When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one.

When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one.

      MA-Motorsports via YouTube

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      Most newly released sports cars rarely experience track environments, making this 2023 Toyota GR86 exceptional. It was purchased new and never registered for street use, instead racking up 17,000 miles purely on the track. When the original engine encountered issues, the owner opted for an engine swap and continued on.

      Initially highlighted by Engine Swap Depot, this vehicle had its Subaru-sourced FA24 2.4-liter boxer engine replaced by a Honda K-Series inline-four of the same size by MA-Motorsports after its harmonic balancer detached, leading to damage to the crankshaft and bearings. The new engine was installed with a KPower Industries kit, which included an adapter enabling it to connect to the factory six-speed manual transmission.

      The K-Series is a favored engine swap option due to its availability, compactness, and potential for upgrades. This K24A2 engine, which was featured in the first-generation Acura TSX, produces about 200 horsepower from the factory. With the integration of a Link G4X XtremeX ECU, the swapped engine now generates 240 hp, a notable enhancement over the 228 hp output of the original FA24 before its failure. The engine is equipped with Skunk2 camshafts and a KPower oil pan, intake manifold, and exhaust headers, while still utilizing other factory internals.

      Aside from the large rear wing and front splitter, the GR86 is also significantly modified. Its suspension has been upgraded for track performance with aftermarket coilovers, and the brakes feature AP Racing calipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear. The stripped interior boasts a Momo steering wheel, OMP driver’s seat, and a custom aluminum dashboard housing a Link/AIM digital display.

      We developed another TRUE FUN track car....

      There have been additional reports of GR86 engines failing after track usage for various reasons. Some owners have raised concerns about oil starvation due to gasket failures, an issue that should be covered under warranty since track use does not void warranty coverage for Toyota’s GR-branded vehicles. However, owners have also mentioned challenges in getting the manufacturer to fulfill that obligation. Given the extensive modifications on this vehicle, it's likely that the warranty has been voided in any case.

      Issues like this are far from ideal for a car designed for track performance. Nevertheless, it’s reassuring that Toyota and Subaru continue to produce a straightforward, relatively affordable sports car like this. However, with the possible evolution of the GR86’s successor into something different, that may not be the case for much longer.

When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one.

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When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with a different one.

If you're committed to monitoring your vehicle, you won't allow a broken engine to hold you back.