If modding, 2020 vs 2021

I am seriously considering the purchase of a new Supra. Like many have discussed, there are still some 2020 MY Supras out there that are discounted down to high 40s to low 50s USD (Premium trim) after dealer discount and the $3,500 MFG rebate. I am aware of the notable power bump via the revised engine as well as the suspension tuning to make it more of a planted driver for '21.

Now, if I were planning to keep this car stock, I'd probably pony up for the '21 based on the power bump alone. But, I plan to mod fairly early in my ownership (EcuTek 93 tune, downpipe, intake, maybe full exhaust, lowering springs, lightweight wheels for starters...maybe Pure800 down the road). I am a long time fan of the Mk4 Supra and now that the A90 platform is proving to be a strong base for mods I am intrigued enough to consider owning one myself.

Now...would I be hurting myself in the long run power-wise mod-for-mod with a B58c vs the B58d? Any risk in the aftermarket leaving "c" version in the dust in favor of the development of the new-ish motor? I know this is a new platform and '21 models are just hitting the lots in the last month or or so, so the answers I am hoping for may not exist at this time. I am all for getting a good deal, and with the current savings, well, that is free mod money!

For me, this is going to be a 95% fair weather weekend street car for any twisty roads I can find, and the occasional quick straight line pull. 5% - I may make it to a auto-x or road course track day/HPDE at some point, but that's not a huge thing for me.

Looking forward to hearing any thoughts, speculation, or how you made your decision.

2020's didn't come in Refraction Blue lol so my choice was easy.
As far as mods go, I'm only doing cosmetic stuff. Catback, Springs, Interior stuff, Wheels maybe.

I waited and went with 2021

the main difference between the two engines is the exhaust manifold design and compression

the 2020 will have the intakes built into the head and with only two ports coming out and a higher compression. if i remember correctly this was due for emissions and dealing with heat.

the 2021 has the more traditional 6 port exhaust manifold.

to me and most people, the differences between the two engines if modding are a mute point. the main reason you would take the 2021 motor is if you were going big turbo. I don't mean pure turbo as those are just stock turbo's that are modified. Since you have an independent intake manifold it will allow you to customize the intake and bolt it on much more easily thus giving you more options. Also the lower compression will allow you to run more boost

if you are sticking with the stock turbo, or only going up to pure 800 turbo power levels I would just grab a 2020 motor if you can get one for a cheaper price. At those power levels I don't think the two motors will behave very differently. Also since the 2020 motor has a higher compression in theory I believe it should spool faster

if you are going big power drag car, 2021

suspension wise there are apparently a few software tweaks to the dampers but if you are going aftermarket springs or coilovers that doesn't really matter and then the additional chassis braces in the engine bay (but you can get one in the aftermarket anyways)

The intakes are the same on 20 and 21. 2021 has a 6 port exhaust manifold vs the 2020 2 port manifold. 6 port manifold will mot make a difference until beyond about 900whp. both will still make power beyond 900whp with the right build, so thats moot. heat management moreso dissipation may be better on the 6port, but thats yet to be seen

The lower compression will be ok for higher boost, but less torque off boost. However the compression being lower doesnt matter because when using quality fuel higher compression is better.

Both the 2020 and 2021 will make the same power within a handful with the same turbo and mods. If you plan on never modding the car, or tuning it, then the 2021 will give you more power over 5500rpm, thats about it.

Great info, thanks all! 600whp or so may be the end goal for me. I want a reliable middle-ground that isn't going to compromise long term reliability and street usability. I can't see myself wanting a big turbo max effort highway machine. '20 with the savings may be worth it...

Get the 2020

oh my bad! lol I am sorry I meant exhaust manifold

Picked up a ‘20 today. Excited to get to know the car and then downpipe + tune in not too long...

Congratulations and enjoy the car!

That's awesome.
Congrats and looks like the MY20 series are having a late bloom.

Already finding 2021s at $50.8k.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...de1=TOYOTA&modelCode1=SUPRA&clickType=listing

je8 said:

Picked up a ‘20 today. Excited to get to know the car and then downpipe + tune in not too long...

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Did you get a great discount?

BienLaunchEdition said:

Did you get a great discount?

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I think it was pretty decent. $7.2k under MSRP.

vb22 said:

Already finding 2021s at $50.8k.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=557465925&zip=77001&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=77001&city=Houston&startYear=2021&incremental=all&endYear=2021&modelCodeList=SUPRA&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&listingTypes=NEW&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&location=%5Bobject+Object%5D&state=TX&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=include&searchRadius=0&isNewSearch=false&listingTypes=NEW&startYear=2021&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2021&modelCodeList=SUPRA&makeCodeList=TOYOTA&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=TOYOTA&modelCode1=SUPRA&clickType=listing

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Looks like that one is not a premium model, But yes. You can get a 21 for same if not less than a 20 in some places if you negotiate. I got my 21 for about 50k. So to me I would have had to find a 20 for like idk 40k to be worthwhile.