ye there not cheap, kind of on topic you can still get crate 2jz engines from japan, can't remember how much they where but something ridiculous.

Also the rx-8 produces 177kw in manual trim, and it is damn hard to make any more power out of them n/a. A race pipe full exhaust de-cat will only net around 8hp at the wheels (at a cost of around 2.5k on the rx-8), and there is almost nothing to be gained by re-tuning, maybe another 5hp atw if your lucky. Also a forced induction conversion will net you approximately 200rwkw but as the compression is around 10:1 (i think) you can really only put 8psi through them safely (and that all comes at a cost of around 12k). Don't get me wrong, my rx-8 has a touch over 115k kms and it still runs like the day i got it at 64k kms. They are a very smooth engine to drive and the 6 speed can take a bit of a beating. But personally, as i was also looking at doing a rotor conversion into a ke30 2door i'd be looking for a series 5 or 6 turbo engine, as the parts a much easier to obtain and aftermarket gear is off the shelf and power is just a boost t away.

 

My 2c

 

Brent