Going road racing, differences between classes Options

[don9146]

I am still on the hunt for the "just right" road race car, and I am wondering about the diffecenses cost-wise between some of the calsses. It seems that most people road race 914s in either SCCA's ITB, FP, or EP. I have already counted out EP as too expensinve and am trying to get a more detailed picture of the price differences between ITB (with a 2.0) and FP (with a 1.8). I know an IT car would be cheaper to buy or build, but what about:

1. Engine rebuilds. How often do the engines need to be rebuilt and what are the approximate costs of each (I know some of how long the engine lasts will depend on how competitive you want to be)?
2. Does everyone that run in FP swap gear ratios for each track? Or have a "short track" and "long track" gearbox they swap out?
3. How much more is it to build a competitive FP tub?
4. Is there another class where the 914 is competitive? The ITB class will be fun, but I would like to go faster.
5. Does anyone have a multi-series car? As in a car that can race with the PCA, the POC, SCCA, NASA, hisotorics, etc.?

Basically, I would be willing to absorb the increased up-front cost of an FP car if the long term costs were similar. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Don