Subaru BRZ & Toyota FT86: Your Ultimate Tuning Guide

What's up, car enthusiasts! Ever looked at your Subaru BRZ or Toyota FT86 and thought, "Man, this thing could be even cooler?" Yeah, we get it. These cars are already awesome – rear-wheel-drive, nimble, and just begging to be customized. But if you're anything like us, you're always looking for ways to make your ride stand out and perform even better. That's where the wild and wonderful world of tuning comes in, guys! We're talking about taking a great platform and making it your own. Whether you're aiming for a weekend track beast, a stylish street cruiser, or something in between, the FT86 and BRZ platforms offer a ton of potential. Let's dive deep into how you can unlock that potential and make your 86 truly yours. We'll cover everything from the basics to some more advanced mods, so buckle up and get ready to transform your ride!

Taking Your FT86 or BRZ to the Next Level

So, you've got your hands on a Subaru BRZ or Toyota FT86, and you're ready to turn heads and maybe even win some races. Awesome! These cars are a dream for tuners because they offer a fantastic balance of performance, handling, and affordability. But what does it really mean to tune your car? For many, it starts with performance upgrades. We're talking about things that make your car faster and sound better. Think exhaust systems, intake kits, and maybe even some ECU tuning (that's your car's computer, by the way!). These mods aren't just about bragging rights; they can genuinely improve your car's responsiveness and power delivery. Exhaust systems are a popular first mod. Not only do they give your car that aggressive rumble you've been craving, but they can also shave off some weight and improve exhaust flow, freeing up a few extra horses. Cold air intakes are another classic. By allowing your engine to breathe in colder, denser air, you can see a noticeable bump in performance and a more aggressive engine note. When you combine these bolt-on upgrades, you might find your 86 feeling a lot more lively. But don't stop there! ECU tuning, sometimes called a reflash or chiptuning, is where things get really interesting. A good tune can optimize your engine's air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other parameters to take full advantage of your hardware upgrades. It's like giving your engine a perfectly tailored diet and workout plan. Some people even go for forced induction, like turbochargers or superchargers. Now, that's a game-changer! Adding a turbo or supercharger can dramatically increase horsepower and torque, transforming your BRZ or FT86 into a seriously quick machine. However, going the forced induction route is a bigger commitment, often requiring supporting mods like upgraded fuel systems and intercoolers. It's definitely something to consider if you're looking for maximum power. Remember, guys, with any performance mod, reliability is key. Always choose reputable brands and consider getting your tune done by a professional who knows the FA20 engine inside and out. You want to enhance performance, not shorten your engine's life!

Enhancing Handling and Aesthetics for Your FT86/BRZ

While making your Subaru BRZ or Toyota FT86 faster is a huge part of the tuning game, let's not forget about how it feels to drive and how it looks. For these cars, handling upgrades are just as crucial, if not more so. The 86 platform is known for its incredible balance and sharp steering, but you can take that to an entirely new level. Suspension mods are your best friend here. Think coilovers, lower springs, sway bars, and strut tower braces. Coilovers allow you to adjust your ride height and damping, giving you the perfect setup for street or track. Lowering springs can give your car that aggressive, planted stance, reducing body roll and improving cornering. Upgraded sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) are fantastic for minimizing body lean in corners, making your car feel much more stable and responsive. A strut tower brace connects the tops of your front suspension towers, increasing chassis rigidity and further sharpening steering response. It's all about making that connection between you, the car, and the road as direct and predictable as possible. And let's talk about wheels and tires! This is where you can make a massive visual impact and improve performance. Wider, lighter wheels paired with sticky performance tires can transform your car's grip and handling. Plus, let's be real, a set of awesome aftermarket wheels can make your FT86 or BRZ look absolutely incredible. Don't forget about brakes! Upgraded brake pads, rotors, and even big brake kits are essential if you're pushing your car hard, especially on the track. You want to be able to stop as confidently as you accelerate. Beyond performance, aesthetics play a huge role in personalization. This is where you can truly express yourself. Body kits, spoilers, diffusers, and custom paint jobs or vinyl wraps are just the tip of the iceberg. Want a more aggressive front end? There's a bumper for that. Need more downforce for high-speed stability? A well-designed wing can do the trick. Interior mods are also super important. Sport seats can provide better support during spirited driving, aftermarket steering wheels can give you a better feel, and custom shift knobs or short shifters can make your manual transmission experience even more engaging. It's all about creating a cohesive package that looks as good as it performs, and most importantly, feels right to you. Remember to consider aerodynamics too – subtle additions like front splitters or rear diffusers can not only enhance the look but also improve high-speed stability. Guys, the possibilities are endless, and the journey of customizing your 86 is half the fun!

The Essential FT86/BRZ Mods: Where to Start

Alright, aspiring tuner, you're probably wondering, "Where do I even begin with all these FT86 and BRZ mods?" It's a fair question, and honestly, there's no single 'right' answer. It all depends on your budget, your goals, and your personal taste. However, there are definitely some essential mods that many owners find make the biggest impact, especially early on. First up, let's talk about sound and breathing. The stock exhaust on these cars can be a bit… tame. So, an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system is a hugely popular starting point. It gives you that satisfying sporty sound without being overly obnoxious, and it often provides a slight performance gain. It's a relatively easy install for most DIYers and offers a big bang for your buck in terms of driver enjoyment. Pair that with a high-flow cold air intake, and you'll notice a more responsive throttle and a more aggressive engine note, especially as the revs climb. These two mods together are often referred to as the "Stage 1" of intake and exhaust upgrades for the 86 platform. Next on the list, and something many enthusiasts swear by, is a short shifter. If you have a manual transmission, this is a must-have. It significantly reduces the throw between gears, making shifts feel much quicker, more precise, and more satisfying. It transforms the driving experience, especially in traffic or during spirited driving. You'll wonder how you ever lived without it! For many, the next logical step is addressing the car's handling. While the stock suspension is good, it can feel a bit soft for aggressive driving or track use. A set of performance lowering springs paired with performance shock absorbers (or even a good set of adjustable coilovers if your budget allows) will dramatically reduce body roll, improve cornering stability, and give your car a more aggressive stance. This upgrade makes a massive difference in how the car feels when you're pushing it. And while we're on the subject of handling, don't overlook stickier tires. Putting a good set of performance tires on your stock wheels, or investing in a nice set of aftermarket wheels with performance rubber, is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for grip and handling. It's the most direct connection you have to the road! For those looking for a bit more power without breaking the bank or delving into forced induction, ECU tuning is a fantastic option. A custom dyno tune can optimize your engine's performance based on the modifications you've already made (like the intake and exhaust). It ensures everything is working in harmony and can unlock a few extra horsepower and torque you wouldn't get from bolt-ons alone. It's like waking up the engine's full potential. So, to recap the essentials: cat-back exhaust, cold air intake, short shifter, suspension upgrades (springs/shocks or coilovers), performance tires, and an ECU tune. These are the mods that most owners find deliver the most significant improvements in sound, feel, and performance for the FT86 and BRZ, making them the perfect starting point for your tuning journey, guys! Get these done, and you'll already have a seriously transformed car.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced FT86/BRZ Tuning

Once you've got those essential FT86 and BRZ modifications dialed in – the sweet exhaust note, the crisp shifts, the sharper handling – you might start craving even more. This is where we venture into advanced tuning territory, and guys, things can get seriously exciting! For those bitten by the power bug, the next big leap is often forced induction. We're talking about turbochargers or superchargers. Adding a turbocharger involves mounting a turbo to your exhaust manifold, which then uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that forces more air into your engine. A supercharger, on the other hand, is belt-driven by the engine itself to achieve the same result of forcing more air in. Both can dramatically increase horsepower and torque, transforming your 86 from a nimble sports car into a genuine pocket rocket. However, this is a significant undertaking. You'll need more than just the turbo or supercharger kit. Supporting modifications are critical for reliability and performance. This typically includes an upgraded fuel system (larger injectors, a higher-flow fuel pump) to supply the extra fuel needed for the increased air, an intercooler to cool the compressed air before it enters the engine (denser air = more power), and a robust ECU tune to manage it all. Ignoring these supporting mods is a recipe for disaster, often leading to engine damage. Professional installation and tuning are highly recommended for forced induction setups. Beyond raw power, engine internals are often upgraded for those pushing their engines to the limit or aiming for extreme power levels. This could involve forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, and upgraded bearings. These components are built to withstand higher cylinder pressures and temperatures than stock parts, offering significantly improved durability and reliability for high-performance applications. Camshaft upgrades can also be explored to alter valve timing and lift, optimizing the engine for more power at higher RPMs. For the serious track enthusiast or autocrosser, big brake kits are an essential upgrade. These kits typically feature larger rotors, multi-piston calipers (like 4-piston or 6-piston), and high-performance brake pads. They provide significantly more stopping power, better heat dissipation, and improved fade resistance, which is crucial when you're consistently pushing your car hard. Upgraded cooling systems, including performance radiators and oil coolers, become vital too, especially if you're tracking your car or driving it aggressively in hot conditions. Keeping engine temperatures in check is paramount for sustained performance and preventing premature wear. Finally, for those who want to take their FT86 or BRZ to the absolute edge of performance, aerodynamic modifications play a huge role. This can range from functional front splitters and side skirts to aggressive rear wings and diffusers. These parts are designed to increase downforce, reduce drag, and improve stability at high speeds. While they look cool, their primary purpose is functional, helping you stick to the track and maintain control when you're going fast. Guys, advanced tuning is a journey that requires careful planning, a significant budget, and a deep understanding of automotive engineering. But the results can be incredibly rewarding, creating a truly unique and high-performing machine that reflects your passion and dedication. Always prioritize safety, reliability, and professional expertise when venturing into these advanced modifications for your beloved 86!

The FT86/BRZ Tuning Community and Resources

One of the coolest things about owning a Subaru BRZ or Toyota FT86 is being part of a massive and passionate tuning community. Seriously, guys, you're never alone when it comes to figuring out mods or troubleshooting issues. These cars have been around for a while now, and an incredible ecosystem of knowledge, parts, and support has sprung up around them. Online forums are your absolute best friend. Websites like FT86Club, NASIOC (for Subaru folks), and various Reddit communities dedicated to the 86 platform are treasure troves of information. You can find detailed build threads from other owners, ask questions about specific parts, get advice on installation, and even find used parts for sale. It’s where you’ll hear about the latest tuning trends, discover new products, and learn from the experiences of thousands of other owners. Don't be shy about posting your questions; the community is generally very welcoming and helpful. Social media is another huge resource. Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook are filled with stunning FT86 and BRZ builds. Following popular 86 builders, tuners, and even parts manufacturers can give you endless inspiration and insight. YouTube is particularly invaluable for DIY guides and reviews. You can find step-by-step installation videos for almost any common modification, which can save you a ton of money on labor and help you feel confident tackling jobs yourself. Watching a review of a particular exhaust or intake before you buy it can also help you make informed decisions. Reputable aftermarket parts manufacturers are also key resources. Companies like HKS, GReddy, Borla, Cobb Tuning, KW Suspensions, Eibach, and many, many others specialize in parts for the 86 platform. Checking out their websites will show you their product offerings, often with detailed specifications and sometimes even performance data. Many of them also have excellent customer support if you have technical questions about their products. When it comes to ECU tuning, finding a reputable tuner is paramount. Look for tuners who have a proven track record with the FA20 engine, often advertised through their social media or forum presence. A good tuner will not only maximize your car's performance but also ensure its reliability and safety. Don't just go for the cheapest tune; invest in quality and peace of mind. Attending local car meets and track days is another fantastic way to connect with the community. You can see other modified 86s in person, talk to their owners directly, and get real-world feedback on modifications. It’s a great way to build friendships and discover new ideas. Finally, always remember to do your research. Before you buy any part, read reviews, watch videos, and ask questions. Understand what the modification does, its potential benefits, and any potential drawbacks. The FT86 and BRZ community is one of the most dedicated out there, and by tapping into these resources, you can ensure your tuning journey is successful, enjoyable, and leads to a car you absolutely love. Happy modding, guys!