or Pagid. Rotor 299mm, part 944.352.043.00.
• Brake lines: Stainless steel braided lines (e.g., StopTech or Spiegler). Stock rubber lines swell with age.
• Brake master cylinder: ATE. Part number 944.355.013.00. Upgrade to 24mm bore for pedal feel (from 968 CS).

Interior

• Seat upholstery: Recaro or standard seats – covers from J.D.M. or custom upholsterer. Foam seat cushions are NLA, but repair kits exist.
• Carpet: Set from Bentley or OEM. Use 1992-1995 specific pattern.
• Dashboard: Cracks are common – use a dash mat or consider replacement from Classic9 (rare).
• Window regulators: Often fail – OEM 944.542.503.00 (front). Aftermarket from VDO.
• Heater blower motor: Bosch. Part 944.572.033.00. Resistor pack (944.572.101.00) fails and causes only high speed.

Exterior

• Front bumper cover: Paint to match. Aftermarket fiberglass covers are lighter but fitment varies. OEM is heavy.
• Headlights: 968 uses composite lenses – polishing kit restores clarity. H4 bulbs (Osram Night Breaker).
• Taillight gaskets: Leak into trunk – replace with new foam gaskets (OEM 944.631.907.00).
• Weatherstripping: Door seals (944.531.707.00) and window seals (944.531.725.00). Soft rubber shrink over time.

Electrical and Sensors

• DME relay (fuel pump relay): Common failure – carry a spare. Part 944.618.101.00.
• Reference sensors (crank position): Two sensors on flywheel – Bosch 0 261 210 107. Failure causes no-start.
• Idle air control valve: Bosch. Clean with carb cleaner, but replace if sticky.
• MAF sensor: Bosch 0 280 217 010. Do not clean – replace with OEM only.
• Fuse box: Relays and fuses – use standard Bosch relays. Upgrade to sealed relay box.

Practical Recommendation

For a restoration or regular maintenance, prioritize safety-critical and frequently failing items: timing belt kit, water pump, fuel injectors, clutch slave cylinder, brake lines, cooling system hoses, and DME relay. Always use quality parts – OEM for sensors, electrical, and gaskets; aftermarket for suspension bushings and performance parts. Keep a stock of common filters, belts, and ignition parts. Consult the 968 workshop manual (available in PDF) and join forums like Rennlist for specific advice. For hard-to-find parts (e.g., interior trim, specific badges), reach out to specialist wreckers or Porsche classic centers. This list will help you keep your 968 on the road or track for decades.