Subaru BRZ Performance Upgrades: Power, Handling & Sound
Many people think that adding power is the first and only step to making a car faster. For a car like the BRZ, that couldn't be further from the truth. Its real magic lies in its lightweight chassis and responsive handling. True performance comes from a balanced system where power, suspension, brakes, and tires all work in harmony. Adding a huge turbo without improving your ability to stop and turn just creates a car that's fast in a straight line but clumsy everywhere else. We’ll walk you through a holistic approach to choosing performance upgrades for Subaru BRZ, creating a well-rounded machine that inspires confidence in every corner.
Key Takeaways
- Define Your Goal Before You Buy: Your first step isn't a part, it's a plan. Deciding whether you want a track weapon or a spirited daily driver dictates every purchase, ensuring you build a cohesive car that matches how you actually drive.
- Balance Power with Control: Adding horsepower is only half the equation. To make that power usable and enjoyable, you must also upgrade your brakes, tires, and suspension to maintain the BRZ's signature handling and stability.
- Prioritize Quality Parts and a Professional Tune: Your build's reliability depends on two things: using reputable components and getting a professional ECU tune after installing them. This combination protects your engine and ensures your new hardware performs safely and effectively.
First, Define Your BRZ's Goals
Before you spend a single dollar on parts, the most important thing is to create a clear plan for your Subaru BRZ. What do you want your car to do better? Thinking about the end goal from the start is what separates a cohesive, high-performing build from a random collection of parts that don't work well together. Your vision for the car is your roadmap, guiding every decision to ensure each new component serves a purpose. Are you building a weekend track machine, a daily driver, or a canyon carver? Defining this purpose first saves you time, money, and frustration.
Move Past Stock Limitations
The Subaru BRZ is a fantastic car out of the box, but "performance" means something different to everyone. The upgrade path for an autocross build focused on nimble handling is worlds apart from a drag car built for straight-line speed. Your first step is to decide what kind of performance you want to unlock. Do you want to feel more connected to the road during your commute, or are you chasing faster lap times? Answering this helps you move past the car's stock limitations in a focused way, guiding every purchase from tires to performance parts.
Debunk Common Upgrade Myths
The car modification world is filled with strong opinions, and it’s easy for new owners to fall for common myths. For instance, many people hear about engine tuning services and assume it’s a simple way to add power, without understanding how an ECU remap alters the engine’s core parameters. While tuning is a powerful tool, it’s most effective when it complements your hardware upgrades. Learning how different parts work together will help you avoid costly errors and ensure your build is both reliable and effective.
Pinpoint Your Driving Style
The way you use your BRZ every day is the best clue for where to begin your upgrade journey. If you live for spirited drives on winding back roads, your first investment should probably focus on handling. A set of coilovers or high-performance tires will deliver a more immediate and satisfying improvement than adding a little extra horsepower. If your BRZ is your daily driver and you’re simply looking for a more responsive feel, a quality intake and cat-back exhaust system could be the perfect starting point. Matching your first mods to your driving style ensures you get the most enjoyment from your investment.
Essential Upgrades for More Power
The Subaru BRZ is a fantastic driver's car right out of the box, but its engine has so much more potential waiting to be unlocked. If you’re craving more acceleration and a stronger pull when you hit the gas, you’ve come to the right place. Getting more power from your BRZ is a rewarding process that transforms the driving experience. It’s not just about raw numbers; it’s about making the car feel more responsive, alive, and eager to perform.
Whether you're aiming for a modest bump for spirited daily driving or building a track-day monster, the path to more power starts with a few key modifications. These upgrades work together to help your engine breathe better, process fuel more efficiently, and exhale more freely. Let's walk through the most effective upgrades that will give your BRZ the extra muscle you’re looking for.
Engine Tuning and ECU Remapping
Think of your car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) as its brain. An ECU remap, or tune, is like giving that brain a software update designed for high performance. It adjusts the default factory settings for fuel, air, and spark to optimize power and efficiency. A professional tune is one of the most impactful first mods you can make because it ensures your engine is running at its best and prepares it to take full advantage of any future hardware upgrades you install. For a truly customized setup, consider professional engine tuning services that can tailor the software to your specific car and modifications.
Cold Air Intake Systems
Your engine needs to breathe, and the cooler and denser the air it gets, the better it performs. A cold air intake system replaces the restrictive stock airbox, allowing a larger volume of cool air to flow directly into your engine. This simple change improves combustion, which translates to more horsepower and a sharper throttle response. Plus, many systems add a satisfying, aggressive induction sound when you accelerate. It’s a foundational mod that’s relatively easy to install and provides a noticeable difference in how your BRZ feels and sounds.
Performance Exhaust Systems
Upgrading your exhaust is about more than just achieving a deep, sporty tone—it’s a key performance modification. A performance exhaust system reduces backpressure, allowing exhaust gases to exit the engine more freely. This improved flow helps the engine work more efficiently, freeing up horsepower and torque. You can choose from different setups, like a full cat-back system that replaces everything from the catalytic converter back, or a simpler axle-back for a sound and style update. It’s a perfect way to add character and performance to your build.
Headers and Downpipes
Once you’ve upgraded your exhaust, the next bottleneck to address is the headers. Stock headers are often designed with cost and emissions in mind, not maximum performance. Aftermarket headers for your BRZ feature wider, smoother piping that drastically improves exhaust flow right as it leaves the engine. This is a more involved installation than a cat-back system, but the power gains are significant, especially when paired with a good intake and a proper ECU tune. This is one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" BRZ upgrades for naturally aspirated power.
Forced Induction: Turbos and Superchargers
If you're looking for a massive leap in power, forced induction is the answer. Adding a turbocharger or a supercharger system forces compressed air into the engine, allowing it to burn much more fuel and generate incredible horsepower gains. A turbo uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, while a supercharger is driven by a belt connected to the engine. Both methods will completely transform your BRZ from a nimble sports car into a true powerhouse. This is a major upgrade that requires supporting mods and a professional tune, but the result is an exhilarating level of performance.
Corner Faster: Handling and Suspension Upgrades
Adding horsepower is exciting, but all that power is useless if you can't control it. The Subaru BRZ is already a fantastic handling car right from the factory, but there's always room for improvement. Upgrading your suspension and chassis components is how you translate engine power into faster lap times and more confident cornering on your favorite back roads. These modifications work together to keep your tires planted, reduce body roll, and give you a more direct connection to the road. By focusing on handling, you create a balanced machine that’s not just fast in a straight line, but agile and responsive through every turn.
Coilovers and Lowering Springs
One of the most impactful handling upgrades you can make is swapping out the stock suspension. Lowering springs are a great starting point for reducing body roll and lowering your car’s center of gravity. For those who want ultimate control, a quality coilover kit is the answer. Coilovers give you the ability to adjust ride height, damping, and rebound, allowing you to fine-tune your BRZ’s setup for your specific driving style, whether you’re on the street or the track. This level of adjustment lets you dial in the perfect balance between comfort and performance, ensuring your car feels exactly how you want it to.
Better Grip: Tires and Wheels
Your tires are the only part of your car that actually touches the road, so it makes sense to invest here. High-performance tires provide a massive improvement in grip for both cornering and braking. Pairing them with lightweight wheels is a smart move. Lighter wheels reduce unsprung weight, which allows your suspension to react more quickly to bumps and changes in the road surface. This combination not only sharpens your car's handling and steering response but also contributes to safer, more predictable driving dynamics when you’re pushing the limits.
Stop Faster: Brake System Upgrades
As you increase your BRZ’s speed, you also need to improve its ability to slow down. The stock brakes are fine for daily driving, but they can fade quickly under the high heat of track use or aggressive canyon carving. Upgrading to performance brake pads and rotors provides better stopping power and improved heat dissipation. This means you can brake later and harder into corners with more confidence. For a complete solution, consider stainless steel brake lines for a firmer pedal feel and high-temperature brake fluid to prevent boiling. These performance parts are essential for a well-rounded build.
Stiffen the Chassis for Better Stability
Even a well-designed chassis like the BRZ’s has some amount of flex under heavy cornering loads. This flex can make the car feel less precise and predictable. You can significantly improve the chassis rigidity by installing components like strut tower bars, subframe braces, and sway bars. A stiffer chassis allows your suspension to do its job more effectively, leading to sharper turn-in, better stability through corners, and a more connected feeling behind the wheel. It’s a foundational upgrade that makes every other handling modification even more effective.
Smart Ways to Reduce Weight
One of the best ways to improve every aspect of your car’s performance—acceleration, braking, and handling—is to reduce its weight. The BRZ is already a lightweight car, but there are always opportunities to shed a few more pounds. You can replace heavy stock components with lighter aftermarket alternatives. Consider a lightweight battery, carbon fiber parts like a hood or trunk, or a set of racing seats if your car sees a lot of track time. Every pound you remove makes your car feel more nimble and responsive, enhancing the driving experience without even touching the engine.
Fine-Tune Your BRZ's Sound and Aerodynamics
Once you’ve dialed in your power and handling, it’s time to focus on the elements that shape your driving experience. True performance isn't just about raw numbers on a dyno sheet; it's about how the car feels, sounds, and responds to you. Fine-tuning your BRZ’s sound and aerodynamics is how you transform it from a capable sports car into one that feels uniquely yours. These upgrades are about personalizing the character of your vehicle, making it look as aggressive as it drives and sound as exciting as it feels. From the growl of the exhaust to the way the car cuts through the air, these details complete the performance picture. Exploring different performance parts allows you to craft an experience that perfectly matches your style, ensuring every moment behind the wheel is engaging.
Get the Perfect Exhaust Note
Let’s be honest: the stock BRZ exhaust is a bit too tame for a car with such a sporty attitude. Many owners feel it’s underwhelming and doesn't reflect the car's true potential. Upgrading to a performance exhaust system is one of the most satisfying mods you can make. A cat-back system, for example, replaces the piping from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tip, completely changing your car’s voice. The goal isn’t just to be loud, but to achieve a deep, refined tone that sings when you accelerate. A well-designed exhaust not only provides an incredible soundtrack for every drive but can also improve exhaust flow for a small but noticeable performance gain.
Add Aggressive Style with a Body Kit
The Subaru BRZ is already a sharp-looking car, but a body kit can give it the aggressive presence to match its performance capabilities. These kits aren't just for looks; they can offer real aerodynamic advantages. Components like front splitters, side skirts, and rear diffusers help manage airflow around the vehicle, which can increase stability at higher speeds. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a full track-inspired transformation, a body kit is a powerful way to make your BRZ stand out. It’s the perfect way to visually communicate the high-performance upgrades you’ve made under the hood, creating a cohesive and intimidating look.
Functional Interior Upgrades
Your connection to the car happens from the driver’s seat, so don’t overlook the interior when planning your build. Functional upgrades can dramatically improve your control and confidence behind the wheel. Swapping the stock seats for a set of supportive racing buckets will hold you firmly in place during aggressive cornering, allowing you to focus on your inputs. A performance steering wheel can offer better grip and feedback, while a short-throw shifter makes gear changes feel quick and precise. These modifications aren't about luxury; they’re about creating a more engaging and responsive cockpit that makes you feel completely in sync with your machine. This level of connection is just as important as the engine tuning services that define your car's power delivery.
How to Choose and Install Quality Parts
Once you’ve picked out the upgrades that match your vision, the next step is bringing them to life. Choosing high-quality parts and installing them correctly is just as important as the initial planning. The right components from a trusted source will perform better and last longer, saving you headaches down the road. This is where your research pays off, ensuring every dollar you spend contributes directly to a more capable and reliable BRZ. Let's walk through how to select the best parts for your build and get them on your car the right way.
Find Reputable Aftermarket Brands
When you start shopping for parts, you'll find a huge range of options. The key is to focus on brands that have a solid reputation in the Subaru community. Look for companies known for their engineering, quality materials, and consistent performance. Key components to research include intake and exhaust systems, suspension parts, and engine health modifications like an Air Oil Separator (AOS). An effective AOS is crucial for protecting your boxer engine during high-performance driving. Investing in proven performance parts from the start ensures your build is reliable and performs as expected, whether you're on the track or a winding back road.
Why Choose Crawford Performance Parts
We've been a trusted name among Subaru enthusiasts for decades, and for good reason. At Crawford Performance, we engineer and manufacture high-quality parts designed to improve performance without sacrificing reliability. Our components are born from years of racing and real-world testing, ensuring they can handle whatever you throw at them. Our expertise isn't limited to one model; we've built our reputation on enhancing everything from the Subaru WRX to dedicated track cars. When you choose our parts for your BRZ, you're getting components that are built to a standard of excellence that serious drivers depend on.
What to Know Before Installation
Before you break out the tools, take a moment to confirm your plan. The modifications you choose should align directly with how you plan to use your BRZ. For example, an upgrade path for a daily driver focused on spirited canyon runs will look very different from a setup for competitive autocross or quarter-mile racing. Understanding this helps you select the right spring rates, brake pads, and engine components. Having a clear goal prevents you from spending money on parts that don't serve your purpose. Think of it as creating a roadmap for your build—it keeps you on track and ensures every new part works in harmony with the others.
Tools and Skills You'll Need
You don't need a professional workshop to install most BRZ upgrades, but you will need the right tools and a bit of mechanical confidence. A good set of metric wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers will handle many jobs. For more involved installations like coilovers or exhaust headers, you might need a torque wrench, jack stands, and other specialized equipment. If you're new to working on cars, start with simpler mods to build your skills. There are tons of great online tutorials, but always be honest about your comfort level. For complex jobs, especially those involving the engine, there's no shame in turning to a trusted mechanic.
How to Test Your New Mods
After you’ve tightened the last bolt, the fun part begins: testing your work. It’s essential to put your car through its paces to make sure everything is working correctly. Start with a gentle drive around the block, listening for any unusual noises and checking for leaks. Then, find a safe, open area to test the car under different conditions—accelerate, brake firmly, and take some corners. This helps you feel the difference the new parts have made and identify any potential issues that need adjusting. For engine upgrades, a final check-in with professional tuning services is the best way to ensure your car is running safely and making the most of its new hardware.
Create Your Personal Upgrade Plan
Jumping into modifications without a clear plan is a fast track to a car that’s frustrating to drive and a wallet that’s empty. A thoughtful approach ensures every dollar you spend gets you closer to your ideal BRZ. Think of it as creating a roadmap for your car's evolution. This plan doesn't need to be rigid, but it should give you direction and help you prioritize what matters most to you.
By defining your goals, creating a balanced build, and setting a realistic budget, you can build a car that’s not just faster, but more enjoyable and reliable. This planning phase is just as important as the installation itself. It’s where you turn your vision into a concrete set of steps, ensuring the final result is a cohesive, high-performing machine you’re proud to own.
Map Out Your Modification Path
Before you buy a single part, ask yourself: What is the primary purpose of my BRZ? The answer completely changes your upgrade path. A car built for tight autocross courses will need a very different setup than one designed for quarter-mile runs or daily driving with a bit more spirit. For example, an autocross build might prioritize suspension and brakes, while a drag build focuses almost entirely on straight-line power. Be honest about how you’ll use your car 90% of the time. This clarity will guide every decision, ensuring your performance parts work together toward a specific goal instead of creating a car that’s a master of none.
Keep Your Build Balanced
A car’s performance is a system where every component affects the others. Simply adding a massive turbo won't do you much good if your brakes, tires, and suspension can't handle the extra power. A balanced build means upgrading components that work in harmony. For instance, an upgraded intake and exhaust system will flow more air, but you won't see the full benefit without proper engine tuning services to adjust fuel and timing. Think about how each modification supports the others to create a well-rounded and reliable vehicle. This holistic approach prevents bottlenecks and ensures you get the most out of every upgrade.
How to Plan Your Budget
Performance upgrades can get expensive, but a smart budget makes the process manageable. Start by listing your desired modifications in order of priority. This helps you focus on the most impactful upgrades first. You don't have to buy everything at once. Phasing your build allows you to spread out the cost and enjoy the car at each stage. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions from reputable brands, which can help you get quality parts without overspending. Remember, it’s often better to save up for a high-quality component than to settle for a cheaper alternative that might fail or deliver poor results.
Test and Validate Your Performance
One of the best pieces of advice is to drive your BRZ in its stock form for a while before you start modifying it. This gives you a solid baseline and helps you truly understand the car's factory dynamics. What do you like? What do you feel needs improvement? Getting to know your car intimately allows you to make more informed decisions about what to change. After you install a new part, pay attention to how it changes the driving experience. Did it achieve the desired effect? This process of driving, modifying, and testing helps you appreciate each upgrade and ensures you’re building the car that’s perfect for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Modifying your Subaru BRZ is an exciting process, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes along the way. Thinking through your build and avoiding these pitfalls will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. A well-planned project not only performs better but also protects the investment you've made in your car. Let's walk through some of the most common missteps so you can build your BRZ with confidence.
Don't Chase Power at the Expense of Balance
It’s tempting to go straight for the biggest turbo or the loudest exhaust, but chasing horsepower without a plan can ruin what makes the BRZ so special: its incredible balance. This car is a masterpiece of handling and driver feedback. Adding a ton of power without upgrading your brakes, tires, and suspension can make the car feel unstable and less enjoyable to drive. Before you buy a single part, define your goals. Are you building a car for autocross, track days, or spirited canyon runs? A balanced performance build considers how every component works together, ensuring your power gains are usable and fun.
The "Quality vs. Cost" Trap
We’ve all seen those tempting deals on no-name parts, but this is one area where you truly get what you pay for. Choosing cheap, low-quality components is one of the fastest ways to hurt your BRZ's performance and reliability. A poorly made intake might flow worse than the stock one, and a budget exhaust could drone horribly on the highway. More importantly, critical components like engine internals or an ECU tune demand quality. Opting for a proper engine tuning service from a reputable expert is an investment in your engine’s health, ensuring it runs safely and makes reliable power. Always prioritize quality parts from trusted brands.
Understand Your Warranty
Before you start turning wrenches, take a moment to understand how modifications can affect your car’s factory warranty. While laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protect consumers, a dealership can still deny a warranty claim if they can prove your aftermarket part caused the failure. This means a turbo kit could void your engine warranty, but it shouldn't affect a claim for a faulty infotainment screen. It’s a good idea to read your warranty documents and be prepared to discuss your modifications with your service advisor. Keep in mind that some mods can also impact your car's resale value, so choose upgrades that add value to your driving experience.
Common Installation Pitfalls
A high-quality part is only as good as its installation. Many performance issues stem not from the part itself, but from a simple mistake made during the install. Common pitfalls include over-torquing bolts, creating exhaust leaks with poorly seated gaskets, or messing up wiring on electronic components. Always read the instructions carefully—and then read them again. If a step seems unclear, look for installation videos or forum guides. If you don't have the right tools or feel uncertain about a job, there’s no shame in taking your car to a trusted professional mechanic. A proper installation ensures your new parts perform as designed and keeps you safe on the road.
Keep Your Upgraded BRZ Running Strong
Installing new parts is just the beginning. To get the most from your modified BRZ and keep it reliable, you need to focus on proper tuning, testing, and maintenance. These steps are what separate a great build from a temporary one, ensuring you can enjoy the performance you’ve worked for.
Why Professional Tuning is Crucial
After installing hardware, your BRZ’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) is still using factory settings. Professional engine tuning services remap the ECU to account for the new parts, adjusting the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing. This isn’t just for extra horsepower; it’s essential for engine safety and efficiency. A proper tune ensures your engine runs smoothly with its new modifications, preventing potential damage and unlocking the full potential of your investment. Skipping this step means leaving performance on the table and risking your engine’s long-term health.
How to Test Your Car's Performance
Once tuned, it’s time to see what your BRZ can do. Testing your car’s performance validates your upgrades and helps you understand the new driving dynamics. The best method depends on your goals. If you built your car for autocross, head to a local event to check your lap times. For drag racing, a GPS performance meter can provide accurate 0-60 times. Even on a daily driver, you can feel the improved throttle response on a safe road. This feedback is crucial for appreciating the impact of your performance parts.
Long-Term Maintenance for a Modified Car
A modified BRZ requires a more diligent maintenance schedule. The increased power puts more stress on components, so you’ll need to check things more often. Start with more frequent oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil. Regularly inspect all your fluids, and keep an eye on your tires and brake pads, as they will wear faster. Pay attention to how your car sounds and feels; catching small issues early prevents them from becoming major problems. A consistent maintenance routine is the key to keeping your upgraded BRZ reliable and ready for action.
Get Your BRZ Ready for the Track
Taking your BRZ to the track is the ultimate way to experience its capabilities. Before you go, a few preparations are in order. Ensure your car is mechanically sound by checking for leaks and verifying all bolts are tight, especially on suspension and brake components. It’s a good idea to use high-temperature brake fluid and track-focused pads to prevent brake fade. Check your tire pressures and torque your lug nuts to spec. A well-chosen exhaust system also adds to the experience, giving your car an aggressive sound that feels right at home on the track.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the single best first modification for my BRZ? There isn't one "best" first mod because the right answer depends entirely on what you want to improve. If you're looking for a more engaging daily drive, a quality cat-back exhaust system can completely change the car's personality. If you plan on doing spirited canyon driving or track days, a set of high-performance tires and better brake pads will give you more confidence and control than any power upgrade. The best first step is always the one that aligns with your specific goals for the car.
Do I really need an engine tune after installing basic parts like an intake or exhaust? While your car will still run after installing a simple part like a cat-back exhaust, a professional tune is what makes your new hardware work correctly. Your car's computer is programmed for the stock parts, and changing the airflow without adjusting the software means you aren't getting the full performance benefit. For more significant parts like headers or a new intake, a tune becomes crucial for ensuring the engine runs safely and efficiently, preventing potential long-term damage.
Should I upgrade my power or my handling first? For a car like the BRZ, which is celebrated for its balance, focusing on handling first is almost always the better choice. Upgrades like coilovers, better tires, and improved brakes make the car more capable and fun to drive with its existing power. Learning to master the car's chassis and control will make you a better driver. Once you've improved its ability to corner and stop, adding more power becomes a much more rewarding and effective upgrade.
How can I tell if a part is high-quality or just a cheap knock-off? The best way to ensure quality is to stick with reputable brands that have a long-standing history in the Subaru community. Look for companies that provide detailed product information, clear installation instructions, and have positive reviews from other BRZ owners. A quality part is an investment in proven engineering and testing, which means it will fit correctly, perform as advertised, and be reliable for years to come.
Will modifying my BRZ void my car's warranty? This is a common concern, but a modification doesn't automatically void your entire warranty. Legally, a dealer must prove that your specific aftermarket part directly caused the failure you're trying to claim. For example, installing an exhaust system shouldn't affect a warranty claim on your radio. However, be aware that significant engine modifications can make it more difficult to get engine-related issues covered. It's always a good idea to understand the risks and keep your stock parts if you're concerned.