Best BRZ, FR-S, 86, and GR86 Supercharger Kits: First-Gen and Second-Gen Picks

The BRZ, FR-S, Toyota 86, and GR86 all feel like they should have come with more power. A good supercharger kit fixes that without changing the car’s basic personality: the throttle response stays linear, the chassis still feels balanced, and the engine does not need the exhaust-side packaging changes of a BRZ turbo kit.

The best kit depends on generation and rules. For 2013-2020 FA20 cars, the Jackson Racing C38 is the strongest overall recommendation because it is still current, offers factory-tuned and tune-it-yourself versions, and has CARB EO coverage for the factory-tuned first-gen system. Edelbrock is the best positive-displacement street kit if you want low-end torque and a more OEM-looking engine bay. Vortech remains relevant, but its direct complete system currently appears unavailable, so check retailer stock carefully before making it your plan.

For 2022+ BRZ and GR86 owners, do not buy a first-gen kit. The second-gen FA24 has different fitment and tuning needs. Jackson Racing and HKS both have current FA24 supercharger systems, with EPA/CARB language that needs to be checked before ordering if you live in an emissions-inspection state.

How we chose these supercharger kits

We checked current manufacturer pages from Jackson Racing, Vortech, Edelbrock, HKS, Sprintex, and KraftWerks, plus retailer availability patterns and long-running owner discussion around tuning, heat, clutch life, and emissions. Forced induction is higher risk than an exhaust or coilover article, so this guide weights current manufacturer support, tune availability, CARB/EPA status, and installation documentation more heavily than peak horsepower claims.

Do not treat this as a dyno shootout. Dyno numbers vary with fuel, tune, altitude, temperature, drivetrain, and dyno type. The better buying question is which kit matches your generation, local emissions rules, tuner access, power target, and willingness to add supporting mods.

BRZ/FR-S/86 supercharger comparison

Kit	Best for	Generation	Type	Emissions/tuning note
Jackson Racing C38	Best overall first-gen kit	2013-2020 FA20	Rotrex centrifugal	Factory-tuned version has CARB EO D-700-9
Edelbrock E-Force 1556	Best low-end street torque	2012-2019 FA20	Eaton TVS positive displacement	EO D-215-116 listed
Vortech V-3 H67B	CARB centrifugal alternative	2013-2016 complete, tuner through 2019	Centrifugal	Complete system EO D-213-35, direct availability weak
KraftWerks C30	Value centrifugal/tuner route	2013-2020 FA20	Rotrex centrifugal	Availability and tune/CARB package vary by year
Sprintex 210	Instant torque alternative	2012-2021 FA20	Twin-screw	Direct page currently out of stock
HKS GT2 FA20	JDM tuner kit	2012-2021 FA20	Centrifugal	Engine management required depending on version
Jackson Racing FA24	Best current second-gen kit	2022-2026 FA24	Rotrex centrifugal	EPA-compliant factory-tuned option; CARB EO in process
HKS GT2 FA24	Second-gen HKS option	2022-2025 FA24	Centrifugal	49-state EPA compliant, CARB EO pending per HKS USA

Best First-Gen BRZ, FR-S, and Toyota 86 Supercharger Kits

These are the kits to shortlist for 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ, 2013-2016 Scion FR-S, and 2017-2020 Toyota 86 models with the FA20 engine. First-gen support is mature, but current availability is uneven.

Jackson Racing’s C38 system is the best first-gen supercharger kit to start with in 2026. It is still sold directly, has clear 2013-2020 year options, and is available as either a tune-it-yourself kit or a factory-tuned system. Jackson lists the factory-tuned version with CARB EO D-700-9, EcuTek hardware/license, and its own calibration.

The kit uses a Rotrex C38-81 centrifugal supercharger, front-mount air-to-air intercooler, self-contained Rotrex oiling, Setrab oil cooler for the supercharger drive, and Jackson-specific brackets and piping. Jackson claims roughly a 50% horsepower increase and 45% torque increase over stock for the first-gen system.

Owner sentiment around Jackson Racing is strong because the kit behaves like a refined centrifugal setup: linear power, quiet operation, good track support, and mature documentation. The downside is that it does not deliver the same instant low-rpm shove as a positive-displacement blower, and the factory-tuned version costs more than a bare tuner kit.

Buy it if you want the safest current first-gen recommendation with emissions-conscious options. Skip it if you want the most low-end torque possible or already have a trusted tuner building a custom high-boost setup.

The Edelbrock E-Force 1556 is the first-gen kit for drivers who care more about street torque than high-rpm centrifugal character. Edelbrock lists the kit for 2012-2019 BRZ/FR-S/GT86 FA20 applications, with 242 rear-wheel horsepower, 186 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque, 9 psi boost, 36-month warranty language, and EO D-215-116.

The positive-displacement layout gives the car more immediate low-rpm response, which makes it easy to enjoy on the street. The kit also has one of the cleanest engine-bay presentations because the manifold/blower package looks more integrated than many front-mount centrifugal systems.

Buy it if you want a street-friendly torque curve and CARB-listed first-gen package. Skip it if you want the largest high-rpm power ceiling or a 2020 first-gen car, since Edelbrock’s current page lists through 2019.

Vortech’s V-3 H67B system is still important because it was one of the original mainstream CARB-friendly centrifugal kits for the platform. Vortech’s current complete-system page lists 2013-2016 FR-S/BRZ/86 fitment, 294 horsepower and 210 lb-ft at 9 psi, 91-octane calibration, EcuTek programmer, 4-6 hour installation estimate, and CARB EO D-213-35.

The problem is availability. The direct page currently shows the complete system as unavailable, while Vortech’s older update says tuner kits were verified through 2019. That means this kit may still make sense through a retailer, used market, or tuner-kit route, but it should not be treated as the easiest kit to buy today.

Buy it if you find a correct complete or tuner kit from a reputable source and want the Vortech centrifugal platform. Skip it if you need straightforward current direct availability.

Best Second-Gen BRZ and GR86 Supercharger Kits

Second-gen owners need FA24-specific kits. A first-gen FA20 supercharger kit is not the right shortcut, even if the chassis looks familiar.

Jackson Racing’s FA24 supercharger system is the best starting point for 2022+ BRZ and GR86 owners because it is designed around the second-gen platform instead of adapted from old first-gen assumptions. Jackson lists 2022-2026 fitment, manual and automatic options, a Rotrex C38-81 supercharger, air-to-air intercooler, no cutting or welding, and roughly a 40% horsepower and 35% torque increase.

The factory-tuned version includes EcuTek ECU Connect, PhoneFlash, and a Jackson calibration. Jackson describes that version as EPA-compliant, with CARB EO in process and future CARB upgrade eligibility once finalized. That distinction matters: EPA-compliant and CARB-approved are not the same thing for California buyers.

Buy it if you have a 2022+ car and want the cleanest current support path. Skip it if you need finalized CARB EO documentation before purchase.

HKS now lists a GT2 supercharger complete kit for 2022-2025 GR86 and BRZ models with the FA24. HKS USA lists product number 12001-BT001, F-Con iS included, 49-state EPA-compliant language, and CARB EO pending.

This is the second-gen kit to consider if you prefer HKS hardware and have a tuner familiar with HKS electronics. Because the CARB status is pending, California buyers should verify the latest HKS documentation before ordering.

Best Tuner and Track-Focused BRZ Supercharger Kits

These kits can still be good choices, but they require more diligence around tuning, availability, emissions, and supporting mods.

KraftWerks remains a relevant Rotrex-based option for first-gen cars. Its current catalog still shows 2013-2016 CARB/EcuTek and 2017-2020 EcuTek package language, but availability varies by SKU and some items are call-to-order or out of stock.

This is a kit to buy through a specialist retailer or tuner who can confirm the exact year range, tuning package, belt-drive revision, and emissions status. Do not assume every KraftWerks listing includes the same tune or CARB coverage.

The HKS GT2 FA20 kit is the JDM tuner route. HKS lists GT2-7040L applications for 86 ZN6/BRZ ZC6 FA20 cars, with engine-management requirements depending on the exact part number. HKS also shows step-style power paths around 250 ps, 300 ps, and higher builds with fuel and engine upgrades.

This is not the simple “buy a box and flash a CARB tune” choice. It makes sense when you want HKS hardware and have a tuner who understands the kit. It is less attractive if you need a plug-and-play emissions-legal package.

Sprintex is the other positive-displacement-style path for first-gen cars. The current Sprintex page lists a 260A1011 210 intercooled hardware-only system for 2012-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86 models, with claimed 259 rear-wheel horsepower and 199 rear-wheel torque, but the product is currently shown as out of stock.

That makes it a watchlist kit rather than a top buying recommendation. If availability returns and your tuner supports it, the instant torque character can be appealing. If you need a kit now, Jackson or Edelbrock are easier to justify.

BRZ Supercharger Supporting Mods, Tuning, and Reliability Costs

A supercharger kit is not the whole budget. Plan for professional tuning if the kit does not include a locked factory calibration, plus spark plugs, fluids, gauges or logging tools, and a conservative dyno session if you change pulleys, fuel, headers, or injectors.

Cooling matters. Track use, hot climates, and repeated pulls can expose oil temperature and intake-air-temperature problems. Jackson includes a Rotrex traction-drive oil cooler, but that does not replace engine oil cooling. HKS recommends an oil cooler for track and spirited first-gen use. For a track car, budget for an engine oil cooler and consider radiator/fan upgrades.

The stock clutch can survive mild kits for some drivers, but it is not guaranteed. Jackson’s FAQ says its development cars have run stock clutch mileage, while also recommending a clutch upgrade for aggressive driving. If the car sees sticky tires, launches, or track abuse, include a clutch in the real budget.

Fuel and engine limits matter. A mild pump-gas kit on a healthy stock FA20 or FA24 is a different risk profile than a high-boost pulley, E85, headers, and track heat. When owner builds fail, the pattern is often not “superchargers are bad”; it is heat, poor tuning, lean conditions, over-aggressive torque, insufficient fuel system, or asking too much from a stock long block.

Emissions language must be read exactly. CARB EO, EPA-compliant, 49-state, competition use, and tune-it-yourself do not mean the same thing. If the car needs to pass California inspection, buy only the exact CARB-approved configuration and keep the EO documentation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best BRZ supercharger kit overall?

For a 2013-2020 first-gen BRZ/FR-S/86, the Jackson Racing C38 is the best overall current recommendation. For a 2022+ BRZ or GR86, use a second-gen-specific kit such as the Jackson Racing FA24 system or HKS GT2 FA24 kit.

Is a supercharger better than a turbo on a BRZ?

Neither is universally better. A supercharger is usually better for linear response, simpler exhaust-side packaging, and OEM-like drivability. A turbo is usually better for peak-power potential. For a street/track car that needs predictable throttle, a supercharger is often the easier choice.

Can a stock FA20 handle a supercharger?

A healthy stock FA20 can handle a conservative pump-gas supercharger setup with good tuning and cooling, but there is always added risk. High boost, poor fuel, heat, aggressive timing, and track abuse raise the chance of failure. Compression/leakdown testing before forced induction is smart.

Do I need a tune for a BRZ supercharger kit?

Yes. Every supercharger kit needs a proper ECU calibration. Some kits include a factory tune and flashing hardware; tuner kits require a professional calibration.

Which BRZ supercharger kit is CARB legal?

For first-gen cars, Jackson Racing’s factory-tuned C38 system lists CARB EO D-700-9, Vortech’s complete system lists CARB EO D-213-35, and Edelbrock’s 1556 lists EO D-215-116. Verify the exact part number, year, transmission, and tune package before buying. Second-gen CARB status is still more limited and should be checked directly before purchase.

Should I supercharge a 2022+ GR86 or BRZ?

Only if you are ready for tuning, warranty risk, heat management, and supporting-mod costs. The FA24 already makes more torque than the old FA20, so many street drivers should do tires, brakes, suspension, and seat time first. If you still want more power, use an FA24-specific kit.