Best year RX-8 with performance in mind 09 or older!
 

I have built and owned srt4 and a gsx I want a rear wheel platform next. The rx8 is my choice. What year is best with turbocharger in mind?

i'd have to say an 07-08.

09 has the upgraded engine, but no reasonably priced management software available.

ghetto budget or real one?

Sounds like you're looking for cheap, straight line speed...this may not be the best car for you. Even with a turbo, the 8 isn't all that quick in a drag race

'06 because......it's what mine is.

2010 rx3 in white i would have to say haha! cuz its mine as well ^^^ but for straigt line speed not the car for u unless u do an engine swap and put a rx7 engine or ls1 in it.

Dont plan on major modifications to any car before you do some research of your own...

Series II has a better engine (More robust water pump/heat management & Oil Metering Pump)

Series I is easier to modify (engine management ECUs are cheaper) and the body is better looking.

neither is good as a Dragstrip platform, but are godlike on a roadcourse/autocross.

Not real advantages since for 255$ you can get Mazmart's water pump for an S1 and the 3rd oil nozzle absence can be ruled out with premix (that is still a good practice on s2s). Add 50$ for the oil pressure regulator.
It's true that they are nice features, don't get me wrong. The point is that with 300$ or so you can bring the s1 engine up to the s2's level while saving around 3000$ in engine management systems :)

As a starting base i'd consider the s1 only.

I am aware that the rx8 isn't a drag vehicle. I want the best year model for future upgrades. My target hp will be 300-350 hp if possible which I feel is reasonable for a budget of 5-10k I just am researching now before I buy the car. Or would it be cheaper to buy say an 04 and do an rx7 engine swap? What all is involved in that? Simple drop in and rewire or different mounts and trans or drivetrain difficulties? Please help and all advice is appreciated!!!!

you have a budget flexibility of 100%?
Search, don't waste our time for something you'll never do.

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cuz this has been asked like 50 million times

oh one little advise for you sucker, if u have to ask, you CANNOT afford it.