Maryland.. I bet that's wonderfully pretty this time of year.
Sounds like stock the kit could be the best option. The 944's still around 10 compression ratio. Turbo piston for 750 installed is a deal. I think you could get another 50 HP or so by going that route but would be worried about underpowered springs, in particular. I've never known anyone who ran Low Cr Pistons without boost. Maybe ask that on the Turbo Page. I had pondered that same question over the last few months of my rebuild. I would think it would run like a 100 hp civic and probably too rich. I opted to keep the pistons stock and make it good to go without boost for the sacrifice of lower boosted power later. IE the cheaper option.
I would think 8 PSI would be closer to 240HP Crank or ~205 WHp with a 15% drive train loss to the wheels. But you'll delineate notice that.
From what I've read on the SFR Kit: It manages fuel by using heavier Injectors, Adjustable fuel Regulator set at higher PSI and a custom Cooked DME Chip. That ATI C2 Super Charger could handle tons of boost, but you'd have to rebuild the internals to handle it.
Now that you mention Core Charges, I guess that means you also have to give him your old engine. So now you're talking 2000+400+400 + deposit. $2800 delivered for rebuild swap, sounds reasonable for door to door delivery. Be Careful with Crate and Send your old returned to SFR.
Doesn't the Kit remove the AC Compressor? If so you might as well start taking off the whole system while the engine is out. That's like 80Lbs (or ~4hp) right there!
If you want the package deal, get it in writing. As a matter of fact, always get exactly what is and isn't included in written estimate. I wouldn't expect any discount there, since it's parts, not labor.
As I mentioned, I'll be happy to scope out things for you. Don't take vendor delays as a sign for anything. Unfortunately these guys are All Motor heads and not Business
PR people.
If things don't work out with the Engine, then you could always find a shop out there to rebuild your Engine and do the Super kit later. Stock is Stock right...
I could Swing by the SFR tomorrow eve. I'm interested to see what's currently in their shop? I know how much anxiety there is in trying to decide what to do and who to trust. Can't guarantee results.. but independent source of first hand verification helps a guys wallet sleep at night :+)
Here's a post I found of someone using SFR kit for 968.
http://www.968s.com/engine.htm> also look at current topic of Megasquirt for some insight.