FRS BRZ 86 OEM Engine: What's Under The Hood?

Hey car enthusiasts, guys, and gals! Ever wondered what powers those sleek Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, and Scion FR-S models? You know, the ones that make driving an absolute blast? Well, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into the heart of these awesome machines to talk about the original engine that comes in an OEM FR-S, BRZ, and 86. These cars are famous for their balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive fun, and a boxer engine that gives them that unique personality. So, let's get our hands dirty and explore the powerplant that makes these affordable sports cars so special.

The Heart of the Matter: The FA20 Boxer Engine

When we talk about the original engine that comes in an OEM FR-S, BRZ, and 86, we're primarily talking about one magnificent piece of engineering: the Subaru FA20 engine. This isn't just any engine; it's a naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine that was developed jointly by Subaru and Toyota. It's the very soul of these cars, providing that distinctive sound and engaging driving experience. The FA20 is a 2.0-liter engine known for its compact size, low center of gravity, and smooth operation, all thanks to its boxer configuration. This layout means the pistons move horizontally, directly opposing each other, which helps cancel out vibrations and keeps the engine remarkably smooth and compact. This low center of gravity is a huge plus for the handling dynamics of the FR-S, BRZ, and 86, allowing them to hug corners like a dream. It’s this specific engine that really defines the character of these cars, making them stand out in a crowd of more conventional inline-four or V6 engines. For anyone who’s driven one, the FA20’s responsiveness and its characteristic rumble are instantly recognizable and a big part of the appeal. It's not about brute horsepower numbers here; it's about how the power is delivered and how it makes you feel when you're behind the wheel. Toyota and Subaru really nailed the balance between performance, efficiency, and that pure driving joy that these cars are built for. The FA20 engine is truly the unsung hero of the entire platform, and understanding its nuances is key to appreciating the engineering brilliance that went into these affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupes.

Key Features of the FA20 Engine

The FA20 engine, the original engine that comes in an OEM FR-S, BRZ, and 86, is packed with some pretty cool tech that makes it tick. First off, it's a naturally aspirated mill, meaning it doesn't have a turbocharger or supercharger. This is a big deal because it means the power delivery is linear and predictable. You get a direct connection between your right foot and the engine's response, which is super satisfying for spirited driving. No lag, just pure, unadulterated acceleration as the revs climb. It also features direct injection (Toyota's D-4S system, to be precise) combined with port injection. This dual injection system is a clever bit of engineering that optimizes fuel delivery across different engine loads and RPMs, improving both performance and fuel efficiency. Pretty neat, right? The engine's boxer configuration, as we touched upon, is a signature Subaru trait. This design places the cylinders horizontally, low in the chassis. This not only helps with vibration cancellation, leading to that smooth, refined feel, but more importantly, it lowers the car's center of gravity significantly. This is a massive advantage for handling, allowing the FR-S, BRZ, and 86 to feel incredibly planted and agile when you're carving up some twisty roads. Think about it: a lower center of gravity means less body roll and quicker responses to steering inputs. The engine itself is relatively compact and lightweight, which further contributes to the car's overall balanced feel. Another notable feature is its high compression ratio, typically around 12.5:1. This high ratio helps extract more power and efficiency from the fuel. The FA20 also boasts variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (often referred to as Dual AVCS), ensuring optimal valve timing for various driving conditions. This helps the engine breathe better and perform more efficiently across its entire rev range. The engine block is typically made of aluminum, keeping weight down, and it features a timing chain instead of a belt, which is generally more durable and requires less maintenance over the life of the engine. When you combine all these elements – natural aspiration, dual injection, boxer layout, high compression, and variable valve timing – you get an engine that’s not just powerful, but also refined, efficient, and perfectly suited to the sporty, agile nature of the FR-S, BRZ, and 86. It’s a testament to the collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, creating a powerplant that’s as engaging as it is reliable for everyday driving and weekend fun.

Performance Specifications

Let's talk numbers, guys! The original engine that comes in an OEM FR-S, BRZ, and 86, the FA20, offered some respectable performance figures when it first rolled off the assembly line. In the early models (think 2013-2016 Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ), the FA20 typically put out around 200 horsepower at 7000 RPM and about 151 lb-ft of torque at 6400 RPM. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – "That's not a crazy amount of power!" But here's the secret sauce: it's not all about the peak numbers. The FA20 was engineered for a usable powerband and a fantastic driving experience. The power delivery is smooth and progressive, thanks to its naturally aspirated nature and the boxer layout. This means that even though it might not have the massive torque of a turbocharged engine down low, it pulls strongly and predictably as the revs climb. The engine loves to be revved, and hitting that 7000 RPM mark feels incredibly rewarding. This characteristic encourages drivers to engage more with the transmission, downshifting and keeping the engine in its happy place, which is a huge part of the fun factor for these cars. The gearing in the transmission, whether manual or automatic, is also specifically chosen to complement the FA20's power delivery, making the most of every horsepower. Furthermore, the engine's relatively light weight and low center of gravity contribute significantly to the car's overall performance, allowing it to feel more nimble and responsive than cars with heavier or higher-mounted engines, even if they have more horsepower on paper. Later iterations of the FA20, particularly in the updated