Toyota GT86 Tuning Guide
Toyota GT86 Tuning Guide
The Toyota GT86, introduced in 2012 with the 2.0 FA20 engine, has become a popular choice for driving enthusiasts who value balance, precision, and the joy of a naturally aspirated (NA) engine. One of the key features of the GT86 is its rear-wheel-drive setup and lightweight design, which contribute to its excellent handling characteristics. If you’re looking to tune your GT86 for more power and performance, there are plenty of options available. However, it’s important to understand the limits and opportunities of tuning a naturally aspirated vehicle like the GT86, compared to a turbocharged or supercharged car.
Understanding the Limits of Naturally Aspirated Tuning
Unlike turbocharged or supercharged engines, which rely on forced induction to increase power, the FA20 engine in the GT86 is naturally aspirated. This means that power gains from tuning will generally be more modest. While you can make improvements to throttle response, engine sound, and handling, the actual horsepower increases from tuning will be relatively limited.
In short, naturally aspirated tuning focuses more on optimising the existing setup rather than adding substantial power. That said, with the right upgrades, the GT86 can still become a more engaging and responsive machine. If you’re after a significant performance boost, forced induction (turbocharging or supercharging) is an option, but it comes with a higher cost and requires careful consideration.
Popular Tuning Options for the Toyota GT86
If you're keen on enhancing your GT86's performance within the limitations of a naturally aspirated setup, there are several areas you can focus on.
1. Cold Air Intake / Induction Kits
Upgrading the intake system is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective modifications you can make to your GT86. A cold air intake or induction kit allows more air to enter the engine, which can help improve throttle response and slightly increase power. The colder air from outside the engine bay is denser, which can improve combustion efficiency. While this won’t produce huge power gains, it can make the car feel a bit more responsive, and it adds an aggressive engine sound.
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2. Exhaust System (Cat-back or GPF-back)
Upgrading the exhaust is one of the most popular tuning modifications for the GT86. A high-flow exhaust system, such as a cat-back or GPF-back exhaust, can reduce exhaust restrictions and help the engine breathe better. While you won’t see dramatic increases in power from this upgrade alone, you’ll improve exhaust flow and enhance the sound of your car. For those looking for more power, a performance manifold or header combined with an exhaust upgrade can yield better results.
3. Manifold and Headers
A performance exhaust manifold or headers replace the factory part and improve exhaust flow from the engine. The factory manifold is often quite restrictive, so upgrading to a higher-flow version can provide modest gains in power, especially in the higher RPM range. This modification works well in combination with an upgraded intake or exhaust system and can improve throttle response and engine efficiency.
4. ECU Remapping or Tuning
An ECU remap or performance tune adjusts the engine's settings to optimise power delivery and fuel efficiency. With the correct tuning, you can unlock more power from your naturally aspirated engine, particularly if you’ve made other modifications such as upgrading the intake or exhaust system. A professional ECU tune can refine the air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other key parameters to make the most of your car’s potential.
5. Suspension Upgrades
While suspension upgrades don’t directly affect engine power, they can greatly enhance the overall performance and driving experience of your GT86. A set of performance coilovers or upgraded springs can improve handling, providing better control during cornering and reducing body roll. If you plan on using your GT86 for track days or spirited driving, upgrading the suspension can be one of the most beneficial tuning modifications.
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6. Lightweight Wheels
Upgrading to lightweight alloy wheels reduces unsprung weight, which can improve both handling and acceleration. Lighter wheels allow the suspension to respond more quickly to changes in the road surface, enhancing the car’s overall agility. This modification doesn’t add horsepower, but it can make the car feel more nimble and responsive.
Forced Induction: Turbocharging or Supercharging
For those who are after more substantial power gains, forced induction is an option. However, it's important to recognise that forced induction (whether turbocharging or supercharging) comes with a higher cost and more complexity than simple bolt-on parts.
Forced induction can provide significant gains in horsepower and torque, but it often requires substantial modifications to your car’s engine and supporting systems. You’ll need to upgrade the fuel system to provide enough fuel to match the increased air intake, and depending on the level of boost, you might need to reinforce the engine internals to avoid damaging the engine.
- Turbocharging: A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that forces more air into the engine, which significantly increases power. A turbo kit for the GT86 can add a considerable amount of power, but it requires a significant investment and additional parts like an intercooler, larger injectors, and potentially a strengthened engine.
- Supercharging: Superchargers work similarly by forcing more air into the engine, but they are powered directly by the engine’s crankshaft. Superchargers tend to deliver power more linearly than turbos, which can be a good fit for someone who prefers a more predictable power delivery. However, like turbocharging, supercharging requires additional modifications and can be costly.
Both options require proper tuning, and engine reinforcement may be necessary, particularly if you plan on running higher boost levels. While these setups can increase power dramatically, they are not simple plug-and-play solutions.
Final Thoughts
Tuning your Toyota GT86 is an exciting journey that can enhance both performance and driving enjoyment. While there are numerous ways to optimise your naturally aspirated FA20 engine, it's important to understand the limitations of tuning a non-forced induction engine. The performance gains from tuning will be more modest compared to turbocharged or supercharged vehicles, but with the right upgrades—such as intake systems, exhausts, and ECU tuning—you can still enjoy a noticeable improvement in throttle response and overall performance.
For those looking for more substantial gains, forced induction is an option, but it comes with significant cost and complexity. Whether you stick with naturally aspirated tuning or decide to explore forced induction, always ensure that your modifications are properly installed and tuned to maintain reliability and avoid engine damage.
Tuning a GT86 is about enhancing the driving experience, and with the right approach, you can make a car that’s already fun to drive even more enjoyable.