[Ant]

I own a 2001 PT that is fully built (performance), that is. Built it up before the GT was released. If I had the option I may have traded for a GT. However being my car was payed for I would have taking a bath. I also enjoy ripping all of my cars apart and starting over so the GT would not have been an exception. I would have already had it apart to see what we can be improved upon.
That being said I am extremely happy with my set up:

Fully built HRC Turboed 2.4: Wiseco pistons, T2 rods, Port & Polished head (Bob Special) with oversize Stainless Steel valves, #14 Crane Cams, Adjustable Crane Cam gears, AF/X UDP, 3" custom downpipe, 3" hi flow exhaust
No balance shafts, Ported GT intake manifold, Bored Throttle Body, 30lb injectors, On board Wideband.

I am lucky enough to have the ability to fix, build, or create just about anything I need to for my car. I have ~15,000 miles on this setup now with no problems, even putting this kind of power through the 41TE tranny (knock on wood). I do have a few back up options when if the tranny happens to tell me he has had enough.

This PT is totally reliable, averaging 23.9 MPG and a blast to drive. I have not seen a GT achieve the #'s I have put down at the dyno 235 HP 265 TQ; that is at only 9 psi of boost. I am very cautious with the car so I avoid just cranking the boost up. I also don't have a lot of time to play with it so have not had time to tweak it and take it back. I want to be running closer to 12-13 psi and see what she can do.

There is NO concern with the stregnth of the actual block. Yes the GT block can handle more abuse but we will never come close to the power levels needed to break this baby. The internals on the PT's do need some attention however. That will take time, money, and knowledge.

I think the GT is a great car and one should consider trading up if they want more power and do not have the money or know how to improve their PT. The specifically engineered PCM and electronics for a turbo is a very big advantage.

If the above does not apply you can certainly build a fantastic aftermarket PT turbo you will be happy with.