Need advice on picking up an abandoned project, Just how much of a masochist am i? Options

[2mAn]

Some of you who know me, know that I've been on the hunt for a long time, sometimes aggressively, sometimes not at all. I recently missed a chance to pick up a extremely loved -6 conversion that was driving but needed love. I now do canyon runs with that car as my friend picked it up. This has lit a fire under me again, and theres a good chance I might be able to make a straight trade for my current fun car.

Heres the stalled project.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=320529

Just needs the cooling system, the fuel system and a million other little things done... lol

The question is I currently have a finished, running and driving car. Its a blast, but I also live in CA where its a headache to have a car that doesnt contain the OEM motor. I just finished getting this headache done, and I am basically clear for about a year. However, Im not sure I will get a chance to make a swap for a car I want.

I also have a few questions regarding some of the high level needs that the car is going to need.

#1 The Cooling system. I dont want hard lines running underneath the car, I dont really want them running down the center tunnel inside the car. I recall the longs being an option, can both lines be run in the pass side long?

#2 Fuel System. Its a 74 so it should have a fuel injected setup, is the OEM tank easily able to convert for a high pressure pump, or is the pump running external from the tank?

...and finally... is it worth getting rid of the car now, just a few months after finishing it to jump at this opportunity, or do I wait?... I've got a baby coming in February (1st one!) and I think I would have to be nuts to get rid of my fun car for a project that likely will take me well into the summer before I can finish it.

So... how stupid am I for considering this?

Pics for your enjoyment

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-16644-1608264503.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-16644-1608264504.2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-16644-1608264505.3.jpg)

[Craigers17]

Living in a county/State w/ few rules regarding vehicles w/ engine swaps, I can't really speak to that, but I have owned multiple 914's and a 2000 MR2 Spyder. This would be a difficult choice.

I found the MR2 to be purposefully spartan on the inside for a modern day car, with everything exactly where it should be. I personally like the styling, and never had to do anything but change the oil and air filter. It was my favorite car after my 914 2.0's and my '04 Civic SI Hatch. My only complaints were it was underpowered, and even though underpowered, it was STILL begging for a 6-speed.

That said, it seems you've already addressed both of those issues. I would do everything to try to keep the MR2 & buy the 914...especially given the work you've already done to it.

I still feel that I never got the "driving experience" from the MR2 that I get from the 914... you know....that smile that you can't suppress as you move through the gears and the twisties.....

....just my 2 cents....