A friend who belongs to some of the Porche clubs recommends that the first oil change be a double one.

Basically, you put thin oil in (and a new filter), drive for 10 min, then come back, let all the oil drain out, and put in the correct weight and a new filter.

This is supposed to help clear out metal filings that have shaved off the engine. I did this with my 94 Probe GT.

Anyone have an opinion on this?

Also another mechanic friend suggests oil changes at 1k, 2k, and 3k, then regular intevals after that.

WOuld love to get some opinions.

You only change half the oil in an RX8 at any change. Rest is in the cooling system.

... and so it would be a very BAD idea to put the wrong weight oil in since there will still be about 3 quarts of original oil left in the system mixed with your 4 quarts of new lighter weight oil. Then the second change will only empty out 4/7ths of your mixture of normal and light weight oils.

Unless you completely drain the system, which I have no idea how hard it would be to attempt, I would recommend always putting in the correct oil weight.

It's to clean out the oil in the oil coolers. Just drain and refill. Let the engine idle for a bit (I don't think you need to drive anywhere). Drain and refill again.

ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT OIL WEIGHT!