Single, simple mod for a bit more boost
 

What is the best single, simple modification that you can do to a 86/BRZ without forced induction, that can give a boost in power?

My dad says it is the cold air intake system, other thoughts and votes? And experience with cold air intakes on the 17+ 86/BRZ?

A cold air intake is going to give you minimal gains. The intake on these cars is already so well engineered.


The best bang for buck mods have already been covered on this forum all over the place, try the search feature out.

For what you want it would be three options:
1. ECU tune aka Open Flash Tune or equivalent
2. Free flow exhaust aka Headers and muffler
3. E85 fuel.

All those can be done with under $1000 give or take if it's on sale/used what not.

As for personal preference, neither are not worth the price for the gains. If you want power that is worth it, save up or bite the bullet and get a turbo/super charger. But that's just my opinion.

As for the cold air intake, that's really for pre direct injection cars. Ours are pretty good from the factory.

Drop-in filter and Stage 2+ E85 tune w/ stock headers via the Open Flash Tablet. ~$550

Get a tune. Best thing for your cars health, absolutely. Also your best standalone gain. And it doesn't make your car sound/smell like trash.

I saw good gain from header and tune prior to going FI. E85 is a good gain as well if it available in your area. Cold air intake is a waste of money in my past experience.

I too would say a tune. There are several options with a canned tune. If you are thinking forward toward Fi then get one from one of the big boys that can supply a future tune using what you already have.

Tune, hands down. Get an Open Flash Tablet. Ideally along with an uncatted UEL header so you can run stage 2.

easy.

sell it and buy something with a larger motor.

Good feedback, I knew each platform has distinct differences and this comment was maybe just from the hip. The OEM intake system is simple and beautifully designed.

How much of a difference would a drop-in filter make? I'm not expecting crazy gains obviously, but just curious because I've heard aftermarket intake systems weren't worth it. Pretty cheap and I could spend a little bit more on some headers to go along with the tune.

While I don't think the stage 1 tune I run has given me any more hp it has helped smooth the torque curve out quite a bit. This has helped the driveability and made it feel better. It also helped with mpg a little bit as the engine wasn't in the dip zone in normal highway driving.

As others have said if you can only pick one get a tune. Open Flash tablet is good enough without physical mods.


Headers and a tune really wake this up if you can spring for 2 mods.