Can I turbo my Toyota 86?

Yes—you can turbocharge a Toyota 86, but it’s a major modification that affects reliability, warranty, and cost. A proper turbo kit with professional tuning and supporting upgrades is essential for any meaningful gains.

The Toyota 86 (also known as the GT86 in some markets) has evolved from a 2.0-liter NA platform in its early years to the 2.4-liter FA24-based GR86 in newer versions. Aftermarket forced induction is common among 86/BRZ owners who seek real performance gains, but it requires careful planning, quality parts, and expert installation. This article outlines options, considerations, and what you should expect if you’re thinking about adding a turbocharger to your 86.

Turbo options for the 86

Below is a snapshot of the main routes people take when adding turbocharged power to the 86. The items are listed to help you compare what’s available, what it requires, and what you might gain.

• Bolt-on turbo kits (stock internals) for the FA20/FA24 engines: These packages include a turbocharger, intercooler, mounting hardware, wastegate, exhaust plumbing, and an ECU tune. They are designed to minimize fabrication and offer a more straightforward installation, but gains vary with boost level and supporting mods.


• Custom or semi-custom turbo builds (engineered around your car): Shops may assemble a bespoke turbo system using off-the-shelf components tailored to your goals. This route offers flexibility but can be more costly and requires careful integration of fueling, ignition, cooling, and engine management.


• Factory-backed or OEM-inspired routes (where available): At present, Toyota/GR options do not offer a factory turbo for the 86/BRZ line, so most “official” paths are limited to dealer-approved performance parts or warranty-friendly enhancements in specific markets. This means most turbocharging remains aftermarket rather than factory-supported.

These paths share common requirements: upgraded fueling (injectors, pump), intercooling, a robust ECU/tuner, and adequate cooling. The exact hardware depends on your engine generation (2.0L FA20 vs. 2.4L FA24) and your power targets.

Key considerations and risks

Before committing to a turbo project, consider the following factors that commonly affect success, reliability, and ownership experience.

• Warranty and insurance: Turbo modifications typically void manufacturer warranties for the modified portions of the engine and related systems. Some insurers may adjust premiums based on the modification, and claims unrelated to the turbo should not be impacted if properly segregated, but many shops advise clear disclosure and potential risk assessment.


• Engine internals and reliability: Boosting a 86’s engine increases cylinder pressures and heat. While a well-tuned kit can be reliable at modest boost, sustained high boost often necessitates internal upgrades (pistons, rods, head studs) and improved cooling to maintain long-term durability.


• Fuel system and ignition: Upgraded fuel pumps, high-flow injectors, and proper ignition timing are essential. Without adequate fueling and timing control, detonation and lean running can cause engine damage.


• Cooling and heat management: Turbocharged engines generate more heat. A larger intercooler, additional oil cooling, and, in some cases, upgraded radiator/can help prevent heat soak and keep performance consistent.


• Drivetrain and transmission: The power an 86 can deliver strains the standard clutch (manual) or torque converter (automatic) and rear drivetrain components.You may need a stronger clutch, upgraded transmission fluid, and routine maintenance to handle higher torque.


• Legal and emissions: Depending on your region, turbo setups may affect emissions compliance and require inspections or testing. Ensure the setup remains street-legal where you drive and adheres to local exhaust emissions rules.

In short, turbocharging an 86 is entirely feasible, but it is not a simple bolt-on upgrade and demands careful planning around power goals, supporting hardware, and long-term reliability. A thoughtful approach with a reputable tuner is essential.

Budget, timeline, and what to expect

Planning a turbo project requires clear budgeting and realistic timelines. The total cost depends heavily on the power target, engine generation, and whether you’re using a bolt-on kit or a custom build. The following guidelines help you set expectations.

1. Kit and hardware: A basic bolt-on kit plus intercooler and hardware typically starts in the lower thousands of dollars and increases with complexity and supporting pieces. Expect higher costs for larger intercoolers, reliable boost control, and high-flow fuel components.


2. Tuning and calibration: Dyno tuning is essential for safe operation and peak performance. Plan for a dedicated tuning session with a qualified tuner, often in the range of several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the shop and goals.


3. Supporting upgrades: Fuel system (pump, injectors), exhaust, intake, intercooler, and cooling upgrades are common upcharges that can add to the total cost and install time.


4. Labor and installation: Professional installation, piping fabrication, and ECU/telemetry setup can represent a significant share of the budget, often comparable to or greater than parts costs.


5. Maintenance and risk mitigation: Expect higher maintenance costs (oil changes, coolant, regular inspection of turbo components) and potential downtime during installation and if issues arise post-install.

Costs vary widely by region, shop rates, and the power target you choose. A modest, well-tuned setup with reliable fueling and cooling can be more affordable than a high-boost, high-risk build that pushes stock components beyond their limits.

Getting it right: steps to a prudent turbo project

Executing a turbo project on the 86 requires a disciplined process to minimize risk and maximize satisfaction. The following steps outline a prudent path from concept to streetable power.

1. Define goals: Determine your desired horsepower, daily drivability, and whether you want track-focused performance or street usability.


2. Choose the engine baseline: Decide if you’re starting from a 2.0L FA20 or a 2.4L FA24 platform, as this affects kit compatibility and required supporting mods.


3. Select a reputable kit or shop: Favor established vendors or tuners with proven 86/BRZ turbo experience and a dyno room for proper calibration.


4. Plan supporting mods: Budget for fueling upgrades, cooling, exhaust, and potentially a stronger clutch or transmission upgrades.


5. Schedule a dyno tune: Ensure safe air-fuel ratios and timing across the rpm range, with data logging and drive-by-wire mapping as needed.


6. Test thoroughly: After installation and tuning, perform controlled test runs to monitor for knock, overheating, or driveline issues and address them promptly.

By following a structured approach, you improve your odds of a satisfying outcome while reducing the chances of reliability issues or warranty complications.

Summary

Turbocharging the Toyota 86 is a viable path to serious performance gains, but it is a substantial undertaking that touches engine reliability, warranty protections, insurance considerations, and overall ownership costs. Options range from bolt-on kits to bespoke builds, each with its own set of requirements and risks. A careful, well-planned project—anchored by a reputable tuner, robust fueling and cooling, and realistic power targets—offers the best chance of enjoyment without compromising the car’s long-term health. If you’re unsure, start with a clear goal, seek expert guidance, and weigh the value of a more conservative upgrade versus a full-blown turbo build.

Can you put a turbo on a GR86?

Yes, you can turbo a GR86, with many aftermarket kits available from companies like HKS and JDL. However, adding a turbo is a significant modification that typically requires more than just the turbo kit itself, including a custom tune, and often necessitates other supporting modifications for reliability and to handle the increased power, such as upgraded fuel injectors, brakes, and potentially internal engine components.
 
This video provides a comprehensive overview of what's needed to turbocharge a GR86: 54s86 SpeedYouTube · Aug 15, 2025
Key considerations for turbocharging a GR86

• Turbo kit is necessary: You will need a complete turbo kit, which includes the turbocharger, intercooler, and all necessary piping. 
• Tuning is essential: A custom tune is required to manage the boost and ensure the engine runs safely and correctly. 
• Supporting modifications:
  • Fuel system: Upgraded fuel injectors and a high-flow fuel pump are often needed, especially if running E85 fuel. 
  • Cooling: An external oil cooler is highly recommended due to the added heat from the turbo. 
  • Brakes: The stock brakes are often considered insufficient for the increased power and should be upgraded to handle higher speeds, particularly for track use. 
  • Clutch: The stock clutch may not be able to handle the significant torque increase and will likely need to be upgraded. 
• Heat management: Insulating the turbo and exhaust manifold can help with spool time and performance by keeping intake air denser. 
• Cost: A full, reliable turbo build can be expensive, easily costing tens of thousands of dollars when factoring in all the necessary supporting modifications and labor. 
• Reliability: Some owners report potential issues with long-term reliability on boosted engines, and it will likely void your factory warranty. 

You can watch this video to see a step-by-step installation of an HKS turbo kit on a GR86: 56s86 SpeedYouTube · Sep 4, 2025

Can you turbo an 86?

Our Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ turbo kits can be fitted, tuned and ready to go within 2-3 days of you dropping the car off. We believe our turbo kit reflects real value.

How much HP can you get out of a Toyota 86?

Around 300whp is the “sweet spot” it seems of reliability and power, people can occasionally get to around 350whp on stock internals but it's just a guessing game at that point, along with having to constantly replace transmissions.

Can a BRZ engine handle a turbo?

A quality turbo kit can easily push your BRZ past 300 horsepower, completely changing its character from a momentum car to a genuine powerhouse.