Cost Vs Performance: Upgrading Your Subaru BRZ with BRZ S-Trim Supercharger for 80 HP

The Subaru BRZ is celebrated for its razor-sharp handling, lightweight chassis, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Yet many owners inevitably crave more straight-line punch. Adding a BRZ S-Trim Supercharger delivers a promised 80 extra horsepower, pushing the car from a well-balanced 228 hp to a more spirited 308 hp. But the decision isn’t just about peak numbers; it’s about where your money goes and what you get in return. This article breaks down the cost, the performance, and the real-world trade-offs so you can decide whether this forced-induction upgrade fits your budget and driving goals.

Understanding the Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ, along with its twin the Toyota GR86, has earned a devoted following since its 2012 debut. The second-generation model (2022+) brought a larger 2.4-liter flat-four engine, increasing stock output to 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The car’s low center of gravity (thanks to the boxer engine), near-perfect 53/47 weight distribution, and direct steering make it a joy on twisty roads and track days. The Achilles’ heel has always been power. With only around 200 wheel-horsepower from the factory, the BRZ can feel a bit flat on long straights or when passing on the highway.

Key Specifications (2022+ BRZ)

  • Engine: 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four (FA24D)
  • Horsepower: 228 hp @ 7,000 rpm (crank)
  • Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
  • Curb weight: ~2,811 lbs (manual)
  • 0-60 mph: ~5.4 seconds (stock)
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential

The FA24 engine is sturdier than the previous 2.0L FA20, with stronger rods and a closed-deck block, making it more capable of handling boost without immediate failure. This opens the door for supercharging as a reliable power adder.

What Is the BRZ S-Trim Supercharger?

The “BRZ S-Trim” typically refers to a centrifugal supercharger kit sold under that name by various aftermarket suppliers. It is not a factory Subaru option. The S-Trim designation is a classic Vortech naming convention, but many kits (like those from Edelbrock, Harrop, or Jackson Racing) also use twin-screw or roots-style superchargers. In this context, the S-Trim supercharger is a belt-driven centrifugal unit that compresses air and feeds it through an intercooler into the intake manifold. It is generally considered a “stealth” upgrade because it retains the factory engine bay layout and doesn’t require cutting the chassis.

How It Works

A centrifugal supercharger uses an impeller spun by a belt from the crankshaft. As RPM rises, boost builds progressively rather than hitting hard at low RPM. This results in a linear power curve that mimics a larger naturally aspirated engine, making it easy to drive daily. The kit includes the supercharger head unit, mounting bracket, intercooler (air-to-air or water-to-air), blow-off valve, fuel injectors (usually 700-1,000cc), and a tune.

Benefits of the S-Trim Supercharger

  • High peak horsepower gain of 70-90 whp depending on boost level and tuning
  • Wider power band with strong mid-range pull
  • Maintains factory drivability and smooth throttle response
  • No major drivetrain modifications required
  • Intercooled for consistent performance on hot days

Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Spend

The total cost of installing a BRZ S-Trim Supercharger goes beyond the kit price. You’ll need installation labor, tuning, and possibly supporting upgrades. Here is a realistic estimate based on current market prices (2025).

Itemized Costs

  • Supercharger kit: $4,500 – $6,000 (depending on brand, included intercooler type, and injectors)
  • Installation labor: $1,200 – $1,800 (professional shop, 8–10 hours)
  • ECU tuning: $600 – $1,200 (remote or dyno tune via EcuTek or COBB Accessport)
  • Oil cooler (recommended): $400 – $700 (e.g., Setrab, Mishimoto)
  • High-flow fuel pump (if needed): $150 – $300
  • Clutch upgrade (if plan to track): $800 – $1,500 (e.g., ACT, Exedy)
  • Miscellaneous (fluids, gaskets, bolts): $200 – $300
  • Total estimated cost: $7,850 – $11,600

Note: If you install the kit yourself, you save $1,200–$1,800 in labor but must have mechanical experience and tools (supercharger installation on a BRZ is intermediate difficulty). Tuning costs are non-negotiable; without a proper tune, the engine will run lean and fail.

Performance Gains: More Than Just 80 HP

The advertised 80 hp gain is at the crank. Real-world dyno results for a well-tuned BRZ S-Trim supercharger on the FA24 show approximately 290–310 wheel horsepower (whp) on 91 octane pump gas. That is a gain of 70–90 whp over a stock BRZ (which dynos around 200–205 whp). On 93 octane or ethanol blends (E85), numbers can climb to 330+ whp with a proper tune and bigger injectors.

Real-World Performance Enhancements

  • 0-60 mph: ~4.3 – 4.5 seconds (down from 5.4 stock)
  • 1/4-mile: ~12.6 – 13.0 seconds at 108–112 mph
  • Passing acceleration (50-70 mph): noticeably quicker, safer highway merging
  • Track lap times: 2–3 seconds faster on a typical 1.5-mile circuit compared to stock (with adequate cooling)

Drivers report a completely transformed character: the car no longer falls flat above 6,000 RPM; it pulls strongly to redline. The supercharger’s whine adds an auditory thrill, though some may find it intrusive over time.

Cost vs Performance: Is It Worth It?

Let’s look at the cost-per-horsepower ratio. For a total installed cost of, say, $9,000, you gain about 90 wheel horsepower. That’s roughly $100 per wheel horsepower — not cheap, but competitive with other forced induction options. Compare that to a header + tune upgrade that yields 15-20 whp for $1,500 ($75-100/whp). The supercharger gives ten times the absolute gain, but at a higher entry price.

Value Considerations

  • Driving satisfaction: The supercharged BRZ feels like a legitimate sports car, not just a momentum car. The torque down low eliminates the need to rev the engine to 7,000 RPM for every overtake.
  • Resale value: Forced induction modifications typically do not increase resale value; many buyers prefer unmodified cars. You may recover 30–50% of the kit cost if you remove it and sell separately.
  • Warranty: Subaru will not cover engine or drivetrain issues if a supercharger is present. Consider your risk tolerance.
  • Reliability: Well-known brands (Vortech, Edelbrock, Harrop) have strong track records. With proper tuning and maintenance, 50,000–80,000 miles of trouble-free operation is achievable.

Is It Worth It for You?

If you have $8,000–$11,000 in your modification budget, plan to use the car for track days or weekend fun, and aren’t concerned about factory warranty, the S-Trim supercharger is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do to a BRZ. If you are daily commuting on a tight budget or prioritize fuel economy, the juice may not be worth the squeeze. A header + tune combo plus a good set of coilovers and tires might bring more balanced improvement for less money.

Installation Overview: What to Expect

Installing a centrifugal supercharger on a BRZ is not a beginner job. Expect to spend 8–12 hours in a well-equipped garage. Key steps:

  1. Remove intake, radiator fans, and front bumper (to access intercooler mounting).
  2. Mount supercharger bracket to the engine block (driver’s side).
  3. Install supercharger head unit and route belt.
  4. Mount intercooler and plumbing (charge pipes).
  5. Install larger fuel injectors and upgrade fuel pump if required.
  6. Reinstall cooling system, fill fluids, and check for leaks.
  7. Flash ECU with custom tune (must be done on a dyno or via e-tuning).

Most owners choose a reputable shop experienced with BRZ builds. Labor costs at a performance shop typically run $120–$180 per hour. Do not cut corners on the tuning; a poorly tuned supercharged BRZ can detonate the engine within minutes.

Alternatives to the S-Trim Supercharger

If the S-Trim doesn’t fit your needs, consider these alternatives:

Other Supercharger Kits

  • Edelbrock E-Force (roots-type): Lower peak hp (~270 whp) but massive low-end torque. Excellent for street driving. Costs $5,500–$6,500.
  • Jackson Racing (centrifugal): Similar to S-Trim but with a self-contained oil system (no tapping into engine oil). Removes oil cooler need. ~$4,800 kit.
  • Harrop TVS1740 (twin-screw): Huge torque down low, but expensive ($6,000+) and may require hood clearance modifications.

Turbocharger Kits

  • PTuning turbo kit: Produces 300–400 whp with a larger turbo. More complex installation, hotter under hood, and more lag. Kit price $5,000–$7,000.
  • Speed By Design (SBD) turbo kit: Popular budget option. Requires careful fabrication and tuning. ~$3,800–$4,500.

Turbocharging tends to make more top-end power but can suffer from heat soak and lag. For track driving, superchargers are often preferred for their linear, predictable delivery.

Long-Term Ownership and Maintenance

Adding a supercharger increases maintenance requirements:

  • Oil changes: More frequent (every 3,000–4,000 miles) because higher cylinder pressures contaminate oil faster. Use high-quality 5W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic.
  • Fuel quality: 91 octane minimum; 93 or E85 recommended for safety and performance. Lower octane can cause knock and timing pull.
  • Spark plugs: Gap down to 0.022–0.028 inches; replace every 20,000 miles to avoid misfires under boost.
  • Belt inspection: The supercharger belt should be checked for wear every 10,000 miles; replace if glazed or cracked.
  • Intercooler cleaning: Blow through charge pipes annually to remove oil residue (especially with a sealed oil system).

If you beat on the car at the track, an oil cooler is mandatory. Without it, oil temperatures will spike above 260°F, risking engine damage. Many owners also upgrade the radiator to a dual-pass aluminum unit.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Subaru BRZ with an S-Trim supercharger for 80 hp is one of the most effective ways to unlock the car’s potential. The cost is substantial — roughly $8,000–$11,000 all-in — but the performance gain transforms the driving experience. You get a car that accelerates with authority while retaining the handling finesse that makes the BRZ special. For the enthusiast with a dedicated fun-car budget and a willingness to accept increased maintenance, the S-Trim supercharger is a worthy investment. If you’re on a tighter budget or mainly daily drive, start with a header, tune, and sticky tires; you can always add boost later.

For further research, check out Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger page (the FA24 kit), read owner experiences on FT86 Club forums, and consult tuning experts at Delicious Tuning for custom calibration options. A well-planned upgrade will reward you with smiles per mile that far outweigh the dollar signs.