Help me stop the insanity! Options

[mr2by4]

So I have a new to me 1971 914 that I need to pull and rebuild or replace. I have a longblock on its way to me but I was thinking about going to side shift while the motor is out. Seems reasonable right.
While shopping for a transmission I came across a 2 liter out of a 914-6 that is mostly complete and I can get for a decent price, with a transmission and carbs.
While checking on what it should cost, I found a period correct 2.4 with MFI.
I was on a slippery slope. So I need some advice.
Is the side shifter worth the effort (cost me about $650 in parts to get it done)?
Is a 2 liter 6 that much cooler if I don't do 5 lug conversion etc than a 1911 with a decent cam and a good tune?
If I am going to get stupid, why not do a Subaru motor and just be done with it?
I have had fast cars, and that is not what this is about. I am not rich, but can afford to do any of the conversions I propose.
My intention Is to have fun wrenching on the car and riving it on weekends. I do enjoy Porsches and love the sound of a flat six.
I know hat these are dumb questions to which there are no right answers, but I what I need is therapy and some sound advice. D
o I swap the tranny?
Should I just drive the 1911 and be happy?
Is a 6 $6,000 cooler than a 4?

[JRust]

I love driving a 914-6 conversion or not. There is no comparing the sound & rumble of a Porsche 6 & the torque is sweet. Having said that I have stayed away from them for one reason. $$$$$ (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) . I will still own one some day. My issue is if the motor has a major issue. The rebuild is just to much money & beyond my capability to do myself. Could I learn to build one? Sure I can but being on a budget I can't take the hit if I screw it up.

Having said all that. I will take a Subaru conversion anytime. You can do them for half the price of a Porsche 6. You can buy replacement parts at any auto parts store. If you blow your motor you just get another & swap them. The drive ability is absolutely kick ass. If you do a suby tranny too it just gets better. My 2.5 normally aspirated Subaru conversion is flat out a joy to drive. I dyno'd at 159hp to the rear wheels. It pulls excellent through all gears & is so smooth. MPG varies by where I have my tune. I can be in the low 20's or low 30's for trips. Would I like a little more power. When is more a bad thing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif) . So anyone looking at upgrading their 914 motor wise. I have no problem suggesting going suby conversion. Doing a suby 6 just makes it even better.

Downside to going water cooled? You have to install radiator which means cutting your car some. With value's going up like they are. If I had a nice stock car I would keep it stock. If I had a car that had been messed with at all? All bet's are off I will cut & change it however the hell I want (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)