OK, I guess that some of you may have expected me to post something like this sooner. Well I suppose it's due, so here we go.
First off, There's nothing wrong with a Probe GT. It's a pretty solid little car. Fairly quick and a decent handler. It competes very favorably with other FWD sports coupes of it's time.
Okay, youve got a Probe, what to do now....
Engine.
Your 2 options depend on money and what you want the car to be. A KL03 or KLDE (Depends on whose talking) is the stock 2.5L V6 that's in a Probe GT. It's roughly 160-165hp and 160-165 ft/lbs of tq (It varies slightly year to year thus explaining the ranges I gave. ) It's a decent engine, reliable, average gas mile. Certainly a decent choice. You should be able to find on in a junkyard for roughly 400-700 bucks depending on the junkyard.
The KLZE is the same block but all else is different. It's the JSpec version of the KL03 (I prefer this name). It came in the JSpec Mazda MX6 and within 60Kish generally could not pass emissions in Japan, so theres plenty of low mileage ones available for import. It's a 197hp, 170ish ft/lb engine. It's gains come from higher compression pistons (flat topped vs. dished), better flowing heads, better flowing intake manifold, and a more aggresive cam. It's got a smoother tq curve, pulls into high rpms better and is a MUCH better engine in responding to breathing mods. If you get it getting the ECU to go with it is almost a must. The kl36 ecu helps the fuel mapping and corrects the open/close points on the VRIS (Variable Resonance Induction System) of the Intake manifold. To use the KL36 you need the Jspec MAF as the Aspec VAF that comes in the car yields a different signal. You can use the JE50 from the MX3s. Easy fix. Also a cold air intake is a necessity as the IM is shaped a it different and makes the use of the stock air box impossible. None of this should dissuade you if you have the extra money. Even if you just got the engine now and used the aspec ECU and VAF and got the other stuff later it's a hell of an upgrade and as straight forward a swap as there is. It's as close to identical as you can get without being an identical engine.
The KLZE can be purchased for 1000 to 1500 bucks to you door/local garage. Be careful of where you purchase a ZE from. Several Ebay shops sell them the Jspec 2.0L MX3 engine as the 2.5L KLZE and some sell KL03s with ZE IMs as full blown ZEs. If you do go this route heck these numbers when you get the engine....
1) IM: Make sure its not the EUNOS 800, I hear it has a problem fitting. The ZE IM has a longer neck to the TB, just look at the 03 IM and the ZE IM and you will see the difference. ( i can hook you up with pics if you need)
2) TB: Should read KL31
3) HEADS: One should read KL31-101 and the other KL31-1A1
4) CAMS: Should read KL-31
5) PISTONS: Pull a spark plug and shine a light down in there to see the top of the piston. Make sure they are flat.
In either case with an engine out I'd highly recommend doing the following as theyre FAR harder to do once the engine is in
1.) Replace the waterpump
2.) Replace oil pump
3.) Replace Timing belt
While your at it other mods that are far easier to do with the engine out are
1.) Headers. Hotshot gen 4 are VERY nice.
2.) Clutch plenty of choices. I've had decent luck with a Spec Stage 3 (fairly cheap compared to ACT or clutchmaster
3.) Lighter Flywheel. Fidenza makes a nice one or a cheaper option would be the flywheel from an MX3 GS (The 2.0L V6 one (Smallest displacement V6 in the states))
4.) Motor mounts. At least check them. If they need to be replaced do them now. R & R racing makes some very nice poly inserts and rafi has plenty of deals there.
Other mods to consider
1. Turbo
There are some more turbo kits out now. The KL03 can run 5-8 lbs of boost on stock internals. The ZE maybe 3. If you want boost go KL03. BUT every kit Ive seen is maybe 85% of what Id consider a complete kit. Some of the newer ones may be better
2. CAI:
PRM or Hotshot are the best. Save that buy a cheap Prelude one off ebay and mod it (35 buck range) or make one from PVC pipe @ home depot and stick a decent filter on it. DO NOT USE A FOAM FILTER EVER
3. Headers:
Hotshot gen 4 are the best. Pacesetters offer decent gains but rust easier. Bosal has some super expensive ceramic ones. I'd go hotshot. Check ebay.
4. Exhaust:
Greddy and Borla have very nice catback setups. A few other companies have some as well tho I cant guess on quality. Saving that a decent custom mandrel bent exhaust works just as well.
5. Testpipe
By far the most cost effective mod I did. Jeff Jeske makes VERY high quality ones. Mines 2 flanges welded to a pipe by a friend. Made my exhaust sound a bit raspy. The gains are well worth it. JJ resonated ones fix the rasp but your hp gains arent quite as hgh.
6: Under drive pulley:
Very basic mod. May make an extra hp or 2. R & R sells em.
I could go on and on honestly. I just sold my first Probe today and Im feeling nostalgic. But I wont. Hit me up and I can hook you up with links, threads, info, etc. I actually have a bunch of random parts that may be of use to you as well. And a few repair manuals.
