Category: Cars

General car related posts not specific to a project or person.

Loudest BRZ exhaust ever!

Posted on | by Justin M.

I think I found the loudest BRZ exhaust ever!

In my quest to find the lightest BRZ exhaust I could find, I think I also found out the loudest BRZ exhaust combination in the process. Nameless Performance has crafted exhaust components for the BRZ, FRS, and 86 for some time now. I wanted to try out their new 2017 BRZ track pipe, which weighs in at a scanty 5lbs. I also used a small track pipe of my own that I already had, in the comparison. Both track pipes are of course super light weight. However, both of them are also very loud! If I had a stock header with a catalytic converter in it, I think the results would be different. But, with a catless header, both of these track pipes are just loud loud loud!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpJX-L0ONgk

Best BRZ Wheels?

Posted on | by Justin M.

The WedsSport TC105N wheels are probably the best BRZ wheels you can buy!

Wheels are one of the most important modifications for your performance car. I have used a few different sets of wheels for my 2017 BRZ to date. I am always searching for the best BRZ wheels I can buy. However, I think I finally came across a near perfect setup for my car! I recently purchased a set of WedsSport TC105N wheels in the 17×9 size with a +35 offset. The TC105N is a super light weight wheel while remaining very strong. The Weds TC105N is a proven track performer and in addition, looks fantastic! The combination of great looks, light weight, and strength has convinced me that the TC105N are among the best BRZ wheels you can buy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSzR35sfSF4

ACE Header Dyno Results

Posted on | by Justin M.

Did the ACE Header dyno results exceed expectations?

The ACE A-350 header is not cheap. But, like a lot of things, you get what you pay for. The ACE A-350 header is a top notch product that provides top notch gains as well. In the past, I have used the trusty RevWorks UEL header on my Scion FRS and my Subaru BRZ. This header provided decent power improvements, while also saving weight. After reading all of the hype on the ACE A-350 header, I finally gave in and bought one to test out. As part of the test, I first took a number of dyno pulls with my Subaru BRZ and the RevWorks UEL header. With those power numbers recorded, I could then install the ACE header and get the car re-tuned. Once that was done, I went back to the dyno to get the ACE header dyno results. The improvement in power was pretty shocking, actually. My latest video goes over all of the details and clearly shows where the ACE A-350 made more power over the previous RevWorks UEL setup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggQspB1P7a4

ACE Header BRZ Install

Posted on | by Justin M.

Swapping out UEL for EL in this ACE header BRZ install video!

After 2 years running my RevWorks un-equal length header, it is time for a change. My equal length ACE A-350 header from CounterSpaceGarage.com is ready to go in! The ACE header BRZ install process is just like any other header you can get for your BRZ, FRS, or 86. The design of the ACE A-350 header is slightly different which contributes to its unique performance. After installing the header, I also go over the basic tuning process for the ECUtek tuning platform. It won’t be long now and we will have the dyno numbers to compare this to previous BRZ dyno sessions!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEJgk6skuX0

MCS First Impressions

Posted on | by Justin M.

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

BMW Engine Mount Replacement

Posted on | by Justin M.

BMW engine mount replacement process for my 1994 BMW 325is.

So, I have had these engine mounts from RevShift performance sitting around in my garage for many months. I finally got around to this project which also included a set of Rogue Engineering transmission. This BMW engine mount replacement process was pretty straightforward, it just takes a bit of time. The new engine and transmission mounts result in a more firm ride overall, in addition to providing more feedback through the chassis. These polyurethane mounts will also last much longer than the OEM counterparts. At this point, I believe I have replaced nearly every OEM bushing in the car!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4MKPTqWMVE

Ride Height Adjustment

Posted on | by Justin M.

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

Posted on | by Justin M.

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

Posted on | by Justin M.

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?

Posted on | by Justin M.

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.