If you want to try compiling your own kernel, take a look at the comprehensive guide that XDA forum member adrynalyne has put together.
If you don’t feel up to the challenge just yet, the guide is also a good read for those interested in what goes into compiling a kernel. You’ll need Linux, dsixda’s kitchen (to easily split and repack kernels), a source, and a cross compiler (toolchain).
adrynalyne’s excellent article is available here
