I figure it would be harder but honestly I love to car the style and way it sits not to mention its my first "real" car. Previously I was driving a 1988 bronco with every problem in the dictionary. Well at this point it was buy a new car or fix this one. My only thought is if im gonna fix this one im gonna make it faster and sound prettier. I don't mind paying the price of a newish car to make this happen. My question for you would be should i sell my mazda and just get a new car or make this one really nice? And if you think i should buy a new car what would you recommend.
Those are definitely a lot of good thoughts and questions, and I totally get where you're coming from now. I do want to be clear too that i'm no expert. My Protege5 is also my first "real" car too.
Here's my long answer.....
The decision of buying a new car vs v6 swapping your car is for you to decide, but they are two VASTLY different ways to presumably achieve one goal. If I were you, I would figure out exactly what that goal is, as well as what you'd be willing to sacrifice for it, before making a decision. That way, you hopefully don't end up doing something you regret later (i.e. an unreliable project car, or a boring new car, etc.)
I personally love the driving dynamics and design of my Protege5, and in general they're amazingly fun all-around cars for how cheap they are now (relative to other comparable options, and thus why I bought and love mine!). Despite this, I personally have realized that there are better platforms out there to build on, and that if I put money into my Protege5, I likely won't get it back. Thus, investing into it should only be worth it if you truly love the car and are committed to it (and ideally, have already looked at and driven other options). If you're just on the hunt for pure fun, or a fun all-around daily, there are plenty of other options that'll likely do a better job than a v6 Protege5.
And again, definitely take a look at
31N007's build thread for more specific details on exactly what the swap entails. I've provided my own advice (take at your own risk!) based on a stock P5 experience, but can't speak to the specific hassles and joys of swapping and owning a v6 Protege.
Best of luck and I hope you achieve the goal you set for yourself!