So, you're looking to boost your Subaru BRZ's performance, huh? Awesome! The BRZ is already a blast to drive, but with the right upgrades, you can seriously transform it into a true sports car. Let's dive into some of the most effective performance enhancements you can make to your beloved BRZ. We will cover everything from engine modifications to suspension tweaks, and even some aesthetic improvements that can indirectly impact how your car performs. Buckle up, because we're about to get started!

Engine Performance Upgrades

When it comes to engine performance upgrades for your Subaru BRZ, there's a plethora of options to consider. These upgrades range from simple bolt-ons to more complex internal modifications. Let’s start with the easier ones and then move to the more involved enhancements.

Cold Air Intake

A cold air intake is often the first modification many BRZ owners make, and for good reason. It replaces the factory airbox with a less restrictive intake system, allowing the engine to draw in cooler, denser air. Cooler air means more oxygen, which results in a more efficient combustion process and, ultimately, more power. Most cold air intakes also include a larger air filter, which further improves airflow. While the gains from a cold air intake alone might be modest (typically around 5-10 horsepower), it sets a good foundation for future modifications. Plus, many intakes add a nice, aggressive sound to your engine. When selecting a cold air intake, make sure to choose one from a reputable brand known for quality and proper fitment. Some popular options include those from K&N, Injen, and Mishimoto. Installation is usually straightforward, often requiring only basic hand tools and about an hour of your time. Remember to reset your ECU after installation to allow it to properly adjust to the new airflow.

Exhaust System

Upgrading your BRZ's exhaust system is another excellent way to improve performance and sound. The factory exhaust system is often restrictive, limiting the engine's ability to breathe freely. An aftermarket exhaust system, typically made from larger diameter piping and featuring less restrictive mufflers and resonators, can significantly improve exhaust flow. This leads to increased horsepower and torque, as well as a sportier exhaust note. There are several components of the exhaust system you can upgrade, each offering different levels of performance and sound enhancement.

• Cat-Back Exhaust: This replaces the exhaust system from the catalytic converter back to the tailpipes. It’s a popular choice because it offers a good balance of performance gains and reasonable cost. A cat-back system typically improves horsepower by around 5-15, depending on the specific system. Brands like Borla, Invidia, and Magnaflow offer excellent cat-back options for the BRZ.
• Axle-Back Exhaust: This is the simplest exhaust upgrade, replacing only the mufflers and the section of pipe from the rear axle to the tailpipes. While it offers less performance gain than a cat-back system, it's a more affordable option and primarily focuses on improving the exhaust sound. Expect a modest horsepower increase, but a noticeable change in tone.
• Headers (or Exhaust Manifolds): Upgrading the headers is one of the most effective ways to improve exhaust flow. The factory headers are often restrictive, especially in the BRZ. Aftermarket headers, such as long tube headers, can dramatically improve exhaust flow and significantly increase horsepower. However, installing headers can be more complex and may require professional installation. Also, be aware that some headers may require an ECU tune to optimize performance and prevent check engine lights. Remember to check local regulations regarding emissions, as some aftermarket headers may not be street legal.

ECU Tuning

An ECU tune is essential to maximize the performance gains from other modifications. The factory ECU is programmed conservatively to ensure reliability and meet emissions standards. An aftermarket tune can optimize various engine parameters, such as fuel delivery, ignition timing, and throttle response, to unleash the engine's full potential. There are several ways to tune your BRZ's ECU:

• Custom Tune: This involves dyno tuning your car by a professional tuner who will create a custom map tailored to your specific modifications and driving style. This is the most precise and effective way to tune your ECU, as it takes into account all the variables of your car. However, it's also the most expensive option.
• Off-the-Shelf (OTS) Tune: These are pre-programmed tunes developed by tuning companies for specific modifications. They are typically loaded onto the ECU using a handheld device. OTS tunes are a more affordable option, but they may not be as optimized as a custom tune. Popular options include tunes from EcuTek and OpenFlash Performance.
• Piggyback ECU: These devices intercept and modify the signals between the ECU and the engine. They are less common now, as flash tuning has become more prevalent, but they can still be a viable option for certain applications.

No matter which tuning method you choose, it's crucial to work with a reputable tuner or use a trusted OTS tune to ensure the safety and reliability of your engine. An improper tune can lead to serious engine damage.

Suspension and Handling Upgrades

The Subaru BRZ is renowned for its exceptional handling, but there’s always room for improvement. Upgrading the suspension and handling components can significantly enhance the car’s cornering ability, stability, and overall driving experience. Here are some key upgrades to consider:

Coilovers

Coilovers are adjustable suspension units that replace the factory struts and springs. They offer several advantages over stock suspension, including adjustable ride height, adjustable damping (rebound and compression), and improved handling. Adjustable ride height allows you to lower the car's center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving cornering performance. Adjustable damping allows you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific driving style and road conditions. Coilovers come in various configurations, from basic street-oriented setups to more advanced track-focused systems. When choosing coilovers, consider your budget, driving needs, and the level of adjustability you require. Popular brands include KW, Bilstein, and Tein. Installation can be more involved than other suspension upgrades, so professional installation may be recommended.

Sway Bars

Sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) connect the left and right wheels, reducing body roll during cornering. Upgrading to stiffer sway bars can significantly improve the car's handling by reducing body roll and increasing stability. Many BRZ owners start with just upgrading the front sway bar, as this can make a noticeable difference in turn-in response. However, upgrading both the front and rear sway bars provides the most balanced handling improvement. When selecting sway bars, consider the bar's stiffness and adjustability. Adjustable sway bars allow you to fine-tune the car's handling balance to your preference. Whiteline and Eibach are popular brands for sway bar upgrades.

Bushings

Bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that connect various suspension parts. The factory bushings are often soft and compliant, which can lead to unwanted suspension movement and reduced handling precision. Upgrading to stiffer bushings, such as polyurethane bushings, can significantly improve handling by reducing suspension flex and maintaining proper alignment during cornering. Common bushing upgrades include control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and differential bushings. While stiffer bushings improve handling, they can also increase NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). Consider your tolerance for NVH when choosing bushing upgrades.

Strut Tower Brace

A strut tower brace connects the strut towers on either side of the car, reducing chassis flex and improving handling precision. It's a relatively simple and affordable upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in the car's responsiveness. Strut tower braces are especially effective on cars with upgraded suspension, as they help to maintain proper suspension geometry during hard cornering. Installation is usually straightforward, requiring only basic hand tools.

Brake Upgrades

While the BRZ's factory brakes are adequate for street driving, they can become overwhelmed during spirited driving or track days. Upgrading the braking system is essential for improving stopping power, reducing brake fade, and enhancing overall safety. Here are some key brake upgrades to consider:

Brake Pads

Upgrading to high-performance brake pads is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve braking performance. High-performance brake pads offer a higher coefficient of friction, providing increased stopping power and resistance to brake fade. There are various types of brake pads available, each designed for specific driving conditions. For street use, a good set of performance street pads will provide a noticeable improvement over stock pads. For track days, more aggressive track-oriented pads are recommended. However, be aware that track pads may produce more noise and dust than street pads. Popular brands include Hawk, EBC, and StopTech.

Brake Rotors

Upgrading to high-performance brake rotors can further improve braking performance and heat dissipation. Slotted or drilled rotors can help to vent heat and gases away from the brake pads, reducing brake fade. However, drilled rotors are more prone to cracking under extreme heat, so slotted rotors are often preferred for track use. Larger diameter rotors can also improve braking performance by increasing the leverage of the brake pads. When selecting brake rotors, consider the rotor material, size, and design. Brands like StopTech, DBA, and Brembo offer excellent brake rotor options for the BRZ.

Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Stainless steel brake lines replace the factory rubber brake lines with lines that are less prone to expansion under pressure. This results in a firmer brake pedal feel and improved braking response. Stainless steel brake lines are a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in braking performance. Installation is usually straightforward, but it's essential to properly bleed the brakes after installation.

Big Brake Kit

A big brake kit is the ultimate brake upgrade, consisting of larger rotors, calipers, and brake pads. Big brake kits offer significantly improved stopping power, heat dissipation, and brake pedal feel. They are typically more expensive than other brake upgrades, but they provide the most noticeable improvement in braking performance. Big brake kits are available from various brands, including Brembo, StopTech, and Wilwood. Installation can be more complex, so professional installation is often recommended.

Wheel and Tire Upgrades

The wheels and tires play a crucial role in the car's handling, traction, and overall performance. Upgrading to lighter wheels and stickier tires can significantly improve the car's acceleration, braking, and cornering ability. Here are some key wheel and tire upgrades to consider:

Lighter Wheels

Lighter wheels reduce unsprung weight, which improves the car's acceleration, braking, and handling. Unsprung weight is the weight of the components that are not supported by the suspension, such as the wheels, tires, and brakes. Reducing unsprung weight allows the suspension to react more quickly to changes in the road surface, improving handling and ride quality. When selecting wheels, consider the weight, size, and offset. For performance, look for lightweight wheels made from materials like forged aluminum. Popular brands include Enkei, Volk Racing, and Work.

Stickier Tires

Upgrading to stickier tires is one of the most effective ways to improve the car's handling and traction. Stickier tires offer a higher coefficient of friction, providing increased grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering. There are various types of tires available, each designed for specific driving conditions. For street use, a good set of performance summer tires will provide a noticeable improvement over stock tires. For track days, more aggressive track-oriented tires are recommended. However, be aware that track tires may wear out more quickly than street tires. Popular brands include Michelin, Bridgestone, and Pirelli.

Aesthetic and Aerodynamic Upgrades

While aesthetic upgrades primarily focus on the car's appearance, some can also indirectly impact performance. Aerodynamic upgrades, in particular, can improve the car's stability and handling at higher speeds. Here are some key aesthetic and aerodynamic upgrades to consider:

Aerodynamic Upgrades

• Front Lip Spoiler: A front lip spoiler can reduce lift and improve downforce at the front of the car, improving stability and turn-in response.
• Rear Spoiler or Wing: A rear spoiler or wing can increase downforce at the rear of the car, improving stability and reducing lift at higher speeds.
• Side Skirts: Side skirts can reduce air turbulence along the sides of the car, improving aerodynamic efficiency.
• Rear Diffuser: A rear diffuser can improve airflow under the car, reducing drag and increasing downforce.

Aesthetic Upgrades

• Body Kits: A body kit can completely transform the look of your BRZ, adding a more aggressive and sporty appearance. However, be sure to choose a body kit that is well-designed and properly fitted to avoid any negative impact on aerodynamics.
• Custom Paint or Wrap: A custom paint job or vinyl wrap can give your BRZ a unique and personalized look.
• Interior Upgrades: Interior upgrades, such as aftermarket seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, can improve comfort and driving experience.

By carefully selecting and installing the right performance upgrades, you can transform your Subaru BRZ into a true sports car that is both fun to drive and visually stunning. Remember to prioritize safety and reliability when making modifications, and always consult with a professional if you're unsure about any aspect of the installation process. Happy tuning!