Completely understand, I think you'll genuinely enjoy the car. I'd personally go with the 997.1 (with some GT3 cup seats) and do a Switzer package on it. They respond very well to minimal mods, and Switzer has them dialed in for sure. My buddy Ed Collazo over at Auto Assets deals with a lot of Porsches and I'm sure he or one of his techs could be a wealth of knowledge for you. (I know Andy can vouch for them)
Aside from that, I thought if one wanted to go fast you'd need an LS1, cam, and spray?