Wheels first. Then sell the stock wheels to help pay for the exhaust.

Definitely agree bud. If only money grew on trees. :sigh:

After all this discussion, I'll definitely be saving for a wheel/tire/drop combo to get it all done at once. I've been doing small mods here and there (smoked tails, rear fog, struts) but exhaust will be my first major mod.

Definitely exhaust first. It's a visual and aural 2 for 1.

Getting new wheels at this point is just throwing money away in the form of your almost new Michelin tires. I'd upgrade the rolling stock when the tires are worn out (or if you're impatient at least 50% worn!).

:party0030:

Light rims and grippy tires would be my first choice, UEL Headers would be second, then a catback.

The rims will change the look of the car, and the tires will improve how well it corners. Exhaust just changes the sound behind your car. Have you plugged your sound tube? If not, you'll still be hearing that louder than your tailpipe.

If you're lowered already then wheels! If not then exhaust since wheels and not lowered just looks silly. Esp if you're getting Forgestars assuming you'd get something pretty wide

One thing you have to consider also is the winter and winter tires. I don't know your situation so this may not apply to you at all but I have to make that consideration. I need winter tires and I don't want to change out my tires every season. My plan is to wear down the stocks (by having a lot of fun going sideways of course) then get some Conti or Blizzacs on those and saving up to get light wheels and new tires for next summer.

If you have to make a winter consideration anyway, that might seal it for you.

I liked the idea of exhaust first, then wheels/drop... Hearing that exhaust every morning puts a smile on my face- plus it adds to the looks too(double win).

Get some use out of your stock rims/tires. I would upgrade rims once your ready to replace your tires and you can usually get a deal when you purchase together. The way this car looks and sounds with a nice upgraded exhaust is impressive. I just went with a simple GReddy SP elite and I'm just going to dip the rims until my tires are worn and then upgrading . Either way I think you'll be happy.

cheers,
sean

Ask any motor sport guru of bike,cars or trucks. Tires and rims are the first and best chose. Better tires, lighter rim equals faster car, better handling and better traction. But as many point out this car should be lowered a little bit. I need to look in to that.
But I'm just to addicted to a good exhaust sound. So, yes I'm going with exhaust system. Just 17000 more miles to new tires and rims, lol

Exhaust should be done first. The stock rims look fine as is, and aren't that much of a priority. The stock exhaust however, is way too small and pathetic looking and sounds way too quiet.

I lowered and put on new exhaust on the same day.
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Well down here in Texas, we don't really have winters very often. Haha My all seasons on my s14 usually withstand whatever winter we do have though so I assume 86 stocks will suffice. Thanks!

Looks nice bud! What did you lower them on? I was thinking of getting CKS coilovers but havent been able to track down a dealer.

First big (or biggish) drop for me on any car is the rims. Its a game changer. Not as much as lowering this car but a game changer none the less. You only need to buy an axle back to make this car sound good so Ide drop big on wheels and small on axle back (maybe at the same time).

swift springs. 1" lowered.

Springs

The rims looks nice man. I would choose the exhaust cuz im my opinion its a bit quiet.

Exhaust. This cars is in desperate need of an exhaust.

seriously, that puny stock exhaust with that giant hole makes me wanna cry every time i look at it

That was why I always refused to install the rear diffuser kit until I could get a new exhaust. I told my friend my car was crying for bigger exhaust tips to fill in those gaps!

Ark Grip or DTS. Someone is selling them for good deals. Check member classified. Maybe Perrin or Nameless if you don't mind the size 4".

Agree 100%

I don't even mind the stock wheels much although the gap is kind of big and they could be wider. They actually look fine to me. Exhaust is more bang for your buck :) (and if you like loud go Evo3... yeahhh.. beautiful noise)

First thing I did was wheels, tires, and coilovers with a 1.5" drop.

Exhaust will go on once I get my turbo kit. I figure I'm not going to get an exhaust until the car has enough guts to accelerate quickly and sound good.

I see so many cars with coffee can exhausts and automatics that sound all loud but take 2 years to accelerate from stoplights, IMO nothing is worse.

Unfortunately, our FRS/BRZ's are so gutless, they are not much better. All sloppy and NOJOE.

Spent Saturday at the Subaru Challenge at the SIA plant. Saw maybe 6 or 7 of the fastest naturally aspirated BRZs in the Midwest. This car can really sound good with the right exhaust and looks good with wheels! In the end, best tires and smooth driving was the winner.