Baseline
Pros
The masterminds behind the Scion FR-S
developed a new vehicle platform that not only handled well, but also catered
to performance enthusiasts with its lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive
platform. Taking inspiration from three Toyota models: the Sports 800, 2000 GT,
and the AE86 Hachiroku, Toyota brought back the return of its horizontally
opposed engine that was first produced back in 1965 in the 0.8L 2U (45bhp at
5,400 rpm) Yota-Hachi. The 4U-GSE was engineered with a 12.5:1 compression
ratio engine. The direct injection D-4S technology donated from Toyota to
Subaru boxer engines uses eight injectors. Four injectors fire separately for
direct injection and the remaining are used for port injection an intricate
fuel delivery system that enables the engine to produce 200 hp and 151 Ib-ft
of torque. It’s been less than four months since its U.S. debut and already
tuner shops have begun tearing into the engine, including fabricating custom
turbo kits, which have been rumored to push the horsepower level to the tune of
500whp.
2013
Scion FR-S
Cons
While turbocharging is the easiest way to
make horsepower with the FR-S, we’re still not convinced on the adverse effects
of boosting the 4U-GSE engine and how it would hold up to the forced-induction
punishment with the engine still in OE form until long-term testing has
commenced. For those who are looking for a marginable increase in power but
focus on maintaining vehicle/engine reliability, we found a number of bolt-on
parts within the short time span the FR-S has been available that were readily
on the market.
Notes
Prior to performing a baseline run the
vehicle was already equipped with an HKS Hi-Power Spec-L exhaust, yet still
retained usage of the factory intake filter/system. We should note that the
vehicle was also equipped with larger-than-factory-sized 18-inch Enkei wheels.
The FR-S spun the rollers and registered in at 161.4hp and 132.7 Ib-ft of
torque.
Cusco Earth Surrounding Kit
Cusco
Earth Surrounding Kit
Parts
Grounding kit
Tools
10, 12, and 14mm sockets; 10, 12, and 14mm
open-end wrenches; ratchet; extension; and screwdriver
Installation time
40 minutes
Pros
The Cusco Earth Surrounding Kit is made
from ultralow resistance wiring and thick vinyl composite shielding for
protection from heat and elements, enabling improved idle and drive ability. We
liked the fact that each wire is individually labeled with mounting points for
optimal performance.
Cons
All cars regardless of make or model,
including the new FR-S, suffer from electrical resistance/impedance, and enemy
of your car’s electrical equipment and its ability to properly perform. Your
spark plugs, lights, fans, stereo and air conditioner are interconnected from
an elaborate electrical network that includes fuses, relays, and high-quality
electrical cabling. These components all share a common ground; however, most
OEM grounding systems consist of just a few skinny braided cables. Good
electrical performance requires a proper grounding system that’s prepared to
take a lot of current with minimal resistance.
Notes
Dyno testing the Cusco Ground kit revealed
a peak gain of 2.3hp and 2.2 lb-ft torque over our baseline numbers. The
grounding kit increased both horse-power and torque throughout the power band;
the FR-S saw a consistent gain of 3hp and 4 lb-ft torque from 4,500 rpm to
4,900 rpm.
Cusco Ignition Capacitor with optional harness
Cusco
Ignition Capacitor with optional harness
Parts
Cusco Ignition unit, zip ties, double-sided
tape, mounting bracket, nuts and bolts, and instructions
Tools
8, 10, and 12mm sockets; 8, 10, and 12mm
open-end wrenches; ratchet; extension; son driver; wires; and grounding
connectors
Installation time
60 minutes
Pros
The Cusco Ignition Capacitor improves
engine response from low to high rpm range by supplying the ignition coil with
stable voltage for increased spark output. Cusco representatives state their
ignition capacitor unit allows better acceleration response, a decrease in un-burnt
fuel, smoother engine revving, more responsive engine startup, and improved torque.
The capacitor system reduces voltage resistance while maximizing efficiency
both to and from the battery, and is ideal for vehicles equipped with
additional aftermarket electronic components.
Cons
The Cusco Ignition system is a
plug-and-play affair with the use of the optional vehicle specific harness.
Unfortunately, the harness costs more than the unit, which poses a concern for
those who are on a tight budget. Cusco reps state that the ignition system was
designed to alternatively splice into the existing engine harness to cut down
on costs but should not be attempted by novice electricians.
Notes
We experienced quite a scare when our
engine began misfiring along with an engine check light when attempting to fire
up the car for the first time. A bad connection using the optional jumper
harness was found to be the culprit before it was properly addressed. After
troubleshooting for over an hour, we came to the realization that using an
OBD-II scan tool failed to reset/erase the engine error codes. To remedy the
problem, we followed the Japanese shop manual’s directions and drove the car
for more than 10 minutes on the street before the ECU automatically reset. The
Cusco Ignition Capacitor System increased both horsepower and torque across the
board, with peak gains of 2.5hp and 3.9 Ib-ft of torque over baseline. The FR-S
recorded gains at 2,500 rpm with a gain of 2.5hp and 5 Ib-ft of torque, and the
largest taking place at 7,490 rpm to redline with a gain of 6hp and 5 Ib-ft of
torque.
Cusco over bored throttle body
Cusco
over bored throttle body
Parts
Throttle body
Tools
10, 12, and 14mm sockets; 10, 12, and 14mm
open-end wrenches; ratchet; extension; Vise-Grip wrench; hose clamps; coolant
pinch tools; and screwdriver
Installation time
120 minutes
Pros
One popular method of improving engine
performance is to increase airflow, through the use of a low-restriction air
cleaner and an over bored throttle body. The Cusco throttle body is a direct
bolt-on, plug-and-play unit for the 2.0L 4U-GSE power-plant. Offering OEM
fitment and compatibility with the factory ECU, the throttle body is designed
to improve the air take efficiency as well as acceleration response. The 2mm
over bored throttle body offers increased volumetric air intake efficiency,
which delivers more torque and power output.
Cons
Although no factory core exchange is
required upon purchase, this throttle body is anything but cheap. Cusco reps
state that the inflated cost is due to sourcing and modifying a throttle body
purchased directly from Subaru. Using an OEM unit was the logical solution for
Cusco, as it offers both factory quality and reliability.
Notes
When installing the new throttle body, take
precaution in removing the factory unit and carefully set it aside to prevent
any damage. We recommend replacing the factory intake gasket to ensure a
leak-free seal. Use a pinch tool to clamp off the coolant hoses during the
throttle body swap to minimize unnecessary bleed-off. The FR-S picked up a gain
of 4hp and 3 lb-ft torque over our previous run at 4,600 rpm. The dyno revealed
the largest gains of 5hp and 4 lb-ft of torque at 6,600 rpm.
Conclusion
HP
·
Baseline: 161.4
·
Cusco Earth Surrounding Kit: 163.7
·
Cusco Ignition Capacitor: 165.5
·
Cusco throttle body: 168.2
·
Final: 168.2
+HP
·
Baseline:
·
Cusco Earth Surrounding Kit: 2.3
·
Cusco Ignition Capacitor: 1.8
·
Cusco throttle body: 2.7
·
Final: 6.8
+TQ
·
Baseline: 132.7
·
Cusco Earth Surrounding Kit: 134.9
·
Cusco Ignition Capacitor: 135.2
·
Cusco throttle body: 139.1
·
Final: 139.1
+TQ
·
Baseline:
·
Cusco Earth Surrounding Kit: 2.2
·
Cusco Ignition Capacitor: 0.3
·
Cusco throttle body: 3.9
·
Final: 6.4
Testing our FR-S with three basic bolt-on
products delivered a gain of 6.8hp and 6.4 Ib-ft Torque over our baseline run.
However, beyond just peak numbers you’ll see a substantial increase in power
output throughout the entire power band. The 4U-GSE power plant responded well
to our modifications, and acceleration was noticeably improved on the street.
Modifications completed to this point only served to increase our engine’s
efficiency meaning we’ll see increased reliability and fuel efficiency from our
new FR-S, alongside more power... as long as we can keep from driving at full
throttle! Stay tuned in our upcoming issue as we attempt to tackle the 4U-GSE
ECU with an aftermarket engine management system or more horsepower.
Bankroll
Cusco Earth Surrounding Kit: $200
Cusco Ignition Capacitor: $214
Optional Ignition Wire Harness: $440
Cusco throttle body: $1,707
Total: $2,561
