10 Improvements You Can Make to Your Subaru BRZ/ Toyota FRS

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota FRS (also known as the GT86 or 86) are favorites in the automotive tuner community thanks to their impressive performance, lightweight design, and affordability. While they are great sports cars on their own, owners can upgrade them in many ways to improve handling, performance, and driving comfort.

If you’re looking to make your Subaru BRZ/Toyota FRS even better, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some great improvements that anyone you add to your BRZ/FRS for a more satisfying and fun driving experience.

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota FRS: The Twin Sports Cars

Before we dive into the many upgrades owners can add to their cars, let’s look at the unique history of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota FRS and how two carmakers came together to produce twin sports cars. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota FRS, later rebranded as the Toyota 86, are essentially the same car, born from a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota in 2012. Designed as lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports cars, both models prioritize balance, precision, and driver engagement. The Subaru-designed flat-four boxer engine gives them a low center of gravity and sharp handling. The BRZ and FRS quickly became favorites among driving enthusiasts.

The straightforward engineering and affordability make them adaptable, whether for spirited street driving or track-focused builds. Both platforms have vast aftermarket support, and owners can customize everything from turbochargers and exhaust systems to suspension setups. With a blend of reliability, performance, and versatility, the BRZ and FRS are two of the most beloved and modifiable sports cars in the automotive community.

10 Worthwhile Upgrades for Your Subaru BRZ /Toyota FRS

The Toyota FRS/Subaru BRZ offers many advantages, the primary among them being the wealth of improvements you can make. From the suspension to the wheels and clutch, there’s no shortage of ways to make your BRZ/FRS better!

1. Suspension Upgrade

A suspension upgrade is one of the first modifications FRS/BRZ owners typically consider. Upgrading to coilovers or performance shocks enhances ride quality and cornering performance.

With improved dampers and adjustable settings, you’ll enjoy better stability, whether you’re on the road or the track. A quality coilover setup can also lower your car’s frame, giving it a more aggressive look and improved aerodynamics. Standout brands for premium suspension parts include KW Suspension, Öhlins, and BC Racing.

2. Improved Tires

No performance upgrade will make a more immediate difference than a set of performance tires. You’ll get better traction at high speeds for your BRZ/FRS, which means you can attack corners on the track with greater confidence and more safely.

The stock Michelin Primacy tires are sufficient but leave room for improvement when it comes to grip and cornering. Opting for sticky tires, like Michelin Pilot Sport or Bridgestone Potenza models, provides sharper handling and better traction during spirited driving.

3. Brake Pads and Rotors

Stopping power is one aspect of performance that many drivers overlook. With better brakes, drivers can take sharper routes into corners on the track and drive with more confidence in heavy-braking areas.

Upgrading your brake pads with high-performance options—such as Hawk or EBC—will reduce brake fade during heavy usage. Pairing them with ventilated performance rotors improves heat dissipation, which can be a game-changer during track days or spirited canyon drives.

4. ECU Tuning

Unlocking the full potential of your BRZ/FRS requires a tune. An aftermarket ECU tune re-maps your engine’s software to optimize air-fuel ratios and ignition timing. This simple upgrade can increase power output and improve throttle response. Platforms like EcuTek and OpenFlash Tablets make this process approachable for vehicle owners.

5. Lightweight Wheels

Another way to make your Subaru/Toyota lighter on its feet is to swap out the stock wheels with performance-focused lightweight ones. Substituting factory wheels for lightweight forged or flow-formed alloys can reduce unsprung weight and improve acceleration, handling, and braking.

Not only do lightweight wheels enhance performance, but they also add a personalized touch to your car’s aesthetic. Popular options include Enkei RPF1, Rays TE37, and Oz Racing wheels.

6. Twin-Disc Clutch System

If your vehicle is manual, the clutch is another area where upgrades can mean serious performance improvements. When you want to push serious power or make frequent track runs, a twin-disc clutch system from Clutch Masters offers, is an exceptional upgrade. A dual-disc clutch will increase holding power while maintaining an impressive balance of drivability and reduce pedal effort.

Clutch Masters offers systems for the BRZ/FRS, such as the FX725, which provide greater durability, reduced flex, and smooth engagement. Their billet aluminum construction and quick-release system ensure consistent performance, even under pushing your vehicle to the limit.

7. Cold Air Intake

A cold air intake boosts your engine’s efficiency by delivering cooler, denser air, which can lead to horsepower gains and better throttle response. Brands like K&N and AEM offer high-quality, easy-to-install intake kits for the BRZ/FRS.

8. Cat-Back Exhaust

Few upgrades transform a car’s character as much as a cat-back exhaust. Replacing your stock exhaust system with a freer-flowing one improves airflow and increases power output by as much as 5–10 horsepower.

A cat-back exhaust also adds an intoxicating growl to your BRZ/FRS every time you shift gears. Consider Borla or HKS for high-quality options that fit your desired sound profile.

9. Aesthetic Mods

Your BRZ/FRS’s exterior can make an equally bold statement. Consider installing an aftermarket front splitter, side skirts, or a ducktail spoiler for added flair and to increase downforce.

Clear or smoked taillights and upgraded LED headlight bulbs can modernize the car’s look. And don’t forget a set of vinyl racing stripes or custom paint for a personal touch!

10. Forced Induction

If you’re chasing horsepower gains, forced induction through a turbocharger or supercharger is the ultimate upgrade. Turbo kits from Greddy, HKS, or Jackson Racing can take your car well above 300 horsepower while maintaining reliability if tuned properly. This upgrade requires a high upfront investment but offers consummate performance gains for turning your BRZ or FRS into a track dominator.

Upgrade Your Subaru or Toyota With Clutch Masters Industries

The beauty of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota FRS lies in its versatility. From subtle enhancements to all-out track builds, these cars respond remarkably well to upgrades. If you’re ready to push the limits of performance, a Clutch Masters twin-disc clutch can help you harness every bit of the power and torque your vehicle produces.

At Clutch Masters, we combine decades of experience with racing technology, offering reliable twin-disc systems specifically for elite performance. Browse our range of clutches today, and find the perfect match for your build!