Top 5 GR86 Performance Mods

www.driven.med...
The GR86 and BRZ platform have some of the best aftermarket support in the car industry. There are so many parts you can change to make the car your own, but what if your goal is to get the most performance out of your car? well here are the top 5 performance modifications you can make!
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Import Bible
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2022 TOYOTA GR86 MOD LIST:
»$35DIY 4th Brake Light: amzn.to/3SRG3L8
»Positaps: amzn.to/3SRAQTl
Bride Stradia III Seats
Sayber Design Carbon Fiber Front Lip
FactionFab F-Spec Coilovers
Cusco Strut Tower Bar Front
Cusco Strut Tower Bar Rear
Cusco Front Lower Control Arms
Cusco Adjustable Rear Lower Control Arms
Cusco Adjustable Rear Toe Arms
Cusco Rear Trailing Arms
Cusco Rear Upper Lateral Control Arms
ARP Extended Wheel Studs
5mm Wheel Spacers (Front)
Yokohama Advan TCIII 18x9.5 +45
Kumho V730 255/35r18
ECUTEK E85 Tune w/ Graham from Boosted Performance Tuning
Compressive Tuning Carbon Fiber Engine & Fusebox Cover
DressUpBolts Stage 1 Engine Bay Titanium Hardware Kit
Perrin CAI
Verus Engineering AOS
Verus Engineering Oil, Coolant, Washer Fluid, Brake Fluid Caps, and Cam Sensor Covers
Tomei Type D Dual Exit Catback Exhaust
Circuit Demon Custom Headlights
JDM Clear Sidemarkers
Twins Carbon CF Center Console, AC Vent, Steering Wheel Covers
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[@patrickhooper2843]

I can confidently say that a good set of wheels and tyres can transform your driving experience.

[@pol.86]

I still can't get over the red on red seats. Amazing

[@KevinVo]

Still my favorite mod!

[@fenixlegendario2472]

@@KevinVo I am still willing to know how you solved the problem for the passenger seat

[@aroundomaha]

Your knowledge shines through. This was a great overview especially for the suspension. I may be one of three people who like the Primacy tires, though I run Bridgestone RE71RS for autocross. The Primacy’s are a riot.

[@JordanHarris]

I had heard in a review that the Primacy tires ruined the BRZ because it made the car too grippy and too hard to throw around. I'm pretty amazed to hear the performance level can go up from here!

[@aroundomaha]

@@JordanHarris The Primacies have a lower grip than the Bridgestones, and that makes them great for practice runs as they communicate while allowing me to explore and learn. Stickier tires do change the experience in ways that are faster but not as "fun".

[@ArmySigs]

The number 1 performance mod for any car is driver training ;) So many people mod their car to handle and go fast but have no idea how to actually drive it.

[@514aam]

The first performance mod Is making it reliable. Better radiator, oil cooler and brakes. Then comes the driver, if you are learning you dont want to blow the thing up.

[@kabob21]

@@514aam Most definitely agree that cooling and stopping needs to be handled first then seat time/lessons

[@adinbrown974]

Very true I bought my first car it was a sti and I had no idea how to drive a turbo manual now looking to get a 86 kinda re learn from the ground up

[@amcezm0n3y47]

Wheels and tires the best and first "upgrade" you can do. That affects your car more than any other single thing you can do.

[@401.Gr86]

After driver training second most important mod is needed, flame decals 😎

[@astromanofficial]

That new Dune part 2 trailer looks good.

[@djalexas1]

Nokian Nordman studded tires for those crazy Canadian winters!

[@DCOZ61]

I’ve been daily driving brz’s for 5 years now. First my 2013. Now my 2022. Blizzaks do wonders in the Midwest in the winter. Truly incredible.

[@michaeljohnson2922]

I’m in Wisconsin. How do you prevent rust in the winter from the salt?

[@junior11445]

@@michaeljohnson2922I was mine every week at the very least and make sure I go to a car wash that has the under body spray. Also take care of any chips if bare metal is exposed. Or if you have the money find a place to coat the underside of your car to prevent rust

[@716Flat4]

about 6 grand will get you 300-350 hp with a supercharger and cobb ap. All honesty, the power curve is nearly identical to the stock na setup...making the driver experience only be improved. Despite the claim here, I have now been behind the wheel of 2 different forced air BRZs and it is an absolute improvement over stock without a bit of sacrifice other than some money and time. My advice is to stay near 300-310ish as it will be much safer on the transmission, which really only holds up up to 350. Really dont blame anyone for staying NA, especially on the new 2.4L ones, the stock drive is very enjoyable, but if you want to have fun when another car is also there with you, you need the power boost. The only thing you really have to re-learn is that you can not flat foot the gas in turns and stuff like that, it will require a bit of skill to control it properly. My opinion, #1 is COBB AP, #2 is intake, #3 CAT back exhaust, #4 supercharger, #5 brakes. The stock suspension is actually solid on the GR86 even at 300hp. The BRZ does not squat quite the same and may benefit from coil overs, but the 86 seems a tad firmer with a better dig squat. At the end of the day, just enjoy what you are doing, make sure you bring your handling up to snuff if you increase performance, and do what you can to ensure your car is 1 of 1...dont copy what everyone else is doing exactly.

[@iversonjcameron]

Im old....love my 22 auto gr86, already with 27k miles everyday on 95 here in VA....the only thing that worries me is that boxer engine and the silicone issue, I worked on the old vw nazi made air cooled flat four back in the day, so easy to maintain. I heard toyota has a 3 cyl 300hp engine for the yaris/ corola overseas and they put it in the gr in japan....might want to think about that

[@buntafujiwara3586]

Winter is approaching down here in the southern hemisphere. The best performance mod is my Driven Hoodie.

[@ditermejia6027]

planning in tracking my 23 brz by next year!!! thanks for all the info nd cool merch!

[@techwick79]

Great list! I added a cold air intake to mine and now it sounds like a growling beast-my neighbors definitely know when I’m leaving for work! 🚗💨

[@louie2215]

Just bought my 86❤ about to slowly build up my dream mods but first I will spend some time getting to know her at base. So far I’m very impressed by how solid she feels. The balance is really amazing. Thanks you for the tips.

[@bryanp5376]

Spooley Boi! Haha! Im going to use this to describe turbos from now on. Really enjoy your videos, and honest opinions. Still waiting for my GR to come in hopefully before the end of this year :)

[@Hellyeahgarage]

I'm really glad I found this video. Such a realistic review, and thank you for not spending 10 minutes talking about RTV or how the dash has the most insignificant lag displaying what gear the car is. I just bought my 24 GR86 Premium 4 days ago. I really resonated with the fact that you talked about the emersivness in the driving experience because that's exactly why I traded my 23 Camry TRD for this car. I do have a question for you about your initial tune on 91. So that's stock (no exhaust, or anything) just a tune? Is that through an actual tuner, or was that on a programmer like COBB or Diablo? What are your thoughts on a throttle controller. On the Camry, throttle lag was God awful. The pedal commander woke that car up. I don't notice nearly as much in the 86, but I do still notice it a little.

[@B86RZ]

Pretty impressive numbers for just being FBO + E85 🤝

[@kyleplayz2035]

Hey Kevin I just came across your channel but because of you I ordered myself a gr86 Mt in the halo color and you are the one who sold me on it and I’m definitely getting that tomei exaust car arrives btwn 4-6 months so a long wait but it’s gonna be worth it. (P.S what is the best snow tire in your opinion I live in Colorado and I’m planning on dailying this car yea even in the snow) pps your content is amazing and to be honest I like the new “studio” more it gives that real car guy feel and you can do all this at you home and u don’t need a shop

[@KevinVo]

Thank you for all the support! As for snow tires, Blizzaks are of course up there, but a budget option are General Altimax snow tires!

[@BikesCarsAndSake]

Thank you for this summary - this was very helpful!

[@repingers9777]

230whp fbo is insane thats almost k20/24 vtec numbers that high compression is no joke

[@Thisisthe86]

i did the basic cat back, taillight, side marker, 4th brake light changes but my down the line goal is to eventually engine swap it with the 4 banger LS once they are finished in the production phase

[@bhaliwka1091]

I'm thinking the same thing.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

I’d love this, but I always think the cost of the car + LS + labour just = buy a much faster car 🤔

[@Thisisthe86]

@@Showmetheevidence- i 100% feel ya

[@No_ishu]

​@@Showmetheevidence-perhaps to be a sleeper? 🤷‍♂️ Who doesn't love a good "David vs Goliath" story 😂

[@awepossum1059]

@@No_ishu no one thinks gr86 is a sleeper, it looks like a fast car but is actually slow 😂 Its the opposite of a sleeper

[@ruturaj47]

I am doing my first HPD event later this month. I am probably doing just camber bolts, brake pads and fluid but at least after 1st one or two events. I have still have ohlins, lighter wheels and grippy tires on back of mind though.

[@johntechwriter]

“The oil can start to break down and doesn’t lubricate the engine like it should.” Love it!

[@HumorDash]

I bought the brz all weather mats for my 22. They are very cool looking and function WAYYY better than say weather tech.

[@corneliusmiddleton1127]

Bruh. You now have .005% more torque!

[@DeekBoy333]

Installing my AWE touring exhaust tonight.

[@yogimarkmac]

I got a FlexFuel sensor and EcuTek tune. Now making 245hp on E85 with just a K&N filter and axle back exhaust with stock engine and headers. Get a tuner that will dyno your car!

[@Tort210]

Can’t wait to get this car and work on it!

[@pernelldelahoussaye9092]

Kevin, I will be putting new tires and wheels this summer. What are the best size tire and wheel? I want them fat and wide. Wheels will probably be concave. I’m a daily driver in Florida. Will eventually put coil overs. This will not be a track car.

[@TheFrog767]

Great information 8:04 very nice 🍻

[@bubba02]

In Reno, I did the first winter with stock tires maybe 8 years ago in the brz. That was hell. Bought Blizzaks at tire rack before next winter. Swap them on when I need for a couple days. Absolute must

[@KevinVo]

Night and day difference!

[@jakoebo1]

Great stuff man thank you

[@amcezm0n3y47]

I have a 2023 GR86 the same color as yours. I kept my 2013 FRS too. Haven't loved a platform this much since the AW11 MR2. 86 fan boi for life

[@patrickbateman7122]

Hi! Previous 13 GT86 owner here and about to pull trigger on GR86 tomorrow. Do you feel the 1st gen had better steering feel and if so have you improved your 2nd gen if that's the case?

[@amcezm0n3y47]

@@patrickbateman7122 it is very similar. It really comes down to the tires you use as well. It is the same basic rack with electric motor assist in the steering shaft in the first gen.

[@patrickbateman7122]

@@amcezm0n3y47 just collected my 86! Really liking the improvements. Shell feels stronger. Steering doesn't feel as quick off centre to me but perhaps more natural but will see how i feel in time once getting used to it 👍

[@joshrupard1593]

Dude. You’re videos are awesome. I’m hopefully going to get an 86 soon. I was just searching and found your vids. Keep up the good work

[@jittersfpv6872]

Awesome video as always! Do you have any tips for paint and interior care, didn't see a video but it's possible I missed it!!

[@Daledugahole]

Great video as always. I could easily spend twice what the car is worth on aftermarket upgrades and performance mods and I could do it in about 30 minutes ... "If" I had the money 😂😢

[@TovarishDima]

My preferred mods for this car in order: 1. Suspension and wheels/tires 2. LSD with a 4.5-4.8 final drive ratio 3. Better braking 4. Better cooling 5. Intake, headers, exhaust with a proper ecu flash Misc. if car inspections are not required where you live, get rid of the egr system. Make sure it is reversible.

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

still planning the first step acquiring a GR86 aka saving up money.

[@KevinVo]

Keep on saving!

[@julecasey2376]

I have an 86 trd se 2019, had the frs before, as of now just the simple best 1st 3 mods imo: wheels, suspension and well the stock trd catback which sounds pretty nice, I’m running megan racing coils I got them free lmao and rays gram lights 57 dr 18x9.5 on federal 595 rs pros, I have my borla b2 uel headers and invidia Catless front pipe I want to throw on from my frs but Cali exhaust laws are no joke

[@theunknownkhid]

Your gr86 sounds so good at the end of the video, is that just awe exhaust?

[@mrvector257]

Kevin, have you thought about doing your own EFI tuning and showing that process? Like using your own laptop with tuner license and EcuTek?

[@andreaferrari8200]

First of all congrats for your videos! You are my main bank of information about that car! I have one of the few GR86 on Italy, and you know here we can't bump or edit our car so much, but anyway let me dream 🤣. Why you had still the stock brake system? Is it enogth for that car? As you said this is not the car to go super fast, and I confirm it's perfect for the driving sensation, and yes I love to drift too, so I don't need to push too hard on the accelerator. Anyway a lot of people suggest to powerup it's brake system, what do you think about it? (Maybe can be an inspiration for a new video?)

[@J35Y1]

Brother what do you do for work in Italy?

[@stevef3521]

Hey! I recently got a ‘13 FR-S and am learning a lot about them through your videos. I’m not too far from you. Is there a good online community/forum for them? Thanks!

[@KevinVo]

Happy to help! You can join this FB group: facebook.com/groups/152742868183430 Also check out www.ft86club.com/forums/

[@stevef3521]

Thanks!

[@SuBSiN]

@@KevinVo wow i got rejected from the FB group lmao. Is it cause I'm in Canada?

[@marcusbattaglia5400]

Awesome video! Quick question: I'm thinking about buying a GR86 2023 Premium, MT. What sort of mods I could do that would not void the warranty? I want to do some track fun, but since the car will be brand new, I don't want to void warranty.. not yet.

[@DailyDoseDemos]

Just bought a Halo White one 3 days ago. Dude DO IT most fun ive had in years. Had 7 miles on it. Now had 367 LOL

[@danielsoto_toronto]

Top performance mod is driver mod 💪

[@warrenjohnsen124]

A dry sump is the best thing you can do for this car 😂 cannot turn right without it popping on track.

[@maestromiles1]

thanks for the vids are you able to run through replacing the brake fluid and pads on this car? mechanic noob and would love to see how it is done on this specific car before i try it on my '23 BRZ

[@ivanchristophersaldana119]

My gr86 is so stock yet so fun 😂. I can keep up with other car people with their bigger faster engine and cut up 😂

[@christopherchase8405]

I already had RCE coils installed, and Cusco LCA. I've seen that the widest tire isn't the best for tracking the car. What tire size would you recommend, and what high performance tire? Looking at Toyo R888.Traction, grip, and less weight. Seems it's always a trade off. Going to be likely supercharged, so putting the power down comes into play. Going with 18 inch rims. I feel like 17's look too small, even after the car was dropped. I hope to find a low profile tire, so that the tire size doesn't change from stock. Looking at CE28 Club racer, Regamaster Desmond Evo 2, TWS T66F. I don't like the look of the Enkei RPF1, and TE37's are too common. They're also not as light as the CE28. Still cannot figure out if the club racer is lighter than the SL version. I know the club racer is 200 grams lighter than the club racer 2. Why is it so hard to find wheel weight guides that are accurate? I just want the lightest forged wheel. I wonder if I'll miss putting the car sideways easily on the primacies. Thank you for your help, and of course your content. I also have a red GR86. I also have plans for those bride seats, black roof, and full tint. I pulled the back seats that were useless, but I've kept the OEM taillights. I just put red overlays on the directionals.

[@julecasey2376]

235 or 245 35 I run 225/40/18 run federal 595 rs pros they run wide

[@doubledigitdownhill]

There was an article , might have been grassroots, 9.5 in rim w 225/45 17 are way to go for fastest lap times

[@ittotaq]

Mr kevin, introduce a keylight into your setup! and some video chapters

[@suoutamaki14]

I don't know anything about car parts so most of this video went over my head.

[@Iseenoobpeoples]

The best mod I did is a clutch pack limited slip differential, the OEM Torsen unit is so trash and unstable especially with 200TW tires.

[@brunostiglitz7535]

Man love this car, I want one so bad but rn the demand is a long 12 month wait 😢

[@PBrooksSawyer]

Kevin when it was all said and done how much $$ did you spend on the tuning process including the supplementary mods you did (headers, front pipe, over pipe)?

[@Dr_Lord]

1st performance mod: Driven Media Overlays!! The Second was to tint the windows :) After the engine break-in, I'll do a track run to see how the changes affect performance. Next, Jackson dual-radiator oil cooler, Perrin CAI, and Perrin AOS are on order.

[@On2thakneppz1]

This is a troll, right? Lol, though aesthetic mods are definitely a great way to enjoy what we already have

[@Dr_Lord]

@@On2thakneppz1 Being silly.

[@thevics123]

It would help if we knew what year gr86 this is. If im not mistaken, the 2023 gr86 has a oil cooler built into it.

[@KevinVo]

The OEM oil heat exchanger is still not adequate.

[@asuncionmaldonado3382]

Is there a different type of manual transmission for it like a t56 transmission

[@skunkiiee7333]

Are there links somewhere of the mods you have so far? I see the list in the description but no link to them.

[@thatanimator2724]

everyone talking about lowering the car I wanna raise it a bit, rally/safari style!

[@goblinburgers]

Plan right now is to do nothing while under warranty that isn't cosmetic, then buy something like a prius for a daily and k-swap the gr86 with a voltex bodykit, but who knows what the plan will be once the warranty actually expires ☺

[@donewhiskey]

I thought we were seeing closer to 225 WHP stock, or maybe with the green filter removed? Am I way off here?

[@brayangarcia5816]

I got the 10th anniversary gr86 really don’t know where to start with mods on this car. Any suggestions guys?

[@burnafterreading7335]

If oil heat is such an issue why doesn't the factory out an oil cooler on

[@AlexM24-7]

great!

[@tracewilliams4785]

Can’t wait to buy a gr86

[@aspeigher]

What type of cold air intakes ? Toyota put a hold on the gr86 version. Also one that you do not have to take off the front bumper. Suggestions welcome.

[@chriskeo392]

2025 gr86 is gonna be close to 280 hp

[@desmond_2093]

top 10 lip/lip kits plss

[@phyaekyaw5166]

Hey any fixes for the rtv issue for these cause that the only thing I’m worried about for my 86. Love the vinyl and the vid recent bought a awe touring exhaust for mine.

[@KevinVo]

There's not really any fixes per se, but there are some things I know companies are working on to make it easier to clean the pickup tube.

[@andreaferrari8200]

I opened my oil filter to see if was dirty of RTV, after 4K Km (still not opened the oil cup) and it was really clean, at 10K Km I think I will open the oil cup anyway and I will try to clean up the pickup tube, may this is the only stuff that you can do.

[@SmallVille23]

Your GR86 is dope.. I just got my GR86 2 weeks ago. I want to modify mine just like yours. I need your help if you can..thanks

[@KevinVo]

What can I help you with?

[@MikeyKirin]

I gotta be honest, I find my car quite predictible in a slide with the Primacy's.

[@Bazor80]

Man I’m trying to install some led interior light strips in my 86 and CAN NOT find a good route to run the wires from the passenger side to the driver side!! HELP! Lol if you could make a video showing how to run the wires. Or If anybody could give me some tips, I’d be extremely grateful!

[@joshs420]

are you ever gonna turbo or supercharge?

[@GabrielLomeli-ub4fc]

Are those blue coil overs available for the gr 86

[@jstunna_9600]

make more small driven hoodies i was just about to buy one and it said sold out saddest day ever :( the black and white one

[@KevinVo]

More being made now!

[@gabeblank3890]

Hey Kevin!

[@KevinVo]

Hey Gabe!

[@jessekiks]

I thought the new 86 had an oil cooler from factory?

[@thekeemstar27]

Almost got a Gr86, just need to find a dealership that isnt lying about their inventory to get me to walk in the door 😭

[@kenchaney9095]

What is the name of the exhaust that you have on your car?

[@chaiher6264]

Does putting coils on the 86 take away any comfort on the car?

[@KevinVo]

Depends which ones you get. Some can make it less comfortable, and some can make it more comfortable.

[@Tinyzkid]

these mods are intended for tracking purposes right? not necessary if dailying?

[@KevinVo]

Yes and no. Some can be beneficial on a daily driver that you like to do some aggressive driving with as well. For example, tires, brake pads, and alignment components can all help improve the car.

[@jfan4reva]

@KevinVo - Tires (for non-Premium models), brake pads, FLUID, and alignment all sound like cheap and easy mods for any GR86. Like you, I live where it snows, so maybe a set of winter tires too.

[@desmond_2093]

question ...i need control arms to lower my car with coils?

[@KevinVo]

You don't need them, but you'll want them if you want to dial in the camber.

[@MShell]

Kevin where did you get the license plate kit?

[@KevinVo]

Perrin

[@1Solace]

Can someone tell me if fbo+e85 is more reliable than FI on these?

[@Belerin26]

Best mod for an 86 is a different motor

[@ElectricusTus]

Hi Kevin. Did the tune reduce rev hang?

[@KevinVo]

Yes!

[@cmf086]

Is an oil cooler necessary for daily driver use?

[@KevinVo]

Nope, just for track use.

[@Cosmic1121]

I’m going for coils next but I’m not sure which ones to get :(

[@KevinVo]

What's your budget?

[@Cosmic1121]

@@KevinVo ideally around 1500

[@markraposo9566]

Maaaaan I get a 2024 gr86 in about 7 months give or take and these videos are just hyping me up to build that car

[@zacharykirkham9481]

yes sirrrr if it was me i would get a first gen but thats just me cus you know in 20 years it will be like the na miata and you save money and can use that money for a 2jzgte

[@samclement8515]

What license plate mount is that?

[@janglyechoes]

Literally just bought my GR86 a few days ago. Thanks for this video bro!

[@chiragdesor6067]

Im planning on buying the trueno gr86? How do you like your gr86?

[@nancybelen13]

@@chiragdesor6067I got my 86 premium 2024 it’s so amazing I’m in love

[@kaboom8979]

This might be the earliest i've ever been on one of your videos lol

[@KevinVo]

Appreciate you!!

[@kaboom8979]

@@KevinVo I appreciate you even more, Kevin! You singlehandedly sparked my love for the GR86!

[@ericzylker8423]

Which oil/radiator did you get? I did not see it on the list?

[@KevinVo]

I have the perrin oil cooler on my FRS and the Jackson Racing Dual Radiator/Oil Cooler on the GR86.

[@troncat8490]

is an oil cooler recommended for a daily driver road car

[@KevinVo]

Not needed for a daily. Only if you're tracking it.

[@troncat8490]

@@KevinVo thanks

[@Whitt_9425]

WHat happened to the hood you just put on?

[@KevinVo]

Had some fitment issues and I didn't want to go through the hassle of shipping hoods back and forth. Might go a different route though next year.

[@snewcol1743]

What rims are those

[@stuff2209]

W16 engine swap🗿

[@Ricardo.rsrz86]

Y’all gonna watch grand turismo movie when it comes out?

[@KevinVo]

Of course!!

[@rawrbrz]

Brb switching to my other account to drop another liiike

[@KevinVo]

Much love!!!

[@Tracker5111]

Uh...the GR86 already has an OEM oil cooler.

[@KevinVo]

Still not up to the task at the track.

[@joenathan8618]

Yo Kev, you would help me and some others buy buying some upgraded internals for your 'track' 86 and doing a new block takedown series with your full name behind it. Just you, amazing person man man (Consideritachallenge)

[@gaarax0x]

Just get the WRX. Much easier to make more power. 86 cars are just underpowered.