How much hp does a supercharged 86 make?
A supercharged 86 typically makes about 250–320 hp at the crank, with roughly 200–270 hp at the wheels depending on boost and tune.
To understand this question in context, the Toyota 86 (and its sibling Subaru BRZ) started with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing about 205 hp in earlier versions. Later, models with a 2.4-liter engine (GR86/BRZ) push toward ~228 hp in factory form. Adding a supercharger changes the equation by forcing more air into the engine, which boosts horsepower well beyond stock figures—yet the exact output depends on the kit, boost level, fueling, and tuning.
What factors influence a supercharged 86’s horsepower?
The final power figure is affected by the size of the supercharger and the boost pressure, the engine’s fueling and timing, the intercooling efficiency, the exhaust flow, and how aggressively the ECU is tuned. Internal limits—such as piston strength and cooling capacity—also play a role in determining safe, reliable power levels.
Below is a general guide to typical output ranges based on boost levels and common kit configurations. Use these as rough benchmarks rather than precise guarantees for any given car.
- Low- to mid-boost kits (~5–7 psi): about 230–260 hp at the crank; roughly 190–230 hp at the wheels.
- Mid-boost kits (~8–10 psi): about 260–320 hp at the crank; roughly 210–270 hp at the wheels.
- High-boost or race-oriented setups (>10 psi): about 320–380+ hp at the crank; roughly 260–340 hp at the wheels.
Real-world results depend heavily on the exact kit, engine version (2.0L FA20 vs 2.4L FA24), fueling upgrades, intercooler capacity, and how the vehicle is tuned. Always consult the kit manufacturer and have a dyno test to verify actual numbers for your build.
Popular supercharger options for the FA20/FA24 (86/BRZ) and their typical output ranges
Several well-known aftermarket brands offer bolt-on supercharger kits for the FA20/FA24 engines used in the 86/BRZ lineup. Output varies with the specific kit and tune, but the ranges below reflect common expectations in the community and on dynos.
- Kraftwerks FA20/FA24 supercharger kits: typically in the 260–340+ hp crank range, depending on boost and supporting modifications.
- Vortech supercharger systems: commonly delivering roughly 280–360+ hp crank with appropriate fueling and intercooling.
- Magnuson supercharger kits: often seen in the 300–360+ hp crank range under proper tuning and upgrades.
- Whipple supercharger systems: generally targeting about 320–380+ hp crank with upgraded fuel and intercooler components.
Note that exact horsepower is highly dependent on the specific model year (FA20 vs FA24), boost category, fuel system upgrades, intercooling, exhaust, and ECU calibration. Prospective buyers should verify numbers with the manufacturer and have a professional dyno run performed on their own car after installation.
Crank horsepower vs. wheel horsepower
Horsepower ratings advertised by kit makers typically refer to crank horsepower. Because the engine’s power must overcome drivetrain losses before reaching the wheels, wheel horsepower is lower. A common rule of thumb is that wheel horsepower is roughly 15–25% less than crank horsepower, though actual losses depend on transmission, differential, and accessories.
What this means for daily driving and reliability
Shifting to a supercharged setup dramatically increases the engine’s stress and heat, so strengthening supporting systems is crucial. This often means upgraded fuel delivery (injectors and pump), a robust intercooler, improved cooling capacity, and careful tuning to avoid detonation. While a properly installed and tuned kit can be reliable for daily driving, frequent high-boost operation and track use typically demand more frequent maintenance and solid cooling strategies.
Summary
For the Toyota 86 (and its BRZ twin), a supercharged setup typically produces 250–320 hp at the crank, translating to around 200–270 hp at the wheels in many street configurations. The exact numbers depend on the boost level, the chosen kit, fueling and cooling upgrades, and the tune. With the right combination of hardware and professional tuning, a supercharged 86 can deliver a strong, streetable increase in power while balancing reliability for daily driving.
