Adding a Turbo Kit or a Supercharger for GT86

Boosting the 86; guide on installing a Turbo kit or a supercharger for a Toyota GT86

5/18/20242 min read

vehicle engine bay
vehicle engine bay

Adding a Turbo Kit or Supercharger to a GT86

Adding a turbo kit or supercharger to a GT86 can significantly enhance its performance, providing a thrilling driving experience. However, it's essential to understand the modifications required, the expected power gains, and the associated costs before embarking on this upgrade.

Modifications for the GT86 Engine

When adding a turbo kit or supercharger to a GT86, several modifications need to be made to the engine to ensure optimal performance and reliability. These modifications typically include:

  • Upgraded fuel injectors to deliver the additional fuel required for forced induction

  • Installation of a high-flow fuel pump to support the increased fuel demand

  • Upgraded engine management system or standalone engine management to tune and control the added boost

  • Replacement of internal engine components such as pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft to handle the increased stress from forced induction

  • Installation of a front-mount intercooler for efficient cooling of the compressed intake air

  • Upgraded exhaust system to reduce back pressure and optimize the flow of exhaust gases

  • Depending on the specific turbo kit or supercharger system, additional modifications such as intake manifold upgrades and cooling system enhancements may also be necessary


Expected Power Gains

With a well-executed turbo kit or supercharger installation, the GT86's power output can be significantly increased. While the exact power gains depend on the specific setup, it's not uncommon to see power increases of 50% or more over the stock output. This can translate to a substantial improvement in acceleration, overall speed, and driving excitement.

For a GT86 with a naturally aspirated engine producing around 200 horsepower, the addition of a turbo kit or supercharger could potentially elevate the power output to 300 horsepower or beyond, depending on the level of boost and supporting modifications.

Cost Considerations

The cost of adding a turbo kit or supercharger to a GT86 can vary widely based on several factors, including the quality of the components, the extent of modifications required, and whether the installation is performed by a professional or as a DIY project. As a rough estimate, the total cost can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, inclusive of parts and labor.

It's important to note that along with the initial investment in the forced induction system and related components, there may be additional expenses for supporting modifications, tuning, and potential upgrades to the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems to effectively harness the increased power.

Furthermore, it's crucial to budget for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the modified GT86.

Before proceeding with the installation of a turbo kit or supercharger, it's advisable to thoroughly research reputable manufacturers and professional installers, and to carefully consider the overall investment required in relation to the expected performance gains.