Supercharged vs. N/A Tuned FRS (GT86)
The Toyota GT86 (nee Scion FRS) has long been derided for the lack of power. More specifically, complaints have arisen about the massive dip in torque between 3,000-5,000RPM. The FA20 engine, with only 151 lb-ft, is hurting for torque as-is, so by throwing a big dip in the power delivery drivability really suffers. Fortunately, the aftermarket has come to the aid of the Toyobaru, with many claiming that aftermarket headers and a revised tune all but eliminate that nasty torque dip.
On the flip side, for a larger financial investment, forced induction offers much larger power gains and any semblance of torque dip is vanished. Supercharging specifically is often chosen for it’s relative simplicity and linear power delivery. The effect of supercharging is such that the end result feels like a bigger naturally engine, often mimicking the same power delivery as stock, just with more of it.
So which is better, a modified, naturally-aspirated FRS or a supercharged one? Fortunately for us, Everyday Driver wondered the same thing and compared the two.
In the right corner, wearing a lovely shade of hot lava orange is Everyday Driver’s own FRS, with a headers and a tune. In the right corner is the whiteout supercharged FRS. First up is a trip to the dyno to see the power figures and power delivery of the two cars. The supercharged car is making an extra 30-40 horsepower and lb-ft of torque across the board over the modified, N/A car. However, the power delivery is a bit different. Surprisingly it’s the supercharged car that offers the more linear and smooth power delivery. It seems that even with the headers and tune, that the N/A car has a bit of a wonky torque curve.
The dyno is one thing, how do the cars feel on the road? On road, opinions are divisive, Todd prefers his modified car, it is his own personal car after all. Paul preferred the power of the supercharged car, saying it’s how the car should have started out as, from the get go.
What do you think? Is the GT86 best experienced with natural aspiration or via boost?
[via Everyday Driver]
