LS-Swapped Scion FRS: A Fuschia Fusion of Power and Style

• September 27, 2024
• Story By
  Andy Carter

When Heather Freeman first started searching for her FRS, she wasn't looking for a project of this magnitude. What began as a search for a clean, stock car to play around with on the weekends quickly evolved into something far more ambitious. She found a clean 2013 model with a blown engine which quickly led Heather and her husband Michael down a different path.

You see, Heather’s husband, Michael Freeman has a bad habit of throwing LS engines into everything he can get his hands on. The result? A Scion with a 5.3-liter V8 under the hood, making 325 horsepower to the wheels and 320 lb-ft of torque—a far cry from the car’s original 200hp boxer engine.

A Vision for Power and Reliability

Their vision for the FRS was clear from the start: it had to be quick, reliable, and comfortable. Air conditioning was a non-negotiable for those hot Georgia summers. This vision took shape with a junkyard-sourced 5.3 LS engine at the heart of the build, bolstered by a carefully selected list of modifications. Each part was chosen to ensure that the engine could deliver the desired performance while maintaining durability.

One of the crucial aspects of this build is the Tremec T56 transmission, a piece that required some creative modifications to fit into the FRS’s transmission tunnel. “The engine dropped in perfectly,” Heather says, “but the transmission tunnel needed some work to accommodate the much larger T56.” Despite these challenges, the end result is a powertrain that feels right at home in the lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis of the FRS.

Nitto NT555 G2 Rubber

With over 100 extra horsepower on tap, Heather knew that sticky tires would be necessary to the whole package delivering a balanced driving experience. Having used Nitto tires on her previous builds—a 1993 Nissan 240SX, a 2017 Civic Si, and a 2019 Honda Civic Type R—she was familiar with the brand’s reputation for performance and streetability.

For the FRS, she opted for Nitto NT555 G2 summer ultra high performance tires in a 235/40R18 size, mounted on Enkei PF07 wheels. These tires were chosen not just for their grip, but for their ability to function well in dry or in wet conditions.

“The car performs well on the road with the Nittos,” Heather says, emphasizing that she’s never felt the car wanting to slip in corners. This is crucial for a car that’s not just a showpiece but a driver’s car, built to be enjoyed on everything from spirited backroad drives to high-speed highway runs. The NT555 G2s provide the kind of predictable handling that allows Heather to push her FRS with confidence, knowing that the chassis will not become unpredictable under heavy throttle.

Form + Function

While the performance upgrades are the star of the show, Heather didn’t overlook the importance of aesthetics. Wrapped in a striking 3M 1080 Fierce Fuchsia with VVIVID+ Black Forged Carbon accents, the car is a head-turner in more ways than one. The wrap not only adds a unique visual element but also ties into Heather’s desire to create something that stands out in the crowd, but also showcases the attention to detail that her and Michael have for their builds.

The exterior is further enhanced by a facelifted front end from the GT86, Morimoto XB LED headlights, and a custom aero kit. Heather made the conscious decision to retain the original Scion badging, however, a nod to the car’s roots and a personal touch that sets it apart from other FRS builds that swap to Toyota branding.

Building Memories and Looking Ahead

For Heather, the journey of building this FRS is filled with memories, particularly the countless hours spent in the shop with her husband, Michael. The car’s first major outing was to LS Fest East in 2022, a road trip from Georgia to Kentucky that marked a significant milestone in the car’s life. “Driving it all the way to Kentucky and back was an incredible experience,” Heather says, highlighting the satisfaction of seeing the project come to fruition.

As for what’s next? Heather is already thinking ahead, with plans to add a turbocharger to the mix, upgrade the brakes, and possibly even make some interior enhancements. But for now, she’s content to enjoy the car as it is— a unique blend of American muscle and Japanese design, brought to life by a passion for cars, a love of driving, and a desire to create something incredible with her husband.

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