Well I can't back you up mate as my 13B wouldn't last 3 days on the street without braking down on me! But that was a dodgy tune/injectors so I don't blame the engine itself.
How much power is it making with the 8psi? Stock rebuilt 13B inside?
I thik it would be awesome, but yeah, to be on the safe side the rental may be the go especially if you're flying from OZ. But I'd still buy it if I were you! But I did buy a 550hp RX-7 as my daily within 3 months of getting my licence, so I wouldn't listen to me.