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Porsche 993: How to Replace Air Filter

A dirty air filter will not allow your engine to perform at its best. The recommended maintenance interval for the air filter on the Porsche 993 is 30,000 miles; however, many owners opt to change it annually as it is inexpensive and easily replaced.

By Joseph Coelho - June 10, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

The engine air filter is in place to trap harmful dust and debris from entering the engine and causing accelerated wear or damage. The OEM Porsche air filter does an adequate job of this while allowing sufficient airflow for proper combustion. Unfortunately, air filters will not last forever as they eventually become contaminated to the point where they affect airflow to the engine. A dirty air filter can adversely affect engine performance because the engine has to work much harder to suck air through the plugged filter. Luckily, the air filter is easily replaced and is one of the simplest maintenance items on the Porsche 993.

Material Needed

  • New air filter

Step 1 – Remove airbox cover

The air filter element is positioned inside of the airbox which is located on the right hand side of the engine compartment.

  • Undo the snorkel tube located on the airbox cover by squeezing at the sides of the tube and pulling it towards you. A bit of twisting and wiggling may be required to free the tube from the cover.
  • Undo the two hinged clamps securing the cover to the airbox housing.
  • Remove the airbox cover from the car.
  • Figure 1. Snorkel and airbox clips.
  • Figure 2. Airbox cover removed.

Step 2 – Remove filter element and clean airbox

The air filter element can now be removed from the airbox by simply sliding it out. With the filter element removed, it highly recommended that the airbox and cover be cleaned to remove any dirt or debris. The airbox is often filled with clutch dust as the 993 clutch vents into the airbox housing.

Figure 3. Dirty filter element removed from airbox.

Step 3 – Install new filter and reassemble airbox

With the airbox housing cleaned and free of debris, install the new air filter element. The filter can only fit into the housing one way, so do not worry about incorrect orientation. With the filter in place, install the airbox cover, making sure to secure both hold-down clips. Finally, reinstall the snorkel into the airbox lid to complete the job.

  • Figure 4. New air filter element installed.
  • Figure 5. Airbox cover alignment tabs.

Pro Tip

If you are having trouble lining the airbox cover up with the airbox housing, be sure to align the tabs in the rear of the cover to the corresponding slots in the housing. They simply slide into place (see Figure 5).

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