BRZ DRIVEN FULL REVIEW (lowering springs pics too)

[blu_]

They are a bit lacking for a 3300lb car that isn't slow, especially in stock form, but should be fine on this car... like you said, especially with pads.

[DeepHunta]

Originally Posted by iLuveKetchup

IMHO, Subaru WRX/STi are the lowest metric to compare to. I wonder how this compares to Elise, s2k, or Miata.

Agreed! the FR layout of the BRZ should be compared to other lighweight FR's...miata and s2k are the closest. Another oldie may be the first generation bmw z3's.

But very very good review! I am very happy about the official weight with a full tank of gas. I'm guessing that's with all the fluids as well?...sooo gross weight just under 2800 lbs?

Super excited to test drive this soon...hopefully end of April. Test driving a John Cooper Works tomorrow though so I'm gonna use that as a benchmark.

Does RCE ship parts all over the US? How about Seattle? It looks like I'm getting springs, pads, and flywheel from you guys.

[Grip Ronin]

your choice of words is pretty good lol

[Subie4life]

I couldn't have agreed with you more. Great write up and perception and capability of this car. I just hope owners will really track this car and not make it just commuter car. Then there will be the immature wanna be boulevard warriors who are gonna make every attempt to embarrass the BRZ 200 hp at every stop light. And am sure a few disgruntle Subaru "AWD or nothing" crowd will flex their STi muscle to further make light of the BRZ power.

So gang, get your car to the track and put it through the paces it was created for. This simply is one of the best track potential cars I've seen to hit the U.S. market in decades. So, please track it.

[Lordharding]

Excellent review

I don't need a test drive on this car
I trust the professional journalists ,tuners and other speciialists that have driven it who are better qualified then us

I have not read anything negative about this car which is great

[jamsbong]

it is great to hear that the car has good brakes or generous brake package. So no need to upgrade unless you're going extreme.

I'm also really please to hear that the car is made to be fun without adding lots of horsepower. Usually, add more HP = more fun. The easy no-brainer solution. However, Subaru try the hard way this time around with incredible handling and lightweight agility to fulfil the fun factor. Like Lotus but at a fraction of the price and better interior (Lotus is well-known for its spartan interior).

This is really cool because that was what the essence of the AE86 is about. the tiny weak engine that is able to challenge big guns with 2x the engine capacity and power on the twisties!

Although I wish there is the boxer rumble included. But what I read was the un-equal exhaust length is the reason why the rumble occurs. performance wise and longevity wise, it is better to have the equal length exhaust and thus gone are the rumble noise.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by jamsbong

Although I wish there is the boxer rumble included. But what I read was the un-equal exhaust length is the reason why the rumble occurs. performance wise and longevity wise, it is better to have the equal length exhaust and thus gone are the rumble noise.

Not a lot of Subarus actually have unequal length headers. I've believe SOHC N/A engines of yore were equal length and JDM STI also had equal length twin-scroll headers. It doesn't sound like an inline-4, but it doesn't sound like your usual WRX/STI either.

[mrtodd]

Thanks for the writeup!! Some very good and informative info going on in this thread. Which leads me to ask, how do you guys know the weight of the stock wheels? Not doubting your credibility, just curious.

[jamsbong]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Not a lot of Subarus actually have unequal length headers. I've believe SOHC N/A engines of yore were equal length and JDM STI also had equal length twin-scroll headers. It doesn't sound like an inline-4, but it doesn't sound like your usual WRX/STI either.

This is my experience when I was young and didn't know much about cars. I was walking down the street one night. Then suddenly I heard this distinct rumble as the car gently accelerate away from still. It grabbed my attention and I turned my head. Turns out to be a Subaru WRX. If it was a Honda or Silvia with a noisy cannon exhaust, I would have felt annoyed and wanted to getaway from the awful noise.

But the distinct rumble was an instant conclusion that it was cool. I bet there will be ppl who would sacrifice some top end for this rumble noise.

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by mrtodd

Thanks for the writeup!! Some very good and informative info going on in this thread. Which leads me to ask, how do you guys know the weight of the stock wheels? Not doubting your credibility, just curious.

Had this pointed out to me in a thread when I couldn't believe the weight:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...7&postcount=44

9.1kg under the 17" wheel.

[NYC BRZ]

Great write up! I can't wait for mine to come in so I can Autocross with it this season. I was thinking a good set of dunlop star specs will be grea for it.

My biggest question is can a 225 fit up front? From what I've read journalists are saying 215 max up front. Being a suspension guy can you confirm or debunk that? I was going to run 225 all around this season.

[NYC BRZ]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Gotta take that poop right before your autocross run too, bro!

My secret is out!

[nipponpower]

A pound or two is worth something on the track...

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by NYC BRZ

Great write up! I can't wait for mine to come in so I can Autocross with it this season. I was thinking a good set of dunlop star specs will be grea for it.

My biggest question is can a 225 fit up front? From what I've read journalists are saying 215 max up front. Being a suspension guy can you confirm or debunk that? I was going to run 225 all around this season.

If you look at the SPEEDHUNTERS pics of the actual STI running prototype..they have 215/45-18's on the front on a 7.5inch rim and a 48 offset. There is 20mm of inner front clearance between the strut perch and the actual RIM. If you look at our photos of the LOWERED car on an angle I feel strongly that a 235/40-18 would work up front and with a lower offset(38mm) you could do even more,.......especially with front camber dialed in.

I think the key to this car will be tire choice. I think on such a lite weight platform lower profile tires(like a 225/40-18) wont offer enough side wall. I think its going to need some sidewall to be forgiving on the street and with good pressures I also think track use would benefit from a decent sidewall. From there it gets pretty technical.

Thats my take on it.