The Subaru BRZ with the FA24 engine has quickly become a favorite platform for enthusiasts chasing meaningful, reliable power gains. The 2.4-liter boxer engine offers a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, but unlocking its full potential still requires carefully planned modifications. This guide provides a detailed cost breakdown for every major power upgrade category, from simple bolt-ons to full forced induction systems. Understanding these costs—including parts, labor, tuning, and supporting modifications—will help you build a realistic budget and avoid expensive mistakes.

Cold Air Intakes: The Entry-Level Power Upgrade

A cold air intake (CAI) is often the first modification owners consider. The FA24 responds well to increased airflow, and a quality intake can improve throttle response and add a modest 5–10 wheel horsepower when paired with a tune. However, not all intakes are created equal, and costs vary significantly based on design, materials, and filter type.

Basic Cold Air Intake Systems

Entry-level intakes typically use a dry or oiled cotton filter with an aluminum or plastic heat shield. These are suitable for daily drivers seeking a subtle sound improvement. Expect to pay $200–$400 for brands like K&N, Injen, or AEM. Installation is straightforward and can be done in under two hours with basic hand tools.

High-Performance Intakes

Premium cold air intakes from companies like Grimmspeed or MAPerformance feature larger filter surfaces, carbon fiber tubes, and tighter sealing against hot engine bay air. These can range $400–$800. Some include a velocity stack design that further optimizes airflow. Gains are marginal over basic intakes unless paired with a custom tune. Many owners also purchase a silicone intake hose separately ($50–$100) to replace the restrictive factory part.

Considerations for Cold Air Intakes

While intakes are relatively inexpensive, they do not deliver significant power without a proper tune. Simply bolting on an intake without recalibrating the ECU may even cause the engine to run lean. Budget an additional $300–$600 for an off-the-shelf (OTS) tune or dyno session if you want to realize the full benefit. Also, some states have strict emissions laws—verify that the intake you choose is CARB-legal if required.

Exhaust Systems: From Sound to Flow

Replacing the factory exhaust reduces backpressure and allows the FA24 to breathe more freely. exhaust upgrades also change the character of the engine note, making them one of the most satisfying modifications for the money. The cost depends on which sections you replace and what materials you choose.

Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

A cat-back system replaces the piping from the catalytic converter back to the tips. Prices span $500–$1,500. Stainless steel systems (e.g., Perrin, FT86 Speed Factory) sit on the lower end, while titanium or dual-cup designs push toward the upper range. Cat-backs typically add 5–10 hp and a more aggressive tone. Expect to pay $100–$200 for professional installation if you do not have a lift or welding equipment.

Header Upgrades

The FA24’s factory header (exhaust manifold) is restrictive, particularly for spooling a turbocharger. Replacing it with a quality aftermarket header can unlock 10–15 hp on a naturally aspirated setup. Headers cost $300–$1,000. Common choices include Tomei, Gruppe-S, and JDL Auto Design. Unequal length headers (UEL) produce the classic Subaru rumble but may sacrifice a small amount of top-end power compared to equal-length (EL) designs. Installation is labor-intensive—many shops charge $300–$500 for this job because it involves removing the engine’s under tray, loosening motor mounts, and torquing exhaust nuts in tight spaces.

Full Exhaust Systems

For maximum gains, owners combine a header, front pipe (or over-pipe), and cat-back. A complete exhaust system can cost $1,200–$3,000 for parts alone. When adding a turbo kit later, the full exhaust will likely need to be upgraded again, so plan accordingly. Consider whether you want catted or catless front pipes—catted is louder and more environmentally friendly, but catless can add 5–8 hp and cost $100–$200 less.

Engine Tuning and ECU Upgrades

Tuning is the single most important modification on the FA24 platform. Without proper calibration, even the best hardware will leave power on the table and may cause knock or drivability issues. The FA24 uses a Bosch ECU that is flashable via various platforms. Costs vary based on the tuning solution and whether you opt for remote, OTS, or custom dyno tuning.

Basic Tuning Solutions

Entry-level tuning is typically done with an off-the-shelf (OTS) map from a trusted tuner like Delicious Tuning or using an open-source tool like EcuTek. Expect to pay $300–$600 for a cable, license, and the OTS file. This is suitable for bolt-on modifications (intake, cat-back, header). OTS maps are generally safe but conservative.

Advanced Tuning Packages

For forced induction or heavily modified engines, a custom dyno tune costs $600–$1,200. A professional tuner will adjust fuel timing, boost control (if applicable), and ignition maps while monitoring knock and AFR in real time. This ensures maximum power and safety. Some tuners offer e-tuning (remote) for $400–$700, where you log data on the street and send it for revisions. This is a good middle-ground if you cannot travel to a dyno.

When budgeting, factor in the cost of an upgraded fuel pump and injectors (discussed below) if your tuner recommends them. Also, some tuning platforms like EcuTek or Cobb Accessport require a dongle/license that adds $150–$300.

Forced Induction: Superchargers and Turbo Kits

The FA24 is capable of producing over 400 wheel horsepower on a stock bottom end with the right forced induction setup. However, these kits represent the biggest investment in your build. Superchargers and turbochargers have different characteristics, costs, and supporting requirements.

Supercharger Kits

Centrifugal and positive-displacement superchargers are both available for the BRZ FA24. Supercharger kits cost $4,000–$7,000. Brands like Harrop and Edelbrock offer complete supercharger solutions that include a blower, intake manifold, intercooler, and all necessary hardware. Installation can cost $1,500–$2,500 if done by a shop. Superchargers provide immediate, linear power and are generally easier to live with for daily driving. However, they generate more heat and may require an upgraded oil cooler ($400–$800) and radiator ($500–$1,000).

Turbo Kits

Turbo kits for the FA24 are becoming more prevalent. Prices range $3,500–$8,000, depending on the turbo size, manifold material, and included components. Entry-level kits from FT86 Speed Factory use a small frame turbo for quick spool and 300–350 whp, while larger setups (e.g., from Perrin or reputable fabricators) can push 500+ whp with built internals. Installation is more involved than a supercharger—expect $2,000–$3,500 in labor for a complete kit, including welding, custom piping, and wiring. Add $500–$1,500 for a boost controller, blow-off valve, and wastegate plumbing if the kit is not fully inclusive.

Both forced induction options require a high-flow fuel pump and injectors (see next section), a heavy-duty clutch ($400–$1,000), and often upgraded engine mounts ($150–$300) to handle the extra torque. Do not forget to budget for an aftermarket oil cooler and a robust intercooler setup.

Intercoolers and Fuel System Upgrades

Supporting modifications are not optional when you add forced induction. They ensure the engine gets enough fuel and stays cool under sustained load. Neglecting these can lead to detonation, high IATs, and premature engine failure.

Intercooler Upgrades

For supercharged applications, an air-to-air intercooler is standard. Some kits include a bar-and-plate core that outperforms the stock unit. Standalone intercooler upgrades cost $500–$1,500. For turbo builds, you may need a larger front-mount intercooler (FMIC) or a hybrid air-to-water system. Prices vary widely—a quality FMIC from Mishimoto or similar is usually $600–$1,200, with piping kits adding $200–$400.

Fuel Pump and Injector Upgrades

The FA24’s stock fuel system can support around 300 whp on pump gas. Beyond that, you will need an upgraded high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) and larger injectors. A complete fuel system upgrade costs $300–$1,000 for parts. Popular choices include a DW300c pump, Injector Dynamics or FIC 1050cc injectors, and a 5–7 bar fuel pressure regulator. Installation can be performed at home with some mechanical experience, but many shops charge $200–$500 for labor. Additionally, you may need a flex-fuel kit ($300–$500) if you intend to run E85 for higher octane and increased power.

Oil Cooling and Heat Management

A dedicated oil cooler is advisable for any forced induction build, especially for track use. Kits range $400–$1,000 and include a sandwich plate, lines, and a thermostatic sandwich plate. Consider also an upgraded radiator ($500–$800) and a lower temperature thermostat ($50–$100). While these items are not strictly part of the power upgrade path, they are essential for maintaining reliability and consistent performance.

Total Build Cost Budgeting

To help you plan, here is a consolidated breakdown of a typical “stage 2” bolt-on build versus a full forged induction setup:

Bolt-On Build (Naturally Aspirated)

  • Cold air intake: $300–$400
  • Cat-back exhaust: $600–$1,000
  • Header: $400–$700
  • Tuning (OTS): $400–$600
  • Installation labor (DIY savings): $0–$300
  • Total: $1,700–$3,000

Entry-Level Turbo or Supercharger Build (300–350 whp)

  • Forced induction kit: $4,000–$6,000
  • Fuel system upgrade: $800–$1,200
  • Intercooler (if not included): $500–$1,000
  • Clutch: $500–$900
  • Oil cooler: $400–$800
  • Custom tune: $700–$1,200
  • Installation labor: $2,000–$3,500
  • Total: $8,900–$14,600

These figures do not include optional upgrades like a built short block ($2,500–$5,000), upgraded turbo manifold ($500–$1,000), or aftermarket engine management (e.g., MoTeC, $2,000+). Always add a 10–15% contingency for unforeseen parts or shipping costs.

Conclusion

The BRZ FA24 platform is a rewarding canvas for performance enthusiasts, but the cost of power upgrades scales quickly as you move past basic bolt-ons. A well-planned budget that accounts for tuning, supporting modifications, and professional labor will prevent financial surprises and ensure your build is both powerful and reliable. Start with a cold air intake and exhaust to learn the platform, then graduate to forced induction when you are ready for a significant investment in both money and time. No matter your path, investing in quality components and expert tuning will yield the best results for your BRZ FA24 project.