Understanding the Full Cost of a Scion FR‑S Performance Upgrade

The Scion FR‑S (and its mechanical twins, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86) remains a favourite among driving purists who want a lightweight, rear‑wheel‑drive platform that responds beautifully to mods. Whether you’re aiming for a punchy daily driver or a track‑ready weapon, the cost of a full performance upgrade can vary dramatically. This guide breaks down every major category—engine, exhaust, suspension, brakes, and tuning—with realistic price ranges for both budget‑conscious builders and those chasing every last horsepower.

Engine Upgrades: From Bolt‑Ons to Forced Induction

The FA20 engine in the FR‑S is a high‑revving 2.0‑litre boxer that loves to breathe. The most common starting points are intake, headers, and a tune, but serious power seekers turn to turbocharger or supercharger kits.

Cold Air Intakes & Intake Manifolds

A cold air intake (CAI) reduces restriction and can add 5–8 hp when paired with a tune. Budget options like Injen, K&N, or AEM cost $200–$500. If you want a full intake manifold upgrade, expect to spend $600–$1,200 on brands like GReddy or Perrin. These parts are easy DIY installs, so labour is minimal.

  • Cold Air Intake: $200–$500
  • Intake Manifold: $600–$1,200
  • Throttle Body Upgrade: $150–$400

Exhaust Headers & Cat‑Back Systems

Headers are one of the best value mods for the FA20. Unequal‑length headers (UEL) give that iconic Subaru rumble and free up ~10–15 hp. Prices range from $300–$800 (e.g., JDL, Tomei, Borla). Pair with a cat‑back exhaust ($500–$1,500) for a full exhaust system. If you want a high‑flow catalytic converter or a full turbo‑back system, budgets climb to $1,000–$2,000.

  • Headers (UEL or EL): $300–$800
  • Cat‑Back Exhaust: $500–$1,500
  • Full Exhaust (headers + cat‑back + front pipe): $1,000–$2,500

Forced Induction: Turbo vs. Supercharger

This is where things get expensive. A reliable turbocharger kit (e.g., Garrett, BorgWarner) with intercooler, piping, and wastegate typically runs $3,000–$5,000. Supercharger kits (e.g., Edelbrock, Jackson Racing, Harrop) are similar at $3,500–$6,000. Installation labour adds another $1,000–$2,000 unless you DIY. For a complete built engine (forged rods, pistons, bearings) to handle 400+ hp, budget an extra $3,000–$6,000.

Don’t forget supporting mods: upgraded fuel pump, injectors, and oil cooler. These add $500–$1,500 to a forced‑induction build.

Suspension & Handling Upgrades

The FR‑S already handles well, but a proper suspension setup transforms the car. Budget builds focus on springs and sway bars, while serious track cars get coilovers and adjustable arms.

Coilovers & Springs

Entry‑level coilovers (e.g., Megan Racing, BC Racing) start around $800–$1,200. Mid‑range options (KW, Fortune Auto, Tein) cost $1,200–$2,500. High‑end units from Öhlins or MCS can hit $3,000–$5,000. If you’re on a budget, lowering springs (Eibach, H&R) plus new struts run $400–$800.

  • Lowering Springs + Shocks: $400–$800
  • Entry Coilovers: $800–$1,200
  • Mid‑Range Coilovers: $1,200–$2,500
  • High‑End Coilovers: $3,000–$5,000

Anti‑Roll Bars (Sway Bars) & Braces

Upgraded sway bars reduce body roll for minimal cost. Whiteline, Subaru OEM STI, and Hotchkis offer front/rear sets for $200–$600. Strut braces (front and rear) add chassis stiffness for $100–$300. Adjustable end links ($100–$200) are recommended with aftermarket bars.

Control Arms & Bushings

To dial in alignment, install adjustable lower control arms (rear) and toe arms. Brands like SPL, Whiteline, and Cusco charge $300–$800 per pair. Full bushing kits (polyurethane or spherical) run $200–$600.

Brake Upgrades

Stopping power is critical, especially after adding power. Even a basic upgrade to performance pads and rotors makes a huge difference. For heavy track use, a multi‑piston big brake kit is wise.

Pads, Rotors & Lines

High‑performance street pads (e.g., EBC Yellowstuff, Ferodo DS2500) cost $100–$300 for a set. Slotted or drilled rotors (StopTech, Brembo) add $150–$500. Stainless steel braided brake lines are $100–$200 and improve pedal feel. A full street‑oriented brake refresh (pads + rotors + lines + fluid) totals $400–$1,000.

Big Brake Kits (BBK)

For serious stopping power, a 4‑piston or 6‑piston BBK (Brembo, AP Racing, StopTech) costs $1,500–$3,000 for the front axle. Rear BBKs add another $1,000–$2,000. These kits include calipers, larger rotors, and brackets. Used OEM Subaru STI Brembo swaps are popular and run $1,000–$1,800 for a full set.

Tuning & Software Adjustments

An ECU tune is the single best horsepower‑per‑dollar mod for the FR‑S. It also smooths throttle response and can improve fuel economy. You have two main routes: reflash via tools like ECUTek or open‑source tuning (RomRaider + Tactrix cable).

  • ECUTek Tune (cable + license + custom map): $600–$1,200
  • Open‑Source Tune (Tactrix cable + e‑tune): $200–$500
  • Dyno Tuning Session: $400–$1,200
  • ECUTek OBD Tuning Module (Cobb Accessport): $400–$700 (plus custom maps)

After significant mods (headers, injectors, forced induction), a proper dyno tune is recommended to ensure safe air/fuel ratios. Many shops charge around $500–$800 for a few pulls and street tuning.

Budget vs. High‑End Build: Real‑World Costs

Let’s assemble three performance packages to illustrate total spend. Prices include parts only; labour adds 20–40% if you can’t DIY.

Budget Build (~$1,500–$2,500)

Focus on the most effective small mods for a fun daily driver:

  • Cold air intake: $300
  • Cat‑back exhaust: $700
  • Performance brake pads + fluid: $250
  • ECU tune (open source): $400
  • Lowering springs (used) + alignment: $400
  • Total parts: ~$2,050

Estimated gain: 15–25 hp, improved braking and cornering.

Mid‑Range Build (~$6,000–$9,000)

Ideal for weekend track days and spirited street driving:

  • Headers + front pipe + cat‑back: $1,200
  • Entry coilovers + sway bars + end links: $1,600
  • Big brake kit (front) + rear pads/rotors: $1,800
  • ECUTek tune + dyno session: $1,000
  • Oil cooler + radiator upgrade: $600
  • Total parts: ~$6,200

Estimated gain: 30–40 hp, substantially better braking and cornering.

High‑End Build ($15,000–$25,000+)

For a dedicated track car or a street monster with 350+ hp:

  • Turbocharger kit (complete) + install: $6,000
  • Built engine (rods, pistons, bearings, gaskets): $5,000
  • Fuel system (injectors, pump, flex fuel): $1,000
  • High‑end coilovers: $3,000
  • Full big brake kit (front + rear): $3,500
  • Adjustable arms + bushings: $1,200
  • Professional dyno tune + data logging: $1,500
  • Total parts & machine work: ~$21,200

Estimated gain: 150–200 hp, race‑capable handling and braking.

Hidden Costs & Considerations

Beyond parts, every build incurs incidental expenses. Budget for consumables (oil, coolant, brake fluid), shop supplies, and special tools. Also factor in:

  • Labour: $80–$150/hour. A full turbo install takes 15–25 hours.
  • Alignment: $100–$200 after suspension work.
  • Wheels & Tires: A performance build often demands better rubber. Expect $800–$2,000 for a set of 17x9 wheels + sticky tires (e.g., 200TW).
  • Emissions/legal compliance: In many regions, removing catalytic converters or using non‑CARB parts can cause inspection failures. Factor in costs for high‑flow cats or reinstallation.

Is a Full Performance Upgrade Worth It?

The Scion FR‑S rewards owners who invest in suspension and brakes before adding power. A well‑balanced car is far more enjoyable than a 400‑hp car that can’t turn or stop. If you’re on a budget, start with an ECU tune, a cat‑back exhaust, and a set of performance brake pads. If you have deeper pockets, a supercharger or turbo kit with proper supporting mods will yield a truly exhilarating experience.

For more detailed build logs and community advice, check out the FT86 Club forum. For parts pricing and reviews, visit Countermeasure Garage or R Sport Cars for comprehensive product comparisons. Finally, Tandem Specialties offers a wealth of tuning guidance for the FA20 platform.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single answer to “how much does a full performance upgrade cost?” because it depends on your goals. A budget build can be done for around $2,000 in parts, while a no‑compromise track monster can exceed $20,000. Whatever route you choose, plan your upgrades step‑by‑step, research thoroughly, and don’t forget to allocate funds for maintenance and safety. The FR‑S is a blank canvas—your budget and imagination are the only limits.