Turbo or KL (v6) swap, the pros and negs?

[Chicoloco]

I have been thinking and I'm very sure this car will be with me for a long time. So i'm thinking what will be my next major mod:

Turbo or KL swap.

Right now I'm auto. Turbos and auto are troublesome. More because of the tranny to be the weakest link. It will need support mods etc...

Now if I just swap the tranny and engine altogether, i think it will be much easier and makes more sense in my case.

In your opinion, what are the pros and negs in both case?

Turbo Pros:

1. Engine is the same.
2. Substantial power increase.
3. Easier to work with the engine? In terms of space vs the KL engine?
4. I love turbo pshh and the turbo rush.
5. Better MPGs vs KL v6.

Turbo Negs:

1. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Will limit my boost to ~8psi. Is more likely to fail before anything else. HAVE to buy support mods.
2. No tuning shop close by.
3. More maintenance than a NA engine.
4. More $$ than the KL swap
5. Will have to baby it (auto).
6. Less reliable than the KL setup?

KL Swap Pros:

1. Substantial power increase. Got TOOORQUE? mmm.
2. I love the exotic note of the KLs. Did i say torque mmm?
3. Cheaper
4. 5pd Man Tranny.
5. Common engine easier to be maintained and serviced. Plus down here people have done the swaps to 323s and the swap is well known. Would be one of the firsts to a protege tho.
6. I can redline without being worried it will break.
7. More reliable?

KL Swap Negs:

1. Old technology?
2. Cramped engine bay = difficult to be serviced.
3. MPGs hit. Not so much?

I think the KL swap is a better option for me. Any thoughts?

[Kymerik]

Def KLZE :P

Or...if you want it all may i suggest the KL03 + turbo?? hit up www.probetalk.com and www.probesport.com - you wont be disappointed, alot of old friends there who will walk ya through each choice

[Chicoloco]

gotcha thanks for the info!

[malcom2073]

I used to have a 97 probe with the KL03, it's an awesome engine. Very nice sounding with a mild exhaust (you have to get a long resonator, 22" at least otherwise it whines), and peppy. Hits 15.4 @95 in the quarter mile with just exhaust/clutch mods in the heavier probe. I know people who have turboed the 03 and run it as a daily driver, it handles it very well. I wish I could afford to put one in the protege, that would be fairly awesome.

As for the ZE, if you do get a ZE make sure you swap out the spring retainer clips. The stock ones are known to wear away and drop valves.