Considering buying and have many questions

[kch]

Originally Posted by KR-S 86

As for 30+ horsepower increase, that does not appear to be possible with basic N/A mods.

It's absolutely possible. This dyno reads stock cars around 170whp. I got 204whp with bolt-ons, tune, and E85.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Qwimby2

I notice a lot of the used parts ads mention the seller is going back to stock. I'm a little curious about that.

That usually means they are trading in.

[KR-S]

Originally Posted by kch

It's absolutely possible. This dyno reads stock cars around 170whp. I got 204whp with bolt-ons, tune, and E85.

Seems I had a different meaning of "basic" when I said it wasn't possible. Since OP mentioned he is willing to do such bolt-ons, yes, it is possible.

[jvincent]

Originally Posted by Qwimby2

I can handle all the swaps in my garage except (probably) the headers so I may have to send that to my wrench to get done.

The header swap is actually pretty easy to do with the car on jack stands.

Took me about 2 hours, not counting the time for going to the store to pick up the bolts that didn't come with the head that I didn't notice during unpacking.

[Qwimby2]

Originally Posted by ericmpena

I don't post much around here anymore, but whenever I used to visit here daily I'd often see curious buyers with similar questions as yours..and I'd always see the same response from current owners;
If you're looking for power then you're looking at the wrong car. Your money is better put into another vehicle where you'll get much more power for your money.
I hope that helps and good luck to you.

I probably didn't make myself as clear as I could have. The car has to be a DD so I'll have to make some compromises. I would probably be happy with it as is. I'm not a power hog, but a mild boost would be an a welcome plus. It looks like tinkering with the torque hole would be a big help. I noticed that in my test drive. I have advised countless students against putting a lot of power mods on cars when they start out. Power is a crutch which prevents them from learning how to get almost everything out of the car as is before hopping it up. (None of us get absolutely everything out of the car as is.) I tracked a stock engine Miata NA for years. On the short course at Sebring I could frustrate the big iron all day with its braking and handling. I now drive a turbo Miata, but the FRS offers more creature comfort and still looks like a fun car to track. It's roomier, has a great seating position and better seats than anything I can fit into a Miata, and the rear storage capacity is a big plus for a DD.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Qwimby2

..................The car has to be a DD so I'll have to make some compromises. I would probably be happy with it as is. ............

I now drive a turbo Miata, but the FRS offers more creature comfort and still looks like a fun car to track. It's roomier, has a great seating position and better seats than anything I can fit into a Miata, and the rear storage capacity is a big plus for a DD.

There you go ........

I drove a miata (NC) for several years before I got my FR-S.

I found it as fun to drive as the miata ...... plus the things you mentioned above .......


humfrz

[soulreapersteve]

Seems all your questions were answered.

I'm just here to say... Mazdaspeed Miata <3

[ericmpena]

Originally Posted by Qwimby2

I probably didn't make myself as clear as I could have. The car has to be a DD so I'll have to make some compromises. I would probably be happy with it as is. I'm not a power hog, but a mild boost would be an a welcome plus. It looks like tinkering with the torque hole would be a big help. I noticed that in my test drive. I have advised countless students against putting a lot of power mods on cars when they start out. Power is a crutch which prevents them from learning how to get almost everything out of the car as is before hopping it up. (None of us get absolutely everything out of the car as is.) I tracked a stock engine Miata NA for years. On the short course at Sebring I could frustrate the big iron all day with its braking and handling. I now drive a turbo Miata, but the FRS offers more creature comfort and still looks like a fun car to track. It's roomier, has a great seating position and better seats than anything I can fit into a Miata, and the rear storage capacity is a big plus for a DD.

Awesome. Well it sounds like you'll feel right at home with an FR-S then. I love my BRZ, but in all honestly sometimes I wish I had looked into maybe a 370z just for the power. In Texas there aren't a whole lot of twists and turns on the highway. It's all straight line stuff over here so having more passing power on the highway probably would've been nicer, but either way I'm still satisfied with my BRZ.
If/when you get an FR-S...I'm sure you won't be disappointed at all. Good luck to you.

[jdmblood]

if your not satisfied with how much power the car has stock, you wont be happy with the power after bolt ons

[kev60625]

Originally Posted by jdmblood

if your not satisfied with how much power the car has stock, you wont be happy with the power after bolt ons

This this this! I thought I could add all the bolt on's and be happy with the power. While the torque dip is definitely gone, it's still a slow car, to me. The package I added is supposed to increase 35whp, stock is 160whp, to 195whp on this dyno.

It took a little over $2k, and made the power very smooth, but still not a hard pulling car. I was disappointed at first, but now I'm content with the car's power to be honest. E85 would add 10whp, which could make a big difference, but I'm done spending money unless it's for FI. My advice would be to not spend a dime on any bolt on's OP, and save towards a turbo/supercharger. Bolt on's will smooth the power, but not give any real noticeable power, if that makes sense. Had I not bought any bolt on's, I could've just saved a couple more grand and had a turbo kit by now.

[Mim]

I'm just going to leave this here - http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27647

[jdmblood]

There's no replacement for displacement.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Keep in mind that E85 can be brutally hard to find in some areas.

Especially Canada. There's like one station in the entire country

[Qwimby2]

I think I may pick up one of these cars and keep the Miata for a while before deciding between the two. I watched the video install of the Edelbrock supercharger, and figure I can do that in my garage in an afternoon. That's if if decide I really need that much gain. Next question, how well does the drive train stand up to that much power gain? I figure I'll need bigger brake for sure.

.