Automatic?

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by Anthony

That sounds like reasonable logic to me.

Btw I edited my post right after you replied. Is it still logical?

[Anthony]

Yes, because you can always add power. It just depends on what your power goals are though. I can't speak as to which platform would be better for making big numbers, but the 370 is a larger, higher displacement engine. You don't seem to want crazy horsepower numbers though, judging by this not being a muscle car forum at all, so I would think a lightly boosted FR-S would be perfect for you.

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Yes, because you can always add power. It just depends on what your power goals are though. I can't speak as to which platform would be better for making big numbers, but the 370 is a larger, higher displacement engine. You don't seem to want crazy horsepower numbers though, judging by this not being a muscle car forum at all, so I would think a lightly boosted FR-S would be perfect for you.

Yeah I don't want huge muscle (right now anyway) but I want some power when I need it or when it would be nice in daily driving. More than my 2.5 altima has, anyway.

Also: What's the advantage of using the crawford performance short block? Is anything gained from it alone? Or is it meant to be used with turbo/sc?

[Fast_Freddy]

Originally Posted by dem00n

If i'm correct, the Auto is rated up to 400HP, can it handle 400HP for a long time? Well, only time will tell.

The automatic is basically the same auto from the Lexus IS-F, minus the two gears.

Where did you hear that the A960E is rated for 400HP? AFAIK the A960E is straight out of the 200bhp Lexus IS250 with some minor tweaks. Lexus uses a heavier duty A760 in the 300bhp/277lb-ft IS350 despite the 960E being smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient and less expensive. That wouldn't make sense if the A960E could handle 400bhp.

I believe that the differences between the AA80 and 960E extend far beyond the missing 2 gears. However I would trust the A960E to handle 250whp without any problems.

[Symmetrical]

Originally Posted by brianhj

That's my conundrum in a nutshell! My mind is being torn in two by it! I'm losing sleep over it!

I love the looks, the feel, the style, the fun factor, the size, the sound... EVERYTHING about the FR-S! I drove an automatic. The only thing I TRULY love about the Z is the power and that's also the ONE things I truly don't like about the FR-S to the point that it almost weighs as much as the pros. Stupid huh?? That's why I'm TRYING to convince myself I will be truly happy down the road when I have my FR-S and I supercharge it. I'll be thanking you guys.. right???

That is actually a reasonable assessment. What I would do first is enjoy the car for what it is, and then when you truly felt like you had enough, then drop a S/C or small Turbo kit down the line. It's been proven over and over especially by many tuners and members on this forum, that the FRS/BRZ's chassis can withstand so much more power without much of a sweat. The only real downside is nobody will know what type of long term reliability it has since the car has only been out for a year or so.

Good luck with your choice (Just get the FRS lol)

[mechaghost]

I love my auto. I autox it, tracked it, and use it to drive on horrible 405 traffic in Seattle. Works for me! Just my 2 cents

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by mechaghost

I love my auto. I autox it, tracked it, and use it to drive on horrible 405 traffic in Seattle. Works for me! Just my 2 cents

Thanks for your input! What's autox?

Edit: Lol auto cross never mind

[Symmetrical]

Originally Posted by mechaghost

I love my auto. I autox it, tracked it, and use it to drive on horrible 405 traffic in Seattle. Works for me! Just my 2 cents

I've said this 8 billion times in other threads, but I also drive in traffic to go to work daily, and by god I'd go crazy if I still drove a manual. It makes the 6AT that much sweeter for me.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Symmetrical

What I would do first is enjoy the car for what it is, and then when you truly felt like you had enough, then drop a S/C or small Turbo kit down the line.

I'd like to see someone try to argue with this.

Whatever you enjoyed from the test drive was only what you can experience in a test drive. Imagine what you'll be able to experience when you can sling it around all you want. You may totally forget about power.

Or maybe you're a total d!©k of a test driver and already found out everything about what is essentially someone else's car. In which case, you're well beyond my experience as I've only had two put-putting test drives.

[Fast_Freddy]

Originally Posted by brianhj

Yeah I don't want huge muscle (right now anyway) but I want some power when I need it or when it would be nice in daily driving. More than my 2.5 altima has, anyway.

Also: What's the advantage of using the crawford performance short block? Is anything gained from it alone? Or is it meant to be used with turbo/sc?

IMO a simple rule of thumb to follow whenever considering voiding a new car warranty by adding FI is as follows:

If you can afford to blow the engine, pay for the rental car while your car is being repaired, and all of the repair and associated costs without it being a financial hardship on you or your family, then and only then is it worth considering. An extra $5000 laying around should cover most of it.

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by Fast_Freddy

IMO a simple rule of thumb to follow whenever considering voiding a new car warranty by adding FI is as follows:

If you can afford to blow the engine, pay for the rental car while your 86 is being repaired, and all of the repair and associated costs without it being a financial hardship on you or your family, then and only then is it worth considering. An extra $5000 laying around should cover most of it.

Good advice! 5k ya think?

[dem00n]

Originally Posted by Fast_Freddy

Where did you hear that the A960E is rated for 400HP? AFAIK the A960E is straight out of the 200bhp Lexus IS250 with some minor tweaks. Lexus uses a heavier duty A760 in the 300bhp/277lb-ft IS350 despite the 960E being smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient and less expensive. That wouldn't make sense if the A960E could handle 400bhp.

I believe that the differences between the AA80 and 960E extend far beyond the missing 2 gears. However I would trust the A960E to handle 250whp without any problems.

Even before the car came out, we were told the 6 speed auto was going to be based out of the 8 speed on the IS-F minus two gears.

I'm not saying it's as simple as just taking out 2 gears and calling it a day.

But then again we have this...

Lexus IS 250-sourced A960E 6-speed automatic with upgrades such as earlier torque converter lockup, faster upshift and downshift times and throttle blips accompanying downshifts was spot-on.

http://kaizenfactor.wordpress.com/20...n-or-is-scion/

If that info is true, then perhaps the automatic can take 400HP.

[UnOvertime]

Buy the car you want, you are the one that has to drive it and pay for it. With that said, I love my FR-S and am glad that I went this route. I see those other cars on the road and while they might have more power, I still think mine looks better.

I have considered FI for my automatic and I even like the FA20club kit, low enough PSI to be reliable and enough to produce fun amounts of power however I decided to skip it for the time being. There is so much else that can be done with my car and it is my only vehicle. If I had another car then a turbo would probably be dropped in. All comes down to what is your situation and how ok are you if something goes wrong? In my case, I would be screwed and have no car. So no there is nothing wrong with a turbo or S/C on the automatic and if that is what you want go for it.

[brianhj]

Well guys I'm gonna do it. Either red or dark grey. Thanks for all of your input. Will probably be buying it this week.