Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB

- BRZ First-Gen (2012+) — General Topics (https://www.ft86club.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=23)

- - Review of 2015 BRZ suspension changes? (https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74772)

Review of 2015 BRZ suspension changes?

Hi all,

I've looked high and low for a review of the 2015 BRZ suspension changes as compared to the previous two model years.. without much luck. Does anyone have a link to share about this, or personal experience from having driven the two setups back-to-back?

Thanks!

Thanks for the link, this is a thread I'm familiar with.

That thread has a link for a review of the 2015 FR-S suspension, and I saw Tcoat's thread about differences between 2013, 2014 modded, and 2015 FR-S suspensions. I see a lot of speculation about what the new BRZ suspension tuning may or may not be, but I don't see any firsthand experiences or reviews specifically about the 2015 BRZ.

I feel naive assuming that the new 2015 BRZ suspension will be the same as the FR-S.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thismock (Post 1959819)

It's likely not the same as the FR-S, but it is changed from previous BRZ's. Having not driven the 2013 to the limit, I can't comment on that, but just driving down the road the 2015 rides nicer.

Some post quotes from the 2015 BRZ thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvey (Post 1886389)

I've taken both the 2013/2014 and 2015 near and over the limits and I can definitely confirm the 2015 has more level cornering. The 2015 susp. is definitely better at keeping the tire contact patch to the road. Something very easy to feel given how easily it was to slip in the 2013/2014 with the stock tires. Also 2015 seems to have slightly better turn in, and easier to throttle oversteer, which is something I really like. A quick lane change at speed manuever is much more settled than the old susp - better rebound characteristics. And everything is still more comfy than a Cayman when running over bump. Cayman is like boom boom smack smack, although the super nice fluffy Porsche seats help absorb the impacts.

Bottom line is that if I had gone with a 2013/2014, I definitely would have switched the suspension - almost but just not quite there. Whereas with the 2015, I am totally happy with the susp. as a street and maybe occasional track car. It's an incremental improvement, but it's just really dialed in. And I did not feel that way with the 2013/2014.

The possible bad part is that the 2015 susp. is so dialed in that I don't want to change anything like lower it. But lowering is kinda dumb and a PIA around where I live and work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cslntuee (Post 1863097)

It looks like the change related to the suspension is more than the list
as below. (Bolt& Shock Absorber)

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1661589&postcount=48

It also wrote "New suspension mounts, and using lower-friction oil, oil seals and guide bushings, have decreased body roll and increased handling stability" in the article.

Any idea what part number for those which potentially we also can
upgrade by ourselves without buying 2015 model?

Thanks.

I don't have enough posts yet to be able to officially thank, so I'll just say it here: thank you!

Not sure how I missed those posts, they're both very helpful.

Just so you know the Car is still really spartan with the suspension change since there is very little sound deadening + how hard it is.

Is there less sound deadening than MY2013 or 2014? I would be very surprised if that's the case.

With that said, I know the car is a purpose-built sports car: comfort and a quiet ride aren't a high priority.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaoskaze (Post 1960726)

Just so you know the Car is still really spartan with the suspension change since there is very little sound deadening + how hard it is.

Depends which one you get. Series.Blue with the JDM underbody panels does quiet it down a bit. The suspension is stiff (duh, it's a sports car), but not "hard" or harsh by a long shot.

Comparing it to a Camry or something, sure it's loud and hard compared to that. Compare it to a Miata, which was the target for this car to beat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaoskaze (Post 1960726)

Just so you know the Car is still really spartan with the suspension change since there is very little sound deadening + how hard it is.

If you haven't already, plug the sound tube. Makes a surprisingly huge difference.

the 2015 changes i've found are basically a larger shoulder on a few bolts and most every 2014 seems to already have had this change. supposedly they revalved the shocks on the brz but 99% of you guys will notice no difference performance wise.