Hyundai/Kia Transmission and Engine Compatability Questions

To make a long story short I am looking at getting a base KIA soul. I want to know if Hyundai is as swap/ parts bin friendly as Honda.

The base soul has a 1.6l all aluminum gamma motor that uses a timing chain. It also has a 5 speed manual. I think this is the first north American application for this motor which makes me wonder if it is compatible with the newer theta-2 motor found in the likes of the sonata.

The other soul trims (2.0) use the old iron block/ aluminum head motor (beta ii) with a timing belt and are available with a 5 speed manual. This motor is also available in the older tiburon so it has some hop up parts available.

Know comes the KIA forte that has a 2.0 theta-2 with a 5speed manual or a 2.4 theta-2 motor with a 6 speed manual. These motors look like they make some good power with chain driven cams and all aluminum construction. Do they also share some of their dimensions with the "world motor" venture that has hyundai/ chrysler/ mitsu making motors in Dundee MI?

Now enter the GDI Theta-2 motor that will put out some really impressive power.

So my questions: Will the 5 speed in a base soul with a 1.6 gamma bolt to a 2.4 theta-2?

Will the 6th gear from the forte fit inside the transmission case of the 5 speed - similar to Honda k-series transmissions with the popular tsx 6th gear mod?

Does the 2.4 or 2.0 theta 2 motor mount in the same fashion as a 1.6 gamma or older 2.0 beta-2?

How hard is it to tune/ modify a stock ecu in these vehicles and are any of the different generations (gamma/theta-2/beta-2) using the same engine management? I s there a company like hondata that loves Hyundai motors and has dedicated tuns of resources to figuring out the ecus?

Has Hyundai made part bin mods as easy as Honda? Or am i dreaming?

Any input would be really helpful. I would like to see some wicked quick, albeit sleeper looking KIA or Hyundai's in the future. I wonder if I contacted Hyundai directly if they would be willing to lend a helping hand. Part of the reason Honda's are so popular is the cult like following they have.

I don't have anything to add other than word on the street is that Kia may end up turbocharging the Forte.

In reply to m4ff3w:

I have heard this rumor as well. It seems possible seeing as the motor in the Hyundai Genesis coupe (2.0T) is the same theta-2 motor in the Forte already.

I am hoping more parts bin swapping can happen.

it would make sense.. less machining to use the same jigs for everything.