Tag: Howto

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

Heel Toe Downshift Like a Pro!

Posted on | by Justin M.

Let’s learn how to heel toe downshift like a pro!

Every aspiring race car driver needs to learn the heel toe downshift technique. This technique has been around for ages, but is often learned on the job without much guidance. Effectively executing a heel toe downshift has a number of benefits. In addition to being faster, the heel toe technique is also safer. Our video “How to Heel Toe Downshift Like a Pro” covers all aspects of the heel toe downshift process. Including, examples on my Simracing rig as well as real time in my Subaru BRZ.

QuickJack setup and unboxing

Posted on | by Justin M.

My QuickJack setup video is all you need to get your QuickJack up and running!

After years of manually jacking cars up in the air and supporting them with jack stands, I finally bought a mechanical lift! I did my research and found the QuickJack car lift to be within my budget while meeting my needs. The QuickJack setup is an important part of the process to make sure your lift works good and maintenance free. While the process of setting up your QuickJack can seem kind of daunting, it really is not. Follow the instructions closely and use my video “QuickJack car lift unboxing and setup” below to get your QuickJack setup properly. In addition to the setup process, I also include the unboxing process which details everything that comes with your QuickJack.

Grimmspeed Hood Struts

Posted on | by Justin M.

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.

How to prepare for an autocross

Posted on | by Justin M.

Autocross is fun! Here are some tips to help you get started.

Have you ever thought about taking your car out to an autocross race? Most people may not know, but just about any car on the street can be raced at an autocross event. For first time racers, knowing what to bring and how to get ready for that first event can be a bit intimidating. After years of racing myself, I came up with a little system of things I do and bring when going out to an event. The great thing about autocross is that it is very accessible. You do not need much of anything besides your car to race! In addition, it is inexpensive and just about the most fun you can have in your car. In my video below, I will get you familiar with some of the basic things to bring to your first autocross event.

BRZ autocross

How To Bleed Brakes

Posted on | by Justin M.

How to bleed brakes on your Subaru BRZ.

The brakes on your car are obviously a critical safety system. They are even more important for cars that are used for racing. Regular maintenance of your brake pads and brake fluid in your car will ensure that they are working properly when you need them. Knowing how to bleed brakes is an important skill for people tracking and autocross’ing their cars. Most cars these days have similar brake bleeding processes, just like on my 2017 Subaru BRZ. If you have basic understanding of brakes and how they work, plus basic mechanical skills, bleeding your brakes is a simple task. In this video I go over the tools and products I use to bleed my brakes on my BRZ. I had just finished a track with the car and usually that is a good time to bleed the brakes. Don’t forgot to check out a related video on how to change brake pads and rotors!

Blitz Nur-SPEC VSR dual exhaust

Posted on | by Justin M.

The Blitz Nur-SPEC VSR exhaust system is a top notch product for your BRZ, FRS, or 86.

So, I cannot seem to make up my mind on what exhaust system I want to run 🙂 I recently bought the new Blitz Nur-SPEC VSR exhaust system, which is a dual exit type exhaust. I even upgraded to the fancy blue titanium exhaust tips! The exhaust has proven to be pretty good so far, while not being overly loud. In fact, this Blitz dual exit exhaust is fairly quiet, especially compared to my previous Tanabe Concept G exhaust. The installation process is simple, just like with any exhaust for the BRZ. In this video I cover the unboxing, installation, and finally the exhaust sound of this Blitz Nur-SPEC VSR exhaust system.

Blitz Nur-SPEC VSR dual exhaust

How to change brake pads and rotors

Posted on | by Justin M.

How to change brake pads and rotors.

Brake pads & rotors are considered wear items and as such, need to be replaced regularly. For track cars or race cars, the brakes must be changed even more frequently than street cars. My most recent brake upgrade is for my 1994 BMW 325is track car. Not too long ago, I purchased a set of Hawk DTC60 track pads and Stoptech slotted rotors. The upgrades will not only improve braking, but also survive the abuse of track driving. Since track driving generates extra heat during heavy braking, having upgraded pads and rotors is a must. The e36 generation BMW is fairly old these days, so changing brake pads & rotors is not quite as straightforward as some newer cars. This video covers how to change brake pads and rotors on my BMW, but it will apply to most cars out there on the market today. Interested in the parts I got for my e36 BMW? Check out the image links below!

Hawk DTC60 front brake padsHawk DTC60 rear brake padsStoptech right rear rotorStoptech left rear rotorStoptech right front rotorStoptech left front rotor

BRZ air filter installation

Posted on | by Justin M.

Looking for a cheap and effective upgrade? A BRZ air filter fits this requirement perfectly.

BRZ air filter upgrades are cheap, common, and easy to install. This not only applies to the Subaru BRZ, but also the Scion FRS and Toyota 86. The low quality panel filters that come with most cars are usually not very efficient. Installing a K&N drop-in air filter is a simple solution to a common problem. The K&N filter will fit just about all BRZ, FRS, and 86 model cars. The one exception is the 2017 manual transmission cars. In this case, you want to install the Blitz drop-in air filter. These filters improve air flow in the engine intake system and last much longer than a traditional panel filter. The installation process is the same, very straightforward with minimal tools and experience required.

K&N air filter for BRZ and FRS

Tanabe Concept G exhaust

Posted on | by Justin M.

Installing a Tanabe Concept G exhaust system on my 2017 BRZ.

Exhaust systems are one of the first things people upgrade when it comes to modifying their cars. Most exhaust systems are simple to remove as well as install. More often than not, they also have the biggest effect on the sound of the car. As a result, there are many choices out there for aftermarket exhaust systems. I recently swapped out my custom exhaust system for a shiny new Tanabe Concept G system. This is a cat-back style exhaust system that comes in 2 pieces. The build quality is high and installation was simple. For the price, this is a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking to improve the exhaust note and save weight! Don’t forget to check out my full Tanabe Concept G exhaust review!

Tanabe Concept G exhaust