Porous self-bonded silicon carbide (SBSC) ceramics were fabricated at temperatures ranging from 1750 to $1850^{circ}C$ using SiC, Si, C as starting materials and Al as an optional sintering additive. The effect of Al addition on the porosity and strength of the porous SBSC ceramics were investigated as functions of sintering temperature and Si:C ratio. The porosity increased with decreasing the Si:C ratio and increasing the sintering temperature. It was possible to fabricate SBSC ceramics with porosities ranging from 37% to 44% by adjusting the Si:C ratio and the sintering temperature. Addition of Al additive promoted densification and necking between SiC grains, resulting in improved strength. Typical flexural strengths of SBSC ceramics with and without Al addition were 44 MPa and 34MPa, respectively.