Potential Buyer. Turbo vs. Supercharger
 

So I have always been an all motor Mustang kind of guy. Im thinking about coming over to the darkside because I love the unique styling of the BRZ. But, of course im going to want more power. I know very little when it comes to turbos and superchargers. My question is what would be the most reliabe power adder? I dont need 400 hp numbers, I would just like the little extra power that im used to but a reliable car i can drive everyday with little to worry about. If someone could describe the two differences I would aprreciate it.

You should probably ask in the Forced Induction section. However, I do think the jury is still out as to which will be more reliable, if there even will be a difference. There's a lot of factors to consider (boost, fuel used, intercooled/non-intercooled, tune, etc.) and it's still too early to know. There isn't enough data points.

Honestly, I'd wait to see. If power is important to you, this might not be a good car to get. You might be really unhappy.

I would go look in the FI subforum. There are guys with 300+ whp on these cars and using them as daily drivers. So there are lots of option out there. But there are still lots of kinks being worked out as the car is still so new.

This may be blasphemy to a Mustang guy, but I'd consider a LS swap.... this is the wrong car if you're looking for power.

Save yourself alot of trouble and buy a 370z or genesis coupe. I don't think this car is for you. I'm looking to spend around $10,000 to get a "reliable" 250whp. Does that sound about right to you?

lol, good point. I guess it'll depend on how much of a Ford guy he is.

Thanks for the responses. Im just looking for something new. Mustangs are a dime a dozen and im lookin to be a little different now.

If you are going to go with bigger heavier GT style cars, you might as well keep the Mustang. Unless you just want something different.

The FT86 platform is so much different than either the Gencoupe or 370z platforms. If you are looking for light and nimble with precise handling, good gearbox, etc I definitely would not recommend a Gencoupe. The 370z is also pretty portly too.

Depends on what you consider reliable....

Take my advice because it will save you a lot of trouble.

If the stock power levels are not sufficient for you, don't buy the car
If you already bought the car and you're not happy with the power levels, sell the car

All those running FI will only tell you how great it is. If there are any issues/problems, it won't be mentioned. They won't tell you the real reason why they are selling the car a few months later too.

... cue the outrage from FI proponents....

Have you driven a BRZ yet? I'd suggest you do so if you haven't yet, and also test drive the Genesis Coupe (both the turbo and V6). It may help you decide if you really want the BRZ and wlling to go force induction. Honestly, I was impressed when I test drove a Genesis Coupe R-Spec V6; the power was pretty good and handling was decent enough.

I'm not happy with the power :brokenheart:

At this point you might want to wait and see what happens with the next gen Mustang. It could be what you are ultimately looking for as it should be lighter, have a better suspension and handling, yet still have over 300hp through either a V6 or turbo 4.

I do agree with the above though. If you don't like the power in the FT86 platform and have to go aftermarket to boose hp/tq out of the box, you might want to look at other options.

The upcoming WRX Sti could be a good alternative along with the upcoming VW GTI.

Yeah I know but they are as close as you are going to get to what the OP wants for around the same price. I guess I could've said Cayman R or Elise but they are 2-4x the money. There is nothing else like our car with just a little more power or everyone would be driving that.

Funny enough I was in the exact same boat. Ive been a mustang guy since I fell in love with the Fox bodies as a kid, and it was at the top of my list when I got a new car. After extremely poor service at my local Ford dealer I ended up with a BRZ. Sometimes I regret my choice. Plus all of my friends constantly say they cant believe I went with a 4 cyl over a rumbling 5.0. I test drove a 370, top level Genesis, neither of which really rang my bell. Also a Camaro SS and Challenger Superbee. Ended up with the BRZ because there is something about it, I just cant quite put my finger on it. Yes you WILL want more power. If you are coming from a Mustang you will miss that power. What will be the difference though is if the smile that just driving the car puts on your face is enough to counteract it. Going around corners, driving out back roads, its pure joy. Those are the times I dont regret my decision. Also less than 40 bucks to fill up with 93 octane and 30 miles a gallon doesnt hurt either.

You can chase power, if you have the patients and wallet to keep up. I have very limited mods on my car. Perrin lightweight crank pulley, KN drop in, Nameless OP/DP with high flow cat and Nameless axleback. Not a lot of power gained but my god the sound is breathtaking and improves the driving experience 100 fold.

So being where you are, honestly right now unless you absolutely have to get a car, which was the situation I was in I would wait. The 2015 Mustang could be a gamechanger if Ford doesnt screw it up, plus car show season is closing in fast and you never know what could be shown there that you might be interested in either. As I said I regret my decision sometime, but not in not getting a Mustang, but a 2010 Corvette with 9k miles owned my a friends dad ive known my whole life who is the most anal retentive man on the face of the earth and kept the car pristine. For 32k. That I do regret not buying. But my advice is wait for the time being. See what comes up, and see what Ford does with the Mustang. Ive pretty much decided as long as they dont screw it up I will be selling or trading mine in for one. The only question is immediately upon release or give them a year to work out kinks. So I know where your coming from. Better to wait and see then drop a fair chunk of change and truly regret it.

BigDogg thanks for the response. Im glad someone else was in the same exact boat. The handling, gas milage and appearance are all factors pulling me in that direction. Im just going to have to get behind the wheel and see if the lack of power is going to kill me.

Anytime, and yes definitely go for a drive in one. And make sure its a good drive out some back roads and not just highway stuff. I dont think there is anyone on this forum that would buy one of the twins off highway experience only. Its immensely fun on roads where lack of power doesnt hurt as much and will certainly glue a smile to your face, but I wouldnt make a decision right now if you can help it.

Is your 1990 Mustang GT modded? I mean, on paper, the BRZ and 90 GT are very close in terms of 0-60 and quatermile times.

Agreed, that getting behind the wheel will really help with the decision. People talk about the FRZ as being "slow" but it really is not unless you are coming from something much faster.

stock quarter mile times are very close but there is something about 300 ft lbs of torque from a v8 that a 4 cylinder just wont have. But im sure the BRZ does feel quick

I don't know how you feel about older cars, but based on some things you mentioned:
-unique
-lover of all motor power

Have you given any thought to an FD RX-7 (1992-1994 MYs) with an LSx engine swapped in? If the swap is done correction that's a very reliable car and will be more rare than any modern day Ferrari. For instance look at this beauty I stumbled across today:


http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/1030...owered-93-rx7/

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb913023e.jpg

The difference is simple. I have a coworker with a beautiful Shelby GT500, and I have my BRZ. I know the GT500 isn't a standard Mustang, but the philosophical difference between the two cars will do for sake of analogy.

The GT500 is raw, uncontrolled power -- it feels insane when you're behind the wheel. Pull out of a driveway or launch at a stoplight and you'll likely feel that rear axle wiggle everywhere as you lurch from all that torque. Incredibly fun, and insanely fast. Same idea to a lesser extent for a GT.

The BRZ is pure, refined, push-it-to-the-limit-and-still-feel-pretty-safe sportscar. It feels like you're in control of every little thing when you drive, and the experience is smooth and calculated. Incredibly fun, and insanely connected to the driver.

So judge how you liked that 90GT, and whether you liked that feeling of uncontrolled, wiggly, totally awesome power or would prefer to drive something slower but more refined and calculated so that you are always able to push it to the limit.

I think you'll be bummed if you go buy the BRZ with the wrong impression, but will be thrilled and will never look back if you go into it with the right one.

EDIT: Oh and as for your original question if you do buy the BRZ -- don't go FI yet. Give the NA car enough of your time to decide if you really want it. While doing that, you'll either fall in love with the (albeit underpowered) NA instant response or you'll have enough experience from others in the FA20 world to make a more informed decision on what is a good reliable solution for you.

Good advice enwave. Appreciate it

Test Drive first to figure out if you can enjoy the car without the added power. I'm not a big fan of people saying, "if I had 300 hp" just because. I think it is best for you and your wallet to have a goal in why you want to achieve a certain powah

After 7 months of ownership I feel like my car needs FI. And for anyone worried about losing NA throttle response there's always the Innovate pos displacement supercharger. No lost throttle response there.

I have a feeling I might feel that way in a year or two as well. But for now, I'm loving it NA. And the Innovate option is actually the one I'm looking into, since it does seem to present the least boost lag.

you will not be happy with this car if you are looking for power. I came from a 500 rwhp cobra, but I also KNEW what to expect from this car. I'm beyond happy with this car.

Coming from a fox (owned two myself), you are looking at a world of difference in build quality, and handling, the 90's fox's put out 25 more horse stock and a hell of a lot more torque. I assume yours is not stock, so if you are looking for a new car with power, pick something else.

Terminators are coming down in price. I sold mine for $16,500. I think you'll be happier with that. Just my opinion.

DRIVE THE CAR FIRST. The numbers do not do the twins justice.

Ahhh that brings me back to high school. A guy I knew had a black one. Always been a fan:w00t:

frankly if you ave remotely enjoyed a mustang, this car might not be for you. when i drove my first mustang few years ago i knew that car wasnt for me. i test drove a gt few weeks ago because they are selling for 28k now, so had to look. 5 mins into the test drive i said NOPE, and made my decision to buy a '14 brz.

if your first question about this car is how to FI and you confortably drove a mustang then my advice is that this car wont make you happy.

If you want a cross between the BRZ and a Mustang (lots of power, pretty small, handles well) then build a good 135i!

If I was able to spend about 5 grand more I woulda gotten a lightly used 135 too. My situation didn't let me. Am I happy after about 6 weeks of ownership. Yes. Its a very pleasant DD. I want 230+ at the wheels as much as the next guy but really, its such a new car just enjoy it for what it is until problems can be handled better and shops can really get this car under their belt.

All my friends and myself included, have/had/has high HP cars but once we drove the FRS we love it. So you better get your arse out there and drive one. See if HP is still important to you.

Some women don't need a big butt and boobs in order to fall in love with them. Same goes for this car. Although there's a lack of HP and Torque, the driving experience itself makes this car worth marrying.

Plus, I get thumbs up everywhere I go. I doubt there are people giving every Mustang they see a thumbs up. :p

As stated several times above, go out and drive one. You'll either love, or hate it. There's no in between from my consensus of owners online.

My theory with the HP wars is you only can enjoy high HP once in a while when you decide to hit full throttle and you wallet can handle the extra coin to pay for that gas. But a sharp feeling car you can enjoy all the time without cops bothering you.

High HP has their benefit's, but going FI is expensive and of course someone who just spend $5-6k to go turbo or supercharged won't regret it. It would sound stupid and shameful on their end. Now I am sure most are really happy with it, but think WHY you need the extra power? Show off for friends, show off on forums, want that extra umph for racing?

What we say shouldn't deter you, just provide you with some outside thinking.

I agree. I won't be doing any kind of significant engine / FI mods. Lightweight crank / accessory pulleys maybe, but nothing else. FI just seems like a ton of money and hassle for not much gain if you want a DD-able setup-- you'd do a lot better just to spend a few grand more and get a Cayman or something, which handles excellently and makes more torque.

I'm kind of on the fence about my car after a few months of ownership. More power would certainly be fun, but I don't know that it really needs it... as it is it feels about as fast as my old GTI, but it's driven from the right end meaning it's really entertaining to hoon around. I think as long as I don't add any more grip it should be livable.

I traded in my 135 for my new BRZ.

I REALLY miss the power, my 135 had 400+ HP and was wicked fast.

That car NEEDS an LSD to be able to have fun with the power though. Without it, my car was scary as hell to hotrod, totally unpredictable when the rear wheels broke loose.

The torque was awesome and the car was super fast. Much nicer interior.

Mine was out of warranty, had 60k miles, and I was just waiting for something to happen, at which point it was going to probably be the cost of a turbo kit for the BRZ in repairs. Anything that goes wrong on new BMW's is thousands and thousands of dollars.

The BRZ is totally different, more raw, louder inside, and I plan on fixing the power issue soon with a turbo kit, at which point I think I will be completely happy with my BRZ.

I've gotten more thumbs-up and comments about my BRZ than I ever did with my 135.

Still a mazda though :burnrubber:

@Furyus67 get a 2012 super cobra jet :P

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un5qQLuRIMo"]2012 Ford Mustang Super Cobra Jet 9.220 quarter mile - James Hodge Ford Muskogee New Car Dealer - YouTube[/ame]