No, I'm not going to ask which is the better swap from a performance or monetary perspective (ZE from everything I've read). I'm also not looking to do any forced induction. What I will ask is when it comes to long term reliability, repair work, and overall market support, which is the better choice?
For instance, given the more 'aggressive' nature of the ZE, will it have a shorter overall life expectancy than the DE? Or, if I were to have a local mechanic or, heaven forbid, a dealership do any work on the car after the swap, would they simply scratch their head at the ZE, but be able to work on the DE? Or, are these relatively silly questions and if I'm going to bother at all, just bite the bullet and get a ZE? Sorry for the ignorance.
The reason I ask is because I'm debating swapping out my K8 w/125k miles for a replacement next summer. Given the K8 is probably due for a timing belt replacement, and likely some other things, I figured I'd be better off investing in the swap. Since I'm based in Detroit, I figured maybe I'd drive out to A-Spec in Ontario and have them do the work since I've heard good things. I've done suspension and basic engine mods myself, but I'm no mechanic. If I want to put in a replacement which is a) better than what I've got, b) that's going to last me a long time, and c) isn't trouble to maintain after I've put it in....well which is it?
![Driver :driver:](./images/smilies/driver.gif)
Thanks for your input!