Upgrading your Scion FR‑S with a Garrett GTX2867R turbocharger is one of the most effective ways to transform its naturally aspirated FA20 engine into a potent forced‑induction powerhouse. However, a successful conversion requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the full financial commitment. This article delivers a detailed, practical cost breakdown—covering the turbo itself, necessary supporting modifications, installation labor, and professional tuning—so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Understanding the Garrett GTX2867R Turbocharger

The Garrett GTX2867R belongs to the company’s advanced GTX line, which incorporates proprietary technologies like dual‑ball‑bearing cartridges and a billet‑aluminum compressor wheel. Key specs include a 52‑mm compressor inducer, a 60‑mm turbine wheel, and a 0.86 A/R turbine housing (commonly used for the FR‑S). These features translate into several tangible benefits for the FA20:

  • Rapid spool: Thanks to the lightweight rotating assembly and efficient aerodynamics, the GTX2867R reaches full boost earlier than many comparable turbos—often around 3,000–3,300 rpm. This preserves daily‑driveability while delivering serious mid‑range punch.
  • High flow capacity: The billet compressor wheel supports up to approximately 400 wheel horsepower on pump gas (93 octane) and more with ethanol. This makes it suitable for both street and track applications.
  • Robust durability: Dual ball bearings reduce friction and oiling demands, extending service life. Garrett rates the CHRA for sustained high‑boost operation with proper oil supply.
  • Easy packaging: The compact footprint fits the FR‑S engine bay without major firewall or frame modifications, simplifying installation.

For reference, you can explore the official Garrett GTX Gen II product page for detailed compressor maps and flange options.

Complete Component Breakdown

A turbo upgrade is not simply bolting on a new turbocharger. The fuel system, intake path, exhaust tract, and engine management must all be upgraded to handle the increased airflow. Below is the line‑item cost breakdown, with typical retail ranges for the Scion FR‑S.

1. Turbocharger and Mounting Kit

The GTX2867R itself is available as a bare turbo or as part of a complete turbo kit from various vendors. Prices vary widely depending on what’s included.

  • Bare Garrett GTX2867R turbocharger: $1,200 – $1,500
  • Turbo manifold (top‑mount or bottom‑mount, typical FR‑S applications): $400 – $800
  • Turbo blanket and heat shielding: $50 – $150
  • Oil and coolant lines, fittings, banjo bolts: $100 – $250
  • Complete bolt‑on kit (turbo, manifold, lines, gaskets, and hardware): $2,000 – $3,000

Buying a complete kit (e.g., from FT86 Speed Factory or 86Speed) can simplify sourcing and often lower total cost compared to assembling piecemeal.

2. Fuel System Upgrades

The FA20’s stock fuel system cannot supply enough volume for the GTX2867R’s airflow. You will need:

  • High‑impedance fuel injectors (750–1050 cc/min, depending on power target): $400 – $700
  • Upgraded fuel pump (e.g., Walbro 525, DW300c, or AEM 340): $150 – $300
  • Fuel pump rewire kit or voltage controller: $40 – $100
  • Flex‑fuel sensor and ethanol content analyzer (optional, for E85): $200 – $350
  • Return‑style fuel system (if aiming for 400+ whp and increased safety): $600 – $1,200

3. Induction and Exhaust System

Your turbo needs to breathe unhindered. Upgrade both the inlet and the outlet.

  • Cold‑air intake with larger filter and 3″ tubing: $200 – $400
  • Front‑mount intercooler kit (FMIC) with piping: $500 – $1,200
  • Blow‑off valve (BOV) or recirculation valve: $100 – $250
  • Turbo downpipe with high‑flow catalytic converter (or catless): $300 – $600
  • Full 3″ cat‑back exhaust system: $500 – $1,000

Many owners choose a turbo‑specific exhaust that includes a wastegate dump tube. If you go with a standard header‑back exhaust, ensure it matches the new downpipe flange.

4. Engine Management and Tuning

Without proper tuning, a GTX2867R installation will run lean, knock, or produce disappointing power. Two common tuning routes exist:

  • ECU reflash via OpenFlash Tablet or EcuTek: $500 – $1,000 (device + license)
  • Standalone ECU (e.g., Haltech, Motec, Link G4X): $1,500 – $3,000 (units + harness)
  • Professional dyno tuning session (3–6 hours): $500 – $1,200
  • E‑tune (remote, with data logging): $300 – $600

Most FR‑S owners with a GTX2867R use a reflashed factory ECU or a plug‑in standalone like the Ecumaster EMU Black. Tuning is not optional—it is required for safe and reliable operation.

5. Supporting Hardware and Consumables

These small but essential parts often get overlooked and can add $200–$500 to the total:

  • Turbo gaskets (manifold to head, turbine to downpipe, etc.)
  • Higher‑capacity radiator (the FA20 runs hot under boost)
  • Oil cooler and thermostat sandwich plate
  • Upgraded spark plugs (one step colder)
  • Boost controller (manual or electronic)
  • Boost gauge and wideband oxygen sensor
  • Fresh engine oil, coolant, and filters

Installation Labor

Labor costs depend heavily on your skill level and whether you have a shop do the work. A professional installation of a full turbo kit on a Scion FR‑S typically takes 25–40 hours. At shop rates of $100–$150/hour, the bill ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 for a full install, including fabrication if the kit is not completely bolt‑on.

If you are mechanically inclined and have a garage with proper tools, you can tackle the job yourself. Expect to spend a full weekend plus a couple of evenings. DIY labor saves you the shop cost but adds risk if something is misrouted or not tightened properly. Many experienced owners recommend having a professional handle the final boost leak test and tune.

Total Estimated Cost Summary

Adding up all components and labor, here is a realistic budget range for a well‑executed GTX2867R upgrade on a Scion FR‑S. Prices assume you are not buying a complete turn‑key “everything included” kit, but rather sourcing components individually for a budget‑friendly build.

  • Turbocharger (bare) + manifold + lines: $1,800 – $2,500
  • Fuel system (injectors, pump, lines, flex fuel optional): $600 – $1,800
  • Intake + intercooler + exhaust: $1,200 – $2,600
  • Engine management + tuning: $800 – $2,200
  • Supporting hardware/consumables: $300 – $600
  • Labor (professional install): $2,500 – $6,000

Grand total DIY (no labor) with basic parts: $4,700 – $7,500

Grand total full professional install with premium components and tuning: $9,200 – $15,700

These numbers are estimates and can vary based on sales, used parts, local labor rates, and the specific power target. A “budget” build that skips an intercooler upgrade, uses used injectors, and tunes with an off‑the‑shelf base map might come in near the lower end, but it sacrifices safety and reliability.

Performance Expectations and Driveability

After installation and tuning, a GTX2867R‑equipped FR‑S typically makes 320–370 wheel horsepower on 93 octane with conservative timing, and 380–430 whp on E85 with proper fueling. Boost levels range from 14–20 psi depending on the turbine housing and engine internals. The torque curve peaks broadly from 3,500 to 6,000 rpm, transforming the car’s character—it pulls hard from mid‑range all the way to redline.

Drivetrain components (clutch, transmission, differential) must be addressed. The stock clutch fails around 300 ft‑lb; budget an additional $500–$1,200 for a stage‑2 or stage‑3 clutch kit. The transmission and final drive are generally reliable to 400 whp, but many owners upgrade to an aftermarket cooler for track use.

Ongoing Maintenance and Reliability Considerations

A boosted FA20 demands more frequent maintenance. Expect to shorten oil change intervals to 3,000–4,000 miles with synthetic 5W‑30. Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles. Keep a close eye on boost leaks, AVCS solenoids, and the oil supply to the turbo. High‑mileage engines may benefit from a compression test before installation.

Proper tuning is the single biggest factor for long‑term reliability. A well‑calibrated GTX2867R setup, with safe air/fuel ratios and ignition timing, will last tens of thousands of miles if maintained. Pushing the turbo to its absolute limit on pump gas without supporting head studs is not recommended.

Alternative Routes and Final Recommendations

If the GTX2867R’s cost seems steep, consider a used OEM‑billet turbo or a smaller GT2860RS. However, the GTX2867R offers the best balance of spool and top‑end for the FA20. Joining forums like FT86 Club or Facebook groups can help you find package deals and secondhand parts from owners parting out their builds.

Before purchasing, contact a tuner who specializes in FA20 turbo builds (e.g., Delicious Tuning or Crawford Performance) to confirm compatibility with your specific year and ECU. A small consultation fee is money well spent.

In summary, upgrading to a Garrett GTX2867R on your Scion FR‑S is a significant investment—typically between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on your approach—but the result is a responsive, powerful, and reliable turbocharged platform that can hold its own against cars costing twice as much. Budget carefully, prioritize quality parts and calibration, and enjoy the transformation.