this is a REALLY great writeup. When you are all done, you should put all the photos/video together into some sort of large document. who knows, maybe you could sell it....
as these cars age, become cheaper, and there are more high mileage 986s that need motor transplants, there will be more people willing to do a swap.
I know that if I have my car long enough - and needed to do a new motor - and I decided to pay the money to do it - I'd for SURE spend the little extra to do what you did and put a 3.4L or 3.6L into my car. I have a 2.7 base - so I think I can only do a 3.4L... like you are doing.
your car is going to be FAST when you are done. you are going to go from about 200hp to about 300hp.
overall weight of your car should not change much if at all - right?!?
you should outrun a new 987S. for a lot less money spent.
is that price for you rmotor standard or did you get some smokin' cheap deal?
$6400 for the engine doesn't sound too bad given the quotes I have heard just for stock motors! even if I had to do this and paid a pro/independent to do the labor - you could be OTD for under $15k - and probably add in some headers, ehxaust, new clutch while you're at it....
keep us posted on your project!!! what is your anticipated date of completion?