Porsche 914 - 101, I need the basics... please help Options

[Carlitos Way]

I'm thinking about adopting a 914. I have average mechanical ability. I think I have found a car I like, which finally does NOT seem like a rust bucket. But there are some concerns I have. THis is a 30 year-old car, after all. Not everything feels "just right" about the car. I would like to turn this into a nice "regular" driver, not just for weekends, not for every day driving. Just something to have fun in, but reliability is a factor/concern.

Now, here's the tough part. It seems the car will need the following adjustments/upgrades:

1. Tires... PO has some CHEAP tires... not even low profile, just 165 R 15's
2. Brakes. IT seems the breaks are rather spongy... and the car takes a while to brake. Since I'd like to run a couple of canyons for fun, brakes are an important part of the equation... what's the "right" way to do the brakes?
3. I hate the (steel) wheels in the car... want to put bigger (wider) tires... what's the max I can put in a "stock" wheel well... without having to massage the fenders?
4. Engine seems fairly GUTLESS. I know I will have to replace the engine at some time... perhaps sooner rather than later. However, I am not sure what's the best way to do this... I've read about conversions, upgrades, etc... from a Chevy to a bigger VW/Porsche engine... Is there a way to make a stock '75 (1.8, I believe) engine peform better without spending an arm and a leg? and if I should consider upgrading... shoud I go ahead and find a 2.0? if I stay with a 2.0, do I have to change the whole injection system as well, or is it a "bolt-on" from the 1.7?

I think these are my biggest concerns so far... if you have some light to shed, please feel free to do so!

Carlos