Jackson Racing Supercharger Initial Impression from an "Average Consumer"

[bobsacamenoh]

Here are my initial impressions of the JRSC with CARB tune.

Why I wanted this kit/a supercharger:
Like many have already said, the car is great with balance and handling but "lacks power." Love the feel and steering I get from the FRS, but wanted more power to pass on the freeway. I am not a car "lover." I consider myself a car "liker." I would not consider myself knowledgeable at all about cars when it comes to the mechanical aspect so please forgive my non-technical/layman's way of reviewing this kit. Everything I go by is based on feel. I never planned on tracking this car or even driving it "spiritedly" much before I got it. I know there are a lot of you out there like me, too, so I guess this review is for the "average joe" that just likes to have something fun and nimble to drive as a distraction from life's everyday stresses. I switched from a 2014 WRX (which had more than adequate power for my liking) mainly because I wasn't ready to stay with a "tank-like" feel when driving. Only tank-like because I came from a 2007 350Z and a 2006 Mini Cooper Base which were relatively nimble compared to the WRX.

Install:
Ordered the kit with CARB tune for my FRS 6MT from Counter Space Garage after reading the positive reviews about them on this forum. David was great in answering any questions I had about the kit and install. I decided to go to CSG in Santa Fe Springs, CA to have it installed as I am rarely a DIY person when it comes to anything. Thanks to CSG for the install! Dropped off my FRS with @CSG_Mike at 9AM and the car was ready by 6PM in the evening. @CSG_Mike was great with communication and I felt confident leaving the car with him and also after leaving the shop that good work was done. Mike is very knowledgeable and can probably answer any questions you have about this kit or cars in general. He has done more installs with this kit than he can count, so you can trust him with the work.

Performance Impressions
I've had the kit for about 2 weeks now. After install, I can definitely feel the increased power. Like many have mentioned, the car's characteristics as far as the way it accelerates and delivers power is similar to stock, except at a higher level. Linear power delivery is what I've read and been told and that is an accurate description. Down at the lower RPMs, I can feel an increase in power/tq, but this car still needs to be rev'd higher than 5K to get the most out of it. People that really want juice down low and instantly will still need to get themselves to change their driving style. Once over 5K, this car is "scary" powerful. I would call it sneaky fast because it doesn't really throw you back in your seat, but when you look down at the speedo, you are already going dangerously fast. This is what leaves me to conclude that this really is more of a track car. The power is certainly useable on the freeway when passing, though, and that was my initial reason for getting it and I am very happy with that aspect.

Would I do it again?
Yes and no. Yes, mainly because it accomplished what I wanted. I can't see myself giving up the acceleration gain. But, also, no. The issue of having a fast car that you can't really drive fast in real life comes into the equation after install. When I see that I still need to change my driving style, I realize that the stock form was still excellent and I could have more than just lived with it with the basic set up I had with the Nameless OP/FP and axelback. Many have mentioned that power is not the whole story when it comes to a good car. I tended to agree with that, but this process for me made me truly realize that power is not the end all to fun driving. This experience may have nudged me in the direction to take my car to the track for the first time to get the most out of the 86.

[Yui-Chan]

I enjoyed this. Very frank, modest, non-biased and well written.

[yellowfrs]

Did u dyno it?

[ericmpena]

Thanks for the review!

[sklimo]

I wouldn't say you have to change your driving style, just know when to use boost.

[Boofneenee]

If you don't mind me asking how much did this kit + oil cooler tune and install run you?

[Burrcold]

Great review!

[OICU812]

Good little write up!!

[Sleepless]

Love the transparency of your review and experience. Thx!