chef_jmr, RC and bstew -- thanks for the thoughts. I am really torn. The part of me that loves technology, performance, etc is telling me to go ahead with the 9974s X-51 and enjoy it now. Having said that i am drawn to my 996 4s aesthetically -- I just think its a more beautiful, and in some ways more modern looking car than the rather plain 997 4s.
(BTW: chef_jmr, i am happy to talk to you about my 9964s, its an 03 with 25k on it. and oh its too late to add the PCCBs to the spec)

As for the turbo, no offense but i am still a little partial to normaly aspirated engines, and aesthetically it looks a little fussy to me, besides I am not sure i would ever make full use of the 450-500hp it will have. So chances are which ever c4s i go with i'll likely end up keeping that for a long time.

have any of you faced a similar decision.