For #1 - you could try LEDs (I've been considering this) - someone on another board suggested this:
http://www.autofreak.net/cgi-bin/elixir/view.cgi?db=autofreak&table=Auto_Goods&id=73
Except it'd the the 194, not the 168
For #2 - whatever floats yer boat, don't want 'em? Lose 'em. Plenty of race-built 944s with that configuration out there (looks like crap for street use, but whatever - personal preference I guess).