I'm ready for my first toy, and the RX8 really put the hook in me. I'm definitely going to buy new and immediately upgrade for performance, and I'm looking for some insight from RX8 owners in this regard. My first question: Is there value in spending the extra $6K for the Shinka 6-speed, or is it better to skip the Shinka, go with the standard 6-speed and spend the $6K for upgrades? Next question (nothing new here): What's the most robust method for achieving 300+ HP, i.e. long lasting components, ease of installation/operation/replacement, etc.?

 

First, the shinka changes are mostly cosmetic, different leather interior, differnt dash trim, different paint, sirius sat. radio for a year...ect. The only performance difference is 1) larger piston in the rear shocks, so if your gonna change the suspension that is a null-point anyway. 2) foam filled front crossmember. You could do this yourself with poly-urethane foam...I did it to the side sill is my miata, pretty easy.

So I would say if you want a hard core performance car and dont care about the rest Id get a Sport Model. While it still has some parts you might replace, suspesion, ect...it has the larger brakes and wheels thats nice, it also has the self lvl HID system that is hard to retrofit. If you want leather than you will have to go with the top of the line GT.

As far as power, I would get a greddy kit, and get the X-Interceptor computer and get it tuned. (when the computer is out) then you could get the compressor upgrade for the turbo. That will be around 6K and give you in the area of 300whp.

As for ease of installation, its about the same as any kit.

As for the durability....they havent been out long so its tuff to say.

Hope this helps