[Jordan Silveira]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

I have the sti flexible tower bar, a couple of longer sti bolts for the steering and the rear crossmember and a couple of sti rubber inserts. It is as you said, nothing world changing. You feel some difference at first, but then you get used to it. The thing is that this car was pretty good from factory and all these things offer just some small improvements.

Very astute point fine sir. I think that's a great way to think about it. The car is damn near untouchable on the handling and refinement of driver experience at this price point. As many have said, the next best handling car may be the Cayman and you're looking at double the price.

As much of an open canvas as many people say it is, I feel that lends itself way more to the aesthetics side of the car as opposed to the performance and feel of the car. That's something I'm trying to be incredibly meticulous about, which is to not upset the balance and feel of the car as it came because it is so refined and exact in its precision when handling.

Admittedly, it is quite a bummer to hear you've done many of these things and it's hardly noticeable but I guess I should've expected that. As I said, I think the only thing that truly changes this car is going forced induction. Then again, you're changing one of the key parts of the car's DNA, the way it breathes. As such, it's expected to see it change so much. I had the pleasure of driving in a Harrop equipped BRZ and let me tell you, that is addicting like no other. I won't monger like many others about how "slow" the platform is because in traffic filled Southern California I barely get to use "speed" or "torque". It is certainly lacking in overall performance output from the engine though. That I will admit. Adding a SC like the Harrop kit makes me giddy at the thought.

Lastly, not to cause too much of a shit storm here and I guess it won't because it's on my build thread but I'd love to get your opinion on throttle body modifications and pulley alterations you've done. I know it's a controversial issue in other parts of the forum but I'm an open book I'd like to hear your take on it. As opposed to everyone else saying it's wasted money (which may or may not be true). From an outsider's perspective, they seem like modifications that would be icing on the cake at best. The last of the last things I would pursue in changing the car. The reason for that is like anything else we've discussed, the changes it adds are probably minimal and hardly noticeable. Moreover, at least with other things like the STi bit you may not get much change from them but at least they are aesthetic improvements as well.

Thanks @nikitopo and I greatly look forward to hearing your response.