In 2009, when Toyota brought the FT-86 Concept to the masses, it was a bit underwhelming. Originally thought to be a new V6 hybrid Electric All-Wheel Drive platform, as hinted by the FT-HS, the naturally aspirated low power front mounted boxer engine and rear wheel drive layout disappointed many, but sent a spark throughout the touge when it was announced that it would be a continuation of the legendary AE-86.
If you have spent any amount of time in the U.S. Import car scene, you’re no stranger to the AE-86. On paper, it’s nothing special, but Toyota’s focus on balance catapulted this car to the forefront of an automotive revolution and saw mass success on trace tracks across the world for over 30 years. Then they quit. It wasn’t until 2013 that we would get the ZN6 (Toyota) and ZC6 (Subaru) chassis to reignite the revolution of the late 80’s. The success of which brought us to the car we are talking about today, the ZN8 (Toyota) and ZD8 (Subaru) GR-86. The 2022 model year GR-86 (BR-Z) changed the game during a time where the game absolutely needed changing. With an MSRP of under $30,000 usd, the GR-86 (BR-Z) was arguably one of the best looking new sports cars on the market and was relatively immune to mass mark-ups we were seeing across the country. With Ken Gushi and Jhonnattan Castro pushing the limits of the chassis on track, they sold like hotcakes to a crowd of young enthusiasts. However, Toyota missed the mark in a few places to solidify the GR-86’s (BR-Z) legend status, but a lot of aftermarket companies stepped in to filled the gap. So here are the Top 8 Performance Modifications for the GR-86 (BR-Z).
#1. HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit
So with the GR-86 (BR-Z), the elephant in the room is actually not in the room at all, and that elephant is power. The 2.4 liter FA24D boxer in the GR-86 (BR-Z) makes an astounding 228 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque, which is an approximate 10% increase over the previous model, but not nearly enough to keep up with its domestic counterparts. HKS, as usual, has a answer for Toyota’s power shortcomings and the answer is the HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro Kit. Unlike most aftermarket forced induction kits, HKS has designed the GT2 to utilize the factory air box keeping the intake air temps low and the noise even lower while producing nearly 300whp.
#2. GruppeM Ram Air System
If the drawbacks of forced induction are not something that interest you, one of the best ways to make power out of the factory GR-86 (BR-Z) FA24D is via the GruppeM Ram Air Intake System. Made of 100% hand laid carbon fiber, this intake wicks away heat faster than the factory intake and utilizes a GruppeM specific ram air system to bring in ambient air from the factory grille. With simple bolt-on installation, this is one of the best ways to increase power across the rev range.
#3. Cusco Rear Differential Cover
Typically when we hear of upgraded covers, we don’t necessarily associate it with performance as it simply covers the parts doing real work. This is not the case with the Cusco Differential Cover. The factory differential of the GR-86 (BR-Z) has been shown to stand up to a good amount of abuse in stock form, however if you intend to increase the power output of your GR-86(BR-Z), it is imperative that you increase the driveling cooling capability as well. With provisions for external fluid coolers, the Cusco Differential Cover adds an additional 500cc (.5 liters) of fluid capacity, features revised cooling fin design, and is made of billet aluminum, making it an upgrade over factory in every way. Whether you’re drifting or tearing up the road course, the benefits of the Cusco Differential Cover are well worth the cost.
#4. REMARK Titanium R1-Spec Catback
Let’s be real, the dual tips on the GR-86 (BR-Z) are primarily for aesthetics. While REMARK offers their Elite Spec Cat-back, Sports Touring Cat-back, and Sport Cat-back for those that wish the maintain the factory twin exhaust, they stuck to their guns and went full race car with the Titanium R1-Spec Cat-back Exhaust for the GR-86 (BR-Z). Featuring a full 2.5” run, the titanium system is designed to optimize the scavenging effects of factory and advance aftermarket headers before offering a straight shot out the rear through their 4.5 inch slant cut burnt titanium tip. While the REMARK Titanium R1-Spec Cat-back is one of the loudest exhausts on the market for the Subaru and Toyota platforms, it does so while maintaining a full bodied tone. The REMARK Titanium R1-Spec Cat-back is also the ultimate exhaust if you’re looking to see some flames from the back of your GR-86 (BR-Z).
#5. A’PEXi N1 Evolution Damper Coilovers
Toyota did a really good job of keeping body roll and the dynamic factory dampening toeing the line between daily driver and race car. However, this came at a price, a price which keeps it from reaching the esteemed JDM Legend Status. However, after mapping countless laps and road miles with the likes of Maaya Orido and Hana Burton, A’PEXi released a coilover that is completely incomparable to others on the market. A far cry from the more common N1 Type ExV, the N1 EVO was designed to be dependable, rebuildable, and without compromise. That being said, each set is custom, made to order, specifically to the demands and driving discipline of the customer, but the most basic features are a true 25-way dampening adjustment, huge lightweight monotube with a 46mm diameter piston, adjustable lower body to keep pre-load consistent, and a 65mm ID spring. Constructed in Japan, but rebuildable in Orange County, California, there’s no better coilover on the market for the GR-86.
#6. Project Mu M1 Front and Rear Brake Pads
Big brake kits are often the standardized go-to for brake upgrades, but with the GR-86, it’s hardly necessary. The ultimate upgrade for a street driven GR-86 (BR-Z) is actually one of the most affordable. The Project Mu B Force Compound is the result of over 40 years of braking compound development that gives all the benefit of a competent race pad, without the harsh counter effects on the rotors. While heat and brake fade will always be synonymous with one another, Project Mu B Force Compound brake pads are shown to outlast and outperform the factory pads utilizing the factory fluid. However, if you truly want to do hotlap after hotlap and drive you GR-86 (BR-Z) home, Project Mu has designed their G-Four 335 brake fluid to stand up to the abuse. If you’re looking for something just as good, but more readily available, I also recommend Motul DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
#7. ADRO USA Widebody Kit w/ Diffuser
While the GR-86 (BR-Z) is one of the best looking cars to come out of Toyota since the 90’s , they kept it relatively mild. While the TOM’S body kit took everyone by storm at SEMA 2023, there was another GR-86 that was all but subtle. ADRO’s GR-86 Widebody kit is one of the highest quality, most complete kits on the market. In true ADRO fashion, this body kit didn’t redesign the wheel, they broadened and perfected it. Improving on the factory curves and induction scoops, ADRO’s design is the cherry on top of a design that is truly timeless. All in hand, the GR-86 (BR-Z) is a legend in the making, but it wont get there without your vision and the highest quality parts. Whether you want to drift Ebisu or grip Fuji, the key to solidifying legend status with the GR-86 is quality parts, quality style, and top tier performance.
