The Essential BRZ Turbo Kit Buyer's Guide
Let’s get right to the numbers. A stock BRZ is fun, but it’s not pinning you to your seat. Our BRZ turbo kit changes that, fundamentally. On E85 fuel, you can expect to see up to 500 horsepower. Even on standard 91 octane pump gas, you’re looking at around 430 horsepower. This isn't just a figure for a spreadsheet; it's a dramatic shift in acceleration that you will feel every time you touch the throttle. It’s the kind of power that transforms highway merges into effortless events and makes every track day more exhilarating, finally giving the BRZ the straight-line performance to match its legendary handling.
Key Takeaways
- Transform Your BRZ with a Complete System: This kit is an all-in-one solution, providing every engineered component and a base tune needed to deliver a massive increase in horsepower and torque right out of the box.
- Get Power Without the Problems: Enjoy your newly turbocharged car worry-free, as the kit is 50-state smog legal and backed by a 12-month/12,000-mile engine warranty for total peace of mind.
- Prioritize a Professional Tune for Best Results: To protect your engine and get the most from your investment, a custom dyno tune is the crucial final step for optimizing power, safety, and long-term reliability.
What's Inside the Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit?
If you’re ready to completely transform your driving experience, the Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit is engineered to deliver a serious power increase while maintaining the reliability you expect. This isn’t just a collection of parts; it’s a comprehensive system designed to work together seamlessly for the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86. We’ve put everything you need into one package to take the guesswork out of the upgrade process. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll find inside the box and what you need to know before you get started.
What Parts Are Included in the Kit?
At the heart of this kit is the legendary JDM VF36 STI Twin Scroll Turbo, which features a special heat-resistant coating for enhanced durability under pressure. To support it, we include our own Crawford Equal Length Stainless Steel Headers wrapped in Inconel—a superalloy that can handle temperatures up to 3000°F. The kit also comes with a 3-inch stainless steel downpipe and a sturdy turbo mounting bracket, both engineered to withstand extreme heat. To keep intake temperatures down, you’ll get the largest front-mount intercooler available for these cars, complete with custom mounting hardware for a perfect fit. Every component is one of our top-tier performance parts, designed for maximum output and longevity.
What "Complete Kit" Really Means
When we say this is a "complete kit," we mean it. Unlike other packages that leave you hunting for essential components, this system includes everything you need for a successful installation right out of the box. We’ve seen too many builds get stalled because a critical part was missing. That’s why our kit comes with the necessary fuel pump and injectors to support the new power levels, along with a basemap to get your car running safely post-installation. This approach ensures all the core performance parts are designed to work together, saving you the time and headache of sourcing compatible components from different manufacturers.
Fuel System and Tuning Considerations
The included basemap is designed to get your BRZ started and driven cautiously to a professional tuner. It is not a substitute for a full custom tune. To protect your engine and truly get the most from your investment, a custom dyno tune is the crucial final step. This process fine-tunes the air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and boost levels specifically for your vehicle and local conditions. Our expert engine tuning services can optimize your setup for maximum power, safety, and long-term reliability, ensuring your newly turbocharged engine performs flawlessly for years to come.
Optional Parts for Optimal Performance
While our kit provides everything you need for a massive power increase, some enthusiasts want to take their build a step further. For those looking for more data and control, we recommend considering a few key additions. An aftermarket boost controller allows for precise management of your turbo's output, while an AEM Wideband gauge is essential for monitoring your air/fuel ratio in real-time. We also suggest adding a turbo blanket and heat wrap to manage under-hood temperatures, protecting surrounding components and improving the turbo's efficiency. These aren't required, but they are smart additions for any serious performance build.
Gauges, Controllers, and Heat Management
Installing gauges and controllers isn't just about having a race-inspired cockpit; it's about protecting your investment. Monitoring your engine's vitals, like the air/fuel ratio and boost pressure, allows you to spot potential issues before they become serious problems. Similarly, effective heat management is critical in a turbocharged setup. The extreme temperatures generated by the turbo can degrade nearby wiring, hoses, and other components over time. Using a turbo blanket and wrapping the headers and downpipe contains that heat, leading to a more reliable system and more consistent performance on the street or track.
Will This Turbo Kit Fit Your BRZ?
Before you add this kit to your cart, it’s important to double-check that it’s the right fit for your car. This turbo kit is specifically designed for the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86 models from 2013 and newer. This precise engineering ensures that every bracket lines up, every pipe fits perfectly, and the system performs exactly as it should on these platforms. Taking a moment to confirm your vehicle’s model and year will save you headaches down the road and ensure you get the incredible results you’re looking for.
Your Pre-Installation Checklist
We designed this turbo kit to be as straightforward as possible to install. It’s a bolt-on system, which means you won’t need to perform major surgery on your engine. You can leave the oil pan in place and won’t have to make any changes to your car’s factory wiring. This design also allows you to retain many of your stock components, including the original airbox and catalytic converters, which simplifies the process. While the physical installation is direct, remember that a proper tune is essential to get everything running correctly. Pairing the kit with professional engine tuning services will ensure your newly turbocharged engine runs safely and efficiently.
How Much Power Can You Expect?
Let's get to the fun part: the numbers. The Subaru BRZ is celebrated for its incredible handling and balance, but if there's one common critique, it's the desire for more power from its boxer engine. The Crawford Performance Turbo Kit is engineered to solve that, transforming your BRZ from a momentum car into a genuine powerhouse. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a complete change in your car's character.
The final output you'll see depends on several factors, including the fuel you use, your supporting modifications, and the final ECU tune. But no matter the specifics, you're looking at a massive jump in performance that you will feel every time you press the accelerator. We designed this kit to deliver not just impressive peak numbers on a dyno sheet, but also a smooth, reliable, and exhilarating powerband for the street or the track. These are the kinds of performance parts that redefine what your car is capable of.
Breaking Down the Horsepower and Torque Gains
Installing the Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit fundamentally changes your driving experience. You can expect a substantial increase in both horsepower and torque across the entire rev range. This translates to immediate, forceful acceleration that pushes you back in your seat. The stock BRZ's modest power is replaced with a responsive and aggressive pull that makes overtaking effortless and corner exits thrilling. It’s the kind of power that finally matches the chassis's brilliant handling, creating a perfectly balanced and seriously fast sports car.
Setting Realistic Power Goals for a Stock Engine
While the numbers are impressive, it's crucial to understand what makes them achievable on a stock FA20 engine. The final power output hinges on a few key variables: the fuel you use, the quality of your tune, and any supporting modifications. On E85 fuel, you can realistically aim for up to 500 horsepower. If you're running standard 91 octane pump gas, a goal of around 430 horsepower is more appropriate. These figures are possible because our kit is a complete system designed to work in harmony, not just a turbocharger. However, the single most important factor in reaching these goals safely is the final ECU tune. A professional engine tuning service is not just recommended; it's essential for protecting your engine and ensuring the reliable, exhilarating performance you expect.
E85 vs. Pump Gas: What's the Difference?
Your choice of fuel plays a huge role in the final power output. If you have access to E85, you can get the absolute most from this turbo kit. On E85, a proper tune can yield up to 500 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. For those running on standard pump gas, the performance is still incredible, with typical figures around 430 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The higher octane and cooling properties of E85 allow for more aggressive engine tuning services, but either option provides a game-changing level of power.
Keeping Your Turbo BRZ Cool
Adding a turbo introduces significant heat, and managing it is key to long-term reliability and consistent performance. We engineered our turbo kit with advanced heat management from the ground up. It includes special coatings and robust heat shields to protect surrounding components from high temperatures. The kit also features the largest Front Mount Intercooler available for the BRZ, which drastically lowers intake air temperatures. This ensures your engine receives cool, dense air, allowing it to make maximum power safely, lap after lap.
Why an Upgraded Exhaust System Matters
A turbocharger is essentially an air pump, and for it to work efficiently, the exhaust gases need to exit quickly. A restrictive stock exhaust will choke the turbo and limit its potential. Our kit is designed to be paired with the Crawford Performance downpipe and exhaust system, which are crucial for maximizing airflow and reducing back pressure. This free-flowing design not only helps the turbo spool faster and make more power but also gives your BRZ a deep, aggressive exhaust note that perfectly complements its new performance.
Is a Turbo Kit Right for Your BRZ?
Deciding to add a turbo to your BRZ is a major step that completely redefines your car's personality. It’s a commitment that goes beyond just wanting more speed; it’s about transforming a momentum car known for its sharp handling into a machine with serious straight-line acceleration. If you find yourself wanting to match the car's brilliant chassis with the power it deserves, a turbo kit is one of the most effective ways to get there. This kind of upgrade is perfect for the owner who wants to build a well-rounded performance car for the street or the track, but it requires thinking about the vehicle as a complete system, not just an engine.
Turbocharger vs. Supercharger
When considering forced induction, the main debate is between a turbocharger and a supercharger. A turbocharger uses your engine's exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which is a highly efficient way to create power. This method gives you excellent control over the powerband and puts less strain on the engine when you're just cruising. A supercharger, on the other hand, is driven by a belt connected directly to the engine. While this provides instant throttle response, it also uses some of the engine's own power to operate. The choice comes down to your preferred driving style: the immediate, linear pull of a supercharger or the thrilling, high-RPM rush that a well-designed turbo system delivers.
The Importance of a Balanced Build
Simply adding hundreds of horsepower to a stock car is a recipe for a vehicle that's fast in a straight line but difficult and unsafe to control everywhere else. The key to a successful build is balance. The goal is to enhance the BRZ's power while ensuring it can handle that new capability safely and reliably. This means looking beyond the engine bay and considering how the brakes, suspension, and chassis will work together. A truly fast car is one that inspires confidence, allowing you to use its full potential. Creating this synergy requires a thoughtful selection of supporting performance parts that complement the increased output from the turbo kit.
Upgrading Brakes, Suspension, and Chassis
With significantly more power on tap, your factory components will quickly find their limits. A high-performance suspension system is essential for keeping the car stable through corners and maintaining grip under hard acceleration. It sharpens steering response and makes the car feel planted and predictable. Equally important are the brakes; you need to be able to slow down as effectively as you speed up, and a big brake kit is a non-negotiable safety upgrade. Finally, reinforcing the chassis with components like strut tower bars helps manage the increased torsional forces, ensuring the suspension can do its job properly and keeping the car's handling precise and responsive.
Installing Your BRZ Turbo Kit: A Technical Guide
Getting your turbo kit installed is where the excitement really begins. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY mechanic or prefer to leave it to the pros, understanding the process is key to a successful upgrade. This kit is engineered for a clean fit, but adding forced induction is a significant modification. Let's walk through what you need to know about the installation, from who should do the work to the essential software and supporting parts that will make your build reliable and powerful for years to come. Proper installation is the foundation of a great turbo experience, ensuring you get all the power you paid for without compromising your engine's health.
Why Go with a Professional Installer?
While it’s tempting to tackle the installation yourself, we strongly recommend a professional installer for this kit. The BRZ’s original engine has a high compression ratio, which makes it sensitive to turbocharging. Our kit is specifically designed to work with this, but the installation requires precision to ensure everything functions correctly and safely. A professional technician has the experience and tools to handle the nuances of the job, from torquing bolts to routing lines perfectly. Think of it as an investment in peace of mind. A pro install protects your engine and ensures you get the reliable performance you expect from a Crawford build. Our network of authorized dealers can provide expert engine tuning services and installation.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Time and Complexity
Deciding between a DIY installation and hiring a professional comes down to balancing your experience, time, and the need for precision. We designed this turbo kit to be a bolt-on system, which means you won't need to do any custom fabrication or wiring. For an experienced mechanic, the process is straightforward. However, for someone less familiar with this kind of work, what might take a professional a day or two could easily stretch into a multi-weekend project. It’s important to be honest about your skill level and the tools you have available. A professional install not only saves you time but also comes with the assurance that every component is fitted correctly, which is crucial for the long-term health of your engine.
Understanding Different Installation Methods
While the kit is designed for a direct fit, the real complexity lies in the details. The BRZ's FA20 engine has a high compression ratio, making it particularly sensitive to forced induction. A professional technician understands the nuances of this platform, ensuring every bolt is torqued to spec and every line is routed perfectly to prevent issues down the road. This isn't just about getting the car running; it's about protecting your investment. A professional installation is your best bet for achieving the reliable, consistent power you expect from our performance parts and avoiding costly mistakes that can arise from inexperience.
Additional Supplies for a DIY Install
If you decide to take on the installation yourself, our kit includes all the core components you'll need. However, you will need to supply your own tools and fluids. A comprehensive metric socket set, torque wrench, and a set of quality jack stands are essential. You'll also need fresh engine oil, coolant, and thread locker. Beyond the physical tools, the most critical component you'll need to arrange is the ECU tune. The kit comes with a base map to get the car started, but a custom dyno tune is absolutely necessary to finalize the installation. This final step ensures your engine runs safely and efficiently, so be sure to connect with a reputable tuner that offers expert engine tuning services.
Your Essential Tool and Equipment List
If you have the skills and decide to install the kit yourself, the good news is that it’s designed to be as straightforward as possible. One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t need to remove the oil pan or modify the factory wiring harness, which saves a ton of time and complexity. You will, however, need a comprehensive set of metric tools, a torque wrench, jack stands, and a safe space to work. While you don’t need a professional-grade lift, having easy access underneath the car is crucial. The kit comes with detailed instructions to guide you, but having the right tools on hand before you start is essential for a smooth process.
ECU Tuning: A Critical Step for Performance
A turbocharger is more than just hardware; your car’s brain, the ECU, needs to be updated to manage the extra air and fuel. The Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit includes a base ECU calibration file that gets your car running safely with the new setup. This tune is designed to provide a significant power increase while maintaining reliability for daily driving. For those looking to extract every last bit of performance, we recommend a custom dyno tune. A professional tuner can fine-tune the calibration specifically for your car, your local fuel quality, and any other performance parts you have installed, optimizing power delivery across the entire RPM range.
Other Mods to Consider for Your Turbo Build
To get the most out of your new turbo and ensure long-term reliability, a few supporting modifications are highly recommended, especially if you plan on spirited driving or track days. First on the list should be an oil cooler. The turbo adds significant heat to the engine oil, and an oil cooler is critical for maintaining safe operating temperatures and preventing premature wear. We also suggest upgrading your engine mounts. The stock mounts can struggle with the added horsepower and torque, leading to excess engine movement. Stiffer mounts will help transfer that power to the wheels more effectively and give the car a more connected feel.
Drivetrain and Braking Upgrades
All that new power needs a solid path to the pavement, and your stock components might not be up to the task. The factory clutch, for instance, was never designed to handle the massive torque increase from a turbo. To avoid slippage and ensure every bit of power is transferred effectively, a performance clutch is an essential upgrade. Likewise, going faster means you need to stop faster. Investing in upgraded brake pads and rotors provides the stopping power necessary to control your newly potent BRZ, giving you confidence on both the street and the track. These performance parts aren't just about going fast; they're about maintaining control and reliability.
Engine Protection and Cooling
Heat is the primary challenge for any turbocharged engine, and managing it is the key to reliability. While our kit includes heat shields and a large front-mount intercooler to keep intake air cool, an external oil cooler is a critical supporting modification we always recommend. The turbo adds significant heat to the engine oil, and an oil cooler ensures it stays within a safe operating temperature, preventing premature wear on vital engine components. Think of it as affordable insurance for your investment. Proper cooling protects your engine during spirited driving or track days, ensuring you can enjoy the added power without worry.
Is a Turbocharged BRZ Street Legal?
One of the biggest questions that comes up when you’re modifying your car is, "Will this get me in trouble?" It’s a valid concern. Adding a turbo kit is a major upgrade, and you want to enjoy that extra power without constantly looking over your shoulder or worrying about your next inspection. The great thing about the Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit is that it was designed with this in mind. You get the thrill of a high-performance build while keeping everything above board.
This isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about peace of mind. It means you can drive your newly turbocharged BRZ on public roads, head to track days, and go on long road trips without any legal headaches. We’ll break down exactly what makes this kit a street-friendly option, from its emissions certifications to the warranty that backs it up. This way, you can focus on the fun part: driving.
What Does CARB Certification Mean for You?
If you’ve spent any time in the performance world, you’ve probably heard of CARB. It stands for the California Air Resources Board, and they set some of the strictest emissions standards in the country. A CARB certification means a part has been rigorously tested and proven not to increase your vehicle's emissions beyond legal limits. It’s the gold standard for street-legal performance parts. The Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit is engineered to meet these stringent requirements, making it a responsible and legal choice for enthusiasts who care about compliance as much as they do about power.
A Quick Guide to State Emission Laws
While CARB is California-specific, its certification carries a lot of weight across the country. Because the Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit is designed to meet such high standards, it’s smog legal in all 50 states. This is a huge advantage. It means that no matter where you live—whether your state follows California’s rules or has its own emissions testing—you can install this kit with confidence. You won’t have to worry about failing inspections or facing fines. You can simply install the kit, get your car tuned, and enjoy the ride legally.
What the Warranty Covers
Investing in a turbo kit is a big step, and you want to know your purchase is protected. Crawford Performance stands behind its engineering with a unique 12-month/12,000-mile engine warranty. This coverage protects you against defects and gives you confidence that you’re installing a high-quality, reliable system. A solid warranty shows that the manufacturer has tested its products extensively and is committed to customer satisfaction. It’s one more layer of assurance that you’re making a smart, secure investment in your BRZ’s performance.
Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
A common worry when modifying your car is how it will affect your factory warranty. This is where the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act comes into play. This federal law, passed in 1975, protects you as a consumer. In simple terms, a dealership can't just void your entire vehicle warranty because you installed an aftermarket performance part, like our turbo kit. For them to deny a warranty claim, they must prove that the specific part you installed directly caused the failure of the component you're asking them to fix. So, if your power window motor fails after you've installed the turbo, they still have to cover it. This act ensures you can confidently upgrade your vehicle without fearing the automatic loss of your factory protection.
Maintaining Your Turbo BRZ for the Long Haul
Adding a turbo to your BRZ is a serious upgrade, and it calls for a more attentive approach to maintenance. Think of it as a new commitment to your car's health. Sticking to a proactive care routine will protect your engine, ensure your turbo performs reliably, and keep that incredible power on tap for years to come. It’s all about giving your newly modified engine the support it needs to thrive.
What Your New Maintenance Schedule Looks Like
Your factory maintenance schedule is officially retired. With a turbo, your engine works harder and runs hotter, so it needs more frequent check-ins. Plan on changing your oil and filter more often than the owner's manual suggests—many owners of modified BRZs do this every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on how hard they drive. This isn't just about oil; it's a great time to give the whole system a once-over. Make it a habit to inspect all the turbo components, including lines, hoses, and fittings, to catch any potential wear and tear before it becomes a problem.
Choosing the Right Oil and Fuel
The oil and fuel you used before might not cut it anymore. Your turbocharged engine requires a high-quality, full synthetic oil that can handle extreme heat and pressure without breaking down. This protects the turbo’s bearings and keeps your engine properly lubricated under boost. Just as important is the fuel you use. Running high-octane fuel (91 or higher) is essential to prevent engine knock, or detonation, which can be catastrophic for a high-performance engine. Using the right fluids is one of the easiest ways to support your investment in performance parts.
How to Monitor Your Car's Performance
The best way to ensure your turbo BRZ stays healthy is to pay close attention to how it’s running. Installing a set of aftermarket gauges is a fantastic way to do this. A boost gauge lets you see exactly what the turbo is doing, while an oil pressure gauge gives you a real-time look at your engine's lifeblood. Beyond gauges, use your senses. Listen for any new or unusual sounds from the engine bay, watch for smoke from the exhaust, and keep an eye out for any fluid leaks. Catching small issues early is the key to preventing major, expensive repairs down the road.
Monitoring Engine Health and Temperatures
With the added power from a turbo, keeping a close eye on your engine's vitals is no longer optional—it's essential. The best way to do this is by installing a quality set of aftermarket gauges. A boost gauge will show you exactly how much pressure the turbo is creating, while an oil pressure gauge provides a real-time look at your engine's circulatory system. Adding a turbo also introduces a lot of heat, and managing it is crucial for reliability. Our kit was engineered with advanced heat management, including special coatings and heat shields, but monitoring temperatures yourself provides an extra layer of security, ensuring your engine stays healthy whether you're on the street or at the track.
When to Consider a Built Motor
The stock FA20 engine is capable, but it has its limits. If your goal is to push the turbo kit to its maximum potential, especially on E85, it's time to think about a built motor. A built motor is an engine that has been reinforced with stronger internal components—like forged pistons, connecting rods, and a strengthened crankshaft—specifically to handle high levels of horsepower and torque safely. While our kit is designed to work reliably with a stock engine on a conservative tune, a built motor is the key to unlocking its full power without sacrificing long-term durability. It's a serious investment in your build, but it's the right path for anyone chasing maximum performance and peace of mind. When you're ready for that step, professional engine tuning services will be critical to dial everything in perfectly.
Tips for Long-Term Reliability
Keeping your turbocharged BRZ reliable for the long haul comes down to a few good habits. First, always let your engine warm up to operating temperature before getting into the boost. After a spirited drive, let the car idle for a minute or two before shutting it off. This allows the turbo to cool down gradually, which extends its life. Finally, regular check-ups with a professional are a great idea. A periodic visit for engine tuning services can ensure your car’s ECU mapping is always optimized, keeping it running both powerfully and safely.
Where to Buy Your Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit
Ready to transform your BRZ? Getting your hands on our turbo kit is a straightforward process. Whether you prefer buying directly from the source or working with a local dealer, here’s how you can get started on your high-performance journey.
Ordering Directly from Crawford Performance
The easiest way to get our BRZ turbo kit is to order it straight from our website. We’ve engineered these kits specifically for Subaru performance, ensuring every component works together perfectly to give you a serious power increase. When you buy from us, you know you’re getting authentic, high-quality parts backed by our expertise. You can browse our full catalog of performance parts to see the turbo kit and any supporting mods you might need for your build. It’s the most direct path to getting the power you want from your car.
Finding a Local Authorized Dealer
If you’d rather shop in person or work with a local tuner, you can find our products through a network of authorized dealers. These partners are knowledgeable about our kits and can often provide valuable installation advice or even package deals. A quick search for a Crawford Performance authorized dealer near you can connect you with a local expert who can help you get the right parts for your project and ensure a smooth installation process. This is a great option if you want hands-on support from a trusted professional in your area.
Comparing the Different Kit Packages
Our BRZ turbo kit is a complete package designed to give you everything you need for a significant power increase. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation by creating a comprehensive solution tailored for the FA20 engine in the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86. This isn’t just a collection of parts; it’s an engineered system designed for maximum performance and reliability. When you’re looking at options, you’ll find our kit is a popular choice because it delivers a thrilling driving experience right out of the box, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
A Breakdown of Pricing and Options
Pricing for the Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit can vary depending on your location and any specific options you choose. For the most accurate and up-to-date cost, it’s always best to check the product page directly on our website. What you can count on is incredible performance for your investment. On E85 fuel, our kit is capable of pushing your BRZ to 500 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. Even on standard pump gas, you can expect to see around 430 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, completely changing the character of your car.
Budgeting for the Total Project Cost
The price of the turbo kit itself is just your starting point. To do this upgrade correctly and ensure your BRZ remains reliable, you need to budget for the entire project. A realistic total cost, including the kit, professional installation, and a custom dyno tune, often lands in the $10,000 range. This figure accounts for the essential services that protect your investment. We also highly recommend factoring in supporting modifications like an oil cooler and upgraded engine mounts. While it might be tempting to cut costs, skimping on a professional tune or proper installation can lead to serious and expensive engine damage. Planning for the full scope of the project from the start is the smartest way to build a powerful and dependable car.
Comparing Turbo Kits on the Market
When you start looking for a turbo kit, you'll find a few options out there. What sets the Crawford Performance kit apart is that it’s a truly complete, engineered system. We don't just sell you a turbo; we provide every component you need, from our Inconel-wrapped stainless steel headers to the largest front-mount intercooler available for the platform. Many other kits require you to source additional parts to complete the installation. Our kit includes a base tune to get you up and running safely, and it’s backed by our 12-month/12,000-mile engine warranty. Plus, it’s 50-state smog legal, a critical feature many other high-performance performance parts don't offer.
Understanding Lead Times
High-quality, specialized turbo kits like ours aren't typically sitting on a shelf waiting to be shipped. Each kit is carefully assembled to order to ensure every component meets our strict quality standards. Because of this, you should plan for a lead time before your kit arrives, which can often be several weeks. We recommend checking the product page for the most current estimate when you're ready to order. This isn't a delay; it's part of the quality control process. Knowing this ahead of time allows you to plan your build schedule, book an appointment with your installer, and arrange for engine tuning services without any last-minute rushes.
What to Know About International Shipping
Don’t worry if you’re not in the US—we ship our performance parts to enthusiasts all over the world. Our website is designed to handle international orders, making it easy for you to get the same high-quality Crawford Performance upgrades no matter where you live. We believe every Subaru owner deserves the chance to experience top-tier performance, so we’ve made our full selection of products accessible to our global community. Simply add the kit to your cart and enter your address to see your shipping options.
How to Dial In Your Performance Tune
Installing a turbo kit is a huge step, but the magic really happens when you get the tune just right. A proper tune ensures your engine runs safely, efficiently, and makes the most of all that new hardware. It’s the final, critical piece of the puzzle that transforms your BRZ from a car with a turbo into a truly turbocharged machine. Think of it as the brain that tells all the new brawn what to do. Without a solid tune, you’re leaving a ton of performance—and reliability—on the table. Let's walk through what it takes to get your performance tune dialed in perfectly.
Why a Professional Dyno Tune Is Worth It
A dynamometer, or "dyno," is basically a treadmill for your car. It lets a professional tuner run your BRZ through its paces in a controlled environment to measure horsepower, torque, and air-fuel ratios in real-time. This is the best way to get a custom tune tailored to your specific car, climate, and fuel. While the Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit is the first of its kind to be "fully tuned" right out of the box, a dyno session is what verifies and perfects that tune. It allows a tuner to make micro-adjustments, ensuring every component is working in harmony to deliver maximum, reliable power. Professional engine tuning services are the key to unlocking your car's full potential.
Essential Tuning Software and Hardware
To properly tune your BRZ, your tuner will rely on a combination of specialized software and hardware. The software is what allows them to communicate with your car's ECU and adjust parameters like fuel delivery and ignition timing. While our kit includes a base calibration to get you started, a custom tune requires professional software platforms that can fine-tune these settings for your specific setup. On the hardware side, a tuner uses critical diagnostic tools to monitor the engine's health in real-time during a dyno session. This includes a wideband air-fuel ratio (AFR) meter to ensure the engine isn't running dangerously lean and audio knock detection equipment to listen for any signs of detonation. These tools are non-negotiable for a safe and effective tune, ensuring your investment in high-quality performance parts is both protected and maximized.
Customizing Your Power Delivery
A turbocharger completely changes how your car delivers power. Instead of a linear pull, you’ll feel the power build and surge as the turbo spools up. As one driver noted after installing the kit, "you don't really get that full potential power until higher RPMs." This is where a good tune is essential. It can smooth out the power curve, making the transition into boost feel more predictable and controlled. A tuner can adjust the ECU mapping to manage when and how boost is delivered, giving you a car that’s not just faster in a straight line but also more responsive and fun to drive on a winding road or track.
Managing Your Fuel System for Reliability
Adding a turbo forces more air into your engine, which means you also need more fuel to match. Managing this is critical for preventing engine damage. One of the biggest advantages of the Crawford Turbo Kit is that it’s designed to run on the stock engine internals and fuel system, which simplifies the installation process significantly. The kit even "includes the software tune from Crawford at no extra charge," taking the guesswork out of your initial fuel mapping. This integrated tune ensures your engine’s fuel delivery is properly calibrated for the new setup from the moment you turn the key, providing a safe foundation for any further custom tuning.
A Simple Guide to ECU Mapping
Your car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) is its brain, controlling everything from fuel injection to ignition timing. When you install a turbo, you have to "remap" the ECU to account for the increased airflow and different engine demands. This can sound intimidating, but the Crawford kit makes it straightforward by providing the "necessary computer software (ECU calibration)" for the job. This pre-calibrated map adjusts the engine’s parameters to safely handle the boost and optimize performance. It’s the essential software that allows all the new performance parts to communicate and work together effectively, giving you a reliable and powerful driving experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of power gains can I realistically expect from this kit? You can expect a complete transformation in how your car feels. The exact numbers depend on your fuel and final tune, but the results are significant. If you have access to E85, a professional tune can push your car up to 500 horsepower. For those running on standard 91/93 octane pump gas, you're still looking at around 430 horsepower. This isn't just a number on a chart; it's a dramatic increase in acceleration that makes the car feel as athletic as its chassis.
Do I really need a professional to install this turbo kit? While the kit is designed as a bolt-on system, we strongly recommend having it installed by a professional technician. The BRZ's engine has a high compression ratio, which requires a precise and careful installation to ensure long-term reliability. A professional has the experience to handle the details correctly, protecting your engine and making sure you get the safe, dependable performance the kit was designed to deliver.
Is this turbo kit safe for my stock engine? Yes, this kit was specifically engineered to work with the stock FA20 engine. It's designed to provide a substantial power increase while operating within the safe limits of the factory internals. The kit includes a base ECU tune that gets your car running safely right away. To ensure the health of your engine for years to come, it's crucial to follow up with a professional tune, use high-quality fuel and oil, and stick to a more frequent maintenance schedule.
Can I install this kit and still pass my state's emissions test? Absolutely. The Crawford BRZ Turbo Kit was engineered to meet the strict standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which means it is 50-state smog legal. You can install this kit with the confidence that you won't run into issues with state inspections or emissions testing, allowing you to enjoy the extra power without any legal headaches.
Is this a complete kit, or will I need to buy other parts to make it work? The kit provides all the essential hardware and software you need to get your BRZ turbocharged and running. However, to get the most out of your new setup and ensure its longevity, we highly recommend a couple of supporting upgrades. An oil cooler is critical for managing the extra heat the turbo produces, and upgraded engine mounts will help handle the significant increase in torque, giving you a more connected driving feel.