FAQs

For in depth turbo selection questions, Click here for our guide!

F-Bomb vs G Series?

F-Bomb kits are our entry level way to get a lick of boost into your FA powered 86/BRZ. Whilst they are budget friendly they are still more than capable of producing great numbers on the dyno and have been well proven on track. They feature a journal bearing core with oil cooling only.

Our G Series kits are the next step up with the G30-660 being our flagship. These kits feature ball bearing turbos with water and oil cooling. The larger nature of the turbo’s allow for more peak power but also allow for a more track friendly power curve bringing the torque in a little later and more linearly.

G25 vs G30?

This question really comes down to how you intend on using the car. For predominantly street driven cars we recommend the G25-550 as it brings the power in a little earlier and harder. For track driven cars we recommend the G30-660 as the torque curve is a little lazier and much easier to drive and modulate in a track setting. The later torque will also keep the engine internals and gearbox components happier for longer in a track car. 

For the street car that will see the occasional trackday on E85 we also offer a G25-660 which splits the difference retaining the lively nature of the G25 power delivery with the linear torque delivery of the G30.

On a standard, unopened FA20 all 3 G Series turbos will see very similar peak power at the same boost levels. 

Do you offer warranty on turbo kits?

When fitted and tuned by an SME approved workshop, our turbos are covered by a 12 month manufacturer warranty. All SME fabricated components are handmade in Picton, NSW and have a lifetime warranty.

Internal or external wastegate?

Whilst we offer and sell both IWG and EWG turbo kits we recommend an IWG to 99% of people. Not only does the IWG option retain the ability to engineer our turbo kits that we pride ourselves on but we also think it sounds a whole lot better and they’re also cheaper to you, the customer!

There are a number of reasons for going with an externally gated turbo most of which don’t apply to the BRZ/86, particularly with modern turbine wheel and rear housing designs where overboosting is not as prevalent as it once was. Given the highly efficient nature of the FA20/24 and the relatively low power outputs, a modern IWG turbo works quite well in assisting with power and torque delivery.

Of Course some people just prefer the sound of an external wastegate and screamer so we still offer the option. Whilst it’s not an off the shelf option in our store you can contact us to place a custom order.

Spec S, Spec RS or Spec R?

We now offer 3 sizes of intercooler for our G Series kits. All kits will ship with the Spec S intercooler as standard which will comfortably flow 280kW at the wheels. As we have always done we also offer a Spec R intercooler which will flow upwards of 350+ kW but requires removal of the crash far and fabrication of a custom bash bar.

We now offer a middle ground option, the Spec RS which will flow 320+kW whilst still fitting under the factory crash bar. A great upgrade option for street cars that still see some track time whilst not impeding on engineering requirements.

 

Which overpipe size do I need?

2.5": The go-to choice for naturally aspirated builds 

2.75": A great option for turbo-charged street cars

3": The big daddy, designed to flow every bit of exhaust gas your boosted FA engine can produce. *Please note upgraded engine mounts are required to avoid the 3" overpipe from knocking on the subframe. We have found great success with the Cusco mounts. There may still be some very light knocking under very heavy engine load which is why we recommend our 3" pipe for predominantly track cars.

 

Why do I need a 550/660hp turbo if I only want 350hp?

Click here for help on choosing your turbo kit! The short of it is, there’s absolutely no doubting that on a standard FA20 engine we are putting very little strain on the G Series turbos but after years of testing and development on the the 86/BRZ chassis and their FA20 powerplants we have landed on a couple of great turbo specs. Upsizing the G Series turbos not only means we can push more power in the top with less strain on the rods in the mid range but it also provides a more drivable and usable power band.

 

What is the lead time for SME products?

All of our products are made to order here in Picton, NSW. As such you can expect a 3-4 week lead time. Our turbo kits in particular are built with over 100 components so a delay from just one supplier can set back that lead time. We will endeavour to contact you ASAP if this is the case with your order.