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Subaru BRZ Lowered: Styling and Performance Mods Everyone Is Talking About
The Subaru BRZ. A name synonymous with driver-focused performance, lightweight agility, and a pure, unadulterated driving experience. But for many enthusiasts, the factory-fresh BRZ is just a starting point. The aftermarket offers a vast ocean of possibilities, allowing owners to personalize their cars and push their performance to the next level. And one of the most popular modifications, across the board, is lowering the car. Let’s dive into the world of lowered BRZs, exploring the styling and performance gains, and the modifications that are turning heads on the road and track.
The Appeal of a Lowered BRZ: Why Drop it?
Lowering a car isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a multifaceted modification that offers a combination of visual impact and performance benefits. For the BRZ, the benefits are amplified due to its already sporty nature. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons why owners choose to lower their vehicles:
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A lowered stance dramatically changes the BRZ’s profile, giving it a more aggressive, planted, and visually appealing look. The reduction in wheel gap instantly elevates the car’s presence.
- Improved Handling and Stability: Lowering the center of gravity (CG) is the primary performance benefit. This reduces body roll, improves cornering stability, and allows for quicker transitions.
- Reduced Aerodynamic Drag: Lowering the car can reduce the amount of air flowing underneath, potentially leading to a small reduction in drag and thus, a slight improvement in fuel efficiency and higher speeds.
- Increased Track Performance: For track enthusiasts, lowering springs or coilovers are crucial for optimizing performance on the track. Lowering allows for more aggressive suspension tuning and better weight transfer.
Popular Lowering Options: Choosing the Right Setup
The world of lowering options for the Subaru BRZ is diverse. The best choice depends on your intended use (daily driving, track days, or a combination) and budget. Here are the most common options:
- Lowering Springs: This is the most affordable and straightforward option. Springs replace the stock springs, providing a lower ride height. They generally offer a moderate drop (typically 1-2 inches) and are compatible with the factory shocks.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, easy installation, improved aesthetics, and often a modest improvement in handling.
- Cons: Can result in a harsher ride quality, may not be ideal for aggressive track use, and can potentially wear out the factory shocks prematurely.
- Coilovers: Coilovers offer the most comprehensive suspension upgrade. They replace the entire shock and spring assembly. Coilovers allow for adjustable ride height, damping, and sometimes even camber, offering unparalleled control over the car’s handling characteristics.
- Pros: Highly adjustable, excellent handling, customizable ride quality, can be tailored for track use.
- Cons: More expensive than lowering springs, requires more involved installation, and can require more frequent maintenance.
- Adjustable Coilovers: Offer the most tuning options and are most often used by track enthusiasts.
Beyond the Lowering: Complementary Styling and Performance Mods
Lowering the BRZ is often just the beginning. Owners frequently combine this modification with other enhancements to create a cohesive and high-performing package. Here are some popular supporting modifications:
- Wheels and Tires: Upgrading to wider wheels and performance tires is a common pairing with lowering. Wider tires provide increased grip, while different wheel designs can further enhance the car’s aesthetics. Popular choices include:
- Wheel Offset: Essential for proper fitment, ensuring the wheels don’t rub against fenders or suspension components.
- Wheel Diameter: Common sizes include 17, 18, and 19-inch wheels.
- Tire Compound: Consider performance tires (e.g., summer tires) for improved grip or all-season tires for daily driving.
- Exterior Styling: Aerodynamic enhancements like front lips, side skirts, rear diffusers, and spoilers can complement the lowered stance, further enhancing the car’s visual appeal and potentially improving aerodynamics.
- Performance Upgrades: Beyond suspension, owners often look to improve engine performance with modifications such as:
- Exhaust Systems: Improves sound and can offer a small increase in horsepower.
- Intake Systems: Improves airflow to the engine.
- ECU Tuning (Remap): Optimizes engine performance and can unlock additional power.
- Brake Upgrades: Lowering the car allows for greater braking forces.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While lowering a BRZ offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks and make informed decisions.
- Ride Quality: Lowering can make the ride harsher, especially with lowering springs. Coilovers offer more adjustability to mitigate this.
- Ground Clearance: Reduced ground clearance can make the car more susceptible to scraping on speed bumps, driveways, and uneven road surfaces.
- Installation: Professional installation is highly recommended for lowering springs and coilovers to ensure proper fitment and performance.
- Alignment: After lowering, a wheel alignment is crucial to maintain optimal handling and prevent premature tire wear.
- Warranty: Modifying the suspension may void or affect the vehicle’s warranty.
Conclusion: Transforming Your BRZ
Lowering a Subaru BRZ is a transformative modification that enhances both its aesthetics and performance capabilities. Whether you prioritize a more aggressive stance, improved handling on the track, or a blend of both, choosing the right lowering setup is essential. By carefully considering your goals, budget, and driving style, you can unlock the full potential of your BRZ and create a truly unique driving experience. Remember to research thoroughly, consult with experienced professionals, and prioritize safety throughout the modification process.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to lower a BRZ?
The cost varies significantly depending on the chosen method. Lowering springs can range from $200 to $500 (excluding installation), while coilovers can cost anywhere from $800 to $3000 or more. Installation costs will vary depending on the shop and the complexity of the install.
2. Will lowering my BRZ void my warranty?
Modifying the suspension can potentially void portions of your warranty, especially those related to the suspension system. It’s essential to consult your dealership and review your warranty terms before making any modifications.
3. What’s the best lowering option for daily driving?
Lowering springs offer a good balance of aesthetics and performance for daily driving, but the ride quality can be noticeably firmer. Coilovers offer more adjustability and can be tuned for a comfortable ride, although they are more expensive.
4. Do I need to get an alignment after lowering my BRZ?
Yes, a wheel alignment is absolutely essential after lowering your BRZ. Lowering changes the suspension geometry, and an alignment ensures proper tire wear and optimal handling.
5. How do I choose the right ride height?
Consider your daily driving conditions, and the types of roads you use. For performance, go as low as possible without compromising daily usability. Remember that a lower center of gravity improves handling, but excessive lowering can negatively impact ride quality and ground clearance.
