Next Level Performance
August 1, 2026 • 12 min read
The 2013–2020 Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86 share one honest flaw: the naturally aspirated 2.0L FA20 flat-four makes just 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, with a well-documented torque dip around 4,000 rpm. Forced induction is the single most effective upgrade for the FA20 platform, and at NLP Performance in Tampa, FL, the three kits our BRZ and FR-S customers ask about most are the Edelbrock E-Force supercharger, the KraftWerks C30 Rotrex centrifugal supercharger, and the HKS GTIII-RS bolt-on turbo. This buyer's guide compares all three – power, boost, tuning, and price – so you can pick the right path for your build.
Our Verdict
The Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1 supercharger is the best all-around forced induction kit for the 2013–2020 BRZ, FR-S, and Toyota 86.
Its Eaton 1320 TVS roots blower and included calibration deliver a proven 242 wheel horsepower with instant, factory-smooth throttle response – a 77 WHP jump over the flat-four's naturally aspirated baseline, with no tuning homework required. Want a bigger ceiling? The KraftWerks Rotrex and HKS GTIII-RS turbo climb higher.
Shop Our Top Pick →Why Forced Induction Is the Best Mod for the FA20 BRZ & FR-S
Forced induction is the fastest way to fix the FA20's biggest weakness. The stock 2013–2016 FR-S and BRZ make 200 crank horsepower (roughly 155–165 wheel horsepower) and suffer a torque valley near 4,000 rpm that makes the car feel flat in the mid-range. Bolt-ons like intakes, headers, and exhausts add only 5–15 wheel horsepower and often deepen that dip. A supercharger or turbo adds boost across the entire rev range, transforming the same chassis into a 240–340+ horsepower sports car.
There are three forced-induction paths for the FA20: a positive-displacement (roots) supercharger like the Edelbrock E-Force, a centrifugal supercharger like the KraftWerks Rotrex, and a turbocharger like the HKS GTIII-RS. Each makes power differently, and the right choice depends on how much horsepower you want, whether you want factory-smooth drivability, and how much tuning you are willing to manage.
The Edelbrock E-Force E-Force Stage 1 kit uses an Eaton 1320 TVS rotor pack sized for the FA20.
Supercharger vs Turbo: Which Path Is Right for Your 86?
Roots Supercharger (Edelbrock E-Force)
A roots-style supercharger is belt-driven and mounts on top of the engine, delivering full boost almost instantly off idle. The Edelbrock E-Force uses an Eaton Gen VI 1320 TVS (Twin Vortices Series) rotor assembly and an integrated air-to-water intercooler. The payoff is the most linear, factory-like power delivery of any FA20 forced-induction kit – boost is there the moment you touch the throttle, and the car still idles and cold-starts like stock. It is the easiest kit to live with as a daily driver.
Centrifugal Supercharger (KraftWerks Rotrex)
A centrifugal supercharger looks like a belt-driven turbo. The KraftWerks kit is built around a patented Rotrex traction-drive unit that spins the compressor to very high shaft speeds, so boost builds with engine rpm and peaks up top. That gives it a higher power ceiling than a roots blower – KraftWerks-equipped cars have made 285 to 338 wheel horsepower – at the cost of a more top-end power curve. It is the pick for drivers who want the exotic supercharger whine and more headroom than the Edelbrock.
Turbocharger (HKS GTIII-RS)
A turbocharger is driven by exhaust gas instead of a belt, so it is the most efficient way to make big power. The HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit is a complete bolt-on system that produces 342 PS (about 337 horsepower) on a stock FA20 and up to 454 PS on a built 2.1L stroker motor. Turbos add a small amount of lag versus a roots blower, but they scale further than any supercharger on this list. It is the enthusiast's choice for a high-horsepower FA20 build.
The HKS GTIII-RS turbo makes 342 PS on a stock FA20 and up to 454 PS on a built engine.
The Best FA20 Forced Induction Kits Compared
Here are the five kits we stock for the 2013–2020 BRZ, FR-S, and Toyota 86, ranked from highest to lowest price. Note that the Edelbrock and KraftWerks figures are wheel horsepower, while the HKS turbo figure is crank PS as rated by HKS.
| Kit | Type | Est. Peak Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1Top Pick | Roots (Eaton 1320 TVS) | 242 whp / 186 wtq | $7,495.95 |
| Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1 (No Tuner) | Roots (Eaton 1320 TVS) | 242 whp (self-tune) | $6,495.95 |
| KraftWerks C30 Rotrex | Centrifugal (traction-drive) | 285–338 whp | $4,537.10 |
| HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit | Turbocharger | 342 PS (up to 454 PS) | $4,950.00 |
| HKS Version Up Kit | S/C stage upgrade | GT S/C to GTS/C | $779.96 |
1. Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1 Supercharger – Best Overall
The Edelbrock E-Force is our top pick because it turns a 200-horsepower econobox into a genuinely quick sports car with the least amount of fuss. The Eaton 1320 TVS rotor pack was matched to the FA20's square 86mm x 86mm bore-and-stroke, and the inverted design uses long intake runners for strong high-rpm flow. On the dyno the Stage 1 street kit produces 242 wheel horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque at roughly 8 psi – a 77 WHP and 57 lb-ft gain over baseline – while eliminating the stock 4,000-rpm torque dip entirely.
What separates the E-Force from every other kit here is that the P/N 1556 version ships with a pre-loaded handheld tuner and Edelbrock calibration, so it runs correctly the moment the install is finished. It also includes a stand-alone air-to-water intercooler, heat exchanger, and a high-flow cold-air intake box that flows roughly twice the factory airflow. For a daily-driven BRZ or FR-S, nothing else is this easy.
Key Specifications – Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1
What We Like
- + Instant, factory-smooth boost with zero lag off idle
- + Includes tuner and calibration – runs right out of the box
- + Air-to-water intercooler keeps charge temps in check
- + Retains stock drivability, idle, and cold-start manners
Things to Consider
- – Highest price of any kit in this guide
- – Lower power ceiling than the Rotrex or HKS turbo
2. Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1 (No Tuner) – Best for DIY Tuners
This is the exact same hardware as our top pick – the Eaton 1320 TVS blower, air-to-water intercooler, and cold-air box – but without the included handheld tuner, saving you $1,000. It is the smart buy if you already run EcuTek or OpenFlash Tablet and have a trusted FA20 tuner, or if you plan to add supporting mods and want a custom dyno tune rather than an off-the-shelf calibration. You still get the same 242-wheel-horsepower potential; you just supply the tune.
Both Edelbrock kits share identical hardware; only the included tuner differs.
3. KraftWerks C30 Rotrex Supercharger – Best Power Ceiling
KraftWerks builds its FA20 kit around the patented Rotrex traction-drive supercharger, which spins the compressor far faster than a conventional belt-driven unit for smaller, cooler, quieter operation. At a street-friendly 9 psi it adds roughly 80 wheel horsepower on 91-octane, and at higher boost with a proper tune, KraftWerks-equipped cars have reached 285 to 338 wheel horsepower with a nearly linear power curve. If you want more headroom than the Edelbrock and love the centrifugal supercharger sound, this is the kit – just note it does not include tuning and cannot ship to California due to CARB regulations.
What We Like
- + Highest supercharger power ceiling (up to 338 whp)
- + Compact, efficient Rotrex traction-drive unit
- + Nearly linear power curve for predictable delivery
Things to Consider
- – Tuning is not included – budget for EcuTek or OFT
- – More top-end delivery than instant-on roots boost
- – No shipping to California (CARB)
4. HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit – Best for Big Power
When your goal is maximum horsepower, a turbo scales further than any supercharger, and the HKS GTIII-RS is the most complete bolt-on turbo system for the FA20. HKS rates it at 342 PS (about 337 horsepower) at 6,600 rpm on an otherwise stock engine, and up to 454 PS at 6,400 rpm on a built 2.1L stroker – more than double the factory output. The Pro Kit includes the turbo, manifold, downpipe, intercooler, and plumbing. It demands a standalone tune and supporting fuel system, but no other bolt-on on this platform reaches these numbers. Like the KraftWerks, it cannot ship to California.
What We Like
- + Highest power ceiling on the platform (up to 454 PS)
- + Complete bolt-on kit: turbo, manifold, downpipe, intercooler
- + Room to grow with a built engine and fueling
Things to Consider
- – Slight lag versus instant roots-blower boost
- – Requires tuning and supporting mods – not included
- – No shipping to California (CARB)
Every kit here bolts to the FA20 without internal engine work at base power levels.
5. HKS Version Up Kit – Upgrade an Existing HKS Supercharger
If you already run the HKS GT supercharger system, the Version Up Kit converts it to the higher-output GTS/C specification for more boost and power without buying an entirely new setup. At $779.96 it is the budget entry in this guide, but it is strictly an upgrade component – you need the base HKS GT S/C already installed. For everyone else, start with one of the complete kits above.
What Supporting Mods Do You Need?
Every forced-induction kit on this platform benefits from a few supporting upgrades. A proper tune is non-negotiable on the KraftWerks and HKS kits and recommended if you modify the Edelbrock – EcuTek and OpenFlash Tablet are the standard FA20 platforms. Higher-flow fuel injectors and a fuel pump are needed once you push past the base calibration, especially on the turbo kit. Because boost multiplies engine torque, a clutch upgrade is wise at higher power levels – browse our clutch and flywheel collection for FA20-rated options. You can also compare complete turbocharger kits and engine and fueling components for a bigger build.
Installation & What to Expect
Plan on a full weekend for a first-time install. A roots supercharger like the Edelbrock E-Force is the most straightforward – it mounts on the intake side and, with the included calibration, is drivable the same day. Centrifugal and turbo kits add exhaust-side plumbing and require a dyno or e-tune session before the car is road-ready. In our Tampa shop, most BRZ and FR-S owners running the E-Force report gains of 70–80 wheel horsepower with stock reliability, while KraftWerks and HKS customers chasing 300+ wheel horsepower add fueling and a clutch. Whichever route you choose, use quality fuel (91 octane minimum, E85 for the big-power turbo builds) and let the car warm up before boosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a supercharger or turbo better for the BRZ and FR-S?
A supercharger is better for instant, factory-smooth power on the BRZ and FR-S, while a turbo is better for maximum horsepower. The Edelbrock E-Force roots supercharger delivers 242 wheel horsepower with zero lag and includes a tune, making it the best daily-driver choice. The HKS GTIII-RS turbo makes up to 454 PS but needs tuning and supporting mods. Choose the supercharger for drivability, the turbo for a big-power build.
How much horsepower does the Edelbrock E-Force add to a BRZ?
The Edelbrock E-Force Stage 1 supercharger increases a stock FA20 BRZ or FR-S to 242 wheel horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 77 wheel horsepower and 57 lb-ft over the naturally aspirated baseline. It runs about 8 psi of boost through an Eaton 1320 TVS rotor pack and includes an air-to-water intercooler.
Do these forced induction kits require a tune?
The KraftWerks Rotrex and HKS GTIII-RS turbo kits both require a standalone tune (EcuTek or OpenFlash Tablet) that is not included. The Edelbrock E-Force P/N 1556 includes a handheld tuner with Edelbrock's calibration, so it runs correctly out of the box; the No Tuner P/N 15560 version saves $1,000 but requires you to supply your own tune.
Will a supercharger hurt FA20 engine reliability?
At the base boost levels these kits run, the FA20 remains reliable on stock internals thanks to its factory-forged rotating assembly. The Edelbrock E-Force at 8 psi and 242 wheel horsepower is considered a safe daily-driver tune. Reliability risk rises only when chasing 300+ wheel horsepower, where supporting fuel, cooling, and a clutch upgrade become important.
Can these BRZ and FR-S supercharger kits ship to California?
The Edelbrock E-Force is the most street-oriented option, but the KraftWerks C30 and HKS GTIII-RS turbo kits cannot ship to California due to CARB emissions regulations. Always confirm the CARB status and any EO number for your specific state before ordering a forced-induction kit.
Which FA20 supercharger makes the most power?
Among superchargers, the KraftWerks C30 Rotrex centrifugal kit has the highest ceiling, with tuned cars reaching 285 to 338 wheel horsepower. For outright power the HKS GTIII-RS turbo goes further still, up to 454 PS on a built 2.1L engine. The Edelbrock E-Force trades ultimate ceiling for the smoothest, most reliable 242-wheel-horsepower daily-driver package.
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