Thinking of getting a BRZ

[JayChris]

I am new to this group and i currently do not own a BRZ, I drive a newer E350 Mercedes coupe. I wouldn't consider myself a car expert because I am used to driving newer cars with no custom work or anything but any advice is greatly appreciated. I am still keeping the Mercedes but I am looking to buy a used BRZ and do some custom work to it. I would most likely be putting a body kit on it (like a matte grey wrap), i am not to fond off slamming it and making it super low, although if it gets slightly lower i am okay with that. I realize the speed is a lot slower, but i am thinking of a Cossworth stage two supercharger to add to it, making the speed a little better. I am wondering everyones thoughts on that and if there are a lot of problems with the supercharge and BRZ in general. I am doing BRZ because i love the look and for 15-18k i can get a slightly used one and have budget left over for custom work

[improvius]

How much time have you spent driving one? Serious question, because I wouldn't make plans for performance upgrades until after you've been behind the wheel for a while. You might even be satisfied with the stock power.

[spike021]

Originally Posted by JayChris

I realize the speed is a lot slower, but i am thinking of a Cossworth stage two supercharger to add to it, making the speed a little better. I am wondering everyones thoughts on that and if there are a lot of problems with the supercharge and BRZ in general. I am doing BRZ because i love the look and for 15-18k i can get a slightly used one and have budget left over for custom work

I have no problems getting up to 80 at least and I could easily push it further.

If anything the acceleration can be "slow" if you're in the torque dip range. But the car itself isn't slow.

[Azzudien]

It is a good project car and there is a large aftermarket available which is nice. Highly recommend getting one and then driving it for awhile before you spend any money on modifications.
I bought one new and had several thoughts on things I wanted to do, but after I actual started driving it that list changed quite a bit. Thoughts of power and engine mods all changed to suspension and brakes.

My car is quickly turning into a track car. Just hit 3000 miles, and already has 5 Track days on it and 1 autox. Ideas put on back burner for now that where some of the first things I wanted to dobefore buying car.
1. Forced Induction
2. Exhaust
3. Tune/Flex Fuel

Actual Mods that have happened instead
1. Camber bolts/Alignment
2. Ferodo DS2500 pads
3. Wheels and tires (ordered not on yet)

As you can see, after driving the list changed dramatically and also got way way cheaper.

[JayChris]

I have test drove them and have drove friends BRZ's. My brother owns a 2017 C63s so i am used to driving the power. I would most likely get the BRZ in the next week or two and order the kit too. if you type BRZ in google and go to images, you will see a matte grey one with custom accessories, that is sort of what i am among for look-wise. I am assuming i would have to buy the Kit and matte wrap it and the car then apply it. but as far as the supercharger i could drive it stock for a while and then add it. Is the cossworth the easiest way to gain HP and speed?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by JayChris

I am new to this group and i currently do not own a BRZ, I drive a newer E350 Mercedes coupe. I wouldn't consider myself a car expert because I am used to driving newer cars with no custom work or anything but any advice is greatly appreciated. I am still keeping the Mercedes but I am looking to buy a used BRZ and do some custom work to it. I would most likely be putting a body kit on it (like a matte grey wrap), i am not to fond off slamming it and making it super low, although if it gets slightly lower i am okay with that. I realize the speed is a lot slower, but i am thinking of a Cossworth stage two supercharger to add to it, making the speed a little better. I am wondering everyones thoughts on that and if there are a lot of problems with the supercharge and BRZ in general. I am doing BRZ because i love the look and for 15-18k i can get a slightly used one and have budget left over for custom work

[Azzudien]

Originally Posted by JayChris

I have test drove them and have drove friends BRZ's. My brother owns a 2017 C63s so i am used to driving the power. I would most likely get the BRZ in the next week or two and order the kit too. if you type BRZ in google and go to images, you will see a matte grey one with custom accessories, that is sort of what i am among for look-wise. I am assuming i would have to buy the Kit and matte wrap it and the car then apply it. but as far as the supercharger i could drive it stock for a while and then add it. Is the cossworth the easiest way to gain HP and speed?

I am definitely not going to open that can of worms as to what is easiest way to gain HP, so I will kindly point you in this direction

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=78

[Summerwolf]

This car is definitely a good project car. It is a good basis, and with plenty of FI options available and MANY different setups running around you should be able to find the answers to your questions. The cosworth kit is not the most common kit out there, and if you're planning on that anyways....look in to the edelbrock. Supercharging is not the easiest way to make power though, most "high hp" setups are turbo. You have got to determine what your priority is.... high hp, reliability, ease of install, etc, etc.


Bodykits right off the bat, lame. Power mods right off the bat, almost a requirement.... Do the right mods the first time. Don't waste money on stupid shit.

[JayChris]

Originally Posted by Summerwolf

This car is definitely a good project car. It is a good basis, and with plenty of FI options available and MANY different setups running around you should be able to find the answers to your questions. The cosworth kit is not the most common kit out there, and if you're planning on that anyways....look in to the edelbrock. Supercharging is not the easiest way to make power though, most "high hp" setups are turbo. You have got to determine what your priority is.... high hp, reliability, ease of install, etc, etc.


Bodykits right off the bat, lame. Power mods right off the bat, almost a requirement.... Do the right mods the first time. Don't waste money on stupid shit.

Thank you for the advice, but would it be pointless to add a turbo if i eventually do a supercharge? because i would hate to spend the money on a turbo or two and realize I need more and have to get rid of turbo's. Generally what do turbo's add vs supercharges?

[8RZ]

Civic Type R /endthread.

[JD001]

Forget the BRZ as it will be too slow for you. If I was you I would go for the Toyota GT86 as the car is much, much, much quicker due to it having more aerodynamic badging, more aggressive front spoiler that acts as a vortex/vacuum thingy creating a air flow bubble just in front of the Scion/Toyota badge hence helping it cleave a clean shape through the air... and GT on any car adds kudos!

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by Summerwolf

Power mods right off the bat, almost a requirement....

Not a requirement unless you're trying to race Mustangs red light to red light. In which case, you're doin' it wrong.

[Ernest72]

Having done these types of project cars many times, here is my advice.
Buy car and drive stock for a few months. Then upgrade one thing at a time so you can feel or not feel the difference. If its just a DD and some spirited driving, the stock suspension may be fine. Probably get better tires, that makes the biggest difference.

As for power - I would do a stage 1 plus exhaust of your choice depending on noise level, drive awhile then stage 2 with a header (UEL for subie rumble and low/mid torque, EL for HP.) After that maybe FI - supercharger or turbo.

This could take years or months depending on how crazy you get. The mod bug is a terrible disease and many of us are afflicted.

[Summerwolf]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

Not a requirement unless you're trying to race Mustangs red light to red light. In which case, you're doin' it wrong.

Why is that the only situation this car can benefit from added power?!?!?