|
Tatsu333's 2020 BRZ Sport Tech RS
EDIT 2025.09.27: Updated mods list again
EDIT 2023.10.25: Updated this first post to include the current mods list and the most current photo to compare with the beginning of the journey. Original first post included below... ;) EDIT 2023-03-03: I guess I should kind of say what the idea behind this car is for me, so here goes. It's my daily driver year-round, including some frequent runs down some fun back roads with less-than-ideal pavement, and will see the track a few times per year. So the goal for me is to make this car as capable and comfortable on twisty back roads as possible in all but the worst road conditions, and have it still be enjoyable (or at least "better than tolerable") in daily driving as well. So - no rock-hard track suspension or lots of rigid bracing, loud exhaust or peaky power. I'm looking more for a supple, stable and grippy chassis with a (relatively) flexible powerband, and enough power to have fun but not easily overwhelm the grip / traction. Current Mods List: Suspension/Brakes:
Wheels/Tires:
Powertrain:
Exterior:
Interior:
Planned Future Mods List: Suspension/Brakes:
Wheels/Tires:
Powertrain:
Exterior:
Interior:
Removed / Retired Mods List:
CURRENT PHOTOS (after springs and top mounts installed and settled): https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w ...and another recent shot showing the rear with the exhaust tip extenders installed: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w ORIGINAL POST: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w Our new 2020 BRZ Sport Tech RS in Pure Red on the showroom floor. We take delivery this week! I've been shopping these cars since they first came out back in 2013, but just couldn't pull the trigger for one reason or another. Got as close as putting a deposit down on a 2017 Inazuma Edition (Series.Yellow in the US), but backed out. I'm not a fan of the look of the 2nd gen, even though I'm sure that dynamically it will be a superior vehicle, and this was going to be the last opportunity to buy a 1st gen BRZ new, so the time finally came to "fish or cut bait"...LOL. I have some mods planned, but they may take a while...will update here with each mod I do. ;) |
Good choice, and the best colour as well.
|
Picked up our new BRZ today!
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w ...and just a few hours later, the first mod goes on - Grimmspeed Hood Lift Kit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w |
...AND...as I posted the picture, I realized I have the brackets on the wrong sides. The bolt side is supposed to be the inner side...LOL. I'll fix it tomorrow. ;)
|
OK - let's try this again...Grimmspeed Hood Struts, installed the right way around:
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w Mod #2: Swapped out the stock 215/45-17 Michelin Primacy HP's for 225/45-17 Pirelli P-Zero All Season Plus (from my Tiburon): https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w Mod #3: Grimmspeed Master Cylinder Brace. Had a minor panic when I dropped one of the bolts and it fell down between the aluminum under-panel and the cross-member. Ended up popping the clips on the plastic shroud and was able to get to it, but what should have been a 10-minute job ended up taking 45 to an hour, and a lot of swearing...LOL! Here's the pic: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w Finally, here's a shot with my new BRZ in the foreground, and my 2006 Hyundai Tiburon Tuscani (which I've owned since new, and it now only has 106,000 kms / 66,000 miles on it) in the background: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w Having driven them back to back on the exact same set of tires, I can say that my Tiburon is definitely faster and corners harder than my BRZ stock, but the Tiburon has 14+ years of tweaking and tuning behind it to get it there. It was definitely a fun project, but the BRZ has a LOT more potential, and I no longer have to deal with 14-year-old car problems. ;) |
Next couple of mods - car just came back from getting the Xpel paint protection film put on the front bumper, full hood, front quarter fenders and mirrors.
Now that's done, I can finally mount my front license plate with the Grimmspeed License Plate Relocation Kit: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w ...and my Weathertech floor liners (for the front row only) also arrived today: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w |
suhweet!
|
A couple more mods done today. This will probably be it for a little while, though I do have a couple more things waiting to be installed (STI Short Shift Kit, OEM autodimming rear view mirror w/compass). I want to just spend some time DRIVING the car and getting used to it! ;)
Scion FR-S OEM Splash Guards (front and rear): https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w OEM / STI Front Underspoiler: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=2500w All installed with help from justinco's YouTube videos: https://youtu.be/MH6LzryETZk https://youtu.be/vR9McA67ptU |
loved watching justins vids back when he had a brz! really helpful stuff especially his wheels and exhaust videos!
|
Quote:
One note RE: installing the front lip - rather than stepping up in drill bit sizes, I used a 3/8" brad point drill bit (a woodworking bit, that has a sharp point in the centre to keep it from wandering and sharp outer edges to score a clean hole edge) and just drilled each hole once. When I use those type of bits, I always start the hole with drill running in reverse to score the surface/hole edges first, then run it forwards to finish the hole. Worked great on the nice, soft bumper material, but those bits are no good for metal, just an FYI... Also, when installing the rear splash guards, my car didn't have the holes in the bumper edge pre-drilled, but they were very clearly marked, so easily done. |
No pics for this one, but latest mod is replacing all the incandescent bulbs in the interior, license plate lights and reverse lights with Philips Ultinon LED's.
No idea why Subaru would not put LED's in there in the first place, what with the headlights and taillights being full LED on the 2017+ models... Haven't bothered swapping the side marker bulbs yet - I'll wait until I get the JDM clear side markers sometime next year and put amber LED bulbs in them. |
Quote:
dont forget the trunk! |
Quote:
|
Oh man, props to you for getting weather mats installed pronto. My carpet is irreversibly damaged and has the dreaded salt hump.
Best car, best color... great work! I'd say your patience was rewarded |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:28 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
User Alert System provided by
Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Lite) -
vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2026 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.