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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[mepstein]

The Flares are light. By the time the bodywork is done, maybe a pound on each corner. If you use Fuchs for wheels, it won't be much heavier than the cast alloy mahles. Maybe 2 pounds per wheel and 2 per tire. Probably lighter than steelies. Nothing unusual compared to a mid 80's Porsche 911 and been done and run on 914's for years. Tom might be steering you away because he's never driven a flared 914. I have. It's a great ride.

[poorsche914]

Thanks, Mark.

I didn't think the weight difference was much but wasn't sure. A friend had a 1.7 with f/g flares, 5-lug adaptors and Boxster rims and he seemed to get around just fine.

I have been trying to meet up with the owner of the s/c 914 the past few days but can never catch him at home. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

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