Driving a 4 banger, after 2 years behind a six Options

[76-914]

I finally have my lift back up (ha-ha, no pun intended) and working. However, I didn't have the 6 repaired in time for the Temecula Wine Run. Not to be denied, I pulled Whitey out of retirement, cleaned her up and put her back into service.
What I re-discovered is how nice the car is to drive. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) I really enjoyed the change and besides the rush of a six's acceleration, the 4 banger is more than adequate. Well balanced, smooth and yes, entertaining.
Unfortunately, I'm now at the crossroads. I had been tinkering with the idea of A) selling it as it's appreciated greatly in 7 years; B) drop that spare 3.0 into it; or C) drop a 3.6 in it. And now there is a D) TOH the 2.0 4. I know, I know. 1st world problems. An enjoyable quandary at least.
Here's a Toast to the 4 banger. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[ClayPerrine]

Ok.. Just for the record.

Everyone says "Put a 3.6 in it." Putting a 3.6 in a 914 is not easy, but it can be done. There are engine mounts available, but nothing else. Reproduction engine tin will NOT fit without major modification. Heat is a challenge to install, even if you have heat exchangers. There is no engine mounted oil cooler, so you have to plan for a LARGE oil cooler someplace.

Then there is the transmission issue. The 901 is completely inadequate for a stock 3.6. You can find a Vellios or 916 style kit for a 915, but it is still marginal. Or you can do what I am doing, and come up with a custom solution.

Throw in lots of Electrical wiring issues to hook up the Motronic and you have a long project on your hands. ATDT! (Am There, Doing That).

If you want to go Motronic six, put a Euro 3.2 in it. You get all the benefits of Motronic, you can use stock 914-6 heat exchangers and get heat (with a slight loss of HP due to the tube size), and it will work OK with a 901. Using a 70/71 911 clutch setup, you can use all factory Porsche parts to install it.

While I was looking for the 3.6 core motor for my car, I considered just putting in a 3.2. I could have had it installed and running in my 914 in about a month. Betty, of all people, talked me out of it. She said the 4.0 six was my "unicorn" motor, and she convinced me that I would not be happy with anything less. So now I am on a year long build.

Regarding your car, you need to do what will make you happy with the car. Don't worry about resale value, or what other people would think. It's your car. If you want to go find a GNOME 5 cylinder radial engine and install it in your 914, I will applaud you and admire the workmanship it took. Or just keep it stock.