When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative.

When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative.

      MA-Motorsports via YouTube

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      Most new sports cars rarely see any track action, which makes this 2023 Toyota GR86 stand out. It was purchased new and never registered for road use, instead accumulating 17,000 miles on the track. When the original engine encountered issues, the owner opted for an engine swap and continued racing.

      Originally reported by Engine Swap Depot, this vehicle's Subaru-sourced FA24 2.4-liter boxer engine was replaced with a Honda K-Series inline-four of the same displacement by MA-Motorsports after a harmonic balancer failure caused damage to the crankshaft and bearings. The new engine was installed using a KPower Industries kit, which included an adapter to connect it to the factory six-speed manual transmission.

      The K-Series is a favored choice for engine swaps due to its abundance, compact size, and potential for performance upgrades. The K24A2 engine used in this swap was originally found in the first-generation Acura TSX, producing about 200 horsepower at the factory. A Link G4X XtremeX ECU boosts the swapped engine to 240 hp, providing a notable increase over the 228 hp from the original FA24 before it failed. The engine features Skunk2 camshafts, along with a KPower oil pan, intake manifold, and exhaust headers, while retaining other factory internals.

      If you notice the prominent rear wing and front splitter, the GR86 is far from stock as well. Its suspension has been upgraded for track performance with aftermarket coilovers, and the brakes have been enhanced with AP Racing calipers in the front and Brembo calipers in the rear. The stripped interior consists of a Momo steering wheel, an OMP driver's seat, and a custom aluminum dashboard fitted with a Link/AIM digital display.

      We constructed another TRUE FUN track car….

      There have been additional reports of GR86 engines failing after track use, primarily due to a different issue. Some owners have experienced oil starvation caused by gasket failure, which should be covered by warranty, as track usage does not void warranty coverage for Toyota’s GR-branded vehicles. However, some owners have found it challenging to get the automaker to honor that commitment. Regardless, the extensive modifications to this particular car may have nullified the warranty.

      Issues like these, to say the least, do not paint a positive picture for a car so well-suited for track use. However, it is reassuring that Toyota and Subaru are still producing a straightforward and relatively affordable sports car like this. With the upcoming replacement for the GR86 potentially turning into something different, that availability might not last long.

When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative. When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative.

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When your Toyota GR86 engine fails after 17,000 miles of intense use, you replace it with an alternative.

If you're determined to monitor your car, a damaged engine won't deter you.