What's Next For Your Build: Power

What’s Next For Your Build: Power

 

The Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86 all share the same power platform. From the 2.0 liter found in the 2013-2021 models, and the 2.4-liter found in the 2022+ BRZ and 86 models. When news of the 2013 BRZ started making the rounds, this was a major risk especially for Subaru because of the popularity and notoriety of the WRX. To produce a naturally aspirated rear-wheel-drive model was certainly going against the grain of Subaru’s turbocharged all-wheel-drive rally-inspired platform. Yet the result was a very successful campaign alongside Toyota and Scion with their respective models.  Enthusiasts now had an affordable brand-new traditional sports car option that was lightweight and made for the true driver who could maintain momentum in competition, while remaining very rewarding to drive on daily commutes. The close ratio 6-speed manual transmission made the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and the Toyota 86 an adventure every time you got behind the wheel.

Yet many of the purchasers of these vehicles were enthusiasts, and just like you, we crave more performance. Now Subaru methodically matched the naturally aspirated engine into this lightweight chassis. It was not designed to set any speed records or make loud V8 noises, it was designed to make the driver have a better relationship with the car in terms of how it handles, how you enter and exit apexes on weekend track days or spirited canyon runs, so that you know exactly how it is going to respond. It wasn’t designed to be convoluted with power numbers on the dyno or ¼ mile passes. Nonetheless, we as enthusiasts still want a little more “push” out of these cars.

Because of these reasons, and without getting too crazy with forced induction, these are the most common power modifications that you can perform to your BRZ, FR-S, or 86.

 

COLD AIR INTAKES

In previous blogs we discuss how cold air intake systems work, and why it is a common modification across all automotive spectrums. In case you need a reminder, Cold Air Intake Systems allow your engine to breathe in a larger volume of unobstructed air for a faster throttle response. All vehicles are equipped with a factory intake box that hosts a paper-like filter. The box protects the filter from hot engine temperatures, yet OEM paper filters are designed to be replaced during regular service intervals. However, in some models, the OEM intake box can be restrictive. Cold air intake systems usually include a larger cone-style filter that is serviceable and will allow the engine to breathe much easier throughout the entire RPM range. For the BRZ, FR-S, and the 86, a proper cold air intake system will add a little more horsepower, torque. Below are some examples of some of the performance cold air intake systems that will benefit your driving needs:

 

GrimmSpeed Cold Air Intake System 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86

 

 

 

PERRIN Performance Cold Air Intake Red

 

K&N Typhoon Intake System 2022-2024 BRZ/86

 

 

CAT BACK EXHAUST

The most popular modification to any vehicle that has an option available by the aftermarket. Now there are some parallels shared between an intake and exhaust system. A performance intake system allows your engine to breathe in a large volume of air. A modified cat-back exhaust system allows your engine to exhale without turbulence and restriction a well. The result is also more horsepower, more torque, along with a better throttle response. But what enthusiasts look forward to the most, is the sound. The reason why a proper cat-back exhaust system will improve both the power and the sound, is the increase in the piping diameter, along with minimal bends when compared to your OEM exhaust. The path of escape for your exhaust opens to allow your engine to react faster. Also, the majority of aftermarket exhaust options will weigh less than your OEM exhaust system to further add to the list of benefits. A great modification that is rewarding to install and enjoy on your BRZ, FR-S, or 86.

As far as FTSpeed, you know we have all the options available by several reputable brands, and you can choose from lightweight materials that include the likes of titanium. Check out what options suit your needs:

 

Invidia N1 Cat-Back 2013-2024 BRZ/FR-S/86

 

 

 

 

AWE Touring Edition Cat-Back Exhaust System 2013-2024 BRZ/FR-S/86

 

 

 

 

Apexi RS Evo Cat-Back Exhaust System 2013-2024 BRZ/FR-S/86

 

 

 

 

Remark Elite Spec Cat-Back Exhaust 2022-2024 BRZ/GR86

 

 

 

 

Now the cold air intake and cat-back exhaust system are going to be the two most common power upgrades for the BRZ, FR-S, and 86. Before diving into forced induction which frankly changes the entire dynamic of the car, there are a few other power mods that you can perform to the naturally aspirated platform. The next logical mod in terms of power would be a proper exhaust manifold. This is the first exhaust component bolting right off the heads. The OEM unit is made using heavy cast steel to endure the elements of the road, but a decent tubular unit will free up more power, torque, while also creating a race-inspired exhaust note. Take a look at the example below from Off The Line Performance.

 

Off The Line Performance Catted Header 2013-2024 BRZ/FR-S/86

 

 

 

FORCED INDUCTION – TURBOCHARGERS AND SUPERCHARGERS

Now before you get too excited, we really need to have a sit down, and talk about this. Not to dissuade you from this decision, but you must know what you’re getting into. Turbochargers are designed to make up for a lack of displacement. Take the WRX for example. The EJ engine is designed with lower compression pistons, it will have larger injectors, and the ECU will be tuned to run the car optimally on the best premium gas your state has, and most importantly, boost levels will be reasonable for the car. When you start modifying the WRX to make more power and boost, you have to modify your fuel system, along with the engine management system. The problem with turbocharged or supercharged vehicles is that for the majority of us, we want more power. More power either comes with more responsibility, or it comes with destruction. Either way, prepare to make bad financial decisions.

Because the BRZ, FR-S, and 86 are naturally aspirated, introducing a turbocharger or supercharger is foreign to the engine. Because the naturally aspirated engine has higher compression pistons, you can only run so much boost. The OEM engine whether it be a 2.0 or 2.4 does not have forged pistons and rods, nor does it have thicker head gaskets. So, if you’re going to do this, make sure you stay within the limits. Otherwise, you’re going to have a lot of downtime as your engine is getting rebuilt.

With that out of the way, yes, the aftermarket has many turbocharger and supercharger kits available for your BRZ/86. However, to be on the safe side, supercharger kits are preferred because superchargers are belt-driven. Therefore, you are also limited on boost. This is good if you have a stock motor. Turbocharger kits there will always be fabrication that is needed. Whether it be the up pipe to host the turbo, to the intercooler pipes, and even the downpipe to cat-back. Supercharger kits will come with everything needed to bolt right up to your BRZ/FRS/86. The main item needed at this point is the tuning based on the fuel you will be using, and the elevation levels based on where you live. Here are some great examples:

 

HKS GT V3 Supercharger Kit w/ECU Tuning 2013-2016 BRZ/FR-S

 

 

HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit 2022-2024 BRZ/GR86