The 2017 Subaru BRZ delivers a pure, rear-wheel-drive driving experience that has earned a loyal following. Its naturally aspirated FA20 engine, however, leaves enthusiasts wanting more power. The Jackson Racing Supercharger kit is a proven solution, but the key to unlocking its full potential lies in proper calibration. With careful tuning, a 2017 BRZ can gain 40 to 60 wheel horsepower, transforming the car without losing its balanced character. This guide walks through the hardware, the tuning process, and the critical steps to achieving reliable, repeatable gains.

Understanding the Jackson Racing Supercharger Kit

The Jackson Racing kit uses a centrifugal supercharger (typically an Eaton TVS or a Vortech-based unit on earlier kits) that builds boost progressively with engine RPM. Unlike a positive-displacement blower, the centrifugal design delivers linear power that feels natural and retains the BRZ’s rev-happy nature. The kit comes with everything needed for installation: the supercharger head unit, a cast-aluminum mounting bracket, an air-to-water intercooler system, a high-flow fuel pump rewire kit, and often larger fuel injectors.

Key components in the kit include:

  • Supercharger head unit – driven by a serpentine belt from the crankshaft
  • Intercooler heat exchanger – mounted in front of the radiator for charge air cooling
  • Fuel system upgrade – usually a rewire for the factory pump and optional 700cc or larger injectors
  • ECU calibration – a base tune from Jackson Racing comes with the kit, but further refinement is recommended

For a 2017 BRZ, the kit is designed to fit without chassis modifications. The intercooler system is self-contained with a separate coolant loop and electric pump, keeping intake temperatures stable during spirited driving. Jackson Racing’s own official website provides detailed fitment guides and dyno charts, confirming that a well-tuned car can see 40–60 hp over stock at the wheels.

Preparation: Vehicle Condition and Supporting Mods

Before touching a single bolt, the car must be in excellent mechanical condition. The FA20 engine is robust, but high boost levels expose weaknesses. Start with a full inspection: compression test, leak-down test, oil analysis, and a check of the cooling system. Replace any worn spark plugs with one-step-colder iridium plugs (e.g., NGK LFR7AIX) to handle the increased cylinder pressure.

Fuel System Upgrades

The factory fuel system can support modest boost levels, but for reliable 40+ hp gains, upgrade the fuel injectors and fuel pump. The Jackson Racing kit includes fuel injector recommendations. For a 2017 BRZ, many tuners choose:

  • Injector Dynamics ID1050X or DeatschWerks 700cc injectors
  • AEM 340lph fuel pump or DW300c drop-in pump

These upgrades ensure the engine never runs lean under boost, which is critical for longevity. FT86 SpeedFactory offers complete fuel system packages tailored to supercharged BRZs.

Exhaust and Cooling

A free-flowing exhaust helps the supercharger breathe. A catted front pipe and cat-back exhaust reduce backpressure without triggering a check engine light. For additional cooling, consider an oil cooler (e.g., Setrab or CSF) and a larger radiator. The intercooler system that comes with the kit is adequate for street driving, but track use may require an upgraded heat exchanger or a bigger reservoir.

Tools and Equipment

Gather these tools before starting the installation:

  • Metric socket set (8mm to 19mm), torque wrench, and breaker bar
  • OBD-II scanner with live data (e.g., ECUtek dongle or Cobb Accessport)
  • Dyno or wideband oxygen sensor for tuning
  • Jack stands and wheel chocks

Installing the Supercharger

Installation takes a full day for an experienced DIYer. Follow the Jackson Racing instruction manual closely. Here is a condensed step-by-step:

  1. Disconnect the battery and remove the factory air intake assembly, including the airbox and MAF sensor.
  2. Drain the coolant and remove the radiator fan shroud to access the front of the engine.
  3. Install the supercharger bracket onto the engine block using supplied hardware. Torque to manufacturer specifications (typically 35–40 ft-lbs).
  4. Mount the supercharger head unit to the bracket, then route the drive belt around the crank pulley, supercharger pulley, and tensioner. Verify belt alignment.
  5. Install the intercooler behind the radiator, connecting the inlet and outlet hoses to the supercharger and throttle body. Run the intercooler coolant lines to the heat exchanger mounted at the front.
  6. Upgrade the fuel system if necessary: swap injectors, install the fuel pump rewire harness, and install a fuel pressure regulator (if required).
  7. Reassemble the intake tract with the supercharger inlet pipe and MAF sensor. Check all clamps and connections.
  8. Refill coolant, check oil level, and perform a leak check before starting the engine.

A common pitfall is forgetting to reprogram the ECU before first start. The base calibration from Jackson Racing is safe but conservative; driving the car immediately without a proper tune can cause knock or rich conditions. Follow the tuning section below before taking the car on the road.

Tuning the ECU for Maximum Gains

The factory ECU on a 2017 BRZ is a closed-loop system that continuously adjusts fueling and timing. For forced induction, open-loop control is mandatory. The two most popular tuning solutions are ECUtek and the Cobb Accessport. Both allow full control over fuel maps, ignition timing, boost targets, and knock detection.

Choosing a Tuning Platform

ECUtek is the preferred choice for many professional tuners because of its advanced features: real-time data logging, flex-fuel support, and multi-map switching. The ECUtek cable and license cost around $700–$900, and a remote tune from a reputable tuner (e.g., Delicious Tuning or Moto-East) runs $500–$700.

The Cobb Accessport is easier for beginners, with pre-loaded off-the-shelf (OTS) maps. However, OTS maps are generic and rarely optimize for specific hardware. A custom tune via the Accessport is still recommended for maximum power and safety.

Key Tuning Parameters

When tuning the supercharged BRZ, focus on these areas:

  • Fuel Maps: Target an air-fuel ratio of 11.5:1 at full boost for safety. Rich mixtures cool the combustion chamber but excessive richness hurts power. Use wideband feedback to dial in the target.
  • Ignition Timing: Reduce timing under boost compared to naturally aspirated settings. Start conservative – around 10–12 degrees BTDC at peak torque – and advance slowly while monitoring knock.
  • Boost Control: The supercharger’s boost is primarily determined by pulley size and engine speed. Some tuners adjust a boost solenoid or pressure valve, but for a centrifugal system, simply scanning for boost creep is enough.
  • Knock Detection: Enable knock learning and set a sensitivity threshold. The FA20 has aluminum pistons and is sensitive to detonation. Pull timing aggressively at the first sign of knock.

Using ECUtek’s software, a typical map log will show throttle position, RPM, AFR, knock correction, and boost pressure. A good tuner will run the car on a chassis dyno for at least 20–30 pulls, examining each parameter and making incremental changes.

Remote vs. Dyno Tuning

Remote tuning is convenient but can be less precise. A dyno tune, especially on a Mustang or Dynojet, provides consistent loading and accurate power measurement. For a 2017 BRZ with a Jackson Racing supercharger, expect to see 180–200 wheel horsepower at the wheels (stock is about 140–150 whp) after a proper tune. Some builds have hit 220–240 whp with 91 octane and a good exhaust, but reliability should be the priority.

Testing and Fine-Tuning

After the initial dyno session, street testing is crucial. Drive the car for 50–100 miles under varying conditions: light throttle, heavy acceleration, high-gear pulls, and stop-and-go traffic. Log the ECU’s timing corrections, fuel trims, and intake temperatures.

Monitoring Key Metrics

  • Air-Fuel Ratio: Should stay at 14.7:1 at idle/cruise and drop to 11.5–12.0:1 under WOT boost.
  • Boost Levels: For the standard pulley, at 7–9 psi at redline. If higher boost is desired, a smaller pulley may be used, but fuel pump and injector capacity must be verified.
  • Engine Temperatures: Oil temperature should stay below 240°F on track; coolant below 210°F. The intercooler water temperature should rise slowly during pulls.
  • Knock Count: Zero knock events on the logged runs. One or two counts at high RPM may be acceptable, but persistent knock indicates unsafe timing or fuel quality.

If knock appears, refine the ignition map or increase the fuel octane (e.g., mix in ethanol). For a street car, a safe tune that sacrifices a few horsepower is far better than an aggressive one that risks engine damage.

Common Issues and Solutions

Even with careful installation, issues can arise. Here are the most common ones and how to address them:

  • Belt Slippage: Supercharger belts can slip under high RPM or if misaligned. Use a Kevlar-reinforced belt and recheck tension after 100 miles.
  • High Intake Air Temperatures (IAT): The air-to-water intercooler can heat-soak in heavy traffic. Upgrade to a larger heat exchanger or add a secondary fan.
  • Fuel Trim Issues: If the ECU shows long-term fuel trims exceeding ±10%, check for vacuum leaks or faulty injectors.
  • Check Engine Light (CEL): Often triggered by a post-cat O2 sensor or evap system. Use a tuner-friendly CEL code deletion (e.g., disable P0420) but only if emissions laws allow.

Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance

A properly tuned supercharged BRZ can remain reliable as a daily driver. However, the increased power accelerates wear on certain components:

  • Oil Changes: Use 5W-30 synthetic and change every 3,000–4,000 miles. The supercharger places extra load on bearings and rings.
  • Cooling System Flush: Every two years, flush both the engine coolant and the intercooler coolant loop. Use distilled water and a quality additive.
  • Belt Inspection: Check the supercharger belt for cracks or glazing every oil change. Replace annually or as needed.

Many owners have documented 100,000+ miles on supercharged BRZs with diligent maintenance. For deeper insight, read through the build threads on FT86 Club, where tuners share dyno results and reliability data.

Conclusion

The Jackson Racing Supercharger transforms the 2017 BRZ from an underpowered sports car into a genuinely quick machine. With a focus on proper preparation, careful installation, and a custom tune targeting 40+ whp gains, the car retains its signature balance while delivering the torque it deserves. The key is to tune for safety first, power second. A conservative tune with a reliable fuel system and proper cooling will reward you with thousands of miles of thrilling drives. If you lack the tools or experience, consult a professional tuner with FA20 experience—the investment is small compared to the cost of a blown engine. With the right approach, your BRZ will become the car it was always meant to be.