After sitting in hibernation with an engine for a while, our 2013 Scion FRS (86) is back on the schedule and we’re installing a 300 hp engine. But it is unusual – as this is a 3.7L Honda SOHC V6, called the J-series. These engines are normally sitting sideways driving the front wheels of Honda cars, SUVs and minivans, but we’re turning it 90 degrees and driving the rear wheels in our 86. Read more starting in our Forum build thread here.
Is this an easy swap? In a word: NO. But we’re making it easier for others by machining a new bellhousing and crank adapter to work with a late RX-8 6-speed manual. Why not use a Toyota 2GR? Or a Nissan VK? Or “insert other engine here”. We explain all of this with technical reasons – competition class rules, abundant supplies / low costs, engine weights, and more – in this forum build thread.
We are known for LS V8 swaps, so this one is a little different for us. Instead of 600 hp it will be making 300 hp, which means we likely won’t break EVERYTHING in the 86. We’re going to keep the stock axles, limited slip, wheel bearings, and the rest. This will keep costs way down, and that thinking seems much more popular than the normal $50K LS swap and all the many upgrades we normally would have to do for reliability. We explain the costs and weights in the forum thread.
We started this swap just 6 weeks ago but have already made some major progress. We have 3D scanned, designed, machined and installed the bellhousing adapter and crank adapter shown above, we have the engine and transmission installed and have begin engine mount fabrication, and are deep into the Link ECU integration and wiring – Link is going to make this a plug-in ECU + harness install. The exhaust is super simple (monoport exhaust on each cylinder head), and we will supply all of these parts and more for others to be able to benefit from our engineering and testing.
Look for this car on track in early 2026 with Amy competing in SCCA Time Trial Max 4 with the widebody, 315mm tires, MCS RR2 remote doubles, and full aero. We loved this car with the big tires and suspension upgrades, and its only going to be more fun with another 50% more power than stock. Again, there is a huge write-up with pictures, video, and explanations on the Vorshlag Forum. Thanks for reading!