Upgrading your Toyota 86 (also known as the Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S) with forced induction is one of the most effective ways to unlock serious horsepower gains. The two primary paths—supercharging and turbocharging—each come with distinct costs, installation requirements, and driving experiences. This expanded cost breakdown covers every major component, labor estimate, and hidden expense, helping you build a realistic budget for your project. We’ll also explore performance trade‑offs so you can match the upgrade to your driving goals.

Understanding Superchargers and Turbochargers

Both superchargers and turbochargers increase engine power by forcing additional air into the combustion chamber, but their operating principles differ significantly.

Supercharger Basics

A supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine’s crankshaft via a belt or chain. This direct connection means it provides immediate boost pressure with no lag, delivering linear power that builds predictably at any RPM. Common supercharger types for the FA20 engine include positive‑displacement (Eaton TVS, Roots) and centrifugal designs. Because the supercharger is always spinning with the engine, it consumes some parasitic power, but on the Toyota 86 it still yields substantial gains (50–100+ whp depending on the kit).

Turbocharger Basics

A turbocharger uses exhaust gas to spin a turbine, which in turn compresses intake air. This eliminates parasitic engine drag, making turbos more efficient at high boost levels. The trade‑off is turbo lag—a slight delay before boost builds—because the turbine needs a certain exhaust flow to spool. Modern turbo kits for the 86 often use small‑to‑medium turbos to minimize lag (e.g., Garrett GT25 or BorgWarner EFR units), still offering strong mid‑range and top‑end power. Turbo cars typically produce higher peak horsepower and torque at the expense of immediate throttle response below 3,000 RPM.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • Response: Superchargers offer instant throttle response; turbochargers have a small lag but can produce bigger top‑end numbers.
  • Heat: Superchargers sit on top of the engine and radiate heat; turbochargers are more heat‑wrapped but require oil‑coolant lines.
  • Installation complexity: Turbo kits require routing exhaust, oil, and intercooler piping, often increasing labor time vs. a supercharger.
  • Sound: Superchargers whine; turbos produce a distinctive wastegate flutter and intake rush.

Cost Breakdown: Supercharger Upgrades

Below we detail every component and labor cost for a typical supercharger install on a Toyota 86. Prices are based on current aftermarket pricing (2024–2025) and average shop rates.

Supercharger Kit

Complete kits range from $3,000 to $5,500 depending on brand and included parts. Popular options include:

  • Edelbrock E‑Force (Eaton TVS): ~$4,200 – $4,500. Known for low heat soak and CARB approval.
  • Sprintex (Roots‑type): ~$3,000 – $3,600. More affordable but can run hot without a proper heat exchanger.
  • Harrop (Eaton TVS): ~$4,800 – $5,500. Premium fitment and excellent tuning support.
  • JRZ / Kraftwerks (Centrifugal): ~$3,500 – $4,000. Different power delivery, higher top‑end potential.

Most kits include the supercharger unit, intake manifold, belt, idlers, injectors (or spacers), and a basic tune file. FT86 Speed Factory offers detailed kit breakdowns.

Installation Labor

Supercharger installation is relatively straightforward because no exhaust manifold removal is needed. Expect $500 – $1,500 in labor depending on shop rates ($100–$150/hour). A skilled mechanic will need 6–10 hours. If you also install an oil cooler or upgraded radiator, add 2–4 hours.

Supporting Modifications

  • Fuel System: If your kit doesn’t include upgraded injectors, plan on $300 – $600 for DW700cc injectors or a fuel pump upgrade.
  • Oil Cooler: Highly recommended to keep oil temps safe. A setrab or Mishimoto cooler costs $300 – $500 plus installation.
  • Cooling System: Upgraded radiator or intercooler (for centrifugal) adds $400 – $800.
  • Clutch: The stock clutch slips above ~250 whp. A performance clutch (ACT, Exedy) runs $400 – $700 plus labor.

Tuning

Even with a preloaded tune, proper dyno tuning is vital for reliability and power. Professional tuning costs $300 – $800. Many shops use ECUTEk or OpenFlash. Some kits come with a base tune, but a custom calibration optimizes timing and fuel.

Total Supercharger Cost Range

  • Budget build (used kit, DIY install, minimal supporting mods): ~$4,000 – $5,500
  • Typical shop build (new kit, installed, with oil cooler and tune): ~$5,500 – $7,500
  • Premium build (top kit, full cooling, clutch, custom ECU): ~$8,000 – $10,000+

The average enthusiast spends around $6,500 for a reliable, daily‑driveable supercharged 86 making 280–320 whp.

Cost Breakdown: Turbocharger Upgrades

Turbocharging the FA20 requires more componentry and labor, which generally pushes costs higher than supercharging.

Turbocharger Kit

Full turbo kits range from $3,500 to $7,500. Notable options:

  • Full Blown Motorsports Stage 1 (Garrett GT2860RS): ~$4,200 – $4,800. Great spool, good for 300+ whp.
  • AVO Turboworld (turbo manifold + intercooler): ~$3,500 – $4,000 (requires extra bits).
  • GReddy / Trust T518Z kit: ~$5,000 – $5,500. Complete with downpipe and intercooler.
  • PTE 5858 or 6266 custom setups: $5,500 – $7,500. High power capability (400+ whp) but more lag.

Most turbo kits include the turbocharger, manifold, downpipe, intercooler, charge pipes, oil lines, and wastegate. Some also include a blow‑off valve and basic tune. Countermeasure Garage reviews many 86 turbo kits.

Installation Labor

Because turbocharging involves removing the exhaust manifold and running oil/coolant lines, installation is more time‑consuming: $600 – $1,800. Hourly rates: $100–$150. Plan for 8–14 hours. If you add a turbo‑specific oil pan or scavenge pump, add 2–3 hours.

Supporting Modifications

  • Intercooler: Usually included in the kit, but upgraded bar‑and‑plate core costs $200 – $400 extra.
  • Exhaust System: A full 3” cat‑back (or turbo‑back) adds $400 – $800. Some kits include it.
  • Fuel System: Upgraded fuel pump and injectors are mandatory for turbo. Budget $400 – $700.
  • Oil System: High‑flow oil pump, cooler, and maybe an accusump: $500 – $1,000. Failure to manage oil can kill the turbo.
  • Clutch: As with supercharger, the stock clutch won’t hold 300+ whp. $400 – $700 plus labor.

Tuning

Turbo cars demand professional tuning to avoid knock and overboost conditions. Expect $400 – $900 for a skilled tuner. Flex‑fuel sensor with ethanol tune adds another $200–300.

Total Turbocharger Cost Range

  • Budget build (used kit, DIY install, minimal cooling): ~$5,000 – $7,000
  • Typical shop build (mid‑range kit, installed, intercooler, fuel, tune): ~$7,500 – $10,000
  • Premium build (high‑end turbo, full oil system, upgraded clutch, custom ECU): ~$10,000 – $14,000+

Most owners targeting 300–350 whp spend around $8,500 – $9,500 for a reliable turbo setup.

Comparative Analysis of Costs

When you line up the two options side by side, supercharging is generally 25‑30% less expensive than turbocharging for the same power level. However, the total cost depends on your power target and how much you DIY.

Cost by Component Comparison

  • Base kit: Supercharger $3,000–$5,500 vs. Turbo $3,500–$7,500 – turbo tends to be higher but offers more peak power potential.
  • Installation: Supercharger $500–$1,500 vs. Turbo $600–$1,800 – turbo is 30–50% more labor.
  • Supporting mods: Supercharger $500–$1,800 vs. Turbo $1,500–$3,500 – turbo requires extensive cooling and exhaust changes.
  • Tuning: Both similar: $300–$900.

Hidden and Long‑Term Costs

  • Maintenance: Turbo oil lines and bearings require more frequent checks; supercharger belts need replacement every 20k–30k miles.
  • Heat management: Turbo cars often need intercooler ducting and heat wrapping ($200–$400). Supercharged cars benefit from hood vents or a larger radiator ($300–$600).
  • Reliability: The FA20’s oil squirters and ring landings can be an issue above 350 whp. Many enthusiasts reinforce the block (pistons, rods) for $2,500–$4,000 – not cheap.
  • Resale: A professionally installed, well‑tuned forced‑induction 86 can hold value better than a botched job. Documenting the build is critical.

Overall, if your budget is under $7,000, supercharging is the clear winner. Above $10,000, a turbo setup can outpace a supercharger in power and efficiency, but only if you invest in proper engine management and cooling.

Performance Considerations

Cost is only half the equation. The way you intend to drive matters just as much.

Power Delivery and Driving Feel

  • Supercharged: Instant torque from idle to redline. The car feels like a larger displacement engine. Perfect for daily driving, autocross, and canyon carving where response is king.
  • Turbocharged: Linear torque curve once boost hits, with a strong surge in the mid‑range and top‑end. Better for track days, drag strips, and top‑speed runs. The lag can be managed with a 6‑speed manual, but auto cars feel lazier.

Reliability Under Stress

Superchargers keep the exhaust system stock, reducing heat in the engine bay. Turbochargers add heat to the exhaust side, which can stress the catalytic converters and oil system. On track, a turbo 86 will require oil coolers and possibly an upgraded radiator more often than a supercharged car. Driven Performance has documented many FA20 forced‑induction builds and notes that cooling upgrades are non‑negotiable for any track‑driven turbo car.

Power Ceiling

With supporting mods, a supercharged FA20 can safely make 350–400 whp (on race gas or E85). Turbocharged engines can go well beyond 500 whp, but at that level you must strengthen the engine internals, upgrade the transmission, and install a standalone ECU. That’s a separate $10k–$15k project.

Daily Driving vs. Track Focus

  • Supercharger: Offers excellent drivability in traffic, no spool delay, and easier maintenance. You can keep A/C and power steering without issues.
  • Turbocharger: Requires more careful throttle modulation, especially in wet conditions. The extra heat can make traffic driving uncomfortable without proper heat shielding. However, turbos are more efficient for highway cruising (engine doesn’t work as hard to maintain speed).

Final Recommendations

Choose a supercharger if you want the simplest, most affordable force‑induction upgrade with immediate response and under‑$7,000 total investment. Kits like Edelbrock and Harrop are proven to be reliable with 280–330 whp, and you can install it with basic tools at home. It’s the ideal “street‑plus” upgrade.

Go with a turbocharger if you crave the highest possible horsepower and efficiency, are comfortable with a steeper budget (above $8,500), and plan to track the car regularly. A well‑sorted turbo 86 is a thrill on any circuit, but the extra cost and complexity must be factored into your build plan.

Remember to set aside 10‑15% of your total budget for unexpected issues—such as clutch slippage, oil leaks, or tuning revisions. Research dyno results on FT86Club and consult a reputable tuner before buying any parts. With careful planning, either upgrade will transform your Toyota 86 into a genuinely fast, responsive machine.