BRZ GR86 One Year Review Pros & Cons

[@zbysik5877]

Měl jsem Nissan 370 Z, vzhledem k věku jsem nahradil BRZ 2023 a nelituji. Miluji auta se zadním náhonem, manuální převodovkou a bez turba. Tyto jsou jedny z posledních, co je možné za rozumný peníz v současnosti pořídit. S vaším názorem souhlasím a děkuji za něj.

[@cr3puscul]

Your comments are spot on ! Great video !

[@KonkrRoads]

@@cr3puscul hey thanks mate 🤙

[@rkworth1]

i have a 2024 brz-ts, and love it. living in the mountains in western north carolina, it is a blast to drive. never had the back-end slip out from underneath me, and i have pushed it hard. only complaint i have is the road noise. but, as i have put more miles on the tires, it seems to have gone down a bit. i love how high the rpms can go. i was looking at the wrx, and by the time the turbo really kicks in, you need to shift. the brz just loves to rev higher, which makes for a smoother drive.

[@KonkrRoads]

Perfect car for some perfect roads! I can't wait to get over to the Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains with my BRZ...hopefully next summer. Have any favorite roads there??

[@entropy11]

The stock tires are always incredibly noisy.

[@billjames3030]

​@@KonkrRoadsExcellent review. I test drove a 2024 BRZ with manual transmission. Is the OEM short throw shifter worth the money? Does you car have it ?

[@KonkrRoads]

@@billjames3030 Thanks Bill 🤙. I don't have a short throw. The Toyoburu or other short throws are not expensive to buy as you've seen, but installation costs can add up. This expense, the risk of adding noise and vibration, and the very solid and crisp factory shifter keep me away from a short throw for now.

[@19hundoc47]

I’m coming from a manual and automatic GR Supra and the GR86 is more fun. I love it

[@KonkrRoads]

What steered you away from the Supra and towards the GR86?

[@ratatatatata5290]

@@KonkrRoads People idolize the Supra as some sort of mega drifting mega handling track monster, buts it’s really a GT Car. It’s fast, aggressive, and comfortable, but it’s not going to have the same handling characteristics as a lighter rougher riding vehicle like the gr86. The gr86 is the car that all the Supra kids who will never own a Supra think a Supra is. Supra is awesome 10000000%, but it’s not the car people think it’s going to be when they buy it.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@ratatatatata5290 brilliance 🤙

[@awepossum1059]

@@ratatatatata5290 Well the supra sucks at being a GT car too. Its wheelbase is too short. And it has horrible visibility.

[@ratatatatata5290]

@@awepossum1059 a lot of people who don’t own either a Gr86 or a Supra talk about how slow the gr86 is and how amazing the Supra is, but you know what? I’ve seen tons of people trade in supras for gr86s and not a single go the other way around.

[@bart12d]

Mike, we must have very similar timelines. I also got my GR86 about 13 months ago and love it. Went with the HKS axle-back like you, but rather than suede vent covers, I did carbon fiber. Your 5 pros are spot on, and for the cons, I would just replace the side mirror issue with the turn signal stalk. That stupid returning to center automatically needs an aftermarket solution…

[@KonkrRoads]

Hey Bart, nice choice on the exhaust -- how do you like it so far? Good call on the signal stalk...I still fumble it every so often even after a year lol

[@bart12d]

@@KonkrRoads yep, I’m sure every one of us occasionally gets caught in the embarrassing loop of trying to cancel the turn signal by tapping the opposite way, but tapping too hard so the other direction starts flashing. :D The legamax premium is great! Nice deep rumble without any raspy tones that I hear in others. And it’s only 5 db louder than stock. This is honestly how it should have come from the factory (and without the “sound enhancement” speaker which adds weight). Oh, and the tips on the HKS actually extend out to the edge of the cutouts, unlike the stock tips that look like they’re hiding in shame.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@bart12d "hiding in shame" 🤣🤣. So true!! Glad you're enjoying the Legamax Premium! 🤙🫡

[@entropy11]

Lol. Love the farm tractor sounds.

[@KonkrRoads]

My limited photoshop skills got put to the test making the tractor image too lol. Not quite a Picasso! 🤙

[@SailorCowes]

100% agree here, Mike. It’s a sweet ride!!

[@KonkrRoads]

Thanks my friend 🤙

[@genna544]

Great Video! I recently purchased a GR86 2024 premium. Road noise with the back seats down is even more pronounced, but not a big deal to me. I have 2 cons, the 1st is the shoulder strap for the seat belt rides really high on my neck with no adjustability, purchased a fix off amazon. Item 2 is it needs to be around 300hp. I love the linear power in the mountains and on track, makes it very drivable and predictable. I needed to pass a few cars on a straight in the holler before going up the next mountain, just needs a little more ass for this type of thing. I'm probably a little skewed as I come from higher horsepower motorcycles. I traded in 2 wheels for 4 after 2 back surgeries last year. I do love it and it makes me smile every time I drive it!!

[@danielboisvert139]

Check something like Harrop's supercharger if you want more power. It's gonna cost you several thousands but you'll get to 300 hp and over.

[@KonkrRoads]

I feel you on the power -- it needs a bit of salt and pepper to get the spice right. I bought my BRZ with supercharging in the planned budget; just waiting now for reliability and testing data from the big players like Harrop, Sprintex, and Vortech. Have you considered a turbo or blower?

[@robertpeet8880]

I love my BRZ. I don't mind the rearview mirrors at all. That would be an expectation based on past experiences. The car can be loud. But the most luxurious car I've ever owned was a Mazda 6. So I'm used to hearing my environment. I agree with everything else.

[@KonkrRoads]

Thanks for giving the video a look!! How long have you had your BRZ?

[@robertpeet8880]

@@KonkrRoads Received delivery in Jan of 23. Only 15,000 miles so far.

[@ScottyBeMore]

I got the gr performance exhaust from Factory on my 23' GR86 love it 16k miles no love lost and had the fake engine sound turned off day 1

[@KonkrRoads]

@@ScottyBeMore well played. Any other mods done to the 86??

[@ScottyBeMore]

@@KonkrRoads cosmetic mirror caps and carbon filter delete. did a dino run on an old mustang dino pulled a 13.9 on a 1/4 mile no hp number..... he did not have the right stuff it's mainly for his drag cars. I want to get the gr intake Toyota makes but 600 bones but peeps are showing it make good hp all over

[@dennisnelson3792]

Excellent video, and nice delivery. Good change from all the hyper-frenetic videos that are everywhere. Question #1: Has anyone found a reasonable performance tire for my '23 BRZ Limited that eliminates most of the howl and noise from stock Michelin Pilot Sport 4's? Ive swapped to Conti Ext. Contact tires, and they still howl. Question #2: On-center steering in my car is strange. When turning , there is NO self-centering effect, so the car just continues to turn, with hands off the wheel. Makes it hard to continue down a straight highway without constant micro-adjustments to the wheel. Anyone else experience this?

[@KonkrRoads]

thanks Dennis. Concerning the howl noise, the debate is still open whether tires or a reverberation from the strut tower braces is the main culprit. I'll be doing a video series on sound reduction starting in January to get to the bottom of all this. For self-centering, my understanding is caster plays the critical role and isn't something we can adjust less we add caster/camber plates. I recommend, though, taking your car in for an alignment; I see a bunch of folks on the forums showing slight toe-out on the rear wheels from the factory which certainly reduces highway speed stability. Getting the front wheels to 0.00 and 0.10 toe-in per each rear wheel is where I like to be. I do notice a lack of self-centering but nothing alarming.

[@Young_Bourdain]

As a GR Corolla owner, I’ll tell you the FL5 Type R does look better. But I’ll grant you that the 86 looks better than my GRC.

[@KonkrRoads]

I understand that looks are a subjective endeavor, but to say the type R is more attractive than the GR Corolla is a bold stance. The FL5 Type R has a look that only a mother can appreciate -- your Corolla at least has a figure to enjoy 🤙

[@ratatatatata5290]

Gr Corolla looks 100x better than the current gen type R and that’s from someone who DESPERATELY wanted one and ended up in a 24’ gr86 instead.

[@keane2292]

Fuck the other two replies, I also think the type R looks better than the gr corolla. I not sure about the 86 vs the grc but that depends on what kind of mods have been done imo

[@ratatatatata5290]

@@KonkrRoads No disrespect meant but have you seen the GR Corolla in person? It’s an entirely different beast in person than in pictures. I was a type R elitist and adamantly shit on the gr Corolla until I went to pick up my Gr-86 and saw it in person.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@ratatatatata5290 I love the look of the GRC. It's a rally schemed wrap away from perfection! I just wouldn't own it. I much prefer the lines of a coupe, especially BRZ and 86's. 🤙

[@driverpsyche]

I would add one more con - no lumbar adjustment for at least driver's seat. And maybe also how fast you go through tires and brakes because the car is so much fun :-)

[@KonkrRoads]

Lol you're right on target about the tires and brakes!! Good call on the lumbar -- it's surprising there's not at least a manual pump to get some more support

[@DIFHI]

Picked up a white BRZ tS recently. First manual and I feel so bad for beating this thing up while I learn. I agree with pro 1, it feels like the road is right in your face. It makes moving around with this car so easy and predictable because of it. I'm actually in the same area, might have seen your BRZ around a few times!

[@KonkrRoads]

Nice ride choice 🤙. You go to any local meets?

[@DIFHI]

@@KonkrRoads nah haven’t yet but would be excited to pull up to one someday 🙏

[@jukeboxzero1]

Yeah my '18 Type R was great on the track but could not be described as sleek (unlike my '22 BRZ). I was planning to keep the rear seats down all the time but found that, at just over 6' tall, i need to have the driver seat all the way back and you can't do that with the rear seats down.

[@KonkrRoads]

Good choice on the BRZ -- you ever miss the Type R?

[@jukeboxzero1]

@@KonkrRoads I miss the practicality of the hatch for sure. Over the years i've had (or still have) five hatchbacks and a WRX wagon. Need to pack more efficiently in the BRZ. Haven't taken the BRZ to the track yet but i'm sure it would be a much different experience than the Type R.

[@davidgoliath5901]

Mike many thanks, great review!!! All agreed BUT... 4th con; the indicators (annoying) 5th con; centre screen is 80's video game poor. PRO's 6th pro; power! (albeit after a Harrop supercharger fitted :)) Sound, I fitted an AWE cat-back but with two additional centre hot dogs which gives the car a wonderful growl. Still wakes the dead on start up but settles into a mature (like me!) burble that suits the overall character of the car. Simply a wonderful tool for carving up a good road :)

[@KonkrRoads]

@@davidgoliath5901 hey good data!!! Clever exhaust setup; if you have a video I'm good for a listen. I'm planning on a supercharger next year as well-- how's the Harrop treating you??

[@davidgoliath5901]

@@KonkrRoads Mike the stock AWE sounds amazing with no drone but I found that there were a few too many decibels when simply commuting. Bit too much 'boy racer look at me' for me. There is room in the straight section for a couple of hot dogs which dropped the noise by say 15%. It sounds epic when you're on it but just a nice burble when you're not. Start up is still out there but I live out of town. Harrop are very well respected over here (Oz) and have been producing top notch racing products for many years. The install is super neat, it looks practically stock. Its unintrusive, it only runs about 5psi and doesn't introduce additional heat to the oil etc. Its difficult to convey the difference except to say it totally transforms the car. With N/A I'd often find myself up at the rev limiter to get things moving. Definitely not so now.. 4 to 6k rpm has enough forward motivation for any occasion! Roundabouts etc in town need a careful right foot. I love its ability to step out but the cops don't. I've also done brakes, wheels/tyres (RE71rs) and will fit a Verus baffle as soon as production starts. I've completely ignored the factory service recommendations. Its had 5w-30 Signature Amsoil with the first change at only 1500km. Its now at 8000km on the third lot of fresh oil. Its a sweet thing to own and now a sweeter thing to drive!

[@KonkrRoads]

@@davidgoliath5901 thanks for the reply and glad you're enjoying the car! What numbers are you hitting at 5psi? Pump gas? The Harrop has my attention for sure...very clean install and you and others share their good reputation.

[@davidgoliath5901]

@@KonkrRoads Mike standard BP Ultimate pump fuel. 298rwhp. 235ftlb. I haven't timed it yet but its comfortably quick.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@davidgoliath5901 incredible numbers at 5psi! Thanks for the data David. I'll be joining the supercharged crew in short order. Cheers 🤙

[@rocfella]

it needs a slight lowering and wider wheels, it makes it perfect looking

[@KonkrRoads]

Not too much time and money to get it just right for you -- a plus 🤙

[@Jimmy-sj8pi]

Was thinking of a GR lately, but I was worried the novelty of a sportcar would wear off since im driving it daily to work. When the novelty wears off, id be stuck with a small, engaging, noisy, and bumpy car. These points aren't too much the cars fault, just my personal take coming from a regular sedan driver for 8 yrs.

[@KonkrRoads]

How long is your commute? It sounds like you know yourself well; 8 years driving a sedan may bring some angst when jumping into a GR86 for a daily driver. Then again, it could be a life-changing experience for the better. For me, I tried driving an SUV daily and that didn't last very long. I've driven low-slung sportscars my whole life so the GR/BRZ feels like home. Maybe you could ease into things with a more forgiving coupe?

[@TheMrFett]

I had the 2013 BRZ Ltd for over 11 years as my daily driver (26 mile round trip to work and back) and also took several 5 hour and a few 14+ hour (one way) road trips in it. I found it very enjoyable to drive and the harsh ride didn’t bother me as the handling was phenomenal. It was a four season car for me with the appropriate tires used during the cold winter months. I bought a 2024 BRZ Ltd earlier this year. Made similar exterior changes along with the same 245/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S (or Pilot SS for summer) on 18” Enkei Raijin wheels that provide a remarkable improvement in handling. The “novelty” of driving it never wore off on me.

[@Jimmy-sj8pi]

@@TheMrFett Whenever I test drove it, it felt really fun like a go kart. That's definitely what's enjoyable about this car. Idk, for now I set the thought of buying it aside. I just got a new job and I got free charging for my Tesla at work. So im just biding my time for now.

[@TheMrFett]

@@Jimmy-sj8pi Free charging = 👍🏻 I wish my work did that (other car is an EV). I taught both of my kids how to drive using the BRZ. Both compared it to a go-kart as you did. lol. If you do get to the point where you are seriously considering one, know that Toyota dealerships get allocations and no custom pre-orders (at least this year it was that way). You may have to search dealer inventories to see what’s in stock or on the way. Subaru on the other hand manufactures BRZs in very limited quantities and can only be custom pre-ordered within narrow windows of time each year. I’ve been told it’s twice a year now. One of the largest volume Subaru dealers in my Tri-State area only had two custom pre-orders make it through the first window in Nov ‘23 for ‘24 models. Mine and another person’s. The second window I think was shorter during the early spring of this year (?), and 2024 model year BRZs stopped production in early June.

[@Maclin456]

Excellent video (subscribed). I have a 23 BRZ WRB. Love it. What are your thoughts on a set of high quality lowering springs (Tein H Tech)? Just going for the aesthetics, but would that just nullify the engineering that went into the stock suspension? Also, I love the signal stalk. Second nature after a week and no clicks! Also running the Borla S-Type exhaust. Wonderful.

[@KonkrRoads]

Do you have the Borla S Gen1 or Gen2? Lowering springs are a good way to go, you just have to be careful on how low, spring rate, and progress vs linear. If you're going for just looks, a progressive spring will treat you best as normal driving won't be too punishing. The Tein H Techs lower less than an inch and that maintains some shock travel, and they appear progressive in the photos with rates at 190lbs/in front, 258lbs/in rear. If these are the max rates you'll be ok most of the time, but at a 10% increase front and 25% increase rear rate over the stock BRZ, the big bumps you'll feel the added rate in your soul. These days OEM ride height is worth the very compliant and sporty ride for me. 🤙

[@Maclin456]

@@KonkrRoads Thank you for the reply

[@Maclin456]

@@KonkrRoads Borla Gen2. It's only loud when you want it to be.

[@Munchticles]

I've had my GR86 for almost two years come November, I didn't even know cons one and two was a thing. I feel you may lean too far back, you should sit as upright as possible. I'm between 5'11" and 6' and these aren't issues for me.

[@KonkrRoads]

I do lean back quite a bit which doesn't help. I do wish the mirrors were smaller though...they are as tall as a Chevy Suburban's. If a thinner aftermarket version comes out that can retain the blind spot monitoring and defrost I'm in. 🤙

[@udeshhhhhh]

Personally I prefer the engine in this with my AWE Touring exhaust.. nice crackles and pops on stock tune 😏 but then again it set me back around 2.6k AUD🤔

[@KonkrRoads]

AWE Touring -- certainly loud crackles and pops. A fun exhaust for sure...your neighbors still like you though??

[@devsen71]

Very good review, I would add the unlockable glove compartment. The clanking engine noise is a boxer thing.

[@KonkrRoads]

Thanks Devsen 🤙

[@calvin_tea]

do you have a video of hoe you did the camera setup in the car?

[@KonkrRoads]

I don't have a video, but I can share. I use GoPro Hero11 Blacks filming at 4k; I have a three-cup suction mount for interior filming (usually stuck to passenger window) and a VERY stout dual-cup suction mount for the exterior (usually mounted on roof or front bumper). If you have more Qs just shout 🤙

[@williamshortreed7609]

Only problem I had with my 6 spd 23 BRZ. The windows when you open and close the door .. they drop and inch to open and when closed they seal up. In the winter the windows were frozen stuck so I couldn't get in to warm it up.

[@KonkrRoads]

That's intense -- you find a solution? I used to mix up a salt and vinegar mix and run a rag on the window edges. Keeps things right when not parking in a garage. 🤙

[@timbo_was_taken]

I had a kid call mine a corvette at a show lmao

[@KonkrRoads]

😂🤣

[@ChrisSalty]

Any opinion on the ND3 mx-5 Miata RF? Im debating on getting the Gr86 or the Miata

[@KonkrRoads]

My opinion: the ND3 RF is an incredible car! I think a decision between the Miata and GR86 boils down to your priorities on daily usability, back seats, and whether a convertible is important. I believe they are both extremely fun and beautiful and will scratch the sports car itch. Which are you leaning towards?

[@raymartisais7613]

Hey mike, i was wondering if you have dropped your oil pan to remove rtv?

[@KonkrRoads]

@@raymartisais7613 Hi Ray, I haven't dropped my pan. The OEM multi-window pick-tube design lets me sleep fine, especially knowing that I'd likely make the situation worse by dropping the pan and risk damage or applying too much or too little RTV on the re-seal. If my BRZ were track-focused I'd take the chance, but for my daily driving duties all is good 🤙

[@leom00n79]

Hello All. Are there any GR86 owners who can give me an information about the long term reliability? I plan on getting the Hakone Edition in the Fall. What’s the issue with RTV? Is this detrimental to the engine? What about oil starvation I’ve been reading about?

[@KonkrRoads]

Have no fear -- tracking the car, especially with stickier and wider tires, may bring oil issues to light. For daily driving, just check your oil every fuel-up to be sure it's topped off. You'll be fine. 🤙

[@entropy11]

The fake engine noise lol With the stock exhaust it's actually necessary especially if you're wearing a helmet. But if you put on aftermarket exhaust you can and should dump it.

[@KonkrRoads]

100% agreed 🤙

[@davidgillham6847]

Biggest issues for me are road noise, crappy sound system, horrible door rattles when playing music, terrible fuel economy for such a small light weight car as higher gears are too short IMO, brakes are not up to track work from the factory, fake engine noise and the dead zone on center with the steering being slightly too much compared to the previous gen. Could do with 20-30hp more, but not really necessary for most street driving. The stock sound system is so weak, that any road noise above say 50mph on rough road just eats up all the bass, so you end up turning it up real loud, but then the system can't cope, the doors rattle like crazy and it's a viscous circle.

[@KonkrRoads]

Have you tried the speed volume control feature for the stereo? Page 69 of the "Getting Started Guide" that came with the owner's manual. May help with one of the common gripes 🤙

[@Pharaoh_The_Great]

The gr86 is more for drift and the brz js more for grip. I prefer the gr86.

[@KonkrRoads]

That's a fair assessment. I'd say the BRZ is more for a daily too -- and its aluminum knuckles give a splash more steering feel than the tS and 86 if that's your thing 🤙

[@barenekid9695]

Erm Since when is 2800 lbs weight.. Light. ! In a small 'sporty' car. Moderne times indeed.

[@KonkrRoads]

Fair assessment...yep sadly the days of light car are WAY behind us. EVs have the weight of a whale pod in batteries and the smallest BMW sports car is nearly two tons. Glad the BRZ/86 and Miata still exist 🤙

[@DKarGarage]

Gr corolla sucks on track ,not well balanced, gr86 is better balanced vehicle,

[@KonkrRoads]

Balance of the BRZ/86 is premier, no doubt 🤙

[@1Solace]

Brother, all I'm saying is... you can be a bit more enthusiastic or something but thanks

[@KonkrRoads]

@@1Solace I love my BRZ, but it's no 427 AC Cobra level of excitement 😎🤙

[@1Solace]

@@KonkrRoads well, even if you're reviewing a mini-van, im pretty sure you want your audience to be more engaged. i work in mental health. I'm not a bubbly person but I know my clients pick up on my affect so I have to be a little more animated with them.

[@KonkrRoads]

@@1Solace thank you for the work you do -- an important job to say the least

[@1Solace]

@@KonkrRoads thanks man, I wish nothing but the best for you. Nice BRZ 😊

[@leom00n79]

Stfu. There are other fake sounding reviews for that. Gtfoh.

[@69fcortina]

You lay pretty far back in your seating position. Try straightening up your seat back- it will take getting used to- but it would solve both the reach to the wheel and the need to stretch your neck to see over the mirrors.

[@KonkrRoads]

Good point, I'll give it a go 🤙

[@69fcortina]

@@KonkrRoads thanks. It wou.d have been easy to pop off a snarky reply to my comment, I appreciate that you didn't. I have Psoriatic Arithritis, and positional comfort is a constant issue for me. I end up having to check myself constantly, and I reflexively did the same when I saw your driving position. It may not work for you at all, but it was well intentioned.