The Subaru BRZ is a driver's car at its core: lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and balanced to perfection. Yet the factory 200-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.0-liter FA20 engine leaves many owners wanting more. A supercharger kit is the most direct path to unlocking 250 to over 300 horsepower while preserving the linear power delivery and responsive throttle that make the BRZ so fun. In this expanded guide, we break down the top five supercharger systems, covering power output, build quality, installation complexity, and real-world drivability. Whether you are a weekend track enthusiast or a daily driver craving extra punch, this article will help you choose the right forced-induction setup for your goals and budget.

General Considerations Before Supercharging Your BRZ

Before diving into specific kits, understand that adding a supercharger changes more than just peak power. The FA20 engine is robust, but its high 12.5:1 compression ratio means careful tuning and proper fuel are critical to avoid detonation. Most kits require an aftermarket ECU tune (often via EcuTek or OpenFlash) and may benefit from upgraded fuel injectors, a high-flow fuel pump, and a catch can. Cooling also becomes a priority: oil coolers and upgraded radiators help maintain consistent performance during sustained hard driving. Additionally, the stock clutch can slip above 250–270 wheel horsepower, so budget for a stronger clutch if you plan to push toward 300 HP. Each kit below includes its own intercooling solution and tuning strategy, but always factor in supporting modifications to get the most from your investment.

1. Vortech Supercharger Kit

The Vortech V-3 Si Trim centrifugal supercharger kit is a top seller among BRZ owners who want a straightforward, high-horsepower upgrade. Its self-contained oiling system eliminates the need to tap into the engine's oil supply, making installation cleaner and reducing risk. The centrifugal design builds boost progressively with engine RPM, mimicking a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine—ideal for enthusiasts who dislike sudden power spikes.

  • Power Increase: 300+ HP (crank) with standard pulley; up to 340 HP with optional pulley and supporting mods.
  • Core Features: High-efficiency billet impeller, CNC-machined housing, integrated bypass valve, and a front-mount air-to-air intercooler.
  • Installation: True bolt-on with no cutting or welding; includes all brackets, belts, and fasteners. Most DIYers complete the job in a weekend.
  • Tuning: Requires an EcuTek reflash or a piggyback system. Vortech provides a base calibration but recommends professional dyno tuning.
  • Pros: Reliable self-contained lubrication, excellent top-end power, strong aftermarket support.
  • Cons: Centrifugal design delivers less low-end torque than positive-displacement blowers; intercooler piping can be tight in the BRZ engine bay.

If your goal is maximum peak horsepower for track days or drag strip passes, the Vortech kit offers the highest ceiling in this list. Pair it with a performance exhaust and headers to fully realize the power gains.

2. Jackson Racing Supercharger Kit

Designed specifically for the Subaru BRZ (and its twin, the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86), the Jackson Racing kit uses a Rotrex C38-81 centrifugal supercharger. What sets Jackson Racing apart is its focus on thermal management: a massive air-to-water intercooler with its own dedicated heat exchanger reduces intake temperatures significantly, even in stop-and-go traffic. The result is consistent power output without heat soak.

  • Power Increase: 250 HP (wheel) on a conservative tune; up to 280 wheel HP with ethanol (E85) and race fuel.
  • Core Features: Rotrex centrifugal supercharger, air-to-water intercooler system with Bosch water pump, billet aluminum intake manifold, and OEM-quality silicone hoses.
  • Installation: Comprehensive instructions, no cutting required. Install time is 6–10 hours for experienced mechanics. The kit includes a new intake manifold that relocates the throttle body for cleaner routing.
  • Tuning: Jackson Racing offers a CARB-approved tune (EO number) for legal street use in California, making this kit one of the few smog-legal options. Off-road tunes are also available.
  • Pros: Excellent intercooling, smooth power curve, CARB legal, great customer support.
  • Cons: Lower peak power potential than Vortech or Edelbrock; more expensive than some centrifugal offerings.

Jackson Racing’s kit is the gold standard for owners who value drivability, heat management, and legal compliance. It’s a fantastic choice for daily drivers and canyon carving alike.

3. Edelbrock Supercharger Kit

Edelbrock’s supercharger kit for the BRZ is a positive-displacement (Eaton TVS) system, delivering instant low-rpm boost and a fat torque curve. This is the go-to kit for drivers who want immediate, linear power from idle to redline. The TVS R2650 supercharger is compact and efficient, and it’s paired with an integrated air-to-water intercooler located within the intake manifold.

  • Power Increase: 290 HP (crank) at around 7 psi; about 250 wheel HP. With a smaller pulley and supporting mods, 320 crank HP is achievable.
  • Core Features: Eaton TVS R2650 twin-screw supercharger, custom cast aluminum intake manifold with integrated intercooler, high-flow injectors, and a plug-and-play wiring harness.
  • Installation: Direct bolt-on with minimal modifications. The kit replaces the entire intake manifold, so there is no need to splice into the fuel system (requires upgraded fuel pump separately). Edelbrock provides detailed instructions.
  • Tuning: Edelbrock partners with major tuning platforms (EcuTek, COBB Accessport). A base calibration is included, but a professional dyno tune is recommended for maximum performance and safety.
  • Pros: Immediate throttle response, strong mid-range torque, OEM-ish fit and finish, no oiling system to install (supercharger is self-contained).
  • Cons: Heat soak can affect the integrated intercooler in very hot conditions; overall power potential is slightly lower than a large centrifugal kit.

The Edelbrock kit transforms the BRZ into a torque monster, making it feel substantially quicker in everyday driving. It is an ideal choice for autocross or street use, where low-end response matters more than top-end horsepower.

4. AVO Turbo World Supercharger Kit

AVO Turbo World is a well-respected name in Subaru forced induction, and their BRZ supercharger kit takes a unique approach. It uses a Rotrex C30-94 centrifugal supercharger with an oversized air-to-air intercooler. The kit emphasizes adjustability: an optional boost controller lets the driver dial in power levels from 250 HP up to 300+ HP.

  • Power Increase: 300 HP (crank) on a standard 7 psi pulley; up to 325 HP with higher boost and supporting mods.
  • Core Features: Rotrex C30-94 supercharger, air-to-air intercooler with aluminum piping, billet aluminum charge pipes, and a high-flow fuel pressure regulator. AVO includes a heat exchanger for the supercharger oil system and a heavy-duty drive belt.
  • Installation: Detailed instruction manual with color photos; all hardware is included. The kit uses a bracket that attaches to existing engine mount points. Some trimming of the plastic engine cover may be necessary.
  • Tuning: EcuTek-based tune is included. AVO can provide remote tuning support. The kit also works with popular aftermarket engine management like Haltech and Link.
  • Pros: Adjustable boost levels (unique among the kits here), high-quality Rotrex unit, excellent customer support from a dedicated Subaru tuner.
  • Cons: Installation requires some mechanical skill; the air-to-air intercooler adds complexity to piping; less CARB compliance (off-road use only in many states).

The AVO kit is perfect for the hands-on enthusiast who wants the flexibility to run conservative boost for daily driving and then crank it up for track days. Its Rotrex supercharger shares DNA with Jackson Racing but offers greater tuning latitude at a slightly lower price point.

5. GReddy Supercharger Kit

GReddy (Trust) is synonymous with Japanese performance parts, and their BRZ supercharger kit lives up to that reputation. This centrifugal system uses a GReddy-branded supercharger (essentially a custom Vortech unit) with a compact layout that keeps weight low and central. The kit includes a front-mount air-to-air intercooler and all necessary hardware for a clean installation.

  • Power Increase: 275 HP (crank) at 6–7 psi; about 300 HP with an upgraded pulley and tune.
  • Core Features: GReddy centrifugal supercharger with self-contained oiling, cast aluminum discharge pipe, mandrel-bent intercooler piping, and a blow-off valve. The intercooler core is sized to fit behind the factory bumper with no cutting.
  • Installation: Very user-friendly; the kit is designed to be installed without removing the intake manifold. All brackets bolt directly to the engine. GReddy provides a comprehensive manual and even a video guide.
  • Tuning: Base calibration is available through EcuTek. GReddy recommends a custom tune to optimize for local fuel quality.
  • Pros: Lightweight, compact design retains the BRZ’s nimble feel; intercooler fits without cutting plastic or crash bar; great value for the power delivered.
  • Cons: Limited peak horsepower compared to Vortech or AVO; plast ic charge pipes can be upgraded to metal for durability.

The GReddy kit is an excellent middle-ground: more power than Jackson Racing but less than Vortech, at a competitive price. It is particularly well-suited for street and time attack use where weight and simplicity matter.

Comparison Summary: Which Kit Is Right for You?

Each of these supercharger kits has a distinct personality. To help you decide, consider these key criteria:

  • Peak Power Targets: If you want 300+ wheel horsepower (not just crank), the Vortech kit with a smaller pulley and supporting mods is the clearest path. Edelbrock and Jackson Racing are better for those who prefer reliability and drivability over ultimate numbers.
  • Driving Style: Positive-displacement blowers (Edelbrock) deliver instant torque, perfect for autocross and tight corners. Centrifugal kits (Vortech, GReddy, Jackson, AVO) build power smoothly, rewarding high-RPM driving on road courses.
  • Budget: Kits range from roughly $3,500 to $5,500. GReddy generally comes in at the lower end, while Jackson Racing and Edelbrock are mid-range. Vortech and AVO sit at the higher end due to boost controller options and larger supercharger units.
  • Legal Considerations: Only the Jackson Racing kit offers CARB approval (for 2013–2016 BRZ models). All other kits are emissions-legal only in states that follow federal guidelines or require an off-road tune.
  • DIY Friendliness: All five kits are bolt-on, but Edelbrock and GReddy are often cited as the easiest for first-time installers. Jackson Racing and AVO require more careful routing of intercooler systems.

Whichever supercharger you choose, remember that tuning is paramount. EcuTek and COBB Tuning are the dominant platforms for BRZ engine management. A good tune will not only unlock power but also protect your engine from knock. Additionally, consider upgrading your clutch, exhaust, and cooling system to match the increased output.

Conclusion: Making the Leap from 200 to 300+ HP

The Subaru BRZ is an already brilliant chassis that responds beautifully to forced induction. With a supercharger, you can transform it into a 300+ horsepower weapon while retaining the precise handling that made you fall in love with the car in the first place. The Vortech kit leads in ultimate power, Jackson Racing in thermal refinement and legality, Edelbrock in low-end torque, AVO in adjustability, and GReddy in value and simplicity. Assess your driving goals, mechanical comfort level, and local regulations, then pick the kit that aligns best. No matter which you choose, the result will be a BRZ that is faster, more exciting, and still every bit the driver’s car it was from the factory.