MCS First Impressions

MCS first impressions after street driving as well as autocross.

It has been a handful of weeks or so on the new Motion Control Suspension coilover system that I recently installed. In that time, we have done quite a bit of street driving, as well as 2 autocross events. The autocross events consisted mostly of testing out various suspension settings. However, it still gave me a really good idea of the suspension performance. On the street, the suspension is smooth and absorbs bumps like no other! My MCS first impressions are definitely positive with more details included in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv4DuxywirY

Ride Height Adjustment

Here is a quick guide on coilover suspension ride height adjustment.

With any new coilover suspension system, properly setting the ride height is one of the first tasks you must tackle. Now, ride height adjustment can seem like a difficult thing to do. However, with a little bit of guidance, just about anyone can get the job done. This is of course, assuming you are familiar with coilover suspension systems to begin with. When installing my MCS suspension, I recorded the process on my 2017 BRZ. Follow this simple video and you will be a pro at adjusting ride height yourself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEQhUf5V1bY

Best BRZ header on the market

Choosing the best BRZ header can be a daunting task.

There are so many variations of headers on the market. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to find the right one for your application. There are equal length headers, un-equal length headers, and differences in design. All of these things can be very confusing, causing the purchase process to be a difficult one. After using a UEL (un-equal length) header for 2 years on my BRZ and FRS, I was looking for something new. I reached out to the team at CounterSpace Garage to get their feedback and support. CSG has done extensive testing on many different types of headers. In addition, they also race what they test! So, with their help, we concluded that the best BRZ header for my use case would be the ACE Type-A 350 equal length header. Check out my video “The best header for your BRZ, FRS, or 86” to get the whole scoop!

 

MCS suspension install on my BRZ

The MCS suspension install is the first of my big off-season upgrades for my Subaru BRZ.

After gathering all of the required bits and pieces, I am all set to install my new 2-way suspension system! The coilover suspension system is fairly simple to install on a BRZ, FRS, or 86. In addition to the MCS suspension install, I am also installing new sway-bar end links from RacerX Fabrication. This should prove to be a pretty nice upgrade in the handling department and I am looking forward to testing! If you missed the Motion Control Suspension Unboxing video, don’t forget to check that out as well.

PLEASE NOTE: I assembled the Vorshlag rear shock mounts incorrectly in this video! You need to use the springs perches that come with your MCS suspension kit, as well as a small spacer, in place of the OEM black upper perch that I used. Your rear shocks should look like the one on the left in the below image, when using the Vorshlag rear mounts that I am using:

Vorshlag Rear Shock Mount

Best BRZ rear sway-bar?

Here’s the best BRZ rear sway-bar you can buy.

Changing out sway-bars, or anti-roll bars, is a common upgrade for just about any sports car. This is no different for your Subaru BRZ, Scion FRS, or Toyota 86. Sway-bars can drastically change the behavior of your and are a critical tuning component for racers. I have tried a handful of different sway-bars on my Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS. Here is what I think is the best BRZ rear sway-bar out there.

Here’s why I love my 2017 BRZ

It is no question that the 2017 BRZ is a fantastic sports car.

After owning my 2017 Subaru BRZ for a year, I thought it was a good time to go over the 5 things I love about my BRZ. In addition to being an affordable, rear wheel drive sports cars, the 2017 BRZ offers a lot of other tangibles. Lightweight and great handling being only the beginning. Going into its 5th year of production, the ft86 platform continues to grow and impress.

Motion Control Suspension

Winter season upgrades begin with Motion Control Suspension for my 2017 BRZ!

The 2017 racing season has come to and end. At this point of the season, I am looking at areas to improve the race cars. One area I am looking to improve is the handling of the car. So, I did my research on high end suspension systems and decided on a 2-way adjustable coilover kit from Motion Control Suspension. MCS makes top quality suspension kits and for mine, I opted for the 2-way kit with remote reservoirs. I have never had a suspension system with remote reservoirs. So, this is a new venture for me and my 2017 BRZ! Check out the first video “Unboxing MCS Suspension for my 2017 BRZ“!

Grimmspeed Hood Struts

How to install Grimmspeed hood struts on your BRZ, FRS, or 86.

Grimmspeed hood struts are intended to replace the stock hood prop. The hood prop holds your hood up in the air when it is open. However, the stock prop does not hold the hood in place very solid. The hood struts mount to each side of the hood and firmly keep the hood in place when open. If you are out at a car show, or a race, these hood struts are invaluable. The firm mounts consequently keep your hood safe from blowing over in the event of a wind gust. In addition, you no longer have the stock hood prop interfering when working inside the engine bay! As far as I am concerned, the Grimmspeed hood struts are one of the best bang for your buck upgrades. My hood strut installation video covers all areas of the installation. The install is simple and straightforward.

BRZ oil change with Royal Purple

My first Subaru BRZ oil change.

For years, engine oil changes have been the single most common maintenance item for your car. A regularly scheduled BRZ oil change ensures that your engine is running at its best while also promoting longevity. There are all kinds of synthetic oils on the market, but we will not cover that in this article. The Subaru BRZ uses a 0w-20 weight oil, per the owners manual. For my first oil change, I chose Royal Purple synthetic motor oil. I have had success with this oil in my previous Scion FRS, but may try something different for the next oil change. Now, a BRZ oil change is pretty simple. You just need basic tools, oil of course, and an OEM Subaru BRZ oil filter. Follow my detailed video below and you will have no problems changing the oil on your own Subaru BRZ!

BRZ Exhaust Shootout

Comparing 4 different exhausts in this BRZ exhaust shootout!

We all love to hear the sounds of different exhaust systems on our cars. Over the past year, I have created a number of exhaust sound videos. Today, I am taking all of my exhaust sound videos and compiling them into one single BRZ exhaust shootout video! We are going to listen to the stock exhaust, my custom Magnaflow exhaust, the Tanabe Concept G exhaust review, and lastly the Blitz Nur-SPEC VSR exhaust. Listen and watch, then choose which exhaust system you like the most! Don’t forget to leave your comments on the YouTube video page!