Best combination?
 

So, the intakes are not as good as they claim to be and the exhaust systems are also not all that good... ok, now I'm even more confused and I need your help.

I finally have the $$$ to buy an Intake and a catback system, that IMHO is the best way to start (or not?), but I simply don't know what to buy, some people say K&N + Borla others K&N + B&B... what is the best one? give me your opinion or experiences. Thanks!

Here's my $.02:

Since all exhausts will give you the same, relatively small HP gain, choose your exhaust based on what sound you prefer. There is a sticky that is extremely helpful with sound clips.

Many members have had K&N intakes and the results vary. Some have noticed gain, some have noticed a loss, and even others haven't noticed anything but a change in sound. The REVi has been getting good reviews, but is still relatively new to the RX8 market. Results from a dyno have shown small to large gains. Some members who have this intake state it's just a tad louder than stock.

Personally, I have the Greddy Exhaust w/a B&B midpipe and my REVI intake is on it's way.

I think the best way to start is to upgrade your suspension. The Racing Beat suspension package (sway bars and springs) is a good choice. However, if you're looking strickly for intake and exhaust, look into the Racing Beat exhaust. The RB exhaust is relatively quiet but guves you a nice deep sound when you get up in the revs. The tips are 3" and really fill the exhaust openings well. As far as the intake, I've only seen it in pictures, it looks nice and since it came from RB it is probably well engineered and of good quality. If it was me, for the performance gains that exhaust and intake give you, I would rather have a muffler shop change the tips of the stocker and purchase a green high performance filter http://www.greenfilters.com/ Having said that, I loved my RB catback while I had it so you cant really go wrong with it. Just keep in mind that suspension will improve your car much more than exhaust and intake.

Racing Beat Light weight aluminum flywheel:
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....rtnumber=11468

Taking weight off the crank is always a good step.

^^^ agree, however I've read from members who've installed a lightweight flywheel state that "if they had known that the results weren't that great, they would have spent the money on something else"

The most effective mods, especially for the money, are: 1) Cat-removal midpipe, 2) Lighweight flywheel, 3) Nitrous oxide, 4) Racing Beat swaybars.

If I were to choose to keep only a few of the several mods I have done to my RX-8 these would be the ones. I would have no problem keeping the factory muffler, clutch, brakes and lines, intake, and pulleys.

CRH

What is the purpose of the cat removal/midpipe? What are the benefits? Removing the cat isn't legal if I am correct, so do you have to change it back when you get it inspected, or take it in for service?

Don't forget Richard Paul's short shifter:

I'd recommend:
1) RB Rev8 Exhaust
2) RB sways
3) RP Short Shifter
4) KONIs
5) Springs
6) RB Revi Intake

Somewhere in there you'll also need tires :)

Benefits of cat removal/midpipe: louder sound, tad bit faster (not sure if this is proven or not), can shoot flames :D

Removal the cat is illegal and I will have to put it back on for inspection or drive out to a country that doesn't do emissions (ex: Palo Pinto) to get my sticker. The cat is bolt-on, different from some vehicles where it's welded on, so installation/removal isn't very difficult and I have friends who would take care of it for me.

realistically your going to be spending $1k for a whole bunch of noise and little to no performance gain... so let your ears decide, i'd probably get the RB intake and borla exhaust

I would suggest to find parts used if you can. That will save you lots of money and to the best of my knowledge, a used midpipe and exhaust won't lose performance over new parts simply because they're used.

I frequently swap between my factory cat-pipe and my Bonez catless midpipe and there is a definite difference between the two. Something in the neighborhood of 10-15 h.p./.3-.4s in the 1/4 mile. Anyone with experience in the modding game will tell you that no single mod will provide the ultimate experience we strive for but it is the total recipe that makes the difference. The factory cat will prove itself a cork in no time at all to anybody who wants to make more power. The clincher is how much hassle one is willing to endure for the sake of more power or "better" performance.

CRH

PIE Connector for your iPod
Sunglasses
Bag of Milky Way Midnight Bars
Full Tank of Gas
Quart of Oil
Female Passenger
Bottle of Wine
Blanket

Actually, Window Tint, Clear Bra the Front Bumper, Racing Beat CATback.

Don't look at my vGarage :eek:

Sounds like a plan but I'd change the "Clear Bra the Front Bumper" for an even better "No bra's at all"... Now that's a plan on the "blanket" with the "Female passenger" after the "Bottle of Wine"... just perfect for Memorial Weekend, I'm shure my girlfriend would agree, thanks!.. :cool:

LOL! :D

Hymee Exhaust, period. :D