Ok yeah I see your point but to me I would not go from turbo back to naturally aspirated and the potential of these engines when with forced induction would be the draw card for me.
Also mine is a street car so gearing on track would not matter I would prefer to have gearing that would allow lower rev's when cruising at highway speeds.

Unless going all-motor, I'd certainly prefer an E153 to a Honda transmission. E153's are known as the Getrag 6speed of the 4banger import world as far as strength is concerned.

The Chuck Norris of the gearbox world?

I think this is a great mod for a MR2. Excellent engine.
You can change the engine to suit a more torque base powerband than the 9000rpm screamer if its a concern.
A 4.5 final drive can be fitted to the E153. You can also use the V6 3/4/5 to tighten up the ratio's. My car has this mod and there is a improvement over the standard set.
At least the exhaust would be pointing the right way!

Eric
The Chuck Norris of the gearbox world?

Not that far.

A Chuck box would break the motor, driveline & leave the driver paralyzed.

More the Dolph Lundgren of the gbox world. Old school kinda solid. Not new school fancy or refined. Just gets the job done eventually.

And gets crunchy between 2nd and 3rd.