At the Limit: The Modified ZC6 Subaru BRZ

In this article:

• A modified first gen BRZ, driven

• The Track/Street balance

• Key modifications to make to the ZC6 chassis

A few weeks back, I was lucky enough to drive a fairly stock first generation BRZ at a local autocross event. As a car from the factory it falls short of being the perfect driver's car but when I say short, I’m talking fourth and inches. I didn’t want to give the keys back after my short lived seat time. If I’m being completely honest, I even contemplated trading in a couple of horses from the stable to buy one of these ponies myself. BRZ/FRS owners, if you get a “Hey, is this still available?” message from me, I apologize in advance. 

Modifications

To make my dilemma even tougher, I was handed the keys to another first generation BRZ. This particular example was modestly modified. Modifications were as follows:

Hawk ceramic brake pads 

18x9.5 Gram Light 57DRs

255/35/18 Yokohama Advan V601 280tw

BC Racing BR Series coilovers 

Whiteline Front and Rear Swaybars

OFT Stage 2+ flash tune

Tomei UEL Headers

Truthfully, I was worried that all of these modifications would make the car worse. The Subaru from the factory has properly damped shocks that allow for responsive steering and body control behind the wheel. Experience has taught me that not every “upgrade” makes a car better. Would the foundations of the BRZ/FRS be compromised by these modifications?  With my helmet strapped and the autocross course clear, I figured there was only one way to see if this BRZ had taken a turn in the wrong direction.

Behind the Wheel

Off the line I could immediately tell that this BRZ is different. The OFT ECU flash really wakes the FA20 up, making acceleration to the first cone (and every one there after) quicker. The tachometer turns clockwise much faster than the stock car. Shift to second. Turn into the first left hander. Gobs of grip keep the rear end planted and poised. The Yokohama V601s are working their magic. Where the stock cars 215’s would slide out, the 255 V601s pulled the car around the cones like it was attached on a string. This initial sensation of increased grip was enough of a confidence boost to carry more speed on entry and power out of corners even earlier than before. Every corner I turned into harder and more confident that the rubber beneath me would hold.

I can’t give the tires all the credit though. The Hawk ceramic brake pads fix the main issue with the stock cars lackluster brake feel. These pads have an aggressive bite near the top of the pedal, which relays feedback well throughout the travel, making trail braking even easier. This attribute paired with increased stopping power, made braking fifty, seventy, even eighty feet later less of a test of the gonads compared to the stock pad compound. With my number one complaint with the stock car addressed I could really push the Subaru to the limit.

Brakes sorted, I could focus on other components. Next would be the key player for speed at nearly any circuit, the suspension. Autocross demands quick changes of direction stressing suspension components harder than almost any other. 

To aid in this area, this BRZ is equipped with BC Racing coilovers and Whiteline front and rear swaybars. These modifications work together. The BC Racing BR Series coilovers height adjustability lowers the cars ride height and center of gravity for better handling in the corners. Whiteline swaybars remove excessive body roll through the corner allowing for more speed in and out the corner. The end result is a BRZ that has a consistent rear end that is planted and predictable in the corners. With this setup the rear end is less prone to the factory dampers playful oversteer but can be dialed back in thanks to the BC Coilovers rebound adjustability. 

Comfort

It has to be noted, with all of the gains in performance you would think that the car was harsh on the street. Its the exact opposite. After a run down the street, I found  that the ride is still quite enjoyable. There is always a compromise made when adding performance. It’s nice to know that the owner of this BRZ hadn’t gone full blown racecar for the road. I was delighted to be informed that trips to the grocery store won’t rattle your teeth away. A hard feat to achieve for any dual purpose track car.

At the end of the day these  performance parts were good enough to shave four seconds off the stock BRZ’s  lap time. The modifications of this ZC6 are not only limited to performance. A set of 18-inch Gram Light 57DRs add tuner style to the BRZ. A rear mounted trunk spoiler complements the body lines of the car and adds a nice finishing touch. This Subaru coupe is a great platform to build on from start to finish. In stock form, it’s a riot. Setup with the correct combination of mods, the BRZ a force to be reckoned with.

Did I have a hard time walking away from this car at the end of the day? Of course I did. The first generation BRZ is all of the fun of classic Japanese sportscars in a modern day package. In terms of a drivers car it does everything nearly perfect and it only gets better with a few aftermarket goodies.  If there's one take away from my double BRZ testday, it's that this Toyobaru is the perfect car for anyone looking for a car to develop and grow with.