The Ultimate Guide to GT86 and BRZ Engine Tuning
Introduction:
The Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ are celebrated for their balanced chassis and engaging driving experience, but some enthusiasts may find the stock engine output a bit underwhelming. Fortunately, these cars have tremendous potential when it comes to engine tuning. Whether you’re looking to extract a bit more horsepower or trying to chase down all the GT3RS’s, this guide will walk you through the best engine tuning options available for the GT86 and BRZ.
1. Understanding the Basics of Engine Tuning
Keywords: GT86 tuning, BRZ ECU tuning,
Before diving into specific upgrades, it’s important to understand what engine tuning entails and how it can impact your car.
What is Engine Tuning?
ECU Tuning: At its core, engine tuning often involves modifying the car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) to optimize the air-fuel mixture, ignition timing, and other parameters. This allows the engine to produce more power and torque.
Mechanical Upgrades: In addition to ECU tuning, mechanical upgrades like intake systems, exhausts, and forced induction can significantly boost engine performance.
2. ECU Tuning: Unleash Your Engine’s Potential
Keywords: GT86 ECU tuning, BRZ remapping, Ecutek tuning
ECU tuning is one of the most popular and effective ways to increase the performance of your GT86 or BRZ. By reprogramming the car’s ECU, you can unlock significant gains in power and torque, the main naturally aspirated modifications to do are a free flowing exhaust manifold, but our BRZ GT86 intake tube is also a lovely touch before getting your map dialled in.
Off-the-Shelf (OTS) Tunes:
What They Are: OTS tunes are pre-configured maps designed for common modifications like cold air intakes and exhaust systems. These tunes are a great starting point for those new to engine tuning.
Top Picks:
EcuTek Tuning Kit: A popular choice for GT86 and BRZ owners, offering customizable maps and real-time data logging.
OpenFlash Tablet: A more user-friendly option that comes with pre-loaded tunes and the ability to create custom maps.
Custom Tunes:
Why Go Custom: For those seeking maximum performance or who have heavily modified engines, custom tunes are the way to go. A professional tuner will create a map tailored to your specific setup, optimizing every aspect of your engine’s performance.
Where to Get It:
Dyno Tuning: Find a reputable tuning shop with a dyno to ensure your car is tuned for optimal performance under real-world conditions.
Remote Tuning: Some tuners offer remote tuning services like Fensport, where they send you a custom map based on data logs from your car, its wise to choose a tuner that knows the platform well if going this route as they will spend less time getting a better result.
Considerations:
Fuel Type: Higher-octane fuels often yield better results with ECU tuning, as they allow for more aggressive timing and boost settings.
Reliability: While tuning can significantly increase power, it’s important to ensure your engine can handle the added stress. Upgrading supporting components like the cooling system and internals might be necessary for more aggressive tunes, especially oiling mods like our GT86 Baffle plate and BRZ pick up pipe
3. Bolt-On Upgrades: Boost Power with Simple Mods
Keywords: GT86 bolt-on mods, BRZ intake and exhaust, best bolt-ons for GT86
Bolt-on upgrades are modifications that don’t require major engine work and can be installed relatively easily. These upgrades work well in conjunction with ECU tuning to further increase power and performance.
Headers:
Why Upgrade: Aftermarket headers improve exhaust flow, reducing backpressure and increasing horsepower. This mod is especially effective when paired with a high-flow exhaust system.
Top Picks:
Tomei Expreme UEL Headers: Famous for their “rumble” sound and significant power gains.
Borla UEL Headers: Another popular option, known for their build quality and performance benefits.
Exhaust Systems:
Why Upgrade: Replaces the factory exhaust, reducing restrictions and enhancing exhaust flow.
Top Picks:
Invidia N1 Cat-Back Exhaust: Offers a deep, aggressive sound and improved performance.
HKS Hi-Power Spec L: Known for its lightweight construction and noticeable power gains.
Upgraded Fuel Injectors and Fuel Pump:
Why Upgrade: If you’re running a more aggressive tune or considering forced induction, upgrading the fuel injectors and pump ensures your engine receives enough fuel, preventing lean conditions which can cause catastrophic failure.
Top Picks:
DeatschWerks Fuel Injectors: Designed for high-performance applications, providing consistent fuel delivery.
AEM High-Flow Fuel Pump: Ensures your engine has a steady supply of fuel, even under high-demand conditions.
4. Forced Induction: The Path to Big Power
Keywords: GT86 turbocharger, BRZ supercharger, forced induction GT86
For those looking to make significant power gains, forced induction is the way to go. Adding a turbocharger or supercharger to your GT86 or BRZ can dramatically increase horsepower and torque.
Turbocharger Kits:
Why Turbocharge: A turbocharger compresses incoming air, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and produce more power. Turbo kits are capable of delivering substantial horsepower gains, making them ideal for track use or high-performance builds.
Top Picks:
Avo Turbo Kit: Offers a significant power increase while maintaining reliability, making it a popular choice for GT86 and BRZ owners.
Greddy T518Z Turbo Kit: Known for its quality and performance, providing a balanced increase in power.
Supercharger Kits:
Why Supercharge: A supercharger provides instant power by compressing air without the lag associated with turbochargers. This makes superchargers great for those who want a linear power delivery.
Top Picks:
HKS GT Supercharger Kit: Delivers a substantial power boost with a focus on maintaining the car’s natural balance and drivability.
Jackson Racing C30 Supercharger Kit: Known for its reliability and consistent power delivery, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Supporting Mods for Forced Induction:
Upgraded Intercooler: Necessary for cooling the compressed air, preventing detonation and maintaining power output.
Mishimoto Front-Mount Intercooler Kit: A popular choice for its efficiency and quality, why not pick up some of our GT86 BRZ silicone coolant hoses aswell to compliment the radiator.
Oil Cooler: Helps manage increased engine temperatures associated with forced induction.
Greddy Oil Cooler Kit: Provides reliable cooling to keep your engine safe under high power.
5. Internal Engine Upgrades: Building a Bulletproof Powerhouse
Keywords: GT86 forged internals, BRZ engine build, high-performance GT86 engine
If you’re planning to push your engine to its limits, upgrading the internal components is essential to ensure reliability and longevity.
Forged Pistons and Rods:
Why Upgrade: Stock pistons and rods can only handle so much power before they become a weak point. Upgrading to forged internals allows your engine to withstand higher horsepower levels without risking catastrophic failure.
Top Picks:
CP-Carrillo Forged Pistons: Known for their strength and durability, ideal for high-horsepower builds.
Manley H-Beam Connecting Rods: Provide exceptional strength and reliability, even under extreme conditions.
Brian Crower Rods: These rods can be used with stock pistons which is a great option for upto 350-400BHP especially in street cars where forged pistons can have their downsides.
Performance Camshafts:
Why Upgrade: Performance camshafts can increase power by optimising valve timing and lift, improving airflow into and out of the engine.
Top Picks:
Tomei Poncams: Designed for both naturally aspirated and forced induction setups, offering a balance of power and drivability.
Kelford Camshafts: Known for their aggressive profiles, providing significant power gains for high-performance builds.
Uprated Valve springs: A great reliability option to ensure you don’t drop and valves.
Upgraded Head Gasket:
Why Upgrade: An upgraded head gasket can handle higher pressures, reducing the risk of failure in high-boost or high-compression setups.
Top Picks:
Cometic MLS Head Gasket: A reliable choice for high-performance engines, offering excellent sealing and durability.
Crankshaft Bearings:
Why Upgrade: High-performance bearings can handle the increased stresses of a high-horsepower engine, ensuring longevity.
Top Picks:
ACL Race Bearings: Known for their durability and ability to handle increased loads, making them ideal for performance builds.
Conclusion:
Engine tuning offers GT86 and BRZ owners a wide range of options to enhance their car’s performance, from simple bolt-ons to full-blown forced induction systems. By carefully selecting the right combination of mods, you can tailor your car’s power delivery, throttle response, and overall performance to match your driving style and goals. Remember, while tuning can unlock impressive power gains, it’s important to consider the reliability and longevity of your engine, ensuring you can enjoy your upgraded GT86 or BRZ for years to come.