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March 4, 2026
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ (2022+) represent the second generation of one of the purest modern enthusiast platforms. Powered by Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA24D it gives a nice bump in horsepower, and of course, gets rid of the nasty torque dip that plagued the first generations.
The GR86/BRZ is truly a driver’s car. It rewards momentum and responds incredibly well to chassis tuning. From subtle daily driver upgrades to fully prepped track builds, this platform responds incredibly well to the right combination of suspension, wheels, tires, and carefully chosen bolt-ons.
So how do you modify one of these properly? Let’s get into it.
Like we always say, a smart build focuses on improving the car’s strengths first: balance, handling, and driver feel. You’re free to go in whatever direction you like, but this is the order we typically recommend:
Yes, this is a real thing, and we’ve experienced it first-hand. From the factory, there is an excessive amount of RTV used for gaskets all over this engine. Causing flakes of it to break off and eventually find their way to the oil pan and the oil pickup. Over time, the pieces of RTV collect on the screen of the oil pickup and could potentially cause an oil starvation issue. We highly recommend dropping the oil pan of your car if it has not been done already, to clean out any of the RTV that could have gathered on the screen of the oil pickup. We did this on our own GR86 and pulled out a surprising amount. If you are going to be tracking this car or looking at pushing more power out of it, this is a must-do to have some peace of mind.
If there’s one thing that this chassis responds well to, it’s suspension tuning. The GR86 / BRZ already has a fantastic foundation, and the right suspension setup is exactly what it needs to lock in what this car was made to do.
A proper coilover setup lowers the center of gravity and tightens up the chassis without ruining daily drivability (unless you want to).
If you don’t need full adjustability, lowering springs are a cost-effective way to improve stance and slightly reduce body roll.
The stock sway bars on the GR86 and BRZ are decent for daily driving and spirited corners, but there’s definitely room to improve chassis balance and cornering precision. If you want to reduce understeer and tighten up the car’s feel in turns, an upgraded rear sway bar is a simple and effective first step. For those looking to fully sharpen handling, upgrading both the front and rear sway bars along with adjustable control arms is our recommended approach.
While 5×100 has been tricky to shop for in the past, most aftermarket wheel brands have accommodated this platform very well over the years thanks to how popular it has become. Choosing the right set of wheels might be one of the most important choices you make for modifying these cars since they really set off the entire tone of the build itself.
The GR86 and Subaru BRZ have quickly become one of the most modified vehicles on the market today, which is one of the reasons why the aftermarket support is so plentiful. That makes choosing which parts to go with a bit tricky. Here’s what we would recommend:
If you’re upgrading the full exhaust, consider new front pipes and overpipes. They can be pricey and offer catalytic converter delete options (off-road use only).
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are incredibly rewarding cars to modify because every upgrade you make translates directly to a more engaging driving experience. From shoring up the chassis with sway bars and control arms, dialing in the right wheels and tires, to carefully chosen bolt-ons and exhaust upgrades, each step enhances the car’s natural balance and driver-focused character. Whether you’re building a subtle daily driver or a fully prepped track machine, the key is to take a thoughtful, staged approach. Improve the car’s strengths first, then add power and flair where it counts. At the end of the day, a well-rounded GR86 or BRZ build isn’t just about numbers on a dyno, it’s about making a car that’s fun, responsive, and truly yours.
Alex Gelina "Also Known as Gels"