Adding a scion frs 2013 turbo kit to your build is honestly the fastest way to fix the car's biggest flaw: that annoying lack of low-end torque. We all know the feeling. You're carving through a canyon, the chassis feels absolutely sublime, the steering is telepathic, and then you hit that dreaded "torque dip" in the middle of the rev range. It's like the car suddenly decides to take a nap right when you want to power out of a corner. While Toyota and Subaru gave us one of the best-handling platforms of the last decade, they definitely left some horsepower on the table.
If you've been driving your FRS for a while, you've probably realized that intake mods and a cat-back exhaust only get you so far. They make the car louder, sure, but they don't exactly pin you to the back of your seat. That's where a turbocharger comes into play. It transforms the car from a momentum-based momentum-car into something that can actually hold its own against much more expensive European sports cars.
Why a Turbo Instead of a Supercharger?
This is the age-old debate in the 86 community. Some people swear by superchargers because of the linear power delivery, but there's just something about a scion frs 2013 turbo kit that hits differently. Turbos are generally more efficient because they use "free" energy from the exhaust gases rather than robbing power from the crank to turn a belt.
Plus, let's be real: the sound of a spooling turbo and a crisp blow-off valve is half the reason we do this. A turbo gives the FRS a split personality. Around town, it can feel almost stock if you stay out of the boost. But once you floor it and that manifold pressure climbs, the car just takes off. It turns the FA20 engine into a totally different beast.
Picking the Right Kit for Your Goals
When you start looking at a scion frs 2013 turbo kit, you'll notice there are a lot of options out there. You have high-mount setups, low-mount setups, and different types of manifolds. Brands like JDL, GReddy, and MAPerformance have been the go-to choices for years because they've actually put in the R&D to make sure these kits fit in a cramped engine bay.
If you're looking for the most "bang for your buck," some of the entry-level kits are great, but you really have to look at what's included. A complete kit should ideally come with the turbo itself, the manifold (headers), an intercooler, all the necessary piping, and the hardware. Some kits even include a base tune, which is a lifesaver if you aren't trailer-ing the car to a dyno shop immediately.
Heat Is the Enemy
One thing people often overlook when installing a scion frs 2013 turbo kit is heat management. The FRS engine bay gets incredibly hot once you add a glowing snail to the mix. You're going to want to invest in some high-quality ceramic coating for the manifold or at the very least a good turbo blanket.
I've seen guys melt plastic components or bake their wiring harnesses because they didn't take heat shielding seriously. It's not just about protecting the car; it's about performance. Cooler air is denser air, and denser air means more power. Don't skip the vents or the gold reflective tape just because it's an extra hundred bucks.
The Supporting Mods You Can't Ignore
You can't just slap a scion frs 2013 turbo kit on a bone-stock car and expect it to live a long, happy life. The FA20 engine is a bit of a sensitive soul. To do this right, you're going to need to look at your fuel system. At the very least, you'll want larger injectors and a higher-flow fuel pump, especially if you plan on running E85.
Speaking of E85, if you have access to it, do it. The FA20 absolutely loves ethanol when it's boosted. It runs cooler and allows for more aggressive timing, which translates to a massive jump in horsepower compared to 91 or 93 octane pump gas.
Another huge one is the clutch. The stock FRS clutch is designed to handle about 150 pound-feet of torque. Once you go turbo, you'll likely be pushing well over 200 or 250. That stock clutch will start slipping faster than you can say "voided warranty." Upgrading to a Stage 2 clutch is pretty much mandatory if you want to actually put that new power to the pavement.
What's It Like to Drive?
The first time you drive a boosted FRS, it's a revelation. The car feels lighter because it doesn't have to work as hard to get up to speed. That "hollow" feeling in the mid-range disappears completely. Instead of waiting for the needle to climb to 6,000 RPM to feel some life, you get a surge of torque starting around 3,500 RPM that pulls all the way to redline.
It changes the way you drive. You don't have to downshift twice just to pass someone on the highway anymore. You just tip into the throttle, hear that whistle, and you're gone. It keeps the car's legendary balance but gives it the "go" to match the "show."
Reliability and the "Pushed" FA20
The big question everyone asks is: "Will it blow up?" The short answer is: not if you're smart about it. The FA20 block in the 2013 models can generally handle around 300 to 350 wheel horsepower reliably, provided the tune is solid.
The "glass" part of the engine isn't usually the block itself; it's the connecting rods. If you try to push 400+ horsepower on a stock bottom end, you're playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette with your engine. But for a daily driver or a weekend track toy, keeping the boost at a conservative 8 to 10 psi on a scion frs 2013 turbo kit is usually a very safe bet.
Maintenance becomes more important, though. You'll want to change your oil more frequently—think every 3,000 miles—and keep a close eye on your coolant temps. An oil cooler is basically a requirement if you plan on doing anything more than spirited street driving. These cars run hot from the factory, and the turbo only adds to that.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Let's be honest, a high-quality turbo setup isn't cheap. By the time you buy the kit, the fuel upgrades, the clutch, and the tune, you're looking at a significant chunk of change. You could easily spend $5,000 to $7,000 doing it right.
But when you consider the price of a 2013 FRS today plus the cost of the turbo, you're still getting a car that can out-accelerate a brand-new GR86 for less money. There's also the satisfaction of building something yourself. There is a specific kind of pride in popping the hood at a car meet and showing off a neatly tucked turbo manifold.
Ultimately, a scion frs 2013 turbo kit turns the car into what it should have been from the factory. It fills in the gaps, sharpens the edges, and makes every drive feel like an occasion. If you love the way the FRS handles but you're tired of getting gapped by hot hatches, it's the single best upgrade you can make. Just make sure you find a reputable tuner who knows these engines inside and out—that's the real secret to making the power last.