Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB - View Single Post

eikond · 07-30-2014, 09:54 AM

I appreciate the OP putting so much time and energy into sharing information on Toyota motors.

I'm not sure I agree with all his opinions on which motors are best, but he does share some fantastic data and information.

The only issue I have that I would call out as simply incorrect is referring to the COG. As @Jaden points out a couple posts above this, the COG benefit from the boxer motor is not one of front vs. rear weight bias. Rather, it's a measure of weight from bottom to top of the car. The FRS/BRZ's center of gravity is 18.1 inches. That's lower than the Porsche Cayman and lower than a Ferrari 458 Italia for example. This was the focus in engineering this chassis and this is what the FA20 motor was designed for.

Any other engine swap will increase the center of gravity height and that will have an adverse effect on handling.

I'm not saying the extra power doesn't make up for it in lap time or that other motors are easier to maintain or can handle more power, etc.. Those are all very valid points. But at this point in time, I think adding power to the FA20 is the best bang for your buck and you keep that COG as low as possible. We all know Moar Lower is Better!

07-30-2014, 09:54 AM	#19
eikond Wish Nissan made one Join Date: Feb 2012 Drives: '13 WRB BRZ Premium Location: Lake Orion, MI Posts: 886 Thanks: 129 Thanked 360 Times in 189 Posts Mentioned: 18 Post(s)	I appreciate the OP putting so much time and energy into sharing information on Toyota motors. I'm not sure I agree with all his opinions on which motors are best, but he does share some fantastic data and information. The only issue I have that I would call out as simply incorrect is referring to the COG. As @Jaden points out a couple posts above this, the COG benefit from the boxer motor is not one of front vs. rear weight bias. Rather, it's a measure of weight from bottom to top of the car. The FRS/BRZ's center of gravity is 18.1 inches. That's lower than the Porsche Cayman and lower than a Ferrari 458 Italia for example. This was the focus in engineering this chassis and this is what the FA20 motor was designed for. Any other engine swap will increase the center of gravity height and that will have an adverse effect on handling. I'm not saying the extra power doesn't make up for it in lap time or that other motors are easier to maintain or can handle more power, etc.. Those are all very valid points. But at this point in time, I think adding power to the FA20 is the best bang for your buck and you keep that COG as low as possible. We all know Moar Lower is Better!