Transforming Our Subaru BRZ Into a Speed Demon for $15000
When it comes to tuning cars, few names resonate with enthusiasts like the Subaru BRZ. The BRZ, with its lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive, and beautifully balanced handling, is a favorite platform for performance upgrades. At Torque Feed, we believe that with the right modifications, you can transform this already impressive sports car into a true speed demon without breaking the bank. Today, we’ll dive into how we plan to supercharge our Subaru BRZ with a budget of $15,000. Buckle up; it’s going to be an exciting ride!
The Starting Point: Why the BRZ?
The Subaru BRZ is not just another sports car; it embodies the spirit of driving. With a naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four engine, it delivers about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While these figures are respectable, they also leave room for improvement. The lightweight construction and low center of gravity make it a fantastic candidate for performance upgrades. Plus, the community surrounding the BRZ is vibrant, meaning there’s a wealth of knowledge and parts available to help us along the way.
Setting Our Goals
Before we dive into the upgrades, it’s essential to outline our goals. What do we want from our BRZ transformation? Here’s what we have in mind:
- Increased Horsepower: Aim for around 300 horsepower.
- Improved Handling: Enhance cornering capabilities and overall stability.
- Weight Reduction: Reduce weight wherever possible without compromising comfort.
- Aesthetics: Give our BRZ a more aggressive and sporty look.
Budget Breakdown
With our goals in place, it’s time to allocate our $15,000 budget. Here’s a rough breakdown of how we plan to spend our money:
- Engine Upgrades: $6,000
- Suspension Mods: $3,500
- Wheels and Tires: $2,500
- Brakes: $2,000
- Aesthetics and Interior: $1,000
Engine Upgrades
The heart of our transformation lies in the engine. To reach our horsepower goal, we’ll focus on several key upgrades:
1. Cold Air Intake
One of the first steps in increasing horsepower is improving airflow to the engine. A high-quality cold air intake can increase throttle response and add around 10-15 horsepower. We’ll be looking at brands like AEM or K&N for reliable options.
2. Cat-Back Exhaust System
Next on the list is a cat-back exhaust system. Not only will this improve exhaust flow, but it will also give our BRZ a more aggressive sound. Expect an additional 10-20 horsepower here. Brands like Borla and Invidia are known for their performance-oriented exhaust systems.
3. ECU Tune
After installing the intake and exhaust, it’s time to tune the ECU. A proper tune can optimize the engine’s performance and extract maximum power from our modifications. We’re looking at a cost of around $1,500 for this service.
4. Forced Induction
To really push our horsepower numbers, we’ll consider adding a turbocharger or supercharger. A reliable kit can run between $4,000 to $5,000, but it can boost our power levels significantly—potentially up to 300 horsepower. Brands like Vortech and Edelbrock are highly regarded in this space.
Suspension Mods
With power comes the need for better handling. A well-rounded suspension system will improve our cornering and overall driving experience. Here’s what we’re considering:
1. Coilovers
To enhance handling, we’ll invest in a set of coilover suspension. This will allow us to adjust ride height and damping settings to our preference. Expect to spend around $2,000 on a quality coilover setup from brands like KW or BC Racing.
2. Sway Bars
Upgrading the sway bars will reduce body roll during hard cornering, making our BRZ feel more planted. A front and rear sway bar set will run us about $500.
3. Camber Kits
To fine-tune our alignment for optimal performance, installing camber kits will help us achieve the right angles for better tire contact during aggressive driving. We can budget around $500 for this upgrade.
Wheels and Tires
No performance upgrade is complete without a new set of wheels and tires. Here’s how we plan to spend our $2,500:
1. Lightweight Wheels
Reducing unsprung weight is crucial for improved handling and acceleration. We’ll be looking for lightweight alloy wheels that not only enhance performance but also aesthetics. A budget of around $1,500 should get us a good set.
2. Performance Tires
To complement our new wheels, we’ll invest in high-performance tires. Brands like Michelin or Bridgestone offer excellent grip and handling characteristics. Expect to spend around $1,000 on a set.
Brakes
Improving our braking system is essential for safety and performance. Here’s how we’ll allocate our $2,000 budget:
1. Upgraded Brake Pads
High-performance brake pads will provide better stopping power and reduce fade during aggressive driving. A good set will run us about $300.
2. Big Brake Kit
For the ultimate braking performance, a big brake kit is a worthy investment. This upgrade could cost us around $1,500 but will drastically improve our stopping distances and confidence on track days.
Aesthetics and Interior
While performance is our main focus, we can’t forget about the aesthetics. Here’s how we plan to freshen up the look of our BRZ:
1. New Paint or Wrap
A fresh coat of paint or a quality vinyl wrap can transform the appearance of our car. We’ll allocate about $600 for this upgrade, giving us a striking new look.
2. Interior Upgrades
We’ll also consider new gear shift knobs, steering wheel covers, and possibly racing seats to enhance our driving experience. A budget of $400 should suffice for these upgrades.
Timeline for Transformation
With our plan in place, let’s talk about the timeline. We aim to complete the transformation in 6 months, allowing us to enjoy each upgrade fully. Here’s a rough schedule:
- Months 1-2: Engine upgrades (intake, exhaust, tune)
- Months 3-4: Suspension mods and wheels/tires
- Month 5: Brake upgrades
- Month 6: Aesthetic enhancements
Final Thoughts
The journey to transforming our Subaru BRZ into a speed demon for $15,000 is an exciting one. Each modification brings us closer to achieving our goals of improved performance, handling, and aesthetics. At Torque Feed, we’re passionate about sharing our automotive adventures with fellow enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to bring you along for the ride. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this thrilling transformation!
