Where are all the wild hot rodders?

[superglide]

I understand what you're saying Randall, but I was noodling out a schematic plan which began with the acquisition of a suitable 986 (preferably an 'S') with an already blown or tired motor, and not a car with existing financial baggage...

Still and though, given your situation (and mine, if my motor were to fail), a 3.6 transplant would make more sense to me; both financially and end result-wise. It's a known and accepted practice, wouldn't create huge issues with the car's balance and handling, provides a great platform for future HP additions; like turbo or supercharging... And pure HP from any source is going to require complimentary suspension and braking, unless you are solely interested in the straight-line stuff. Back in the Day here in Tucson, there was one or two 914's w/ the Chevy conversion and they were scary-fast until you reached the first turn. Then they were just plain scary.
Happy Motoring in the New Year,
Andy

[dmcutter]

I wouldn't do an engine upgrade with the idea of recouping the investment...ain't gonna happen. I would do it with the idea of keeping it until I die, then maybe being buried in it. As well as the car handles and as good as it looks, I don't think it will ever be obsolete, and with the IMS issue solved, it should last a right long time. But it's a depreciable asset, certainly not an investment.

[superglide]

Spot-on, DM
I gave up my 914-6, way back when it made sense financially, to get a 911sc, when I wanted to get a bit more "pucker-factor", than my 914 could be made to deliver, again in a practical, financial sense.

But I will not make that mistake again w/ my 986'S'. I will keep it, maintain it, and I'll get a second, faster/better Porsche (if I feel the need) when I hit the lottery again.