My first performance mod?
 

So I am looking into my first mod for my new BRZ.

The thing I have been noticing is that even on very small spirited rides, it gets a bit tuckered out... I am at a loss of words on how best to explain it quickly. But it doesn't shift as quickly, accelerate as quickly, feel as zippy.

So with a ton of talk of engine oil temps being the culprit of many issues, I am wondering if my first mod should be an oil cooler?

More specifically a Cusco since I am living in Detroit and will be driving the BRZ in the winter.

Other thoughts?

The answer is always tires.

1. get rid of those hideous wheels.
2. put good tires on the new wheels.
3. OFT and E85

+1. But burn thru your stock set first. Those tires are a lot of fun.

Also, there's an 86 driving academy coming this month, a worthwile investment. I know this is not a mechanical part. But 'you' are still part of the car ;)

https://www.facebook.com/86DDA?fref=ts

1) Driver Mod: Track days, AutoX, Seat Time, etc.
2) Tires
3) E85 and Tune

The only answer is Forced Induction.

The OEM tires have a mileage warranty on them...wear them out and have the money put towards MPSS's


But that's not really what the OP was asking since it sounds like he's got an auto and it's not being as aggressive while hot.

Always upgrade the weakest component first:

1) Driver Mod: Track days, AutoX, Seat Time, etc.
2) Alignment
3) Brakes
4) Tires

I really doubt it would be an issue with the oil temps if you are just doing some spirited driving on public roads, but I could be wrong...

I'd get a tune first, it makes the most difference and is the best bang for the buck. Just use the OEMs until winter hits, get winter tires and then come next spring get sticker tires and maybe wheels at the same time? unless you have another car for winter then meh.
As someone mentioned, the OEMs have just enough grip to be fun, not to mention good MPG. They are good enough to learn on.

My 2 cents

Good luck!

OT: for the mileage warranty, do you just complain to the dealer? :)

I suggest long travel rally suspension for Michigan roads

Seafoam. ;)

If you don't buy that, throw in a K/N and a Perrin inlet hose. You will feel like you are faster. Don't bother with an oil cooler.

In short - just go FI + e85/flex fuel.

Don't listen to anybody and do what you feel you need/want to do to the car first! :D

Personally, unless your really driving this hard an Oil Cooler won't make much of a difference. It will even be cooling the oil when your not driving the car hard and in the winter which can have other issues. Tuning is where I'd start, optimize it for what you have and see if you can log what's happening when the car is acting "less spirited" and take it from there.