[Update 10/09/2004]
Today I just got some parts from Rishie over at AutoRnD in Milpitas. He runs a pretty trick shop over there with some nice cars and great people. Anyway, this article is about the K&N Typhoon Intake for the Mazda RX-8. In this article I'll do my best to cover the build quality and my response on how the part responds.
The instructions that came with the piece are actually very detailed, and there's little I could do to improve on them. I took pictures of the entire install since I intended to rewrite a more thorough install, but ended not needing to. Below is a list of tools you'll need for the install, the printed directions I recieved did not have the below list but the instructions on the website did include this list.

Tools Required:
10mm Wrench (I'd recommend a socket wrench with a long extension)
Phillips Screwdriver
Straight-Slot Screwdriver
3/4 Allen Wrench
(It comes with an allen wrench which works for most of the screws.)
4mm allen
5mm allen

Parts Quality


First, the quality of the parts. I haven't gotten any kits from K&N in a long time, so I was pretty surprised at some of the features of the parts. First first off, like all of K&N filters, this one is a cotton element that comes pre-oiled. There has been debate that the oil in the filter can cause damage to the MAF's sensor. I haven't personally had this problem and I don't of anyone personally who has had a MAF fail from being fouled by the oilOne thing that is a welcome upgrade is the actual "frame" is made of carbon fiber. And it looks just plain fantastic. I'm not sure if K&N is doing this with all of their Filter-Charger kits, but I'm glad to see they're still finding ways to improve an already impressive product.
(Check out the pictures)
Everything is pretty much stainles-steel. Check out this intake pipe, it doesn't get much better than this.
The hose clamps are especially nice, they definitely don't look like something that's going to fall apart anytime soon.
The heat shield is also a nice touch, it even has a place for the factory engine cover to snap in to.
It came with all the parts necessary to install, except one. It replaces most of the factory hardware with new pieces. The instructions that comes with it tells you where to use factory hardware (mounting bolts for the intake base)

Engine before install:
Engine after install:

I have full color images of pretty much every step I took, but they are basically just the same photos that are in the directions. If anyone wants them or wants me to actually do an install write up, just let me know.

[Update]
Here's a video /w sound [approx 4mb]: http://fcdrifter.org/images/reviews/knsound.mpeg

 

Pretty comprehensive write up.

Good luck with it.

 

How did your 8 run with the typhoon? mine would hesitate at 6k rpm and totally stall at 102 mph, very noisy ....went back to stock.

 

This was cut/moved from another thread I wrote All the pics are in that thread (no links) as well as a fairly detailed review.

But overall, I've had no mechanical problem with it, no hesitation, no rough idle, etc. It does make some noise, but I personally like it. I doubt any other unmuffled intake is going to make any less noise.