Subaru Engine FA20 NA VS Turbo

 

The FA20 is Subaru’s modern 2.0-liter flat-four that powered the 86/BRZ and some Subaru models.

Below is the complete breakdown.

✅ Which cars use the Subaru FA20 engine?

1. FA20D (NA version – 200 hp class)

Used in:

• Toyota 86 / GT86 (ZN6)
• Subaru BRZ (ZC6)
• Scion FR-S (North America)

2. FA20F (Turbo version – 250–300 hp class)

Used in:

• Subaru WRX (2015–2021)
• Subaru Forester XT (2014–2018)
• Some JDM Subaru models with minor variations

✅ Is there a new version of the FA20?

Yes. The FA20D in the BRZ/86 was replaced by the FA24D in 2022+ models.

Modern replacement

• FA24D (2.4 L NA boxer)
  
• Used in: 2022+ Toyota GR86, 2022+ Subaru BRZ
• More torque, smoother midrange, and fixes many FA20D weaknesses.

FA20 Earlier Versions

• FA20D (2012 launch) → first version in 86/BRZ
• Updated FA20D (2017+) → slight compression ratio changes, valve spring updates, ECU revision
• FA20F → turbo variant for WRX/FXT
  So yes, there is an early version, mid-cycle improvement, and a turbo sibling.

✅ How much horsepower does the FA20 make?

FA20D (NA)

• 197–205 hp @ ~7000 rpm
• 151–156 lb-ft torque
  Varies slightly by market and year.

FA20F (Turbo)

• 250–268 hp (WRX global rating)
• 258–270 lb-ft torque
• Tuned versions (Japan) can reach 300 hp factory in some trims.

✅ Common modifications for the FA20 engine

1. NA FA20D (BRZ/86/FR-S)

Most popular mods:

• Header upgrade (EL/UEL) → +10–25 hp, fixes torque dip
• ECU tuning (OpenFlash, EcuTek) → best gains when combined with headers
• Cold air intake → small gains, improves sound
• Catback exhaust → small hp gain, improves flow
• Lightweight pulleys / flywheel → better engine response
• Oil cooler (important for track use)
• Flex-fuel / E85 tuning → +20–30 hp, huge torque improvement

Serious NA builds:

• High-compression pistons
• Cams + ported heads
• Full E85 tune
• Individual throttle bodies (rare, expensive)

Forced induction (supercharger/turbo kits):

A properly built FA20D can reach:

• 250–300 hp (safe range on stock internals)
• 350–400+ hp (needs forged rods/pistons)

⚠️ Common FA20 issues to expect

• Torque dip (solved with headers + tune)
• Valve spring recall (2013–2017 models)
• Oil consumption on early engines
• High oil temps during track driving (oil cooler recommended)
• Injector seals can fail on boosted setups
• Coil pack failures occasionally

⭐ Quick Summary

• The FA20 was used in 86/BRZ and WRX (turbo version).
• FA20 comes in two types: NA (FA20D) and Turbo (FA20F).
• Power ranges from 197–205 hp (NA) to 268+ hp (Turbo).
• Common mods: header + tune, E85, exhaust, supercharger/turbo kits.
• Successor engine is FA24D (2.4 NA) in the 2022+ GR86/BRZ.

🔥 FA20D vs FA20F — Complete Technical Comparison

1. Engine Type & Application

Spec	FA20D	FA20F
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated	Turbocharged
Cars	Toyota 86 / GT86 / GR86 (pre-2022) Subaru BRZ Scion FR-S	Subaru WRX (2015- 2021) Subaru Forester XT (2014- 2018)
Compression	12.5:1	10.6:1
Injection	Dual (port + direct)	Dual (port + direct)
Target purpose	Light RWD sports car	AWD turbo performance / utility

⚡ 2. Power & Torque

FA20D — NA

• 197–205 hp @ 7000 rpm
• 151–156 lb-ft torque
• High compression, rev-happy, linear
• Weakness: mid-RPM torque dip

FA20F — Turbo

• 250–268 hp stock (some JDM trims ~300 hp)
• 258–270 lb-ft torque
• Big low-end torque, easy tuning gains

🧨 3. Driving Feel

FA20D

• Requires high revs for power
• Light footwork, sharp throttle
• Best suited for track & corners
• Torqueless below 4,500 rpm without mods

FA20F

• Accessible power everywhere
• Pulls strongly from 2,000 rpm
• Better for highway, daily, drag, and tuning
• More flexible in gear selection

🔧 4. Reliability Comparison

FA20D Reliability (BRZ/86)

Pros:

• Simple (no turbo) → less heat
• Strong bottom-end up to ~300 hp

Cons:

• Early oil consumption (2012–2014)
• Valve spring recall issues
• High oil temps on track
• Injector seals fail when boosted

Safe limit on stock internals:

• NA: unlimited
• Turbo/supercharged: 250–300 hp (safe)
• 330–350 hp (risk zone)

FA20F Reliability (WRX/FXT)

Pros:

• Built for boost → stronger pistons than FA20D
• Good coolant/oil flow for turbo layout

Cons:

• Ringland failures when tuned too aggressively
• Turbo heat + oil coking if poor maintenance
• Carbon buildup (DI engine)
• Head gasket seepage on high mileage units

Safe power range:

• 300–330 hp = very safe
• 350–380 hp = moderate risk
• 400+ hp = forged pistons required

⚙️ 5. Common Mods for FA20D (BRZ/86)

Most effective mods (real gains):

1. Headers (UEL or EL)

• Eliminates torque dip
• +10 to +25 hp
• Best single mod for the car

2. ECU tune (EcuTek, OFT, Delicious)

• Required after headers
• Gains +8 to 15 hp
• Sharper throttle & better torque curve

3. E85 / Flex-fuel tuning

• +20–30 hp
• Massive torque improvement
• Requires flex-fuel kit + tune

4. Oil cooler (important for track)

• Reduces oil temps by 15–25°C
• Protects engine longevity

5. Forced induction

• Supercharger kits: HKS, Jackson Racing, Sprintex
• Turbo kits: Full Blown, AVO, Greddy
• Power range: 250–350 hp

⚙️ 6. Common Mods for FA20F (WRX/FXT)

Stage 1 Tune

• +20–30 hp
• +40–60 lb-ft
• No hardware needed

Downpipe + Tune (Stage 2)

• +40–60 hp
• Faster spool
• Bigger mid-range torque

Top-mount or front-mount intercooler

• Lower intake temps
• Prevents power loss on hot days

Turbo upgrades

• Popular choices: Blouch, Tomei, FP Blue
• Can reach 350–400+ hp with fueling upgrades

Supporting mods

• J-pipe
• Charge pipes
• TGV delete
• Boost control solenoid
• Oil catch can / AOS

🥇 Which engine is better? (Verdict)

If you want: Pure driving feel / high RPM / lightweight track car → FA20D

✓ Great with header + tune

✓ Better balance & lightweight

✓ More reliable when NA

If you want: Power / easy tuning / daily torque → FA20F

✓ Gains 30–80 hp easily

✓ Strong mid-range

✓ Much faster in real-world driving

CRYSTAL EYE LED LIGHT BAR HEADLIGHT V3 (BLACK) & FIBER LED TAIL V2 SET BLACK (BR) FOR TOYOTA 86 [ EARLY HID CARS] SUBARU BRZ [ EARLY HID CARS] J140BKVC-BR

 

CRYSTAL EYE LED LIGHT BAR HEADLIGHT V3 (BLACK) & FIBER LED TAIL V2 SET BLACK (BR) FOR TOYOTA 86 [ EARLY HID CARS] SUBARU BRZ [ EARLY HID CARS] J140BKVC-BR

Below are compact, technical advantages, fitment notes, and installation tips for the

CRYSTAL EYE LED LIGHT BAR HEADLIGHT V3 (Black) + FIBER LED TAIL V2 SET (Black) — product code J140BKVC-BR — for Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ (early HID cars, ZN6/ZC6 2012–2016).

What this combo gives you (technical advantages)

1. Modern, high-visibility LED signature — the LED light-bar provides a bright, uniform daytime-running / DRL signature and a surround-style appearance that improves conspicuity over the stock lamp. The V3 series specifically advertises a pronounced LED bar that “surrounds” the headlight for a modern look.  
2. Flowing / sequential turn signal — V3 heads include a flowing (sequential) turn indicator built into the LED strip which improves signaling clarity and visual appeal compared with a static bulb. Useful for both aesthetics and being more noticeable to other drivers.  
3. Projector optics tuned for HID systems — these heads are designed for genuine HID cars (early HID spec). Because they use projector elements and beam profiles matched for HID operation, you get a cleaner cutoff and reduced glare vs crude LED retrofits in HID housings. (Important: halogen cars generally require extra modification.)  
4. Integrated anti-hyper flash / resistors — Crystal Eye advertises built-in anti-hyper (anti-hyperflash / CANbus mitigation) so you’re less likely to get hyper-flashing or bulb-out warnings on compatible ECU systems. This reduces need for aftermarket resistors in many cases. Still verify with your car’s ECU.  
5. Complete aesthetic + functional tail set — pairing with the Fiber LED Tail V2 gives a matched lighting theme (DRL/LED bar up front, fiber/LED at rear) which helps consistent night visibility from both front and rear and improves the car’s visual coherence.  

Fitment / compatibility — what you must know

• Made for early HID 86/BRZ (ZN6/ZC6, ~2012–2016) — product pages explicitly list/ early HID cars” — if your car is a halogen model or a late-model facelift, different part numbers or processing/mods are required. Confirm your headlight bulb/ballast type and model year before buying.  
• Direct fit but expect some wiring/adapter work — Crystal Eye sells these as direct-fit for the HID versions, but actual wiring for DRL, sequential turn, and parking light functions may require plugging in extra connectors or minor harnessing. Read the included manual and expect some bench-wiring or professional install if you want OEM-like integration.  

Installation & tuning tips (technical)

• Aim & beam check after install. Because projector geometry differs, do a proper headlight aim/alignment to avoid dazzling oncoming cars and to get legal beam cutoff.
• Check CANbus/error behavior. Even with anti-hyper features, test indicators, DRLs and ECU warnings. Keep a set of load resistors or CANbus adapters handy if you get hyper-flash or bulb-out errors.  
• Water/condensation prevention. Ensure factory gaskets are seated and vent tubes are connected; aftermarket housings can sometimes trap moisture if seals are disturbed. Inspect and reseal if necessary.  
• Use proper ballast for HID projector. If your HID ballasts are aging, replace them with quality units when installing new projectors to preserve beam stability and avoid flicker.  

Quick verdict

Excellent option if you own an early HID Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ and want a factory-style but modern LED look with sequential signals and projector performance. 

Expect improved daytime visibility, a clean HID-compatible beam, and easy aesthetic matching with the Fiber LED Tail V2 — but budget for a professional aim/wiring check and confirm ECU compatibility first. 

CRYSTAL EYE LED LIGHT BAR HEADLIGHT V3 (BLACK) & FIBER LED TAIL V2 SET BLACK (BR) FOR TOYOTA 86 [ EARLY HID CARS] SUBARU BRZ [ EARLY HID CARS] J140BKVC-BR

 

OEM Style Carbon Fiber Hood for G80 / G82 BMW M3 M4

Here are the technical advantages of fitting an OEM-style carbon-fiber hood on a BMW G80 / G82 (M3 / M4).

Key technical advantages

1. Big front-end weight reduction → better turn-in and braking

Carbon fiber hoods are much lighter than traditional steel (and often lighter than aftermarket aluminum) which lowers mass at the front axle. 

Less front mass improves turn-in responsiveness, reduces braking distance slightly, and helps overall balance and transient response. 

Manufacturers and product pages commonly quote up to ~40–50% weight savings vs older steel hoods (actual savings vs your stock hood will depend on whether BMW’s OEM hood is aluminum or steel). 

2. Improved strength-to-weight (stiffness where it’s needed)

High-grade carbon fiber offers an excellent strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratio. 

That means the hood can be very stiff to avoid flex/vibration while still being light — reducing bonnet flutter at speed and preserving panel fit and gaps for a factory look. 

Ooo Product pages and carbon-composite guides highlight the high stiffness and optimized carbon/resin ratios used for hoods. 

3. Better engine-bay thermal management (when vented)

OEM-style designs that include discreet vents or heat-extraction geometry help pull hot air out of the engine bay (reducing under-bonnet temps and improving intercooler/radiator efficiency). 

Even when purely styling, many OEM-style carbon hoods are offered with vent options or vent-ready designs to aid cooling. 

4. True “bolt-on” OEM fitment and preserved factory systems

An OEM-style carbon hood is made to match factory mounting points, latch geometry, hood struts, and sensor/bracket locations so you typically keep OEM hood latch, crash sensors, washer jets, and paint lines — minimizing installation complexity and preserving vehicle safety features. 

Many vendors advertise direct bolt-on fitment with no cutting or modification. 

5. Corrosion resistance and long cosmetic life (with proper finish

Carbon fiber panels won’t rust like steel. When manufactured and finished with a quality UV-stable clearcoat they resist corrosion and maintain glossy appearance — though clearcoat/UV protection quality is important to avoid yellowing or delamination over time. 

6. Lower polar moment of inertia → more agile feel

Concentrating less mass at the nose reduces the car’s polar moment, so the car feels quicker to rotate about its vertical axis (i.e., more eager in direction changes). This is a subtle but real handling benefit especially on spirited roads or track work. 

Practicality

• Actual gains depend on stock hood material. If your G8X already has an aluminum hood, the delta will be smaller than replacing a steel hood — still useful, but less dramatic. (Many G8X aftermarket pages treat both aluminum and carbon options as popular upgrades.)  
• Cost vs repairability. Carbon fiber is more expensive and more difficult/expensive to repair after a collision than steel/aluminum panels; insurance considerations can change.  
• Finish & UV care matter. Low-quality clearcoats can yellow or flake; pick reputable manufacturers (Seibon, RW Carbon, etc.) and confirm their UV warranties and finish process.  
• Pedestrian / crash behavior. Composite parts behave differently in impacts than metal; OEM-style pieces that retain factory mounting geometry reduce risk, but check local regulations and insurance implications if you race the car.  

OEM Style Carbon Fiber Hood for G80 / G82 BMW M3 M4

 

Akrapovic Carbon Fibre Adjustable Rear Wing for the BMW G80 M3 and M4

Technical advantages — Akrapovič Carbon Fibre Adjustable Rear Wing for BMW G80 M3 / M4

Akrapovič wings are built with track-focused engineering. Below are the practical, technical advantages you get from their carbon-fibre, adjustable rear wing on the G80 M3 / M4 (concise, no marketing fluff):

Lightweight, high-stiffness construction

• Significant mass reduction vs steel/aluminium or OEM aero pieces, lowering the rear mass moment and improving transient responses (steering/pitch).
• High stiffness-to-weight ratio of carbon fibre keeps the aero surface rigid at high speeds so the wing produces predictable downforce without flutter.

Adjustable aero tuning

• Angle-of-attack adjustability lets you tune rear downforce vs drag for track vs road — more downforce for cornering grip, less for top-speed runs.
• Fine trim capability (multiple mounting/slot positions) helps shift the car’s aerodynamic balance without changing suspension setup.

Improved high-speed stability and lateral grip

• Higher, cleaner downforce over the rear axle increases rear tyre vertical load at speed, improving mid- to high-speed cornering traction and resisting snap oversteer.
• More consistent aero balance reduces sensitivity to throttle inputs and crosswinds, giving a steadier platform when the car is unsettled.

Cleaner airflow & efficiency

• Optimised planform and endplate geometry (typical Akrapovič design) reduces spanwise vortex losses and helps keep the diffuser and rear bumper working efficiently — the wing and diffuser work together to increase total downforce for a given drag penalty.
• Improved pressure recovery behind the car can reduce turbulent wake, which can slightly lower drag for a given downforce shape compared with poorly designed wings.

Precision mounts & integration

• Vehicle-specific mounting (bolt-on) uses OEM or reinforced points for repeatable alignment, no jury-rigging. This keeps the wing position precise — critical for repeatable lap times.
• Rigid mounting hardware avoids micro-movement that would otherwise reduce effective downforce and introduce vibration.

Durability and environmental resistance

• High-quality resin systems and UV-stable clearcoats protect the carbon from environmental degradation and maintain stiffness over time.
• Heat and fuel/solvent resistance in the composite system prevents early microcracking in the engine bay / exhaust heat zones (important on M3/M4 with hot exhaust routing).

Track reliability & serviceability

• Modular design (blade + endplates + mounts) makes replacement or angle changes quick in the paddock.
• Proven materials & manufacturing lower the chance of in-field failure compared to cheap composites.

Tunability for lap-time gains

• Allows engineers/drivers to tune aero balance rather than only mechanical grip — useful when testing different front splitter heights, diffuser profiles, or tire compounds.
• Predictable aerodynamic behaviour means suspension/damper tuning can be optimized for aero loads rather than compensating for wing flex.

Trade-offs & practical notes

• More downforce = more drag — expect a top-speed penalty if you run aggressive angles; adjust for the track.
• Installation & alignment matter — incorrect pitch or skew reduces effectiveness; use a jig or professional fitter.
• Complementary mods recommended: front splitter, adjustable diffuser, and correct spring/damper rates to fully exploit the wing’s downforce.

Akrapovic Carbon Fibre Adjustable Rear Wing for the BMW G80 M3 and M4