u can pay installment if u wan~ 

Is it worth it to let go my 1.5 AT and then get myself a GSR AT ? Less hassle for engine transplant etc. I have a friend letting it go at a very reasonable price.

Hoho.. i go my foremen shop, he say change gearbox lo, flush the oil change new oil also the same, plus i also ask him to fix the leakage around the engine. cost me 1.5k, now he inspect the bottom of my car he say my dog bone , absober all kong liao. need another 500 for it. but i say change the important one 1st like dog bone and stuff because no $$. Pening!  my car din do, once do few thousand. i think i wan sit motor already. LOL!

Proton parts already the cheapest. what car can they change with more cheapest parts?
if you just add the "absorber booster" it shouldn't make the ride higher, just harder. the 2" top rubber will make it higher.
previously before top overhaul didn't have white smoke? if done top overhaul but still got white smoke, only left the piston ring that can cause it, can say need to full overhaul.

but if no smoke before done top overhaul, most probably your mechanic screw up somewhere when he do the top overhaul. best to give a week and see how 1st, also check if your engine oil decrease or not.