Posted by Sean Biggs on Dec 14th 2015
TOP 10 BEST FRS PERFORMANCE PARTS
I’ll spare you any explanation of why the Scion FRS / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT-86 is a special car, you’ve already heard it. Now you have one and it’s time to get greasy and make this funky lovechild of Japanese heritage even better than its crossbred genes have managed to conjure up on their own. Like Christmas shopping, knowing where to begin is often the hardest part – so here’s a list of 10 FRS performance parts to improve the driving experience and capability of the exciting platform.
WHEELS/TIRES
These are not just FRS performance parts but rather every-car performance parts. However, tires are especially important to the FRS. It has Prius tires. They are efficient and many argue the low grip contributes to the fun factor. Got it. Wider wheels like the popular Cosmis XT-206R coupled with wider, grippier tires insure the FRS is now ready for srsbsns.
COILOVERS
The factory springs and shocks of the FRS have been more than sufficient in providing excellent composure befitting a driver-oriented sports coupe. However, a coilover suspension from HKS, KW, Fortune Auto, BC, or Tein open the performance envelope further by offering more aggressive spring rates, ride height adjustability, and control of damper settings.
Sway bars, such as the Perrin adjustable rear bar for the FRS, control roll stiffness and are an invaluable tool in tuning handling balance.
AIR FILTER
Okay so this is one of the basics. The factory air box in the FRS, as in most modern cars, is actually very efficient – hampered only by the filter element. A quality filter from Perrin or HKS maximizes power from the direct-injection boxer engine.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
*insert cliché explanation of how engines work and some talk about spent gases* Many manufacturers like Perrin or ARK have stepped up to provide lighter, free-flowing exhaust systems that offer a powerful, aggressive tone (See also: HOA Violations) and a well-engineered fit.
Alignments can make or break a driving experience. ISR and Stance offer components with a greater range of adjustment for more demanding drivers, often with stiffer bushings for improved control. So whether you need camber adjustment to gain extra grip in turn 10 or to fit an offset of 10, adjustable arms are an important consideration.
BUSHINGS / COLLARS
Factory bushings commonly feature softer durometer material for greater comfort. Performance-oriented bushings are more durable under high stress conditions and control suspension motion. Subframe collars like those from Stance fortify factory bushings and insure the subframe does not shift under load.
OVER-PIPE / HEADER
Many tuners have already discovered power in the exhaust manifold of the FA20. ISR Performance (formerly known as ISIS Performance) offers a free-flowing replacement for the aptly-named over-pipe. Be wary, major changes in airflow on the intake and exhaust may necessitate a change in fuel tuning.
ENGINE MOUNTS
Automotive engineers are forced to compromise. Kind of like your significant other did when they picked you instead of the more attractive but less reliable alternative. Engine mounts are tasked with controlling the motion of the powertrain while providing comfortable NVH levels; the inevitable compromise often leaves some to be desired for performance enthusiasts. Perrin offers more robust, stiffer engine mounts for improved response and power delivery in your FRS/BRZ.
FORCED-INDUCTION
I simply could not ignore the singular complaint amongst the masses of FRS/BRZ critics. Many companies such as GReddy and Vortech offer high-quality turbocharger and supercharger systems to provide the oomph the internet says you need.
Hopefully this list of FRS performance parts has been insightful. The popularity of the platform continues to surge, meaning these 10 parts are definitely only the beginning.