Subaru BRZ Turbo Kit Guide: FA20 and FA24 Turbo Options Compared

Turbocharging a BRZ is not a matter of bolting on a compressor and chasing a dyno number. The engine platform, fuel system, cooling strategy, calibration, and intended power level all determine whether the result is a responsive street car or an expensive reliability lesson.

That platform decision shapes turbo selection, tuning requirements, and the supporting parts you should budget from the beginning. Start by comparing what each engine brings to the build before evaluating kits, manufacturers, and power targets.

Subaru Brz Turbo Kit: FA20 vs FA24: Why the Platform Matters for Your BRZ Turbo Build

The FA20 and FA24 can both make a responsive, usable turbocharged BRZ, but they do not start from the same hardware. Choosing the engine first determines how much boost the short block can reasonably tolerate, how quickly the build needs supporting parts, and where your budget should go.

FA20: proven architecture, tighter margin on stock parts

The FA20 powered the 2013-2020 BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86. Its 2.0-liter displacement, naturally aspirated compression ratio, and factory connecting rods and pistons make it a platform that rewards conservative boost, careful calibration, and realistic power targets. The stock short block can support a well-engineered street setup, but it is not the same as starting with a purpose-built boosted engine. Detonation, excessive cylinder pressure, poor fuel control, or an aggressive torque curve can shorten its service life quickly.

There is still a lot to like about the FA20. It uses a boxer layout designed to keep the engine low and reduce the chassis polar moment, which supports the BRZ's handling character. Its square bore-and-stroke design and AVCS on both intake and exhaust camshafts also give tuners a useful foundation for balancing response, airflow, and drivability. Technical references on the FA20 architecture document those characteristics.

For an FA20 Subaru BRZ turbo kit, think in terms of the complete system rather than the turbocharger alone. Intercooling, fuel delivery, oil control, exhaust flow, and a reliable tune matter as much as compressor size. If you are evaluating the engine itself before committing to a build, review Crawford's FA20 engine performance guide alongside the kit specifications.

FA24: more displacement and a more favorable starting point

The FA24 arrived in the 2022+ BRZ and GR86. Its 2.4-liter displacement provides more torque before boost, while the factory short block uses thicker connecting rods and a lower compression ratio than the FA20's naturally aspirated configuration. That combination gives the FA24 a more turbo-friendly starting point. It does not make the engine immune to detonation, excess heat, or an inadequate tune. But it generally leaves more room for a controlled boost strategy before an internal engine build becomes necessary.

The extra displacement also changes how the car feels. A properly selected turbo can reach a useful power band without being pushed as hard as a smaller engine, which helps preserve response. The tradeoff is that the FA24 still needs an appropriate fuel system, intercooler, oil management, clutch, and calibration. Neither platform should be judged by a peak dyno number alone.

Crawford develops around both the FA20 and FA24 platforms, so the right choice depends on the chassis, target wheel horsepower, fuel, and intended use. For a modest street build, the FA20 can be a sensible foundation with disciplined boost control. For a higher-output plan, the FA24's stock rod and compression advantages can improve the starting equation. While a built short block remains the correct answer once the target exceeds what stock components can reliably support.

Major Turbo Kit Options for the FA20 BRZ

The FA20 responds well to forced induction, but the right kit depends on your power target, tuning strategy, emissions requirements, and willingness to fabricate or source supporting parts. The options below cover the common paths for BRZ, FR-S, and 86 builds. Published output is a capability or marketing target, not a guaranteed wheel-horsepower number on a stock engine.

How to interpret the power claims

The Tomioka kit is the clearest example of why advertised capacity needs context: its product page states support for up to 500 HP. But reaching that level requires an appropriate fuel system, intercooling, calibration, and a realistic assessment of the FA20's stock internals. A near-$5,000 HKS package may simplify installation, while a WORKS or custom route can give the tuner more control over turbo selection and system layout.

For a street-driven car in a CARB-regulated state, do not assume that a bolt-on fit means legal emissions status. Ask for an applicable Executive Order or other current compliance documentation before buying, and confirm that the exact model year and parts combination are covered. If the goal is dependable performance rather than the largest dyno number, price the supporting modifications and calibration alongside the kit.

Turbocharging the FA24: What's Different in the New-Gen Twins

The 2022-and-newer BRZ and GR86 start with a more boost-friendly platform than the first-generation twins. The FA24 increases displacement from 2.0L to 2.4L, and its factory connecting rods are thicker than the FA20's. The lower 10.5:1 compression ratio also gives a turbo build more margin than the FA20's 12.5:1 ratio. Stronger factory pistons round out the package. That does not make the stock engine indestructible, but it can reduce the amount of supporting work required at moderate power levels.

More displacement changes the turbo system's job

The additional displacement improves low- and mid-range torque, so the turbo does not need to be pushed as hard to deliver a responsive street setup. It also means turbo selection and calibration must be matched to the FA24's airflow requirements rather than copied directly from an FA20 map. Exhaust routing and component fitment are different on the ZN8 and ZD8 chassis, too. An FA20 kit is not automatically a bolt-on solution for a 2022+ car.

HKS GTIII-RS for ZN8 and ZD8

The HKS GTIII-RS bolt-on turbo kit is listed for the ZN8/ZD8 chassis and 2022-2025 model years, with an MSRP of $5,800. HKS positions the GTIII-RS around its purpose-designed housing and application-specific parts. Verify current availability, market restrictions, and the included hardware before ordering, since the listing identifies the product as intended for the overseas market: HKS GTIII-RS ZN8/ZD8 turbo kit.

With the right fuel system, intercooling, oil control, and calibration, the FA24 can support 400+ whp on stock internals. Treat that figure as a build target, not a universal guarantee. Fuel quality, knock control, exhaust backpressure, charge temperatures, and the condition of the individual engine all determine whether the combination survives. The factory rods and pistons provide a stronger starting point, but they do not remove the need for conservative boost ramping and accurate ignition and fuel modeling.

FA24 tuning considerations

FA24 tuning should begin with a healthy engine and verified fuel pressure, then build power gradually while logging knock response, air-fuel ratio, boost, oil pressure, and charge temperature. The higher airflow of the 2.4L changes compressor demand and spool behavior. A calibration that is acceptable on an FA20 cannot simply be transferred to an FA24. For a complete hardware plan, compare the turbo system with Crawford's built engines and supporting components before deciding where stock internals stop making financial sense.

Essential Supporting Mods for a Reliable Turbo BRZ

A turbo system is only as reliable as the systems supporting it. Crawford Performance treats reliability and supporting modifications as core parts of a turbo build, not optional upgrades. Plan the complete package before ordering a Subaru BRZ turbo kit, because the kit itself is often only about 50% of the total project cost. A realistic budget is roughly twice the kit price once fuel, cooling, drivetrain, tuning, labor, and supporting hardware are included.

1. Upgrade the fuel system first

   Forced induction increases the engine's fuel demand quickly. Install larger injectors sized for your intended power level, along with a fuel pump that can maintain adequate flow under boost. The injector and pump combination must work together, and the final sizing should account for fuel type, duty cycle, and future power goals. Choosing components that are barely adequate leaves little margin for temperature, voltage, or ethanol-content changes.

2. Control oil temperature and crankcase vapors

   Turbocharging adds heat and increases the importance of clean, stable oil control. A dedicated oil cooler can help manage temperature during repeated pulls or track use. The Crawford Air/Oil Separators are also critical supporting hardware because they help manage oil mist and crankcase ventilation in a boosted application. Keep the separator correctly routed and serviceable, then verify the system after installation.

3. Match the clutch to the power target

   At 300 or more wheel horsepower, the factory clutch may become the weak link, especially with aggressive launches or repeated hard use. Choose a clutch and pressure plate rated for the torque you actually plan to make, not just the peak horsepower number. A streetable upgrade with predictable engagement is usually the better choice for a daily-driven BRZ.

4. Use a properly sized front-mount intercooler

   A front-mount intercooler reduces charge-air temperatures and helps keep performance consistent between pulls. Select a core and piping layout that support the target power without creating unnecessary pressure drop or fitment problems. Confirm clearance, coupler quality, and heat-management details before final assembly.

5. Finish with professional ECU tuning

   Do not drive a newly turbocharged BRZ on a generic or unfinished calibration. A professional tuner should configure fuel, ignition, boost control, throttle behavior, and safety limits for the exact engine, injectors, fuel, turbo, and intercooler combination. ECUTek or a comparable Subaru-capable tuning platform can provide the calibration and logging tools needed to validate the setup. The final tune should be developed from measured data, with conservative safeguards for the intended use.

These parts are not accessories added after the fact. They are the margin that allows the turbo system to deliver repeatable power without sacrificing the reliability that makes the build worthwhile.

What Power Level Is Right for You? 300, 400, or 500+ WHP

Choose the power target before buying parts. A sensible Subaru BRZ turbo kit build is not defined by the compressor map alone. It is defined by how much fuel, heat management, drivetrain capacity, engine strength, and calibration support the target requires.

300 WHP: The street-focused daily driver

For a BRZ that sees commuting, weekend drives, and occasional track use, 300 wheel horsepower is the most approachable tier. On a healthy engine, this target can work with stock internals and a relatively short supporting-mod list: the turbo system. Intercooler, appropriate injectors and fuel pump, exhaust components, and a professional calibration. A stronger clutch may still be sensible depending on mileage and driving style, but the build does not need to become an engine project.

Plan on roughly $8,000 to $10,000 all-in once installation, tuning, fluids, and supporting hardware are included. That range is a planning number, not a quote. Existing maintenance issues, emissions requirements, labor, and the condition of the car can move it substantially.

400 WHP: A complete supporting-mod build

At 400 WHP, the turbo is only one part of the system. Budget for an upgraded fuel system, a clutch matched to the torque curve. Improved intercooling and oil control, and a professional tune built around your actual fuel and hardware. Crawford's air-oil separator is one relevant piece of that reliability strategy, but it does not replace proper oil cooling, temperature monitoring, or maintenance.

A well-supported FA20 can be reliable at this level, but reliability comes from controlling cylinder pressure and heat rather than chasing a dyno number. Expect approximately $12,000 to $15,000 for a complete build. The turbo kit often looks like the largest purchase, yet it is only part of the final cost.

500+ WHP: Built engine territory

Five hundred wheel horsepower and beyond is a different commitment. A built short block, such as a Crawford Stage 2 or Stage 3 engine, becomes part of the plan along with a full fuel system. Larger turbocharger, upgraded clutch, intercooling, oil cooling, and a calibration capable of managing the combination. Certain aftermarket BRZ turbo kits advertise support up to 500 horsepower, including the Tomioka Racing kit. But a kit's rated capacity is not the same as a complete, street-reliable engine package. Review the manufacturer's stated capability in the context of your engine and use case.

Start with a $20,000-plus budget and leave room for fabrication, drivetrain upgrades, and troubleshooting. If the target is serious, compare the available Crawford built engines before selecting the turbo. Crawford's engine warranty is 12 months or 12,000 miles, but the final result still depends on correct assembly, tuning, and operation.

Why Crawford Performance Is the Authority on Turbo BRZ Builds

Crawford Performance built the first turbocharged BRZ/FRS. That history matters because a reliable turbo system is not just a collection of parts. It is an engineered combination of air, fuel, calibration, thermal management, and engine strength. Crawford has spent 29 years developing Subaru performance solutions, with race-proven results informing the parts and engine assemblies built for street, track, and competition use.

Crawford is also the only aftermarket manufacturer factory-backed by Subaru of America, a distinction that reflects a level of technical credibility few performance manufacturers can match. That relationship does not replace careful planning or professional tuning. But it gives BRZ owners a meaningful reason to evaluate Crawford when the build needs to work as a complete system. Crawford built engines are designed around the demands of the intended power level, not a generic parts list.

Reliability is part of the power strategy

Turbocharging can add substantial power, but the supporting decisions determine whether that power remains usable. Crawford's core focus is reliability and the supporting modifications that protect a turbo build, including the engine assembly, oil control, fuel delivery, cooling, clutch capacity, and calibration. That approach is especially important when comparing FA20 and FA24 builds, since the right combination depends on the platform, target output, and how the car will be driven.

For additional confidence in the engine itself, Crawford provides a 12-month/12,000-mile performance warranty on built engines. The warranty is not a substitute for correct installation, break-in, or tuning. It is a clear signal that the engine is treated as a finished performance product rather than an unverified collection of upgraded components.

Experience that supports the whole build

Crawford is an IAG Performance dealer, giving builders access to established Subaru components alongside Crawford's own engine-building expertise. That broader parts ecosystem helps keep the turbo system, fuel system, drivetrain, and calibration aligned. For a Subaru BRZ turbo kit project, the advantage is not simply choosing a familiar name. It is having a manufacturer and builder that understands how the individual parts behave together at the power level you actually intend to run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a stock BRZ handle a turbo?

A stock BRZ can tolerate a conservative turbo setup only when boost, calibration, fuel delivery, and operating conditions are controlled. The engine itself is not the whole system. Monitor oil temperature, charge temperature, knock, and air-fuel data, and plan for a clutch, intercooler, fuel system, and professional tune as power rises.

How much horsepower can a BRZ turbo kit add?

The result depends on the FA20 or FA24, turbo sizing, fuel, boost, and dyno. Some aftermarket kits, including the Tomioka Racing kit, are advertised to support up to 500 HP. But that is a kit capability, not a guaranteed wheel-horsepower result or a stock-engine recommendation. See the manufacturer specifications before choosing a target. Tomioka Racing specifications

What supporting mods are needed for a Subaru BRZ turbo kit?

At minimum, budget for engine management and tuning, adequate injectors and pump capacity, an intercooler, oil control, and a clutch matched to the torque increase. A reliable build may also require stronger rods and pistons, depending on the power target. Turbo kits commonly include the turbocharger, manifolds, downpipe, and intercooler piping, but they do not replace the supporting parts or calibration. Typical kit components

What is the difference between FA20 and FA24 turbo builds?

The FA20 and FA24 require different fitment and tuning decisions, so do not assume an FA20 kit transfers to a 2022-and-newer BRZ. The FA20 uses a boxer layout, dual AVCS, and a square bore-and-stroke design. The FA24 is the newer platform and has become a major focus for current performance development. Confirm chassis, exhaust routing, sensors, and calibration compatibility before buying parts.

Is a turbo BRZ worth the cost?

It can be, if your priority is a broader torque curve and a defined power goal rather than the lowest-cost modification. The turbo kit is only one part of the build. Include tuning, fuel delivery, cooling, driveline capacity, installation, and maintenance in the budget. A conservative daily-driver setup and a 500-plus-HP project have very different cost and reliability requirements.

Are BRZ turbo kits CARB legal?

Do not assume a kit is legal for street use in your state. CARB approval is specific to the exact vehicle application and part number, and many performance kits are intended for competition or off-road use. Check the current manufacturer documentation and California Air Resources Board records before purchase, especially if the car must pass emissions testing.

Contact us to plan your BRZ turbo build

Choosing the right turbo kit is only part of a successful FA20 or FA24 build. Matching power goals with the engine, fuel system, cooling, clutch, and tune helps you create a package that fits how you drive. Contact Crawford Performance to discuss your Subaru BRZ turbo kit plans, supporting mods, and next steps. Call Crawford Performance at (859) 394-4248.