Just purchased BRZ & the upgrade planning begins...

[Mtechnik]

We should be picking up our new Limited BRZ at the end of the month.

In the mean time, it's the planning period for a few tastefull upgrades, simply to enhace what is already a very competent package. This is not going to be a show car, although may do some time trials & time attack. I have the upgrades ready so when I get her home I can start enjoying everything right from the start.

Now:
- Light weight 17" Wheels (I am not partial to a brand, although want to keep the cost in the $1500 or less range. I think a wheel with a dish or lip would accentuate the wide stance) Would love Rays or Volks, but not spending that kind of money on this car.

- Tires - Replacing the high tread life/mediocure traction OEMs and with Michelin Pilot Super Sports - THE current bench mark street tire onthe market. (Over 5 sec faster around Palm Beach Intl Raceway with just tires alone - GrandAm pro-driver at the wheel - tested 6/2/12) THAT's how BIG of a difference there is with JUST a tire upgrade.

- Suspension - To enhance the handling & lower ride height. Who has even developed a suspension for these yet? Was considering Bilsteins & H&R's, since this is always a great combo or KW V1's.

- Exhaust - TRD looks amazing, although I'm sure there will be a plethora of options available.

- Front Splitter

- Clear front corner lights

- Tint


Future:
- Track pads/rotors/4 pot calipers
- Rear Diffuser (if functional)
- BRZ STi concept style wing
- Mid pipes/freeflow cats


Any input or recomendations are welcome!



Jonathan

[ZmZMWagon]

What's wrong with the OEM Suspension?

[Turbowned]

-The STi front splitter is available but it's ~$500 + shipping from Japan. The rear diffuser ain't cheap either ($7-800) but I definitely want both because they really make the car look great. The diffuser is available at the dealer, but the splitter is not.
-KW has already made coil-overs for this car and a few shops have installed them on their demo cars already. Perrin is developing a complete header-back exhaust system which has been dyno proven (you can follow it on the "engine/exhaust/ecu" section of this forum). There are plenty of other exhaust systems but Perrin seems to be giving the most info and feedback.
-We've been told the OEM brakes are quite good (they're taken from the much heavier WRX), so you should be fine with just pads/fluid/lines.
-STi doesn't make a wing but TRD does; it looks pretty absurd IMO, but it's not unlike the STi or older Celica TRD wings. STi makes a little lip spoiler, and TRD makes a duckbill spoiler. There's also the 5Axis spoiler which is similar to the TRD one.
-As for wheels, pick your poison! I say find the lightest ones you can get, obviously.

Originally Posted by ZmZMWagon

What's wrong with the OEM Suspension?

Sorry, I had to:

[DantKR]

STi wing on this thing? NUTS!

[ZmZMWagon]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

DERP.

??

[Turbowned]

Stupid question; that's why! But I'll answer it: there's nothing wrong with the stock suspension. In fact, it's quite good! However, it's "one size fits all", meaning many people want to change it to alter ride height, damping, spring rates, etc. and customize it to match their driving style.

[ZmZMWagon]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Stupid question, dude. But I'll answer it: there's nothing wrong with the stock suspension. Some people want to change it to alter ride height, damping, spring rates, and customize it to match their driving style.

Oh I apologize. I didt realize it was a stupid question considering this is the best handling car out of the box according to so many people. I just wanted to know whether there was a reason to mess with the perfect setup so early without learning the capabilities.

BTW, is "DERP" the term the kids are using these days? Im out of touch with the youth, sorry.

[ichitaka05]

First, congrats

Now, as for a mods
Coilovers - RS*R has Sports-i coilovers already & Moto-san is enjoying it a lot
Wheels - BBS! lol IDK, just an opinion
Exhaust = Which TRD? USA or JP?
Corner lights - PM Carson Toyota. iirc they're selling JDM ver. & yes, 86 & BRZ uses same corner lights

[Turbowned]

Yeah, I don't know where "derp" came from, but it seems to have stuck. I didn't mean to insult you; just sort of laughed at the question. Anyways, yes it has been regarded as one of the best handling cars, but like any car it is still built with compromises in mind. What feels great for one person may not feel great for another person; especially when you get it out on the track. While I agree the OP should probably drive the car on stock suspension for a while in order to attain a baseline for handling, adjustable suspension will allow him to fine tune the car's handling characteristics to best suit his driving style.

[Mtechnik]

Thanks for the info Tubowned! I will definitely look into the STi splitter, are there any links to pics of this piece? And the TRD rear wing, haven't found an example online yet. Also, the exhaust is very intriguing as the stock unit seems to be very restrictive.

Nothing wrong with the stock suspension, although there is always improvement from an OEM setup designed for the masses & must comply with regulatory requirements.

[Turbowned]

Spend some time poking around the forum and you will find all that you seek

[Mtechnik]

Thx! Just to clarify, I did not mean a WRX STi wing, meant the BRZ STi version perhaps (if it doesn't look huge & ridiculous).

For wheels, after 2nd glance RAYS might not be all that expensive afterall, the Rays 57 Xtreme defintiely look the part. Might just go to a 16x8 setup for the track, and keep the stockers for the street, although will have to see if that fitment is available.

[ESBjiujitsu]

sounds like some good mods to me!!! exactly where I would start! enjoy the car and congrats!!!

[Turbowned]

Here's a link with great pics of the production concept BRZ STi:

http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/01/...z_sti_concept/

That has the STi lip spoiler and front splitter installed, as well as some other goodies.