• Vortech Supercharger
• Sprintex 210 Supercharger
• HKS GT Supercharger
• Edelbrock E-Force
• Kraftwerks Supercharger
• Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our GT86 Supercharger summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice
Kraftwerks Supercharger System	HKS GT Supercharger System V3	Edelbrock E-Force Kit
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

You made a great choice with purchasing the GT86, however, the time has come where you’ve decided that the car’s power just isn’t satisfying your ever-growing needs. Sound familiar? If so, we’ve created this guide just for you!

With a decent engine, fantastic handling and one of the most impressive modern designs, the GT86 ticks many of the everyday fun toy checklist.

Let’s be honest, the everyday fun soon becomes the norm and it’s time to either supercharge or turbocharge your pride and joy to release its full potential.

The supercharger vs turbocharger debate is one that will leave you searching for hours online, but the simple part of it is that the supercharger provides a smoother power delivery making it more suitable for upgrading your daily driver.

Many owners also opted for turbochargers for their daily driver so that they can feel the boost on the open roads, the beauty of modifying is that YOU decide what suits your needs best.

With the GR86 just around the corner, you might want to check out the latest rumors before you take the plunge on adding forced induction to your existing ’86.

Forced induction

You may have already decided that supercharging suits you best, however if you prefer a sudden surge of power and turbo noises, we also recommend checking out our GT86 turbo kit guide too!

We’ve written this guide to help you narrow down the difficult decisions when it comes to supercharging your 86 and find the perfect kit for your needs.

Let’s take a look at our GT86 supercharger kits

To read more about any of these products simply click on the supercharger name or photo.

Vortech Supercharger Tuner Kit

• Manufacturer: Vortech
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Supercharger type: Centrifugal
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy the Vortech supercharger kit at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: US-based Vortech are very well known in the supercharging game for delivering high quality and awesome looking superchargers, their GT86 kit is certainly no exception. Part of the plan with this kit was to make it as easy as possible to install, even with inexperienced mechanics being capable with the right tools.

This kit is most noticeable in the higher RPM’s, with many drivers finding it most practical for track rather than street use. Owners have often achieved over 300hp at 9psi with the required supporting mods.

If you do opt to use this kit on the street in the US, you’ll undoubtedly be glad to hear the this kit has CARB certification.

Manufacturer description: “The fun-to-drive car is back, and the FT86 platform is the most exciting thing to come along in years! However, most people believe there is one thing missing… more power! With a legendary history of improved performance through efficient boost, the team of Engineers at Vortech have designed a kit that makes these great cars even more enjoyable to drive.“

“Design, detail and execution exceed OEM standards for a look you will be excited to show off at the car show or the track. Boost your Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ to the next level of performance with the new centrifugal supercharging system from Vortech.“

Sprintex 210 Supercharger Kit

• Manufacturer: Sprintex
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Supercharger type: Twin Screw
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy Sprintex 210 Supercharger Kit at Amazon

Our comment: Sprintex bring you the first Twin Screw setup on our list, this means that you will see boost in the lower RPM’s compared to a centrifugal supercharger. This is an ideal option for a road car as it means that you’re likely to use the power delivery more frequently.

Owners have reported that the kit runs fantastically well when tuned and run on E85 and it’s undoubtedly one of the more popular offerings on our list. If you’re looking for a fast road setup with CARB certification, this may well be the kit for you!

Manufacturer description: “SPRINTEX TWIN SCREW SUPERCHARGER (formerly Innovate Supercharger) – The twin screw (positive displacement) supercharger for the Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ provides unrivaled low and mid range torque while still providing impressive peak power. The proprietary internal design of the supercharger offers exceptional isentropic efficiency when compared to other supercharger and turbocharger designs and only requires servicing every 30,000 miles!.“

HKS GT Supercharger System V3

• Manufacturer: HKS
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Supercharger type: Centrifugal
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy HKS GT Supercharger System V3 at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: This Japanese tuning house undoubtedly needs no introduction, HKS present the third revision of their hugely popular GT86 supercharger kit.

With the latest revision now featuring some drastic changes mainly focused around increased airflow, owners have seen around 320hp on E85 and 250hp on 91 octane with paired HKS intake, headers and exhaust.

This kit has been tried and tested on daily driven cars for long periods with great results. We would recommend opting for the reasonably-priced optional Flash Tuner which allows you to run varied maps for different fuel types. Want to run 91 octane on the street and E85 at the track? This could well be the perfect choice!

Manufacturer description: “The popular GT86/FR-S/BRZ Supercharger Kit from HKS is back with V3, and now, it makes even more power. The new kit features a revised inlet pipe with a larger inside diameter, a larger supercharger pulley, and it no longer has the restrictor plate. These changes optimize the airflow and allow for a slower spinning, but more efficient airflow.“

“The new larger pulley creates a reduction in supercharger speed, which along with the less restrictive air flow, allows for a larger volume of air as well as cooler intake temperatures which creates more power. The new V3 kit is available with an optional Flash Editor with pre programmed tunes for 91 octane and E85.“

Edelbrock E-Force Kit

• Manufacturer: Edelbrock
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Supercharger type: Twin Screw
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy Edelbrock E-Force at Amazon

Our comment: Another popular offering is the second twin-screw supercharger on our list, this time from Edelbrock. This is one of the best looking and well thought-out kits out there, which is quite possibly the closest to an OEM-look you will get which also comes with fantastic reliability.

Much like our previous twin screw option, this kit delivers increased low down power delivery which makes it great for street use, along with it’s CARB certification it’s definitely a strong contender for a street car.

Manufacturer description: “This all-new E-Force Supercharger system is designed exclusively for the FA20/4U-GSE engine. It’s unique inverted design features long runners that allow for maximum flow at high rpm, while retaining great daily driving characteristics. It has been designed from the ground-up and utilizes the Eaton® 1320 TVS rotor assembly for maximum efficiency in a compact package. As with all E-Force superchargers, this system features an efficient high flow inlet configuration that results in a shorter, less restrictive intake path for improved air flow and performance.“

“To cool the incoming air, is a large dual pass air-to-water intercooler and heat exchanger. All of these features help the E-Force deliver dramatically improved performance, especially in the mid-range, where power dips have been eliminated for a smooth linear power curve. Lastly, the supercharger assembly is finished with a durable black powder coating with red accents for a unique look that will let everybody know your car is E-Force powered!“

Kraftwerks Supercharger System

• Manufacturer: Kraftwerks
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Supercharger type: Centrifugal
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy Kraftwerks Supercharger System at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: Kraftwerks bring you the most reasonably priced offering on our list. The initial quality of the kit doesn’t reflect the reasonable price as it’s both good looking and good quality. Despite having CARB certification, we found this to be more of a track setup than street.

Although this all sounds great, poor fitment and belt reliability issues have left it with a lower score. We recommend searching for your own opinions in case an updated version is released to fix this, in which case it could be a great value kit!

Manufacturer description: “Kraftwerks is pleased to announce the release of a brand new intercooled supercharger system for the new Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S. At the heart of the new system is the Rotrex C30-94, which is the same supercharger used in the extremely successful Kraftwerks 2006-2013 Honda Civic Si system.”

“At 9psi of boost pressure, the supercharger system produced an impressive +90whp on 91-octane through the OEM headers and exhaust, and +125whp on E85 through Skunk2 headers and exhaust. More impressive is the linear power curve throughout the entire power band due to the patented traction drive technology, which transmits power through friction forces between its rolling elements.”

Our winner

Our winner is the HKS GT Supercharger System V3

To pick our winner from this choice of GT86 supercharger kits we looked at a number of criteria; ease of installation, power levels, upgrade potential and price point.

Based on these criteria we have chosen the HKS GT Supercharger System V3 to be our winner.

HKS GT Supercharger System V3

As an all-rounder, we couldn’t help but feel that the HKS GT Supercharger System V3 was the best option available for your 86. Despite already being a great kit, the optional Flash Tuner made this hard to beat as we love the ability to switch between tunes for different uses.

All five options undoubtedly have their positives and if you’re looking for a specific need such as low down power on a daily driver, alternative options may well suit your needs better.

We highly recommend that further research is done based on our guide. There are often additional parts, tunes or upgrades for base-level supercharger kits that may be either vital or purely suit your preferences.

Thank you for reading our GT86 supercharger guide

If you enjoyed this article then please share it with the sharing buttons at the side and the bottom of your screen.

Photography credits

• Vortech Superchargers
• Dsportmag
• Mod Bargains
• FT86 Speed Factory

The post Toyota GT86 Supercharger Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• TOMEI Expreme Ti
• Agency Power
• Perrin
• Borla
• TRD
• Invidia N1
• Manzo
• Corsa
• HKS Legamax
• Tanabe Medalion
• Jump To Winner

In a hurry? Here is our GT86 exhaust summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice
Invidia N1 GT86 Exhaust	Perrin GT86 Exhaust	TOMEI Expreme Ti Titanium GT86 Exhaust Type-60S
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

As with most modern-day cars, the GT86 left the factory sounding a little underwhelming. However, these strict emissions requirements and sound restrictions have opened up the perfect opportunity for aftermarket exhaust manufacturers to unleash the GT86’s true potential.

It’s certainly no secret that the 86 already has has stunning features and some owners like the subtle, stock look that it left the factory with. Others like a huge exhaust with enough noise to wake up the neighborhood. We’ve catered to each and every need in this guide.

Surely enough you’re likely to see some small power gains when you finally free up the restricted airflow, however we feel that exhaust choice should also be based on budget, quality, looks and sound.

If you intend to go down the forced induction route or already have, we recommend opting for one of the high-flowing exhausts to get the most out of your power gains. If you’re interested in forced induction, make sure you check out our turbo kits and supercharger guides.

There’s certainly no shortage of aftermarket parts for the 86, so we’ve compiled a list of the most popular exhausts on the market to help you decide which one suits your needs.

Depending on what Toyota decides to do with the drivetrain, the upcoming GR86 may well benefit from the same huge aftermarket support as the GT86 platform.

What is this guide for?

This guide has been created to help you find the perfect exhaust upgrade to compliment your boxer engine.

For each option, we also add our own comments. In addition, we have given a Drifted rating (1-5) based on features and price. We are considering budget, mid-range and high end exhausts in this comparison.

With further exhuast upgrades on the market, please bare in mind that the car videos we have provided with this guide may have had additional modifications.

Let’s take a look at our GT86 exhaust selection.

To read more about any of these products just click on the exhaust name or photo.

TOMEI Expreme Ti Titanium GT86 Exhaust Type-60S

• Manufacturer: Tomei
• Internal pipe diameter: 60.5mm (2.4″)
• Tailpipe configuration: Single 105mm (4″) tip
• Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Tomei Expreme GT86 Exhaust at Enjuku Racing!

Our comment: Tomei have launched this incredible fully-titanium offering on the market weighing in at just 6.4kg, an incredible 11kg saving over stock. The 60S is the perfect choice if you’re looking for performance on your street-legal car without being too loud.

Insanely well made with Tomei’s usual quality, this will make your boxer engine sound far more exotic as it screams in the upper revs.

If noise levels isn’t a concern, Tomei also has their Type-60R race exhaust which is louder and lighter, or their Type-80 exhaust, which was made specifically with forced induction kits in mind.

There’s no doubt that this may well be the perfect choice for many 86 owners, however it comes with a small sacrifice that you will be left with a single-exit exhaust instead of the stock twin-tip.

Manufacturer description: “Our high-quality, high-performance muffler that was specifically created for the performance minded end user.“

“We had developed our own special material to achieve the quality and performance needed. In terms of functionality, the internal structure of the silencer and the layout were designed as straight as possible. With 3 muffler designs available, to suit various tuning needs. To cover all GT86/BRZ/FRS tuning trends. This is the clear distinguishing factor of our EXPREME Ti series mufflers.“

Tomei Type-60S exhaust video

Agency Power GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: Agency Power
• Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 100mm (4″) tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Agency Power GT86 Exhaust at FRSport!

Our comment: Agency Power bring this great twin-exit to the market, providing a nice clean look with burnt titanium tips. This exhaust provides an extremely refined, clean sound which could be a great option those who are planning to run low to moderate power.

Some people have found that the fitment of this kit hit-or-miss, but providing you buy from a good retailer we can’t see this being a major issue. Agency Power offer lifetime warranty on their exhausts should any problems arise.

Manufacturer description: “The highly anticipated Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ has hit the market. Agency Power has taken its experience with developing new exhausts to this new platform. This dual exhaust features 2.5″ 304 stainless steel piping, tig welded mandrel bends and satin finish. The dual 4″ titanium tips are the perfect finish to this exhaust. The design utilizes factory mounts to ensure easy installation. With all of the Agency power exhausts, quality, durability and performance are the standards.“

“Agency Power exhausts are designed not only to be one of the best looking exhaust systems on the market, but also to have the best sound, fitment and performance.“

Agency Power exhaust video

Perrin GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: Perrin
• Internal pipe diameter: 76mm (3″)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 100mm (4″) tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Perrin GT86 Exhaust here

Our comment: Perrin bring you their popular exhaust which features a 3″ internal pipe diameter, a great option for those of you who are looking for a little extra sound, or require extra airflow for pushing out 300hp+ with forced induction.

Perrin also offer a 2.5″ option which would be suitable for those who are looking for a quieter exhaust and have no intentions of going down the forced induction route in the future.

This exhaust has slashed tips which provides a great, stylish look. Combined with epic sounds it’s clear why so many owners have opted for this. If you’re after a medium noise-level with no drone which opens up to be loud when you want it, this is an excellent option.

Perrin are a US-based company with a great customer service reputation and their exhausts include a lifetime warranty.

Manufacturer description: “Two over-sized 4″ double wall slash cut exhaust tips add an aggressive look to this impressive system. PERRIN exhaust tips feature double wall construction and will not dis-color with extreme heat.“

It is very important to us for our exhaust makes power, but sound level & tone should also be a concern. Our system is designed to have a very mellow and pleasing note while not producing loud “farty” sounds that wakes up neighbors.“

Perrin exhaust video

Borla GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: Borla
• Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)-50mm (2″)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 4.25″ (108mm) Tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Borla GT86 Exhaust

Our comment: Borla bring you the exhaust which shows how they think the GT86 should’ve left the factory. With large, yet subtle-looking 4.5″ tips which resemble the OEM-look, it also features a subtle sound increase over stock while enhancing the boxer rumble.

Borla have designed this to reduce the weight at the rear and more in the middle, with a 25% weight saving over stock. This is a good exhaust for those of you who are wanting a subtle upgrade and not intending to run over 300hp or forced induction.

Manufacturer description: “Make your GT86/FR-S/BRZ sound like it should have from the factory with this Borla Cat-Back Exhaust. Borla has constructed a single muffler design that incorporates a patented multi-core technology; giving this exhaust a deep and aggressive exhaust note.“

“Also by having only one muffler Borla was able to reduce weight, weighing 25% lighter than stock, translating into less weight for more power. Borla spent their time on this Cat-Back exhaust using mandrel bent tubing for maximized exhaust flow and max power gains. Get that exhaust note you have been yearning for with this Borla Cat-Back Exhaust.“

Borla exhaust video

TRD GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: TRD
• Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.3”)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 110mm tips (4.3”)
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your TRD GT86 Exhaust at Amazon!

Our comment: Toyota Racing Development need no introduction as they present their OEM+ exhaust for the GT86. Providing the typical quality you can expect, their unique ‘D’ shaped tips bring a unique look to the rear of the car.

If you’re more keen on OEM than aftermarket products and are looking for a sublte look and sound, this is well worth considering.

TRD exhaust video

Invidia N1 GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: Invidia
• Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.36”)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 101mm tips (4”)
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Invidia N1 GT86 Exhaust at Enjuku Racing!

Our comment: Invidia have come up with this extremely popular, reasonably priced solution for those who like a more aggressive exhaust.

Despite being just a 2.36″ internal diameter, it has extremely good flow and will suit cars running over 300hp.

If you’re after a loud, high-flowing exhaust at a reasonable price with great quality, this is definitely worth looking at.

Manufacturer description: “For a good balance of price and performance, Invidia offers the motorsports enthusiasts a strong line-up of Invidia N1 Exhaust is constructed with high-quality SUS304 stainless steel, CNC-machined flanges, and manufactured with a polished finish.“

Each system features mandrel-bent stainless steel piping for maximum exhaust flow and reduced back pressure. These exhausts are engineered to produce strong mid to top-end power gains, as well as an increase in horsepower and torque.“

Invidia exhaust video

Manzo GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: Manzo
• Internal pipe diameter: 76mm (3″)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 105mm (4″) tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Manzo GT86 Exhaust at Amazon!

Our comment:By far the cheapest offering from our list, this Manzo exhaust offers great value for money for those who are looking to go down the low-budget route.

Despite the initial offering having some issues, Manzo are now on V3 of this exhaust with each being an improvement over the last. We recommend that you ensure you are getting the latest revision when purchasing.

Expect this system to be loud but free-flowing with quite a bit of drone in the 60-70mph range. If you can live with this, it could well be a steal!

Manufacturer description: “Manzo is built by a large big name performance tuning company, so you get a quality product but at an affordable price.“

“Manzo is designed to be a quality entry-level exhaust system that improves horsepower and torque while giving your car an aftermarket exhaust note that sounds great. Manzo exhausts are built to be a direct bolt on and include all necessary hardware for installation. Each exhaust is made from polished stainless steel and has smooth mandrel bent exhaust piping for unrestricted flow. Manzo exhausts also feature strong CNC machined flanges that stand up to high temps and prevent warping.“

Manzo exhaust video

Corsa GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: Corsa
• Internal pipe diameter: 64mm (2.5”)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 114mm tips (4.5”)
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Corsa GT86 exhaust here!

Our comment:This exhaust from Corsa sounds as good as it looks! This is one of the more popular offerings on our list and is a great all-rounder for those who are after a nice note without too much aggression.

Featuring lifetime warranty and no-drone technology, it’s easy to see why we think this is one of the top contenders. Buyers are given the option of choosing between polished or black 4.5″ slanted tips.

Manufacturer description: “Corsa Performance Exhaust systems are by far once of the best exhausts on the market today. Every exhaust is hand crafted and designed in the USA to specifically match your vehicle’s harmonics and characteristics to produce once of the best sounding exhausts we have heard.“

“These incredible exhaust systems feature a straight through design muffler with Corsa’s RSC technology to eliminate the interior drone/resonance at cruising speeds that is annoying for those with daily drivers who don’t want to hear the constant loud drone of their exhaust while cruising.“

“The straight through muffler, mandrel bent piping, and top quality stainless steel improves horsepower and torque by reducing back pressure and smoothing the exhaust flow.“

Corsa exhaust video

HKS Legamax Premium GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: HKS
• Internal pipe diameter: 60mm-54mm (2.3-2.1”)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 124mm tips (4.9”)
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your HKS Legamax GT86 Exhaust here!

Our comment: If big tips are your thing, HKS has this crazy offering which are nearly 5″! HKS have several designs for different needs in this marketplace, however the Legamax is a great all-rounder.

This option has been designed with performance in mind whilst also maintaining a nice, subtle, deep sound which comes alive when revved up.

Manufacturer description: “This range of high performance exhaust systems from HKS has been carefully designed to improve flow rate and reduce back pressure whilst retaining road legal noise levels while maximizing high end power gains.“

“The HKS Legamax Premium exhaust range offers sports performance while still remaining a classy look. Each Tailpipe is custom designed for the specific model it fits to ensure it stands out yet still gives the vehicle a classy look. All Legamax exhausts are made of T304 with some also having titanium tips giving you the premium exhaust look.“

HKS Legamax Premium exhaust video

Tanabe Medalion Touring GT86 Exhaust

• Manufacturer: Tanabe
• Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.36”)
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 100mm (4”) tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Tanabe Medalion Touring GT86 Exhaust here!

Our comment: Tanabe has a great reputation for quality products and their subtle, ‘gentlemans choice’ exhuast is no exception.

If you’re looking for something aggressive, this probably isn’t for you. If you’re looking for something that won’t wake up the neighborhood everytime you want to go for a drive, this is much more likely to appeal.

Manufacturer description:“A refined level of performance and drivability is available in the Medalion Touring. The elegant, well defined appearance of Medalion Touring is mature, and matches the artistry of a tastefully built, highly tuned machine.“

“Tanabe’s Medalion Touring Exhaust for the 2013+ Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ will provide an aggressive exhaust note while keeping sould levels below 93 decibels. Tanabe uses their ‘ADVANTEX’ packing material technology to maximize exhaust system efficiency while maintaining a clean sound output.“

Tanabe Medalion Touring exhaust video

Our winner

Our winner is the Perrin GT86 Exhaust.

This exhaust is the perfect all rounder, combining great looks, great quality and a sexy tone.

With their simple high-flowing design, great customer service and lifetime warranty, we think you’ll struggle to find a better exhaust on the market whether you opt for the 2.5″ or 3″ choice.

Perrin GT86 Exhaust

Runner-up

With their insane price, Invidia fought well for the top spot here. Since it’s a little too on the aggressive side when it comes to sound, we opted for the better all-rounder. However, if you don’t mind waking up the neighbours or spend most of your time at the track then this exhaust is a steal!

Invidia N1 GT86 Exhaust

Photography credits

• Lead image from WSupercars

Thank you for reading our GT86 exhaust guide

Now that you’ve got your GT86 sounding just right, why not look out our turbo kit and supercharger guides?

If you enjoyed this article then please share it with the sharing buttons on the side and the bottom of your screen.

If we have missed an exhaust offering that you think is worthy of mention then drop it in the comments below.

Wanna see an incredible tuning style? Check out the Bosozoku exhausts here!

The post Toyota GT86 Exhaust Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• GReddy T518Z Turbo Kit
• WORKS Stage 1 Turbo Kit
• WORKS Stage 2 Turbo Kit
• Full Blown Stage 1 Turbo Kit
• Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our GT86 Turbo Kit summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Runner-Up
Full Blown GT86 Turbo Kit	WORKS Stage 2 GT86 Turbo Kit	WORKS Stage 1 GT86 Turbo Kit
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Toyota created the GT86 with the mindset of producing a low-powered, lightweight chassis with great handling and skinny tires, making it easy to throw into corners for some tail-happy action.

This certainly has its appeal, however, you’ll no doubt soon get the urge to upgrade certain parts, and before you know it, you’ve installed coilovers and an exhaust.

After that, those with larger pockets that are looking for something a little crazier, installing a turbo kit to your boxer engine will turn your GT86 into a whole new beast.

Several tuning companies from around the world have created their ultimate package to provide you with an off-the-shelf turbo kit to conveniently give you that much-needed boost!

With the upcoming GR86 potentially becoming turbo charged, a turbo kit for your existing GT86 platform will bring it bang up to date.

GT86 Forced induction

With plenty of options available when it comes to supercharging or turbocharging your GT86, it mainly comes down to personal preference to decide which method is best for you.

Still in the dark as to the differences between superchargers and turbochargers? Then check out our detailed turbocharger vs supercharger guide to see what is the right type of forced induction for your GT86.

We’ve written this guide to help you narrow down the difficult decisions when it comes to turbocharging your 86 and find the perfect kit for your needs.

Let’s take a look at our GT86 turbo kits

To read more about any of these products simply click on the turbo kit name or photo.

GReddy T518Z Tuner GT86 Turbo Kit

• Manufacturer: GReddy
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Turbo configuration: Single turbo
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Discontinued

Our comment: There’s no question that the Japanese tuning legends know this market well and it definitely shows with their turbo kit. The setup combines perfect fitment alongside with the stunning quality that we’ve come to expect from GReddy over the years.

This intercooled racing turbo system has been quoted as delivering around 90hp by GReddy themselves, but even when ran at the stock 7psi by owners it has often dyno’d well above this.

Manufacturer description: “GReddy Performance Products is excited to announce the release of the highly anticipated T518Z Tuner Turbo Kit for the 2013- Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. With extensive testing both in Japan and the USA, this turbo kit was designed to enhance the overall performance for daily drivers and weekend racers. An ideal turbo sizing maintains the vehicles balanced driver feel, by maintaining good low-end response with the factory engine components. But the most noticeable improvements can be noticed on the factory power-band’s dip in mid-range torque and at high RPM top-end power.”

“GReddy dyno test showed a +93.5whp / +68.7ft-lbs increase at 7psi on a stock 2013 Scion FR-S with factory injectors and fuel pump, just adding a *GReddy-tuned EcuTek ecu, and a *GReddy Evo3 70mm exhaust, – (* Not Included) But even more importantly, the mid-range torque from 3150-4750 RPMs are significantly improved over the stock torque curve.”

WORKS Stage 1 CARB Compliant GT86 Turbo Kit

• Manufacturer: WORKS
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Turbo configuration: Single turbo
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: WORKS Stage 1 Turbo Kit

Our comment: WORKS have spent two years engineering this unique kit for the market and it’s undoubtedly going to leave some owners extremely pleased. With a 50-state smog legal cert, you won’t need to worry about getting pulled if you’re planning to drive this kit on the street in the US.

Owners have had their WORKS Stage 1 kit dyno tested with gains of around 70hp at stock 7psi.

Whilst this kit features fantastic quality, results and ease of fitting, it lacks an intercooler which may put some users off. If this is the case, but the CARB compliance is appealing, their Stage 2 kit below may well be for you.

Manufacturer description: “After almost two years of engineering development and testing, WORKS is proud to introduce their Stage 1 “Simple” Turbo Kit for the GT86/FR-S/BRZ.”

“The sophistication and elegance of our kit is found in its simplicity. Through the use of custom thermal coated up and down pipes, custom intake piping including a finned aluminum air-to-air heat exchanger, OEM style diverter valve, centered around a genuine Garrett GT28 journal bearing turbo, you will reap the benefits of efficient turbo-charged power while still retaining your OEM air box, OEM exhaust manifold headers and OEM secondary catalytic converter (front pipe). Containing all necessary equipment for added oil and coolant routing, as well as heat shielding and specialty hardware, it is truly a bolt-on and OE quality upgrade, requiring no cutting, fabrication, or internal engine modification.”

WORKS Stage 2 CARB Compliant GT86 Turbo Kit

• Manufacturer: WORKS
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Turbo configuration: Single turbo
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: WORKS Stage 2 Turbo Kit

Our comment: With WORK offering the CARB compliant Stage 1 kit above, we couldn’t ignore the lack of intercooler which their Stage 2 kit offers. This setup is a further improved option with an air-to-liquid intercooler and higher boost threshold.

Now running 12psi of boost, this kit can provide gains of over 90hp, which is a 55% increase over stock. These gains combined with the CARB compliance may be the perfect package for your needs!

Manufacturer description: “The WORKS Stage 2 Turbo Kit for the GT86/FR-S/BRZ takes the performance of our Stage 1 Turbo Kit to the next level with the addition of an air-to-liquid intercooler and a higher boost threshold. Stage 2 is for those who want more power than what our Stage 1 Kit provides, but still wish to retain its simple and minimally-invasive configuration.”

“This kit utilizes a genuine Garrett GT28 journal bearing turbocharger to provide efficient, turbocharged power while retaining the OEM airbox, exhaust manifold, and secondary catalytic converter. Our team of engineers spent hundreds of hours in design, development, tuning, and testing to produce a simple and reliable turbo setup to enhance the driving experience of the your vehicle. This is the easiest-to-install, most cost-effective, and least-intrusive air-to-liquid intercooled turbo system available for the GT86/FR-S/BRZ.”

Full Blown GT86 Turbo Kit

• Manufacturer: Full Blown
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ
• Turbo configuration: Single turbo
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Full Blown BRZ Turbo Kit

Our comment: Full Blown have come up with this well-priced offering of their Stage 1 premium turbo kit. Despite being the cheapest on our list, it is rated up to an impressive 440hp provided you have the required supporting mods.

This is an extremely popular offering among GT86, BRZ and FR-S owners and with lots of great kit options available from quick spooling to big power, it’s easy to see why it’s the perfect choice for many owners.

Manufacturer description: “We realized that our Stage 1 premium turbo kit did not meet everyone’s budget so we decided to put together a more affordable kit for the guys who are looking at turboing their GT86/FR-S/BRZ. The main difference from this kit compared to our Premium kit is that we were able to CNC bend most of the piping, and casted the intercooler tanks to reduce cost.”

“We also ditched the the Tial housings for the standard T3 flange (this will allow you to run Precision turbo or other makes in the future). We switched to a 39mm wastegate and went with a standard T3 50 Trim, T3 57 Trim, or you can upgrade to the GTX (Please see option).“

Our winner

Our winner is the WORKS Stage 2 GT86 Turbo Kit

To pick our winner from this choice of GT86 turbo kits we looked at a number of criteria; ease of installation, power levels, upgrade potential and price point.

Based on these criteria we have chosen the WORKS Stage 2 GT86 Turbo Kit to be our winner.

Updated 19th November, 2020: The GReddy T518Z was our deserved winner, however, recently GReddy has unfortunately decided to discontinue this turbo kit. Since this kit is no longer on the market, we have decided to award the win to the very solid WORKS Stage 2 turbo kit.

WORKS Stage 2 GT86 Turbo Kit

With the high quality of components, popularity and CARB compliance, it’s the WORKS Stage 2 turbo kit that takes the win in our review. This kit also gives you the benefit of not having to worry about having undeclared mods under the hood.

All four options undoubtedly have their positives, the Full Blown kit is immensely popular, the GReddy kit is an excellent choice but is sadly no longer available, although if you can find a used kit that might be worth considering.

We highly recommend that further research is done based on our guide. There are often additional parts, tunes or upgrades for base-level turbo that may be either vital or purely suit your preferences.

Thank you for reading our GT86 turbo kit guide

Do you have a BRZ? Then check out our BRZ Turbo Kit guide.

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The post Toyota GT86 Turbo Kit Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• Ohlins Road & Track
• KW Variant 3
• Stance Super Sport
• RS-R Sports*i
• BC Racing BR
• Bilstein B16 PSS10
• HKS Hipermax IV SP
• Tein Flex Z
• Fortune Auto 500
• ST Speedtech
• Jump To Winner

In a hurry? Here is our GT86 coilover summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice
Tein Flex Z GT86 Coilovers	Ohlins Road & Track GT86 Coilovers	KW Variant 3 GT86 Coilovers
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

If you’re lucky enough to own, or even seriously considering buying Toyota’s modern-day masterpiece then believe us – you’re looking at one of the best JDM cars produced in this century.

When Toyota debuted their incredible new creation at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, it had everyone drooling over the potential possibilities of a stunning modern-day Hachi-Roku.

At the show, lead engineer Mr. Tada explained, “The goal was to create an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling style with exceptionally balanced performance and handling.”

There’s no doubt that Toyota delivered on this with the GT86 handling incredibly well straight out of the factory.

However, if you want to make the GT86 look even more incredible, make the handling even more impressive or have endless possibilities when it comes to fine suspension tweaks, then coilovers are for you.

From Europe to Japan, tuning houses have been fighting to provide the ultimate coilover setup to their customers for several years now, leaving us with some incredible options available on the market.

Perhaps you’re looking to slam your 86, improve your pace on the twisty roads or unleash its full potential on the track. We’ve created this guide exactly for you.

This list reveals coilover suspension specifications, features, construction materials, spring rates, manufacturer descriptions and our own comments. We have also given each suspension system a Drifted rating based upon features and price. We are looking at budget, mid-range and high-end coilovers in this comparison.

Let’s take a look at our Toyota GT86 coilover selection

To read more about any of these products simply click on the coilover name or photo.

Ohlins Road & Track Coilovers

• Manufacturer: Ohlins
• Levels of damping adjustment: 20
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 4kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 3kg/mm
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy your Ohlins R & T Coilover Kit here

Our comment: The price tag may look a little intimidating, but our first choice is aimed at those serious drivers who also like to push their daily driver to its limits on the track.

Ohlins are one of the biggest suspension companies in the world and this is an incredible offering for GT86 owners. This setup quite possibly offers the best combination of road comfort and handling while also providing a serious set-up for cutting those valuable seconds off your lap time at the track.

On the road they’ll feel firmer than stock but with their Dual Flow Valve technology it’ll absorb the bumps well to ensure a smooth ride.

Manufacturer description: “This is the latest step in the Öhlins Racing automotive philosophy – Road & Track by Öhlins. A more than 30 year long tradition of high-end racing commitments and state-of-the-art solutions within advanced suspension technology is now available for street cars all over the world.“

“The focus has been clear from the very beginning – superior road handling without sacrificing comfort in your day-to-day transports. The time of compromises are over! We have also added a clever light-weight design with a majority of the parts in aluminium and on top of that all shocks have suffered through vast corrosion tests according to ISO 9227. The end result is a 2-year limited warranty on all of our products – worldwide.“

KW Variant 3 Coilovers

• Manufacturer: KW
• Levels of damping adjustment: 14
• Construction type: Twin-tube
• Spring rate front: 343lbs/in
• Spring rate rear: 400lbs/in
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy your KW V3 coilover kit at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: Despite being the most expensive option on our list, they say that quality comes at a price and the 3-way KW coilover kit certainly lives up to that.

Quite possibly the best quality kit out there with stainless steel construction which won’t rust, this is the main competitor with Ohlins for the best day-to-day kit which can also perform insanely well at the track.

This kit is softer than the Ohlins, which may suit you better on a daily basis, howver some owners have found it slightly soft on track. KW offers alternate springs if you find this to be the case.

Manufacturer description: “State-of-the-art technology from motor sports for more performance on the road. The separate and independently adjustable rebound- and compression damping allows for an individual suspension setup for different uses and preferences.“

“The unique patented system with its two-stage valves allows a rebound damping adjustment (comfort) and a compression adjustment (driving dynamics) in the low-speed range while the high-speed range which controls the driving safety, is fixed.“

Stance Super Sport Coilovers

• Manufacturer: Stance
• Levels of damping adjustment: 15
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 7kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy your Stance Super Sport coilover kit at FRSport

Our comment: Stance brings you this awesome looking coilover kit which is great for owners who are looking for low ride height with good adjustability while still maintaining great handling.

Despite being slightly firmer than stock, it’s not a crashy ride and if frame-laying is your thing, comfort probably isn’t at the top of your list! If you’re intending to track the car there are better options out there, but for daily driving this is a great, affordable option.

Manufacturer description: “Stance has been developing and testing this application for an extended period of time on a handful of vehicles. The final result is a product that Stance is both excited and proud to offer to the public. They are now able to offer an application that has had more road tuning and testing than almost any other brand of coilover for these cars.“

“The setup was tuned with an emphasis on ride quality and height adjustment. There were a few revisions during development with regards to a few different aspects of Stance’s original design, but they state that they are very confident that this final design is the best bang for the buck coilover on the market for the GT86, FR-S and the BRZ.“

RS-R Sports*i Coilovers

• Manufacturer: RS-R
• Levels of damping adjustment: 36
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 6kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 7kg/mm
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy RS-R Sports*i coilovers at Amazon

Our comment: RS*R have brought this unique offering to the market which has a high emphasis on comfort. Despite being a great fast-street set of coilovers, the ride height is actually softer than the stock suspension.

If you’re using your 86 as a daily driver and need to keep the wife or girlfriend happy while having adjustability and improved handling, this could be the perfect setup for your needs! For those more track-orientated drivers, consider looking at their CR (Club Racer) offering.

Manufacturer description: “Spirited weekend track drives do not have to sacrifice daily driving comfort or performance. Designed for the performance enthusiast in mind, the RS-R Sports-I coilover system provides a comfortable ride for everyday use, yet is sufficient enough for those effervescent track days.“

“Why spend all day at the track dialing in your suspension when you should be on the track enjoying the experience. Damper and camber adjustments should not be a definitive factor, nor should you spend all day adjusting your suspension settings at the track. Drive to the track, on the track and drive home in comfort. Enjoy driving again with the RS-R Sports-I coilovers.“

BC Racing BR Series Coilovers

• Manufacturer: BC Racing
• Levels of damping adjustment: 30
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy BC Racing BRs at Enjuku Racing

Our comment: BC Racing offer a great option for those of you on a budget. If you’re planning to spend less than $1k, this all-round kit could well be the perfect choice for you.

These offer a firm, but not crashy ride which is still ideal for street use with great adjustability. There is also a swift-spring upgrade on offer for those of you interested in going down that route.

BC also offer their higher-end ‘ER’ series coilovers which are a competitior for the KW V3’s if you’re intending to do mostly track use. If frame laying is your thing, also consider checking out the BC Extreme Low kit.

Manufacturer description: “The components you use directly affect your vehicle’s performance, and that certainly includes your suspension system. These Toyota GT86 coilovers are perfect for street driving and occasional road course duty.“

“With easily accessible adjustment knobs for fine tuning your compression and rebound, as well as separately adjustable ride heights, having a high-performance coilover system has never been easier.“

Bilstein B16 PSS10 Coilovers

• Manufacturer: Bilstein
• Levels of damping adjustment: 10
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 2.5-4.5kg/mm (Progressive)
• Spring rate rear: 3-7kg/mm (Progressive)
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy Bilstein B16 Coilovers at FRSport

Our comment: Here is another premium entry, this time from another legendary suspension creator – Bilstein. These are up there with the best when it comes to fast-road setups with comfort levels similar to stock.

If you’re looking for a setup which is smooth on the highway which uses advantage of the progressive springs at low speeds, this is a fantastic setup. For track-orientated use they’re generally softer than some of the competitors in the same price bracket.

Manufacturer description: “The Bilstein B16 system puts you in complete control, providing the kind of precise suspension tuning formerly available only on race cars. From a weekend of competition to daily driving, this system provides perfect handling performance for every situation.“

“Damper and spring rates for these kits were developed on the famed Nürburgring, and are specific to the GT86, FR-S and BRZ chassis. A TÜV certificate is included with the suspension package (where applicable).“

HKS Hipermax IV SP Coilovers

• Manufacturer: HKS
• Levels of damping adjustment: 30
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 8kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy HKS Hipermax IV Coilovers here

Our comment: Legendary Japanese tuning house HKS bring their hand with the first JDM offering on our list with their stunning quality sport coilover offering.

These coilovers were built for comfort and great handling with R&D carried out at Fuji Speedway in Japan. Offering a similar ride height to stock with a more planted feel, these are great for daily use. They also have a GT model for those more track-orientated drivers.

Manufacturer description: “This “MAX IV SP” is the ultimate sport model for such a high grip radial tire. It will transfer the feelings straight to driver all kinds of information such as tire, road surface condition and traction. It’s a perfect street sport model suspension for people who love to drive fast but still want comfort.“

Tein Flex Z Coilovers

• Manufacturer: Tein
• Levels of damping adjustment: 16
• Construction type: Twin-tube
• Spring rate front: 6kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 6kg/mm
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy Tein Flex Z Coilovers from Enjuku Racing

Our comment: Tein bring this insanely good value for money kit to the market, with the price tag you may assume that this is cheaply made, however it is fantastic quality and made in Yokohama, Japan.

Despite being road orientated, this is also a capable track coilover featuring an impressive amount of adjustment. For the money, you’re going to struggle to get a better all-rounder than this.

Manufacturer description: “TEIN Flex Z Coilovers are the latest in TEIN’s generation of high end coilovers. The difference with Flex Z is that you are getting a coilover that would normally cost almost double the price.“

“The new manufacturing systems that TEIN has put in place with this line of coilovers has allowed for them to produce these coilovers at a lower price and pass that savings on to you. Quality and performance remains top of it’s class and TEIN builds these Flex Z coilovers with the highest quality standards in Yokohama, Japan making these a true Japanese JDM coilover system.“

Fortune Auto 500 Coilovers

• Manufacturer: Fortune Auto 500
• Levels of damping adjustment: 24
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 6kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 7kg/mm
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy Fortune Auto 500 Coilovers from Enjuku Racing

Our comment: Fortune Auto have these attention-grabbing coilovers on offer, with fantastic quality and a lower-end price to match. These are soft and smooth for daily driving and also a capable coilover for occasional track use.

With the ability to upgrade to 2-way remote canisters or swift springs, this could be a great option if you want a daily driving coilover now with something more track-orientated later on without having to purchase brand new.

Manufacturer description: “Research on the racetrack has helped us develop the Fortune Auto 500 Series into a great all-around shock absorber. Using high quality components that meet our strict standards allows us to optimize comfort, reliability, and longevity.“

ST Suspensions GT86 Coilovers

• Manufacturer: ST Suspensions
• Levels of damping adjustment: None
• Construction type: Twin-tube
• Spring rate front: 230 lbs/in
• Spring rate rear: 285 lbs/in
• Fitment: Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S
• Value for money:
• Purchase link: Buy ST Suspensions Coilovers from Amazon

Our comment: ST Suspensions are a brand under the KW company, providing the same high-quality and great performance combined with extremely impressive prices.

These may look like the perfect offering for the money, but with no damping adjustment they may not suit everyones needs. However, they are a great setup for street use and if you’re looking for a high quality street coilover to put on the car and not worry about, definitely consider this option.

Manufacturer description: “The ultimate in performance, style and handling. ST height adjustable Coilover kits are precision engineered and road tested to the highest standards of the German TUV. “

“Our threaded shock Bodies allow you to customize vehicles ride height to the maximum, without compromising safety, functionality or superior driving performance.“

Our winner

Our winner is the stunning Ohlins Road & Track coilover kit.

It was an extremely close call between these and the KW’s in the upper price range on our list, but we felt that the Ohlins coilover kit took the edge when they headed to the track.

Ohlins Road & Track

For those who want to get the best possible performance from their GT86, we have no doubt that the Ohlins will suit your needs both on the road and the track. There are some other serious contenders out there and the GT86 selection is undoubtedly one of the more impressive on the tuning scene.

Runner-up

Another set of coilovers which blew us away during research were the budget-offering from Tein. It’s not often you find a coilover kit for under $1,000 which has been made and tested in Japan. If you’re on a budget and spend most of your time enjoying the GT86 on the road, we have no doubt that these will be a great choice.

Tein Flex Z

Thank you for reading our Toyota GT86 coilover guide!

If you enjoyed this article then please share it with the sharing buttons at the side and the bottom of your screen.

Since you have a Toyota GT86, have you considered upgrading the exhaust system? Our GT86 exhaust guide will give you all the information you need to pick your dream exhaust setup.

Photography credits

• ft86motorspots.com
• superstreetonline.com
• frsport
• tougetuning.com
• ft86speedfactory.com
• primedriven.com
• autohance.com
• counterspacegarage.com

If we have missed a great coilover set that you think is worthy of mention then drop it in the comments below.

The post Toyota GT86 Coilover Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.