AWE's Exhaust Options For The BRZ/86
15 FEB 2024 - Jeff Willis
The latest generation of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 continues to roll off the assembly line with more refinement, modern amenities, and a little harder punch out of that naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine. Delighted by the appreciation of enthusiasts from a worldwide scale, Subaru took a risk designing the 2-door rear-wheel drive sports car during a time where the WRX and STI were heavy contenders in the supersedan markets. Coveted by Subaru lovers and objectively one of the best-looking rally-inspired vehicles, the GV chassis (2011-2014) was undeniably a proper example of the Subaru WRX, followed by the introduction of new crossover designs such as the Crosstrek, and the new Forester.
In 2013 with these exciting models that Subaru offered from their catalog, a 2-door sportscar coupe was not on anyone’s bingo card. Once the word started making rounds on internet forums, magazine articles, with new photos of the BRZ in world rally blue, we were on board. For us irrational folk who wanted to jump the gun, we skimmed through articles to see if it were offered in the turbocharged powertrain. But that was not the overall goal for Subaru. Lightweight, nimble, with momentum. A true driver’s car, with elements that share parallels with the Mazda Miata. It was a curveball that landed in the strike zone for many inquisitive yet equally curious weekend grassroots racers. But in all certainty, Subaru has a major aftermarket presence, they had the BRZ’s back before these cars could make it to the dealerships.
For established brands such as AWE, they welcomed the BRZ and GR86 with open arms ready to make performance improvements beyond what was included from the factory. Although the ZN8 chassis is better seasoned in the main areas of aesthetics, ergonomics, and performance, there is always a little more room for improvement.
INTERCHANGEABLE BETWEEN THE AN6 AND ZN8 MODELS
The 2.4-liter flat four in the 2022+ BRZ and GR86 gets a bump in power with 228 HP and 184 LB. FT of torque. The engine is paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, and yes there are automatic options available. More importantly the mid-range power void is filled where it lacked in the first-generation. The 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S and 86 models had that initial torque off the line, but then fell flat after 3000ish RPMs. The good news is that although there is a new design with the 2022+ BRZ/GR86, the exhaust components are interchangeable between first and second-generation examples. In terms of performance gains due to larger piping and smoother bends, the improved throttle response certainly helps the lack of the mid-range power in first generation models.
HOW THE AWE CAT-BACK EXHAUST WILL IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE
Whether if you haver a giant turbo or a giant Chevy engine that makes all the noise, they both need one main component to make horsepower, and that is a proper exhaust system. The detail is in the design, and the key is to have no restrictions in the flow. The reason why engines make more horsepower and torque after an exhaust upgrade is because OEM exhaust components are restrictive to a degree. And to be fair, most are made using heavy cast steel materials for longevity. Furthermore, they must be universally compliant in regard to sound ordinances. AWE’s cat-back exhaust system is a safe upgrade for all BRZ/FR-S/86 models, because you’re not messing with any emissions control devices, and you get the benefits of the performance and sound.
HIGHLIGHTS
The AWE unit for the BRZ combines a larger piping diameter with Much smoother bends to provide an unrestricted flow path for the exhaust gases. This allows for better throttle response with a bump in power throughout the entire RPM range. But let’s have a closer look at the highlights with some of the key benefits from the AWE examples, and yes you have a few options:
- Engineered, designed, and manufactured in-house at AWE’s facility in the USA
- 304 stainless steel hand-crafted construction
- 3” and 2.5” CNC mandrel bent exhaust piping with 0.65” thickness
- 5” double-walled slash-cut exhaust tips available in a chrome silver or diamond black finish
- Simple bolt-on installation
- Available in a Touring Edition which is on the resonated and quiet, yet aggressive
- The Touring Edition features AWE’s patented drone-cancelling 180-Degree Technology
- The Track-Edition is louder and more aggressive-sounding
- Both examples produce a deep boxer tone
- The Track Edition saves 12lbs while the Touring Edition saves 1lb when compared to stock
- Clean straight-through design maximizes the flow
- Perfect fitment guaranteed
- AWE no check engine light guarantee
- Lifetime warrantee
The Touring Edition example is ideal for enthusiasts who desire that deep boxer rumble with the crackles without the interior drone at cruising speeds. It does have mufflers to be less aggressive sounding when compared to the Track Edition, but you do not lose any flow capabilities to maintain that high-level of performance. It will be heavier when compared to the track edition with the integrated mufflers, but ideal for those of you who don’t desire that attention-grabbing loudness.
Like a racing-style exhaust, the Track Edition is all business to provide those with a dedicated race car with performance and weight savings. The Track Edition has been designed with no mufflers, but it does have a bullet-style resonator integrated into the mid pipe. The result is a more aggressive exhaust note inside and outside of the cabin that shaves 11lbs when compared to the OEM unit. It does not have integrated mufflers, and it may not be for everyone, but if you like it loud, you’ll love this example.
YOU CAN HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH THE CONVERSION KITS
Yes, you can have both units if you’d like. AWE has available conversion kits that can turn your Touring Edition into the Track Edition by replacing the mufflers with pipes, or you could add mufflers to your Track Edition if you need to leave for work early on a Monday morning after a weekend track event. So if you have it in your budget, the conversion kit is great for daily duties, but beneficial when you’re enjoying a weekend track event.
AWE TRACK TO TOURING CONVERSION KIT CLICK HERE
AWE TOURING TO TRACK CONVERSION KIT CLICK HERE
THE VERDICT
In terms of craftsmanship, quality materials, simple installation, and the versatility of having the option of changing the exhausts with the conversion kits, the AWE cat-back exhaust option for the BRZ, FR-S, and 86 models are hard to compete with. Both units offer increases in performance, and both deliver an intoxicating exhaust note that makes the driving experience on the road or track that much better. The in-house design and manufacturing process at AWE’s USA facility provides enthusiasts with long-lasting confidence in the performance and aesthetics that makes their products at the top of the class.
