Decisions, decisions..., Creamsicle or RPM Supercharged? Options

[poorsche914]

So... as some of you know, I currently own a Creamsicle that is an ongoing project as well as my daily driver. I bought this 914 in the spring of 2010 as a "barn find" that had been neglected for nearly 20 years. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) In the six years I have owned the car, the drive train, suspension, and brakes have all been rebuilt/upgraded by me. I also had a bit of bodywork and paint done a couple years ago though it is not holding up too well in some places.

It is currently a non-numbers matching LE since the case was apparently messed up beyond repair when it spun a rod bearing a few years ago. I think Jake still has the case, however. Now powered by a Raby 2056 built from a 1.8 case.

The next phase of restoration is rust repair along with correcting an old front panel repair. Not sure I will ever be able to get this done due to time and cost to have it repaired correctly - pretty much a full restoration of the body. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

Enter the RPM Supercharged / GT-flared / 5-lug Fuchs 914 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)
This car is beautiful and has a lot of cool features. Though built on a '75 chassis, many parts from a real -6 were used on this build - ignition switch, steering column, suspension, etc I won't say no rust but at least no rot. Don't get me wrong... the car needs a little TLC to get it just right but it is a solid base. And, yes, it does run!

I have a chance at purchasing this car. Of course, I would need to sell my LE first. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

What would you do in my situation? Sell the LE and buy the S/C? or keep the LE? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
I have always liked the LE cars. Had a Bumble Bee "back in the day". I love my Creamsicle - a lot of work has gone into it to get it to where it is today. And it is kinda cool owning a factory limited production car.

But... the S/C 914 is suh-weet! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

If I did sell the LE, I would most likely pull the Raby and replace with a good running stock 2.0 w/FI.
I'd then drop the S/C engine and store it while running the Raby. To me, the S/C engine is an interesting bit of history, but what I really like is the overall look/build of the 914 itself.

Just looking for what others may think. Some rhetorical questions: If I sold the LE, would I be kicking myself in future years as the value goes up more than a one-off? Or do the -6 bits, steel GT flares, etc offset that? Do I even care about the future value?

I love driving my 914 so maybe the better question is... of the two, which is going to handle/drive better? The LE with 21mm torsion bars, 140# springs, stock (at the moment) shocks, front sway bar, and Mahle rims with 205/50 tires? Or the 914-6 suspension with 6" & 7" 5-bolt Fuchs under a flared body? (not sure what torsion bars/springs/shocks/sways are on that car).

Thanks!

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[RickS]

You, my friend, are on the horns of a dilemma. The collect ability of your cream sickle is shot without the numbers matching case. As a result don't expect numbers matching dollars for it. I understand your love for it due to your sweat equity.

If you want to take performance to the next level, the other car with your Raby is the ticket.

So the question is, do you want what most sports cars guys want - ultimate performance with good looks or pretty good performance with a classic look? Most guys like projects so what would be the most interesting on an ongoing basis?

[poorsche914]

Thanks for the response, RickS.

I realize my LE will never be worth top dollar just for being an LE. TBH, I have never been into 914s for the potential value. My first 914 in the mid '80s was in great condition and ran fine but I still sunk the purchase price into a rebuilt engine and gearbox among other performance goodies. A second 914 I had customized with paint and bodywork (slantnose... it was the '80s (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) ) $$$$ long gone!

I have been drawn to the LE cars due to their uniqueness. I also like to customize my cars. With my Creamsicle, I feel I am limited somewhat and obligated to keep it at least looking like a Creamsicle. With any other 914, I would feel free to do as I please (and some would argue go ahead and do whatever you want to the CS).

In my eyes, the RPM 914 has all the right stuff: steel flares, genuine -6 parts, 5-lug Fuchs. And the supercharged 2.0 is fairly unique in its own right. I told the owner it is the first 914 I've seen (within my budget) that I would sell my LE to purchase. And, part of owning a 914 for me is not just the driving but also the tinkering. I could never own a garage queen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Thought I'd present this to the board for thoughts and comments. I know in the end it is a personal decision.

Thanks

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