Description
Fitment
FAQ
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The FA20 engine — shared across the Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ — is a high-revving 2.0L naturally aspirated boxer-four that loves to breathe. But from the factory, it breathes through a plastic airbox with a paper-panel filter, a convoluted intake snorkel, and a sound tube that pipes induction noise into the cabin rather than into the engine. It's quiet, it's conservative, and it leaves power on the table.
The Flashark cold air intake replaces the entire factory intake tract with a mandrel-bent, black powder-coated aluminum intake pipe, a high-flow dry-cone filter, and a heat-shield enclosure that routes cooler air from the fender well. The result is a sharper throttle, a deeper boxer induction note that finally sounds like the sports car it is, and a cleaner engine bay.
Key Features
Black Powder-Coated Aluminum Intake Tube — Mandrel-bent for smooth, restriction-free airflow. Full-diameter bore through every bend — no crush-bent choke points. The black powder-coated finish resists heat, corrosion, and oxidation better than polished aluminum does in the FA20's tightly packed engine bay.
High-Flow Dry Cone Filter (Red) — Washable, reusable, no oil. Synthetic dry media flows better than the factory paper panel and captures fine particulates without risking MAF sensor contamination. More filter surface area = less restriction at high RPM, where the FA20 needs it most.
Heat Shield Enclosure — Isolates the filter from engine bay heat radiated by the exhaust manifold. Routes intake air from the fender well for cooler, denser intake charges — especially beneficial when the FA20 heat-soaks in traffic or during spirited driving.
Same Kit, All Three Cars — The FR-S, 86, and BRZ share identical intake routing, MAF sensor position, and airbox mounting points. One kit fits all three — no adapters, no trimming, no guessing.
Specifications
Material: Aluminum piping
Tubing Finish: Black powder-coated
Piping Process: Mandrel-bent
Filter Type: Dry
Filter Color: Red
Filter Maintenance: Washable and reusable
Heat Shield: Powder-coated steel
Coupler: High-temp silicone
Clamps: Stainless steel
Installation: Bolt-on — no cutting, drilling, or tuning required
Estimated Install Time: 45-60 minutes with basic hand tools
Compatible Engines: 2.0L FA20 naturally aspirated Boxer-4 (all years)
Compatible Platforms: ZN6 (FR-S/86) / ZC6 (BRZ)
Tuning Required: No — factory MAF position and diameter maintained
Package Includes
1 × Black powder-coated aluminum intake tube
1 × High-flow dry cone air filter
2 × Heat shield enclosure
1 × Silicone coupler
3 × Stainless steel hose clamps
1 × Mounting hardware kit (brackets, bolts, washers)
1 × Installation instructions
Scion FR-S, Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ Cold Air Intake FAQ
Q1: Which Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ models does this intake fit?
A1: The standard Flashark cold air intake is listed for the 2013-2016 Scion FR-S, 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ, and 2017-2020 Toyota 86. Confirm the model year, engine, and original intake layout before ordering, especially if the vehicle has an engine swap, an aftermarket throttle body, a supercharger, or a previously modified intake system.
Q2: Will this intake fit a 2013-2016 Scion FR-S?
A2: Yes. The standard intake kit fits the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Scion FR-S equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.0L FA20 flat-four engine. It replaces the factory intake tube and airbox assembly before the throttle body.
Q3: Does this cold air intake fit a 2017-2020 Toyota 86?
A3: Yes. The standard cold air intake is listed for the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Toyota 86 with the 2.0L FA20 engine. It is not listed for the second-generation 2022-and-newer GR86, which uses a different 2.4L FA24 engine and intake layout.
Q4: Will this intake fit a 2021 Subaru BRZ?
A4: Yes. Although the product URL ends with the 2020 model year, the current product-page fitment list includes the 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ. It does not fit the redesigned 2022-and-newer BRZ with the 2.4L FA24 engine.
Q5: Are the FR-S, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ intake systems interchangeable?
A5: The first-generation FR-S, Toyota 86, and BRZ share the same basic FA20 engine platform, so many intake components are compatible across the three models. Model-year revisions can still affect sensor positioning, factory sound tubes, brackets, and engine-bay details, so the listed fitment range should always be followed.
Q6: Does this intake fit both manual and automatic transmission models?
A6: The product page does not list a manual- or automatic-transmission restriction for the standard intake kit. Fitment is primarily determined by the vehicle, model year, 2.0L FA20 engine, and factory intake layout. Compare the existing intake connections and engine-bay configuration with the product images before installation.
Q7: How much horsepower can a cold air intake add to an FR-S, BRZ, or Toyota 86?
A7: The product page does not publish a verified horsepower or torque figure for this intake. Actual gains depend on intake air temperature, MAF calibration, engine condition, exhaust modifications, fuel quality, ECU learning, and the dyno testing method. On a mostly stock FA20 engine, the stronger induction sound and throttle response may be more noticeable than the increase in peak horsepower.
Q8: Is a cold air intake worth installing on a stock FA20 engine?
A8: It can be worthwhile for an owner who wants a more aggressive induction sound, a reusable filter, a cleaner engine-bay appearance, and smoother intake tubing. However, the factory FR-S, BRZ, and Toyota 86 airbox is already reasonably effective, so the intake alone should not be expected to create a dramatic performance increase.
Q9: Does this FR-S or BRZ cold air intake require a tune?
A9: The product page does not state that a tune is required. A well-designed intake that maintains the proper MAF housing size and sensor placement may work with the factory calibration. However, tuning may be necessary if the intake changes the MAF tube diameter or airflow characteristics enough to cause lean fuel trims, hesitation, a check engine light, or limp mode.
Q10: Can this intake cause a check engine light or make the engine run lean?
A10: A properly installed intake should not automatically trigger a warning light, but an incorrect MAF housing size, intake leak, loose clamp, damaged sensor seal, reversed MAF sensor, or disconnected vacuum hose can affect the measured airflow. If a check engine light appears, read the diagnostic code and inspect the complete installation before clearing it or replacing parts.
Q11: Will the factory MAF sensor work with this intake?
A11: The original mass airflow sensor should be transferred carefully when required by the intake design. Install it in the same airflow direction as the factory system, keep the sensing element clean, and make sure the mounting seal is airtight. Incorrect MAF placement can cause unstable idle, hesitation, poor throttle response, or fuel-trim codes.
Q12: Will this intake make my FR-S, BRZ, or Toyota 86 louder?
A12: Yes. The aluminum pipe and open-cone filter generally produce a deeper intake growl, making the FA20 induction sound more noticeable during acceleration. The difference is biggest at wider throttle openings and higher engine speeds, while light-throttle cruising should remain comparatively mild.
Q13: Does the heat shield keep the intake air cold?
A13: The heat shield helps separate the filter from direct engine-bay heat and encourages cooler outside air to reach the filter area. It does not create a completely sealed factory-style airbox, so some heat soak can still occur while the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. Correct shield installation and retained factory air guides can help control intake-air temperature.
Q14: What is included with the Flashark cold air intake kit?
A14: The standard kit includes a black-coated aluminum intake-pipe assembly, a red washable and reusable performance filter, a heat shield, and the installation components shown on the product page. Inspect all couplers, clamps, brackets, hoses, and hardware before removing the original intake system.
Q15: How difficult is the cold air intake to install?
A15: Flashark states that the intake can be installed in under 60 minutes using common tools. Installation generally involves removing the factory airbox and intake tube, transferring the MAF sensor, connecting any breather or sound-tube fittings, and securing the new pipe, shield, filter, and clamps. Verify hood clearance and check that the intake cannot rub against wiring, hoses, or body panels.
Q16: Can I drive in the rain with this cold air intake?
A16: Normal rain should not cause a problem when the filter is securely mounted in the engine compartment and the factory undertray, splash shields, and bumper panels remain installed. Avoid deep standing water, flooded roads, missing splash protection, and direct pressure washing around the filter, as significant water ingestion can damage the engine.
Q17: How do I maintain the reusable air filter?
A17: Inspect the filter regularly and clean it when dirt begins to collect between the pleats. Use a cleaning method suitable for a reusable performance filter and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it. If filter oil is required, apply only the recommended amount because excessive oil can contaminate the MAF sensor.
Q18: Will this intake work with headers, a cat-back exhaust, or an ECU tune?
A18: Yes. A cold air intake can generally be combined with compatible headers, front pipes, cat-back exhaust systems, and ECU tuning because these modifications affect different sections of the airflow path. A properly calibrated tune may help the engine make better use of multiple breathing upgrades and correct any changes in airflow measurements.
Q19: Does the cold air intake and oil catch can option fit the Toyota 86?
A19: The current product page lists the cold air intake and oil catch can combination for the 2013-2016 Scion FR-S and 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ. It does not specifically list the Toyota 86 for the combination option. Toyota 86 owners should select the standard intake unless Flashark confirms compatibility with the catch-can package.
Q20: Can the original air intake be reinstalled later?
A20: Yes. This intake upgrade is generally reversible when the factory airbox, resonator, inlet tube, sound-tube components, MAF hardware, clamps, bolts, and brackets are retained. Store the original parts together so the vehicle can be returned to stock for troubleshooting, resale, inspection, or future modifications.
| Year | Make | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2016 | Scion | FR-S | 2.0L FA20 Boxer-4 |
| 2013-2021 | Subaru | BRZ | 2.0L FA20 Boxer-4 |
| 2017-2020 | Toyota | 86 | 2.0L FA20 Boxer-4 |
All transmission types (6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic) are compatible. The intake routing, MAF sensor position, and airbox mounting points are identical across all three nameplates for these model years.
Cold Intake + Oil Catch Can Combo
| Year | Make | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2016 | Scion | FR-S | 2.0L FA20 Boxer-4 |
| 2013-2021 | Subaru | BRZ | 2.0L FA20 Boxer-4 |
Note: The oil catch can combo kit is listed for FR-S and BRZ only. Toyota 86 owners interested in the combo should contact service@flasharkracing.com to confirm compatibility of the PCV routing before ordering.
Q: Which cars does this intake fit?
A: This intake fits the 2013-2016 Scion FR-S, 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ, and 2017-2020 Toyota 86 — all equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.0L FA20 Boxer-4 engine. It does NOT fit the 2022+ second-generation GR86 or BRZ with the 2.4L FA24 engine. It also does not fit vehicles with aftermarket forced induction (turbo/supercharger) kits that alter the factory intake routing.
Q: Is it really the same kit for the FR-S, 86, and BRZ? No differences?
A: Yes — same kit, no differences. The Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ are built on the same ZN6/ZC6 platform and share the same FA20 engine, intake manifold, throttle body position, MAF sensor, and airbox mounting points. Toyota and Subaru co-developed this platform, and the intake tract is one of many components that are physically identical across all three cars. One size fits all.
Q: Will this fit a 2021 Subaru BRZ?
A: Yes. The 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ (first generation) uses the same FA20 engine and intake layout throughout its entire production run. The 2021 model-year BRZ is still the first-gen car — the second-gen BRZ with the FA24 engine launched for the 2022 model year. Some product listings incorrectly list "2013-2020" for the BRZ, but this intake also fits the 2021 model year.
Q: Does this fit the 2022+ Toyota GR86 or new BRZ?
A: No. The 2022+ GR86 and 2022+ BRZ use the all-new 2.4L FA24 engine with a redesigned intake manifold, different MAF sensor housing diameter, and revised engine bay packaging. This intake was designed for the first-generation FA20 platform and will not fit the second-generation cars. Flashark offers a separate intake kit for the 2022+ GR86/BRZ — contact service@flasharkracing.com for availability.
Q: Will this intake eliminate the FA20 torque dip?
A: No — and any intake claiming to do so is overselling. The FA20's well-known torque dip between 3,500-4,500 RPM is primarily caused by the factory exhaust manifold design and conservative factory ECU tuning, not intake restriction. Eliminating the dip requires an aftermarket catless or high-flow catted header plus a proper ECU tune (OFT, EcuTek, etc.). What this intake does is sharpen throttle response across the rev range, improve high-RPM breathing, and give you a significantly better induction sound that makes every pull to 7,400 RPM more satisfying.
Q: Do I need a tune after installing this intake?
A: No. The Flashark intake maintains the factory MAF sensor housing diameter and position, so the stock ECU's fuel trims stay within normal correction range. The engine will adapt naturally within a few drive cycles. That said, if you're already running a tune (OFT, EcuTek, etc.) with supporting mods like catless headers, the additional airflow from the intake will complement your existing setup — but a retune is not required simply for the intake.
Q: How much horsepower will I gain?
A: On a stock FA20, expect approximately 5-10 HP at the wheels, primarily in the upper RPM range (above 5,000 RPM) where the factory intake becomes a restriction. Gains on this platform are modest because the stock intake is actually reasonably well-designed — the biggest real-world improvements are throttle response, induction sound, and the elimination of the sound tube clutter in the engine bay. Gains are more noticeable if your factory paper filter is overdue for replacement.
Q: Is the filter oiled or dry? How do I clean it?
A: Dry — this kit uses a synthetic dry media filter that requires no oil. This is important on the FA20 platform, where the MAF sensor sits close to the filter — an oiled filter can contaminate the MAF and cause erratic readings. To clean the filter: (1) Remove it from the intake pipe. (2) Tap gently to dislodge loose debris. (3) Rinse with low-pressure water from the inside out (clean side to dirty side). Use mild soap if heavily soiled. (4) Let air dry completely — do NOT use compressed air. (5) Reinstall. No re-oiling step is ever required. Frequency: every 15,000-20,000 miles for normal driving, or when visibly dirty.
Q: Will this intake cause a check engine light (CEL)?
A: No — when installed correctly. The Flashark intake pipe maintains the OEM MAF sensor position and housing diameter, so the sensor readings stay within the ECU's expected range. If you do get a CEL after installation, the most common causes are: (1) the MAF sensor was disconnected during installation and needs a few drive cycles to reset, (2) a vacuum leak from a loose coupler or clamp allowing unmetered air past the MAF, or (3) the MAF sensor O-ring was lost or pinched during transfer. Double-check all connections first.
Q: What happens to the factory sound tube?
A: The factory sound tube — a plastic resonator pipe that runs from the intake tract to the cabin firewall on the FR-S and BRZ — is deleted when you install this intake. The sound tube is designed to artificially pipe induction noise into the cabin. With the Flashark intake, you get a deeper, more natural induction sound from the engine bay, and you clean up the bay by removing unnecessary plumbing. Most owners consider this an upgrade.
Q: How does this affect intake sound?
A: Significantly — and in a good way. The FA20 already has character with its boxer pulse, and an open-element intake reveals that character. Expect a deeper, throatier induction growl under throttle, especially above 3,500 RPM. At idle and light cruise, the sound is close to stock — it doesn't drone. If you enjoy the mechanical character of your engine, you'll love this intake. If you prefer a completely silent engine bay, stick with the factory setup.
Q: Can I still use the factory strut tower brace?
A: Yes. The Flashark intake pipe is routed to clear the factory strut tower brace on all FR-S, 86, and BRZ models. If you have an aftermarket strut tower brace with a different design, clearance should still be fine given the intake's compact routing, but verify before ordering if your brace has unusually thick mounting brackets.
Q: What is the return and warranty policy?
A: Flashark offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — return the intake in unused, original condition for a full refund. The intake kit carries a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects, including pipe deformation, coupler failure, clamp corrosion, and heat shield defects. The filter element is a consumable wear item covered for defects upon arrival. Contact service@flasharkracing.com with your order number to submit a warranty claim or return request.
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