Scion FR-S 2013 Motor: Reman FA20 Fitment & Install

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By James

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When tackling the Scion FR-S 2013 motor swap, specifically with a reman FA20, things can get a bit… complicated (like my last attempt at cooking a soufflé—disaster at 350 degrees!). First, identifying the right engine is key—don’t be like me and end up with a short block instead of a long one! And please, for the love of all things mechanical, do those diagnostics! I didn’t, and let’s just say it cost me a hefty $2,500 when my sensors went haywire. But wait, there’s more to this saga…

Identify the Correct 2013 FR-S FA20

Identifying the correct FA20 engine for the 2013 FR-S can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the needle is actually a tiny, overpriced piece of metal that could ruin your day!

First off, the VIN is your best friend here—seriously, it’s like the social security number for your car, so don’t lose it!

Then there’s the matter of trims and ECU calibrations—oh boy, one wrong move and you might end up with an engine that sounds like a lawnmower on steroids instead of a sleek sports machine!

VIN, trims, ECU calibrations

When it comes to the 2013 Scion FR-S FA20, the details can feel like a bad episode of a reality show—full of plot twists and moments where you just want to facepalm.

The VIN is like the secret code to your car’s soul, revealing whether those mounts and sensors actually fit together or if you’re just playing a sad game of automotive Jenga!

And trust me, using the wrong ECU calibration is like trying to bake a cake without sugar—sure, it might look fine, but the taste? Utter disaster!

Mounts, sensors, DI/port injection notes

Ah, the 2013 Scion FR-S! The mounts for this beauty guarantee the FA20 engine stays put, like a toddler refusing to leave the playground. With direct and port injection, it’s a fuel-injecting genius! Here’s a breakdown:

ComponentDescription
MountsStabilize engine weight
SensorsMonitor performance
InjectionDI/Port for efficiency

Pre-Install Diagnostics

Before installing that shiny new motor, it’s essential to run some pre-install diagnostics, or risk ending up with a mess that even a raccoon wouldn’t want to touch!

Think of it like checking your bank account before splurging on that $500 gaming console—you really don’t want to find out you’re broke after the fact.

A compression test and leak-down test can save a world of trouble, ensuring everything’s in tip-top shape and not just pretending to be like that one friend who’s always “fine” but secretly has a cat that just knocked everything over!

Compression/leak-down, oil analysis

Before getting caught up in the excitement of the Scion FR-S installation, it’s essential to check the OBD-II for any misfires or fuel trim issues—because, let’s be honest, nothing says “I’m a car enthusiast” quite like discovering you’ve been driving around with a malfunctioning engine light for weeks!

I mean, who hasn’t ignored that pesky little warning, hoping it would just go away like my high school crush (spoiler alert: it didn’t)?

OBD-II misfire and fuel trim review

So, how on earth does one even begin to unravel the tangled mess of OBD-II misfires and fuel trims?

It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded while juggling! Here’s what to contemplate:

  • Check for misfire codes (P0300!)
  • Analyze fuel trim readings
  • Perform a compression test
  • Conduct a leak-down test
  • Execute an oil analysis

Because honestly, who doesn’t love a good engine mystery?

Long Block vs Short Block

When it comes to choosing between a long block and a short block for the Scion FR-S, things get complicated—like trying to explain why you thought wearing socks with sandals was a good idea (spoiler: it’s never a good idea)!

A long block might set you back a few extra bucks—think $1,500 versus the $1,000 for a shorty—but hey, who doesn’t want to spend less time under the hood and more time cruising?

Of course, if warranty peace of mind matters to you (which, let’s be honest, it should!), those long blocks usually come with better coverage, so it’s like paying a little more for a warm hug after a breakup—totally worth it!

Cost, downtime, warranty

When it comes to the cost of a long block versus a short block for the 2013 Scion FR-S, let’s just say it’s enough to make you question your life choices—$2,500 to $4,000 for a long block? Ouch!

(And don’t even get me started on the downtime; long blocks take forever because you have to play Tetris with all those parts, while short blocks can be a quick fix if you’re lucky enough to have a usable head sitting around, which I clearly didn’t—thanks, past self!)

Plus, warranties can be a real mixed bag; you might get 1 to 3 years but only if you can dodge all the pitfalls of those additional parts!

Core acceptance checklist

Ah, the age-old debate of long block versus short block—it’s like picking between a gourmet burger and a sad, cold sandwich!

Here’s the core acceptance checklist you didn’t know you needed:

  • Cost: Long blocks are pricier!
  • Downtime: Longer for installation!
  • Warranty: More coverage on long blocks!
  • Core-charge: Watch for damage!
  • Complexity: Short blocks are simpler!

Seriously, who knew engine shopping could be this complicated?!

Install & Torque References

When it comes to installing the Scion FR-S engine, the specifics can be a bit of a headache! TTY head bolts—yep, those little wonders—need to be torqued just right, ideally between 45-50 ft-lbs, or else it’s like trying to tighten a jar lid with greasy hands (not fun!).

And don’t forget that timing set and pumps, because a missed step here could lead to a catastrophic engine failure, leaving you feeling like the last kid picked for dodgeball at recess—awkward and utterly defeated!

TTY head bolts, timing set, pumps

When tackling TTY head bolts, timing sets, and pumps, it’s essential to nail those torque specs—like, you know, the kind of precision that would make a Swiss watchmaker weep with envy!

Seriously, if you mess up the torque sequence, it’s like baking a cake and forgetting the sugar; it just falls flat!

And don’t even get me started on clearances—getting those wrong is like trying to squeeze into jeans two sizes too small after a pizza binge; just avoid the embarrassment and check the factory manual for the right numbers!

Torque specs ft-lb/N·m and clearances

So, here’s the deal: getting the torque specs right for the Scion FR-S 2013 motor is like trying to bake a soufflé while riding a unicycle—one tiny misstep, and it all collapses!

ComponentTorque Spec (ft-lb/N·m)
TTY Head Bolts60 ft-lb (81 N·m) + 90°
Timing Set40 ft-lb (54 N·m)
Oil Pump Bolts30 ft-lb (41 N·m)

Programming & Drive Cycles

When it comes to programming the ECU for the Scion FR-S’s FA20 engine, it’s like trying to teach a cat to fetch—frustrating and often futile!

One has to take into account immobilizer settings and readiness monitors, which are as exciting as watching paint dry, but necessary if you want the car to actually run properly (and not just look pretty in the garage).

After all, who wants to spend countless hours resetting the check engine light only to realize they forgot to do the drive cycle correctly, right?

ECU updates, immobilizer, readiness

When it comes to ECU updates for the 2013 Scion FR-S, it’s like trying to teach a cat to fetch—super frustrating and often feels like a lost cause!

The J2534 session, which sounds as fancy as it is complicated, is essential for making sure the ECU and immobilizer play nice together (because, honestly, who needs more drama in their life?).

And don’t forget about battery support, because if your battery dies mid-programming, it’s like having a flat tire on a road trip—utterly devastating and definitely not covered by your AAA membership!

J2534 session and battery support

Oh boy, the J2534 session! It’s like trying to bake a soufflé while juggling flaming torches—chaotic and nerve-wracking!

Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Battery support: Don’t let your ECU go dark!
  • Drive cycles: They’re not just for fun!
  • Readiness flags: Oh, those pesky emissions tests!
  • Immobilizer programming: Key fobs are picky!
  • J2534 magic: It’s a car whisperer!

Seriously, who knew updating an ECU could feel like defusing a bomb?

FAQs

When it comes to the FAQs about the Scion FR-S 2013, one might wonder, “Do I REALLY need to reprogram the ECU?”

It’s like asking if I should really finish that last slice of pizza at 3 AM—spoiler alert: probably not a good idea, but here we are!

And let’s not even get started on the timing set or core returns—how did I end up in this mess again, like trying to untangle my headphones after a marathon Netflix binge?

Do I need ECU reprogramming?

Isn’t it just the worst when you’ve poured your heart and soul—and let’s be real, a small fortune—into swapping or remanufacturing your FA20 engine, only to realize that it might need some ECU reprogramming?

Seriously, talk about a gut punch! If you’ve upgraded to higher compression or swapped fuel types (because why not?), then ECU programming becomes your new bestie.

It’s like that awkward friend who shows up uninvited but saves the day! Adjusting the fuel mapping and ignition timing can help prevent engine knock and keep your ride efficient.

Should I replace the timing set?

Timing sets, folks—yeah, they’re like that one friend who keeps showing up to your party when you just want to enjoy a peaceful evening.

Should I replace the timing set? Well, if your Scion FR-S motor’s racked up high mileage, or if it’s showing signs of wear (think of it like a worn-out shoe that squeaks), then yes! A worn timing set can mess with engine performance, and who needs that drama?

If you’re already deep in engine repairs, swapping out the timing set is a no-brainer. You’ll save yourself the headache—and cash!—of tearing it apart again later.

Plus, new timing sets often come with upgrades that might just make your engine hum like a happy cat!

How soon must I return the core?

How soon must one return the core? Well, listen up! You have 30 DAYS—yes, 30 whole days—after receiving that shiny reman FA20 engine to send the core back.

Forget this, and you’re looking at extra fees that could feel like a punch in the gut! Some suppliers might give you a little grace period, but don’t bet your lunch money on it—confirm first!

Oh, and that core charge? It’s like a deposit; return the core in decent shape, and you might just see your dollars back.

Keep tabs on your return shipment—because who wants to deal with a heart-wrenching core return disaster? Not this guy!