Ok, I'm new to 8s but my friend has a new wrx and he just put a downpipe and intake and had it tuned(ecu reflashed) and it made a huge difference in performance. Now if i was to do the same to an 8 would it make a big difference as well? if not what is the best performance upgrade yuu can do with a $1000?

 

That is going to get you nothing to speak of performance wise. Plus, "downpipe"? You are not turbo'ed are you? So you don't have a "downpipe".
Your best bet is to get the Cobb AccessPort, BHR ignition coils, AEM CAI, Catless midpipe, and a catback exhaust. But all that is well over $1000.
Even with all that you might get 10-20 WHP. Maybe a little more.

 

thank you that clears up a lot, I'm coming from a jetta turbo so thats the reason for my confusion. But anyways are you telling me the only way to add anything over 40hp to an rx8 is to go turbo?

 

or nawzzz

 

Yes. Should've done your research before buying. This car is not mod friendly other than fi. Put your money in suspension components and better tires. Those will give you noticeable differences over the stock feel of the car.