There’s a reason the GR86 and BRZ have a cult following—they offer one of the best RWD experiences straight off the showroom floor. But like any great driver’s car, there’s plenty of performance still on the table. Whether you're carving through Old Pac or planning your first Wakefield track day, here are the five mods that actually make a difference—sorted by real driving feel, not internet hype.
1. Cold Air Intake – Let the FA24D Breathe
Out of the box, the factory intake setup on the GR86 and BRZ is… fine. But that’s it—fine. It’s quiet, restrictive, and more about emissions compliance than driver engagement. A proper cold air intake system changes all that. Throttle response sharpens, mid-range torque improves, and the engine finally gets to breathe—and sound—like it wants to.
If you’ve ever wound out second gear on Old Pac or charged into a sweeper at Wakefield, you know how important throttle modulation and airflow consistency can be. A good intake doesn’t just give you more power, it makes the car feel more eager and alive.
Here are two solid options we rate highly:
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🔧 aFe Takeda Momentum Pro 5R Cold Air Intake System:
Built with a massive 360-degree Pro 5R filter and a sealed airbox, this system is designed for performance and heat management. Dyno-tested to deliver real gains—up to +5hp and +7lb-ft—while maintaining clean MAF readings, it’s a smart pick for anyone wanting plug-and-play improvements without triggering check engine lights. -
🔧 PERRIN Cold Air Intake – Neon Yellow:
Aside from the aggressive finish (yes, it looks as wild in person), the PERRIN intake relocates the filter down behind the bumper to draw in cooler air. Expect noticeable throttle response improvements and a solid 7–10 wheel horsepower bump. Plus, it keeps factory AFRs in check thanks to precise tubing diameter and sensor placement.
Both of these kits are built for the FA24’s quirks and give the car the punch and presence it deserves—especially when paired with a quality exhaust and tune down the line.
2. Cat-Back Exhaust – Give It the Voice It Deserves
The stock exhaust on the GR86/BRZ does its job—quietly. But for enthusiasts craving a more engaging auditory experience, a cat-back exhaust system is a transformative upgrade. It not only enhances the vehicle's sound profile but also contributes to performance improvements by reducing backpressure and shedding unnecessary weight.
Here are two standout options available on RevRunners:
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REMARK Sports Touring Cat-Back Exhaust – Burnt Stainless Tips
Crafted from high-quality T304 stainless steel, this system features 2.5-inch mandrel-bent piping and quad 3-inch burnt stainless steel tips, delivering an aggressive yet refined exhaust note. The hand-welded construction ensures durability and a precise fit, while the design maintains a balance between performance and daily drivability. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a noticeable improvement in sound and performance without compromising comfort. -
Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust – Black Chrome Tips
This BORLA® Cat-Back™ system is tuned for performance and sound for the 2.4L engine in the BRZ and GR86. The S-Type sound level is designed to bring out the Subaru engine rumble and provides a moderate sound without any drone. This system features 5" black chrome on T-304 stainless steel tips, offering both aesthetic appeal and durability. It's a direct bolt-on part, ensuring ease of installation without the need for cutting.
Both systems are designed to enhance the driving experience, offering improved sound and performance tailored to the GR86/BRZ platform.
3. Coilover Suspension – Dial In Your Grip and Stance
The GR86 and BRZ are renowned for their balanced chassis, but there's always room for enhancement. Upgrading to a coilover suspension system allows for precise adjustments to ride height and handling characteristics, tailoring the driving experience to your preferences.
Here are two standout options available on RevRunners:
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Bilstein B14 (PSS) Front & Rear Performance Suspension Kit
This kit features monotube dampers with matched springs, offering ride height adjustability in a direct-fit package. The zinc-coated, threaded body design provides flexibility to find the ideal ride height setting for your intended use, while ensuring durability against harsh road elements. Designed and tested in Germany, the B14 kit delivers improved handling, balance, and ride quality, making it a solid choice for both daily driving and spirited track sessions. -
HKS Hipermax MAX S ZN8 Full Kit
Specifically engineered for the 2022+ Toyota GR86, this coilover system features a single-tube damper design for stable damping force and improved handling. The Hipermax MAX S offers adjustable ride height and damping settings, allowing for tailored performance. Constructed from high-quality materials, it ensures durability and reliability under various driving conditions. This kit is ideal for enthusiasts seeking enhanced ride comfort and sporty handling characteristics.
Both systems are designed to enhance the driving experience, offering improved handling and ride quality tailored to the GR86/BRZ platform.
4. Lightweight Wheels + Performance Tyres – The Unsung Heroes
Factory wheels are heavier than they need to be. Dropping unsprung weight with a set of lightweight wheels improves steering feel, acceleration, and braking. Pair that with sticky performance tyres, and now you’ve got real grip.
This mod combo is what connects the car to the road. It’s the difference between skating through a corner and sticking it like a scalpel. Plus, a clean set of wheels will completely change the car’s stance—function and form, without compromise.
5. Chassis Bracing & Sway Bars – Sharpen the Handling
The GR86 and BRZ already handle brilliantly from factory, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be improved. When you start adding speed, grip, and aggressive cornering to the mix, reducing body flex and dialing in chassis stability becomes a big deal. That's where sway bars, bracing, and adjustable suspension arms come in.
Here are some standout options available from RevRunners:
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Eibach 2022 Subaru BRZ Coupe 2.4L Anti-Roll Kit (Front 25mm and Rear 22mm)
A tried-and-tested upgrade, Eibach’s anti-roll kit replaces the factory sway bars with beefier front (25mm) and rear (22mm) units. These bars reduce body roll without compromising comfort, making your car feel flatter and more confident when pushed into corners—perfect for both the street and your weekend Wakefield sprints. -
Perrin 2013+ BRZ/FR-S/86/GR86 Front Strut Brace – Carbon Fiber
Made from lightweight carbon fiber, this front brace reduces chassis flex between the strut towers and delivers sharper steering input. It’s also one of the cleanest visual upgrades for your engine bay—but fair warning, you’ll need to ditch the stock engine cover. -
Perrin 2013+ BRZ/FR-S/86/GR86 Rear Shock Tower Brace – Black
Installing a rear shock tower brace helps to stabilise the back of the car under load, especially noticeable during high-speed transitions or mid-corner bumps. For anyone running the car hard through National Park or Old Pac, this mod pays dividends in rear-end predictability. -
SPL Parts 2013+ Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 Front Lower Control Arms
If you're serious about alignment precision and handling response, these adjustable front lower control arms from SPL are a big step up. Perfect for lowered cars or aggressive track setups, they allow you to correct geometry and fine-tune camber for maximum grip. Built from billet aluminum, they’re race-proven without sacrificing durability.
These chassis-focused mods don’t just make the car feel tighter—they make it feel like it’s finally living up to its potential. Every corner becomes more precise, every input more rewarding.
Final Thoughts:
These aren’t bolt-ons for clout—they’re foundational mods that elevate the GR86/BRZ experience without messing with what makes it great. Start here, and you’ll have a car that’s sharper, more responsive, and more fun—without sacrificing reliability or liveability.
Once you’ve locked these in, the platform’s wide open: headers, ECUs, bushings, aero... but the first five? These are the ones that make it yours, without ruining warranty.
