POLL: Should I turbocharge or supercharge my BRZ/GT86/FRS? #50YearsofBoxer

12 May 2016

After conducting a bit of research, it looks like fitting a supercharger is the best option for the BRZ. Supposedly a turbocharger puts quite a lot of stress on the engine and I don’t really want to touch the internals. Whereas the lower torque of a supercharger is easier on the engine while still giving significant top end gains.

It’s also much easier to source a supercharger in the UK. My colleague Matt Robinson investigated this during his review of the Cosworth GT86:

“Going only on anecdotal evidence, it seems very much like there are far more supercharging options available in the UK for the GT86 than turbo kits. The reason? It’s all to do with where the steering wheel is.
On all GT86s and BRZs, the exhaust manifold exits to the left-hand side of the car. So, on left-hand drive vehicles, there’s a nice space for a turbo on the other side of the engine. On right-hand drive cars though, that space is taken up by the steering column. It is possible to mount a turbo further forward and lower down, but it’s not the best place for keeping a blower cool, Feasey tells us.
So, if your steering wheel’s on the right, you’re better off with a supercharger.”

So, it’s fair to say that I have my heart set on a supercharger. But what would you guys do? Let me know by taking the poll below!

Make sure to join the GT86/BRZ/FRS Forum to follow the build!

Comments

Supercharger

now that i learned a turbocharger on a right hand drive is not so easy, i will say supercharger :)

Supercharger, ftw. Mind, it’d still be prudent to go forged rods/pistons/pins before applying boost. Stock is 12.5:1 compression, so dropping that a little wouldn’t hurt, either. I know over here, a new FA20 short block is around $3k, so avoiding throwing a rod would probably be for the best.

Edelbrock also makes a supercharger kit. YouTuber TJ Hunt had one fitted to his BRZ. Relatively affordable.

Supercharged!

For lower power applications for that car under 350hp I say supercharge it or procharger

Do a Cosworth supercharger kit

I think that a turbocharger would make the driving experience more dramatic just because of the characteristics of it, lag lag lag then booooost! However, the supercharger is probably the better option just because of the linear powerband and reliability. Also, you can use an unequal length exhaust manifold with a supercharger to get the awesome Subaru boxer sound, which I would do for sure!