Help out a rookie?
 

I've been looking into purchasing a Scion FR-S for a couple of weeks now. After looking at all the cars in the market, for <$30,000, this seems to be the best "bang for my buck." The only issue that isn't even an issue is the horsepower. Everyone I've talked to or asked about, or even seen reviews from has a comment against the engine's power. No one's said it's terrible, as the car is quite light, but that it could use some extra power. So, what better than going with a Forced Induction?

I debated on turbo vs supercharger, but since the car operates at lower speeds, I think I'd get more by going with an sc. Then the problem arises, which one? I've looked at many guides, and would like to thank everyone for the amazing compilation's that they have made. That truly helped out, but in the end, I'm still a rookie somewhat walking around in candy-land.

The main three guides I've looked into are:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55705
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81487
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56783

I will not be personally setting everything up, I've got a friend that's more than willing to do it, and isn't charging me much. Plus he owns a shop and has a dynotune. So, any tips/ideas/thoughts, are more than welcome.

Also, the budget is around $5k, not including the fee for having it set up.

Ps. Any one know where I could get my hands on a FR-S Monogram series? :D

If I were buying now and wanted FI, I would find an already built car. More importantly, if I were buying and wanted more power, I would get a car with more power stock. Other than a tune, the expense of power mods make a used Porsche or Corvette attractive for the power hungry.

I find that I really enjoy revving through the gears, and an extra 100 hp would make that a far shorter experience.

So keeping the car stock isn't as bad as others have said? I mean the cars light compared to many, but really I'm in for the car overall.
What about the three different year versions? 2013, 2014, and 2015. Which one might be the best for a guy that's in it for the fun. No racing or anything.

1. Cool on you that you've done some research, that will give better responses and show you aren't a dolt

2. If you've owned freeway monsters (high displacement, high hp) in the past, the FRS may feel real slow on the straights. The twisties bring the life to this vehicle and those who say it is slow, probably commute in it or live in the flat states

3. FI is indeed the most cost effective option to narrowing the gap from "gets passed by most family oriented vehicles" to contender.

4. Get a '14 or '15 and save yourself the worry of first-year TSB headaches (most have received fixes)

Another one brainwashed by supercharger propaganda.

The power isn't bad at all, but the chassis can handle more. I came from a 550i. It did 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds. I really don't miss anything but the stereo and seats from that car. I do really enjoy the flat torque of our Fiat 500e. It makes squirting round really easy. That said, if I am paying attention and staying in the right gear, driving the frs like its meant, the frs is loads faster and more fun. Like I said, though, I do recommend a tune. And stickier tires are nice on the street.

OP - Where are you located?

If youre seriously interested in just the car, i would reccomend staying stock. You can reduce the drivetrain weight (lightweight flywheel and driveshaft) for better rev response and some weight reduction along with exhaust and other bolt ons + a tune and tires (maybe some suspension trinkets). This will give you a porsche/lotus like driveing feel along with feeling much faster. No need to go turbo rught out of the box.

^This^
I bought mine fully expecting to go FI based upon what I had read in the reviews. Once I drove it a bit the reality was that I didn't feel the need for more power then I could get with a simple drop in filter, exhaust and suspension tweaks..
There is a huge disconnect between the on paper specs and the feel of wheels on pavement with these cars.
At least drive one for a bit before deciding.

Drive the car first. Then determine if you REALLY need more power.

With a 5k budget for parts (not labor, but including EcuTek), if you want a reliable setup, turbos are out of your price range.

Wat? Do elaborate, though!

Actually, OP is brainwashed by "lack of power" propaganda it seems...

@Outride:

The car in stock form has plenty of horsepower. If you feel it's lacking in that area, the car wasn't a good fit for you to begin with.

But of course, that's just my opinion. Feel free to formulate your own unbiased, second-hand opinion about the car.

-alex

I agree you should drive the car and live with it for a while before going FI. I've had mine since May of '12 and just started adding power. The car is a blast at stock HP if the road is twisty enough.

I think what he is getting at is that turbo's, especially twin scroll, are not that far off from S/c with respect to on demand power.