Why the Subaru BRZ FA24 Is an Ideal Platform for Turbocharging

The second-generation Subaru BRZ (and its twins, the Toyota GR86 and Scion FR-S successor) features the FA24 engine—a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer four that already produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb‑ft of torque. While that output is respectable, the FA24’s closed-deck design, forged connecting rods, and robust oil system make it a strong candidate for forced induction. The Greddy Turbo Kit is one of the most popular and well-engineered solutions, providing a clear path to a reliable 320 wheel horsepower (WHp) or more. This cost breakdown covers everything you need to budget for—from the kit itself to tuning, labor, and supporting modifications.

Understanding the Greddy Turbo Kit for the FA24

Greddy offers a purpose-built turbo kit for the BRZ FA24, sold as a complete system. The kit includes a Greddy T517Z turbocharger (a journal-bearing unit sized for quick spool and good top‑end flow), a cast iron exhaust manifold, a front‑mount intercooler, charge piping, a blow‑off valve, and all necessary hardware. Typical power levels with conservative tuning on 93 octane fuel fall between 300–340 WHp, with the 320 WHp target being a sweet spot for daily driving reliability.

Kit Components Worth Highlighting

  • Turbocharger: Greddy T517Z (similar to a Garrett GT2860RS but optimized for the boxer layout).
  • Intercooler: Cast aluminum core with 400‑720 CFM airflow rating.
  • Piping & Hoses: 2.5‑inch to 3‑inch aluminum charge pipes with silicone couplers that reduce boost lag.
  • Injectors: 750cc or 1000cc injectors (depending on kit revision) to support the fuel demand.
  • Wastegate: Integrated internal wastegate—no external gate required for the 320 WHp goal.
  • ECU Tuning: The kit ships with a base calibration file for the factory ECU (via EcuTek or similar), but professional dyno tuning is strongly recommended.

Cost Breakdown: From Kit to Keys

Below is an itemized breakdown with real‑world pricing as of 2025. Prices vary by retailer, location, and optional upgrades, so ranges are provided where applicable.

ItemEstimated Cost
Greddy Turbo Kit (complete with injectors)$4,200–$4,800
Professional Installation Labor (20–25 hours)$1,200–$1,800
ECU Tuning (dyno time + license)$500–$800
Supporting Parts (clutch, fuel pump, exhaust)$800–$1,500
Miscellaneous (fluids, gaskets, tools, dyno pull fees)$200–$400
Total Estimated Range$6,900–$9,300

The original article listed a static $6,500 total, but that figure does not account for the typical need to upgrade the clutch, replace the fuel pump, or pay shop rates in 2025. Here’s the breakdown of each major category.

Greddy Turbo Kit – $4,200–$4,800

Pricing varies by vendor (e.g., Greddy’s official store lists kits starting around $4,500, while enthusiasts can find deals through forum group buys or pre‑owned units. The kit includes injectors, but you may optionally upgrade to 1000cc units for future E85 capability—adding ~$200. The T517Z turbo is journal bearing; a ball‑bearing upgrade can cost an extra $400–$600, but it’s unnecessary for the 320 WHp target.

Installation Labor – $1,200–$1,800

Installing a turbo kit on a boxer engine is labor‑intensive because of the engine layout. A reputable shop specializing in Subaru builds will charge $120–$180 per hour, and the job typically takes 20–25 hours. If you are mechanically experienced, you can save $1,500 doing it yourself, but you’ll still need a lift, proper tools, and a trusted tuner. DIY installation risks are real—one misrouted oil line or overtorqued bolt can lead to engine failure. For most owners, professional installation is a wise investment.

ECU Tuning – $500–$800

The factory ECU is locked in 2022+ BRZs, so you either need an unlocked ECU (EcuTek ProEcu kit, ~$500 license) or a piggyback system. Most tuners prefer EcuTek for data logging and safety features. A proper dyno tune includes street pulls, wideband air‑fuel ratio monitoring, and ignition timing dial‑in. Remote tuning (email tunes) costs less ($300–$400) but requires you to have the base kit installed and a logging device. Excellent sources include EcuTek and tuners like Delicious Tuning or CorSport. Do not run the car on the base calibration file—it’s only meant for initial startup.

Supporting Parts – $800–$1,500

This is the area where budgets blow up if you skip it. At 320 WHp, the stock clutch will slip after a few hard pulls. A replacement performance clutch (e.g., ACT, Exedy, or South Bend) costs $400–$700 plus installation. The fuel pump (in‑tank) should be upgraded to a Walbro 255 lph or AEM 340 lph for reliable fuel supply—$100–$200. Many owners also add a high‑flow catted front pipe or cat‑back exhaust to reduce backpressure; that’s another $400–$700. Oil cooler kits (e.g., Greddy, Mishimoto) are highly recommended for track use—add $300–$500.

Miscellaneous – $200–$400

Fluids (engine oil, coolant, transmission oil), replacement gaskets, anti‑seize, thread locker, and a boost gauge or AccessPort mount can easily reach $300. If you don’t already own a torque wrench, OBD‑II scanner, or jack stands, budget an extra $100.

Benefits of the Greddy Turbo Kit at 320 WHp

Choosing the Greddy kit means more than just peak horsepower. The torque curve transforms the driving experience. The stock FA24 makes peak torque around 3,700 rpm; with the turbo, you’ll see 260–280 lb‑ft from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm, completely eliminating the need to rev the engine out for passing power. Other key benefits include:

  • Daily Driver Friendliness: The T517Z spools by 2,500 rpm, making the car effortless in traffic.
  • Reliability: Greddy’s cast manifold and oil‑cooled turbo do not crack under normal use, and the intercooler keeps intake temps under 110°F on street drives.
  • Resale Value: A well‑documented, professionally installed turbo kit can increase the vehicle’s resale value by $2,000–$4,000 compared to a stock car.
  • Aftermarket Support: Greddy’s ecosystem includes plug‑and‑play oil lines, no need for drilling the oil pan, and a large community of owners sharing maps and tips on forums like FT86Club and Reddit’s r/ft86.

Considerations Before You Buy

Warranty and Insurance Implications

Installing the Greddy kit will void your powertrain warranty. The subaru 3‑year/36,000‑mile warranty no longer covers engine or transmission components once you boost. Some aftermarket extended warranties may accept modifications if professionally installed, but read the fine print. Insurance companies typically view turbochargers as a performance modification; you must disclose it. Expect a 10–20% premium increase, or in some cases, a requirement to use a specialist insurer (e.g., Hagerty, Grundy).

The Greddy kit is not CARB‑approved (California Air Resources Board) for the 2022+ BRZ. If you live in a state that uses emissions testing under visual inspection (California, New York, etc.), you will fail without removing the kit or installing a high‑flow catalytic converter and a custom tune that hides the CEL. Many owners keep the stock emissions gear and tune around the O2 sensors—still not street‑legal in CARB states. Check your local laws before ordering.

Supporting Upgrades You Shouldn’t Skip for 320 WHp

  • Clutch: The stock single‑mass clutch makes 320 WHp the absolute limit before slippage. Upgrade immediately.
  • Tires: Stock Primacy HP tires will spin in second and third gear. Dedicated summer tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Toyo Proxes) are highly recommended.
  • Brakes: 320 WHp means you’ll be going faster into corners. Upgraded pads and fluid (e.g., Project Mu, Endless) cost $200–$400.
  • Engine Monitoring: A wideband air‑fuel ratio gauge and oil pressure gauge are cheap insurance—$150 for a combined gauge kit.

Future Power Potential

One of the reasons the Greddy kit is popular is its headroom. With upgraded injectors (1000cc), a higher‑flow exhaust system, and E85 fuel, the same turbo can support 400 WHp+ (beyond our target). If you think you’ll want more power later, budget now for a fuel pump (e.g., AEM 340) and a larger intercooler.

Total Estimated Cost: The Realistic Number

If you project everything—kit, labor, tuning, clutch, fuel pump, and miscellany—you should plan on 7,000–$9,000 for a reliable, turn‑key 320 WHp upgrade. Skipping the clutch ($700 saved) or doing the installation yourself ($1,500 saved) could drop you to the $5,500–$6,500 range, but that risks reliability and safety. Shop prices vary; get quotes from three reputable Subaru tuners before committing.

Conclusion: Is the Greddy Kit Worth It?

For an enthusiast who values smooth power delivery, excellent build quality, and a kit that fits without cutting parts, the Greddy Turbo Kit is the gold standard for the FA24 BRZ. At 320 WHp, the car becomes a legitimate all‑weather sports car that can keep up with a Porsche Cayman S on backroads. The upfront cost is not cheap, but the driving experience—linear boost, immediate throttle response, and that signature boxer rumble with a whistle—is addictive. Start by sourcing the kit from a trusted retailer like Greddy’s website or a distributor like MAPerformance, then book a dyno appointment with a certified EcuTek tuner. Your BRZ will thank you.