Toyota 86 V8 swap project.
Discussion
And so it begins... Well actually it already has. 
This is actually my second 86 (yes I know this is a BRZ, same thing). With the previous one I just supercharged the FA20 but since those days I've been spoilt by bigger engines with my other cars currently being a GS300 and LS460. The intention is simply to fix the things I feel are wrong with the car, and also to do something a little different while I wait for the GR 86. I'll get around to giving it some more power towards the end as I'm trying to do all the other things first, including the suspension, interior and exterior (visuals). Car will be getting repainted to another colour after being inspired by another PH's Evora thread.
Our test subject then is a 2013 model with 107k on the clock, about 90% of which were motorway miles. Dings and marks as usual but clean inside and underneath, with some questionable mods, such as a stage 4 cluitch on the stock engine (!!!). Other than that is a straight piped exhaust and a non functioning aftermarket headunit. This is how I got it on day one.
I eventually refurbished and repainted the wheels. Went for a glossy metallic black finish but not too dark and they turned out quite nice. Definitely better than the boring silver finish. However they won't be going back on the car as I've got a set of Weds wheels coming in. They are 9.5J for wider rubber but weigh about about 330 grams less each than the OEM 17" wheels.
Other goodies that have gone on the car include Whiteline control arms and drop links and Superpro toe arms and track rods. Car is also now sitting on Tein Flex A coilovers since 18s on factory ride height look terrible, but will eventually be replaced with KW V3 or Whiteline coilovers. Currently waiting for the wheels to show up before I wrap them with Bridgestone Potenza Sport 255/35 all around and finally adjust the height and alignment as it's currently crabbing a bit.
Also managed to get a BBK with 4 pot front / 2 pot rear brembos (same as the WRX STI). Waiting for the discs and pads to turn up (326mm front, 314mm rear) and then I can finally install them. Got all the calipers (new), discs, pads and braided brake lines for less than a K sport or similar budget kit so quite pleased. Currently trying to decide whether to paint the calipers yellow or stick to red.
Will try to update as things get done.
This is actually my second 86 (yes I know this is a BRZ, same thing). With the previous one I just supercharged the FA20 but since those days I've been spoilt by bigger engines with my other cars currently being a GS300 and LS460. The intention is simply to fix the things I feel are wrong with the car, and also to do something a little different while I wait for the GR 86. I'll get around to giving it some more power towards the end as I'm trying to do all the other things first, including the suspension, interior and exterior (visuals). Car will be getting repainted to another colour after being inspired by another PH's Evora thread.
Our test subject then is a 2013 model with 107k on the clock, about 90% of which were motorway miles. Dings and marks as usual but clean inside and underneath, with some questionable mods, such as a stage 4 cluitch on the stock engine (!!!). Other than that is a straight piped exhaust and a non functioning aftermarket headunit. This is how I got it on day one.
I eventually refurbished and repainted the wheels. Went for a glossy metallic black finish but not too dark and they turned out quite nice. Definitely better than the boring silver finish. However they won't be going back on the car as I've got a set of Weds wheels coming in. They are 9.5J for wider rubber but weigh about about 330 grams less each than the OEM 17" wheels.
Other goodies that have gone on the car include Whiteline control arms and drop links and Superpro toe arms and track rods. Car is also now sitting on Tein Flex A coilovers since 18s on factory ride height look terrible, but will eventually be replaced with KW V3 or Whiteline coilovers. Currently waiting for the wheels to show up before I wrap them with Bridgestone Potenza Sport 255/35 all around and finally adjust the height and alignment as it's currently crabbing a bit.
Also managed to get a BBK with 4 pot front / 2 pot rear brembos (same as the WRX STI). Waiting for the discs and pads to turn up (326mm front, 314mm rear) and then I can finally install them. Got all the calipers (new), discs, pads and braided brake lines for less than a K sport or similar budget kit so quite pleased. Currently trying to decide whether to paint the calipers yellow or stick to red.
Will try to update as things get done.
Edited by apx7 on Monday 25th October 19:14
hot metal said:
I like the 86, a good drive, very retro feel to it, underpowered as standard though.
Indeed. About 240hp and ~180+ lb-ft is what the car needs to have been, which is about what the new 86 makes. aka_kerrly said:
Looks like a very decent base car and you've got some decent upgrades so far.
When is the 1uz swap starting then???
I'm still quite undecided about the exact engine, hence why I'm leaving it to last. I've thought about a 2UR or 1UZ primarily, but also a 2GR V6 which stock makes similar numbers to the 1UZ, and with a SC strapped on look at around 500. The fourth optioin is also a V8 but a little more exotic and thus ruinous. When is the 1uz swap starting then???
The plan is to get everything else done by spring and then get onto the engine work, while aiming to get all the other supporting components before then (uprated driveshafts, carbon prop, etc). AIming to keep the final kerbweight around the 1250 mark including adding some sound insulation around the interior.
apx7 said:
aka_kerrly said:
Looks like a very decent base car and you've got some decent upgrades so far.
When is the 1uz swap starting then???
I'm still quite undecided about the exact engine, hence why I'm leaving it to last. I've thought about a 2UR or 1UZ primarily, but also a 2GR V6 which stock makes similar numbers to the 1UZ, and with a SC strapped on look at around 500. The fourth optioin is also a V8 but a little more exotic and thus ruinous. When is the 1uz swap starting then???
The plan is to get everything else done by spring and then get onto the engine work, while aiming to get all the other supporting components before then (uprated driveshafts, carbon prop, etc). AIming to keep the final kerbweight around the 1250 mark including adding some sound insulation around the interior.
I also agree that it is always best to get the handling/stopping/maintenance sorted before going for additional power. You also find that by the time you've got the handling right you know the car well enough that you can utilise all the available power so then you can appreciate the additional power more.
I've driven a few standard 86s but not had a chance to experience a big power 86 & these kind of engine swapped projects really appeal to me so I'll be following your progress.
Good luck & have fun!!
apx7 said:
The fourth optioin is also a V8 but a little more exotic and thus ruinous.
S65b40? 
Must admit i'd love an LSX swap in one, ample power/torque to play with the chassis out of the box and then reasonable scope for more with internals or a turbo/supercharger. Just a damn shame the costs are so prohibitive to doing it in the UK, both parts and fuel...
I've recently got into a similar car, a Blue BRZ with a straight piped exhaust, barely functioning aftermarket head unit and some wheels that I'm swapping out. Really enjoying it so far, it's entertaining at low speeds and feels very mechanical compared to other things I've driven recently, but one thing that lets it down is the four cylinder up front. The soundtrack is missing something and whilst it's fast enough (for me) when you're thrashing it on an empty road it quickly feels quite slow when you're around other traffic.
Supercharged 2GR or ruinous V8 gets my vote! I think the 2GR is quite a bit lighter than the FA20 so should keep you well within your weight limit.
Where did you get your brakes from if you don't mind me asking? They're next on my list of bits to swap.
Supercharged 2GR or ruinous V8 gets my vote! I think the 2GR is quite a bit lighter than the FA20 so should keep you well within your weight limit.
Where did you get your brakes from if you don't mind me asking? They're next on my list of bits to swap.
Well the car's been dropped off at the painters and should be back within a few weeks looking fresh. Can't wait.
Also not quite ruinous enough so had something with a little more bork factor in mind. The only hint I can give is the top is red 
One of the ideas has been to run a 2GR/3GR into an 86 mule and see how it pans out, much like the various MX-5 swaps out there and see how the numbers stack up as a drive in drive out service. If I go for a V8 with this particular car I'll likely get another to test with a V6.
Chunkychucky said:
S65b40?
Must admit i'd love an LSX swap in one, ample power/torque to play with the chassis out of the box and then reasonable scope for more with internals or a turbo/supercharger. Just a damn shame the costs are so prohibitive to doing it in the UK, both parts and fuel...
If budget wasn't an issue I would love a destroked LS7 or just a semi-built LS3. Not a big fan of BMW V8s after a few bad experiences.. They tend to be a bit leaky and have oil problems. Must admit i'd love an LSX swap in one, ample power/torque to play with the chassis out of the box and then reasonable scope for more with internals or a turbo/supercharger. Just a damn shame the costs are so prohibitive to doing it in the UK, both parts and fuel...
Also not quite ruinous enough so had something with a little more bork factor in mind. The only hint I can give is the top is red Bofu said:
I've recently got into a similar car, a Blue BRZ with a straight piped exhaust, barely functioning aftermarket head unit and some wheels that I'm swapping out. Really enjoying it so far, it's entertaining at low speeds and feels very mechanical compared to other things I've driven recently, but one thing that lets it down is the four cylinder up front. The soundtrack is missing something and whilst it's fast enough (for me) when you're thrashing it on an empty road it quickly feels quite slow when you're around other traffic.
Supercharged 2GR or ruinous V8 gets my vote! I think the 2GR is quite a bit lighter than the FA20 so should keep you well within your weight limit.
Where did you get your brakes from if you don't mind me asking? They're next on my list of bits to swap.
The 2GR is indeed a bit lighter. In the real world it would be almost as economical too (if one cares). The brake "kit" was made up by myself with the assortment of parts, but if you're interested feel free to give me a shout. I'm building up a little website these days to throw some car parts onto along with a little shop for some simple honest mechanical work, rather than wanting 6k for a basic turbo conversion like some others too. Supercharged 2GR or ruinous V8 gets my vote! I think the 2GR is quite a bit lighter than the FA20 so should keep you well within your weight limit.
Where did you get your brakes from if you don't mind me asking? They're next on my list of bits to swap.
One of the ideas has been to run a 2GR/3GR into an 86 mule and see how it pans out, much like the various MX-5 swaps out there and see how the numbers stack up as a drive in drive out service. If I go for a V8 with this particular car I'll likely get another to test with a V6.
apx7 said:
The only hint I can give is the top is red
That's reminded me of this: http://www.speedhunters.com/2016/11/ferrari-engined-toyota-gt86/Red: Tick
Ruinous: Tick
Fits in an 86: Ugh... Almost?
apx7 said:
One of the ideas has been to run a 2GR/3GR into an 86 mule and see how it pans out, much like the various MX-5 swaps out there and see how the numbers stack up as a drive in drive out service. If I go for a V8 with this particular car I'll likely get another to test with a V6.
Although I'd be quite interested, I'm struggling to convince myself on the cost of a supercharger at the moment! I had been wondering if there might be an opportunity for someone to start swapping in the FA24 of the GR86 into the older cars if its as good as the early reviews suggest and the swap is simple enough. I figured there wasn't a huge market for it in the UK though, they didn't sell too many here did they?Sent you a PM about the brakes.
Bofu said:
Although I'd be quite interested, I'm struggling to convince myself on the cost of a supercharger at the moment! I had been wondering if there might be an opportunity for someone to start swapping in the FA24 of the GR86 into the older cars if its as good as the early reviews suggest and the swap is simple enough. I figured there wasn't a huge market for it in the UK though, they didn't sell too many here did they?
Sent you a PM about the brakes.
Cost of the engines may well kill it for a while but if the 2.4 could be done for a similar amount as a turbo kit I'd genuinely consider it for my BRZ. Sent you a PM about the brakes.
Bofu said:
That's reminded me of this: http://www.speedhunters.com/2016/11/ferrari-engined-toyota-gt86/
Red: Tick
Ruinous: Tick
Fits in an 86: Ugh... Almost?
Although I'd be quite interested, I'm struggling to convince myself on the cost of a supercharger at the moment! I had been wondering if there might be an opportunity for someone to start swapping in the FA24 of the GR86 into the older cars if its as good as the early reviews suggest and the swap is simple enough. I figured there wasn't a huge market for it in the UK though, they didn't sell too many here did they?
Sent you a PM about the brakes.
You're close, actually had the maser version in mind. If i go down that road, would just buy an early 4.2 QP with the horrid F1 box as they are dry sumped, take out all the bits I want and sell the rest for parts. Has a far better noise than the flatplane version. Red: Tick
Ruinous: Tick
Fits in an 86: Ugh... Almost?
Although I'd be quite interested, I'm struggling to convince myself on the cost of a supercharger at the moment! I had been wondering if there might be an opportunity for someone to start swapping in the FA24 of the GR86 into the older cars if its as good as the early reviews suggest and the swap is simple enough. I figured there wasn't a huge market for it in the UK though, they didn't sell too many here did they?
Sent you a PM about the brakes.
(and has just enough torque not to break my gearbox)
If you're keen for a turbo swap regardless give me a shout I'm presently trying to run the maths on what various "power packages" will cost and then offer the appropriate ones. Regarding the FA24 it should mostly be an easy swap so far as I can tell, but will play around with it once i get my own GR 86, so far I can't say when as the order books aren't yet open.
Didn't get your PM strangely but you can reach out to me via instagram @apextuninguk.
DanielSan said:
Cost of the engines may well kill it for a while but if the 2.4 could be done for a similar amount as a turbo kit I'd genuinely consider it for my BRZ.
Aye, it should make a healthy 250hp/200+ lb-ft NA once catless and tuned. Will update this thread on that as and when I can.Edited by apx7 on Tuesday 19th October 19:30
Small update - New shoes for the car have arrived. Going for a square setup, and in total about 1.3kg lighter than factory 17s to boot. Should be wrapping them in rubber and putting them on in the next couple of weeks once it's out of the paint shop.
Weds SA-25R WBC finish 18 x 9.5J +45
Bonus picture of the same wheels in a silver finish I ordered in for someone else, going onto an IS F.
Weds SA-25R WBC finish 18 x 9.5J +45
Bonus picture of the same wheels in a silver finish I ordered in for someone else, going onto an IS F.
Small update.
Got some HKS oil (and other bits) for a final service to the FA20 before it gets pulled out in spring. Quite like the tins now that almost every brand gives you a dull plastic bottle. Besides that have a few more suspension bits on the way and some insulation and better audio bits to go with it just to make the longer journeys a bit nicer. Will only be adding ~10kg of weight in total which i think is a fair trade off for the far lower NVH, and will recoup that added bulk elsewhere.
Not much else has happened with the car in the last few weeks but have also ceramic coated the wheels before they go on. it's almost out of the paint shop so not long left. Small teaser below. Any guesses on the colour?
Got some HKS oil (and other bits) for a final service to the FA20 before it gets pulled out in spring. Quite like the tins now that almost every brand gives you a dull plastic bottle. Besides that have a few more suspension bits on the way and some insulation and better audio bits to go with it just to make the longer journeys a bit nicer. Will only be adding ~10kg of weight in total which i think is a fair trade off for the far lower NVH, and will recoup that added bulk elsewhere.
Not much else has happened with the car in the last few weeks but have also ceramic coated the wheels before they go on. it's almost out of the paint shop so not long left. Small teaser below. Any guesses on the colour?
Got around to fitting the brakes and will spend some time bedding them in but they feel pretty good already. The calipers were significantly lighter than the OEM parts. Lowered the suspension and running -2° camber in the rear.
Next up is waiting for the exhaust while i put some attention to the interior, and tidying up small bits around the exterior. Will go back into the paint shop for a little touch up work. Then the new engine in spring if all goes as planned. Also in the meantime be getting a carbon driveshaft and uprated axles.
How it sits currently.
Next up is waiting for the exhaust while i put some attention to the interior, and tidying up small bits around the exterior. Will go back into the paint shop for a little touch up work. Then the new engine in spring if all goes as planned. Also in the meantime be getting a carbon driveshaft and uprated axles.
How it sits currently.
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