We’re Spending $15,000 To Make Our Subaru BRZ Faster: Video

We’re staring down the barrel of a serious performance project. Fifteen thousand dollars. That’s the number swirling in our heads as we contemplate the transformation of our humble Subaru BRZ. It’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about pushing the limits of what this already fun car can achieve. We’re talking about turning a spirited street car into a serious track day contender. The goal? To shave seconds off lap times and experience the pure joy of a perfectly balanced, highly responsive machine. This journey, meticulously documented in a soon-to-be-released video, will take you through every bolt tightened, every wire spliced, and every dyno pull as we chase the ultimate performance gains. (I can already hear the turbo spooling!) The initial plan involves focusing on key areas: engine enhancements, suspension refinements, and braking improvements.

The beauty of the Subaru BRZ lies in its inherent balance and communicative chassis. It’s a platform begging for more power and grip. However, simply throwing horsepower at it isn’t the answer. We’re aiming for a holistic approach, ensuring each modification complements the others, creating a harmonious and predictable driving experience. Think improved throttle response, sharper turn-in, and unwavering braking performance – all essential ingredients for a truly rewarding track experience. We’re not just adding parts; we’re crafting a symphony of performance. We’ve been researching and planning this for months, poring over forum threads, talking to tuners, and watching countless videos (yes, including those shaky GoPro uploads from amateur racers).

The video itself is going to be a deep dive into the process. From the initial tear-down to the final tuning session, we’ll be capturing every step, every challenge, and every moment of exhilaration. We want to share our knowledge and experience with fellow enthusiasts, providing valuable insights and practical tips for anyone considering similar modifications. Expect detailed explanations of each component, before-and-after comparisons, and plenty of on-track footage to showcase the results. (Seriously, the sound of that exhaust note will give you goosebumps!) We hope this project inspires others to unleash the full potential of their own BRZs.

Engine Upgrades: Breathing New Life

The heart of any performance build is, of course, the engine. The Subaru BRZ‘s FA20 engine, while capable, leaves room for improvement, especially in the horsepower department. Our strategy involves enhancing airflow and optimizing combustion to extract maximum power gains.

We are installing a complete exhaust system, from header to tailpipe, designed to reduce backpressure and improve exhaust scavenging. Think of it as unclogging a stuffy nose – the engine can breathe easier, resulting in more power. We’re also upgrading the intake system with a high-flow air filter and a less restrictive intake manifold. The goal is to get more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power.

But the real game-changer is the addition of forced induction. Yes, we’re going turbo! A carefully chosen turbocharger kit will significantly boost the engine’s output, providing a substantial increase in both horsepower and torque. This isn’t just about adding power; it’s about transforming the engine’s character, making it more responsive and thrilling to drive.

“I’m really excited about the turbo install,” says John, our lead mechanic. “It’s going to completely change the way the car feels. The increased torque will make it much more fun to drive on the track.”

To support the increased power, we’re also upgrading the fuel system with larger injectors and a higher-flowing fuel pump. This ensures the engine receives a sufficient amount of fuel, preventing lean conditions and potential damage. Finally, we’ll be dyno-tuning the engine to optimize its performance and ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. The dyno will be our friend for a few days, ensuring we get it right.

Suspension Refinements: Cornering Confidence

The Subaru BRZ already handles remarkably well, but there’s always room for improvement, especially when pushing the car to its limits on the track. Our suspension upgrades are designed to enhance cornering stability, reduce body roll, and improve overall handling precision.

We’re installing a set of adjustable coilovers, which allow us to fine-tune the car’s ride height and damping characteristics. This gives us precise control over the suspension, allowing us to tailor it to specific track conditions and driving styles. Think of it as having a custom-tailored suit for your car, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.

In addition to coilovers, we’re also upgrading the sway bars with stiffer units. Sway bars help to reduce body roll during cornering, keeping the car flatter and more stable. This improves grip and allows us to carry more speed through the turns.

We’re also replacing the factory bushings with stiffer polyurethane bushings. Bushings play a crucial role in suspension performance, and upgrading to stiffer units reduces unwanted flex and improves responsiveness. This results in a more direct and connected feel behind the wheel.

“The goal is to make the car feel more planted and predictable,” explains Emily, our suspension specialist. “We want to give the driver the confidence to push the car to its limits without feeling like it’s going to snap out of control.”

Finally, we’ll be performing a thorough wheel alignment to optimize the car’s handling characteristics. Proper alignment is essential for ensuring even tire wear and maximizing grip. We’ll be dialing in some negative camber for improved cornering performance.

Braking Power: Stopping on a Dime

Upgrading the brakes is crucial for any performance build, especially one that involves adding significant horsepower. The Subaru BRZ‘s factory brakes are adequate for street driving, but they can quickly overheat and fade under the demands of track use.

We’re installing a big brake kit, which includes larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, and high-performance brake pads. This provides a significant increase in braking power, allowing us to stop shorter and more consistently. Think of it as having an anchor attached to your car, providing unwavering stopping force.

We’re also upgrading the brake lines with stainless steel lines. Stainless steel lines are less prone to expansion under pressure, providing a firmer and more responsive brake pedal feel. This gives the driver more control over braking modulation.

We’re also choosing high-performance brake fluid with a higher boiling point. This helps to prevent brake fade, which occurs when the brake fluid overheats and loses its effectiveness. Consistent brake feel is everything.

“Good brakes are essential for confidence on the track,” says David, our braking expert. “You need to know that you can stop when you need to, especially when you’re pushing the car to its limits.”

Finally, we’ll be properly bedding in the new brake pads to ensure optimal performance. Bedding in involves a series of controlled braking maneuvers that transfer a layer of friction material from the pads to the rotors.

Challenges and Setbacks: It’s Never Easy

No project of this magnitude is without its challenges. We anticipate some hurdles along the way, from unexpected fitment issues to unforeseen mechanical complications. (Murphy’s Law, right?) One potential issue is the availability of certain parts. Supply chain disruptions have been affecting the automotive industry, and we may encounter delays in receiving some of the components we need.

Another challenge is the complexity of the turbo installation. Turbocharging an engine requires careful planning and execution, and there’s always the potential for unforeseen problems. We’ll be meticulously following the manufacturer’s instructions and taking our time to ensure everything is done correctly.

And of course, there’s the ever-present risk of exceeding our budget. Unexpected expenses can quickly add up, and we’ll need to be diligent in tracking our spending and making smart decisions. (Wish us luck!)

Despite these challenges, we’re confident that we can overcome them and achieve our goals. We have a talented team of mechanics and tuners, and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to make this project a success.

The Video: Documenting the Journey

The video documenting this Subaru BRZ build will be a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the entire process. We’ll be capturing every step, from the initial tear-down to the final track day, providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation.

The video will feature detailed explanations of each modification, showcasing the components we’re using and the reasoning behind our choices. We’ll also be including before-and-after comparisons, allowing viewers to see the tangible improvements resulting from each upgrade.

Expect plenty of action footage, including dyno pulls, track laps, and on-board camera angles. We want to immerse viewers in the experience, allowing them to feel the thrill of driving a highly modified Subaru BRZ.

The video will also include interviews with our mechanics and tuners, providing expert insights and valuable tips. We’ll be sharing our knowledge and experience with fellow enthusiasts, hoping to inspire them to pursue their own performance projects.

We’re aiming for a high-quality production with professional editing and cinematography. It’s going to be more than just a build video; it’s a story about passion, dedication, and the pursuit of automotive excellence.

Conclusion: The Pursuit of Performance

This Subaru BRZ project represents more than just a collection of aftermarket parts. It’s a journey of exploration, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of performance. We’re pushing the limits of what this car can achieve, transforming it from a spirited street machine into a serious track day weapon.

The $15,000 investment is significant, but we believe it’s worth it. The joy of driving a perfectly balanced, highly responsive car is priceless. And the knowledge and experience we gain along the way will be invaluable.

We hope this project inspires others to pursue their own automotive passions. Whether you’re building a track car, restoring a classic, or simply tinkering in your garage, the journey is what truly matters.

Stay tuned for the release of the video, where you can witness the transformation firsthand. We can’t wait to share our experience with you and hear your thoughts and feedback. The road ahead is exciting, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride. This is just the beginning!