We know that both generations of the BRZ, 86, and FR-S are not as mod-friendly in terms of horsepower when compared to the WRX, STI, etc. Yes, there are turbo kits and other means of forced induction such as a supercharger, but that quickly turns into a mountain of money rather than a money pit. Boost is addictive, and naturally aspirated engines aren’t made to handle forced induction due to higher compression pistons, and then the construction of the rods as well as the hardware. Turbo kits and supercharger kits can be driven on lower boost, as well as a solid tune with conservative timing. The problem is that the OEM engine cannot survive those with a heavy foot. So, when getting a turbo kit or supercharger kit it gets really expensive because you must do all the supporting mods to make your engine live such as a complete fuel system overhaul, and a standalone ECU. No matter what you do truthfully, all roads must lead to a built engine with forged rods, pistons, and upgraded valvetrain to handle the upper-RPMs, and then a clutch to hold the power.

Yet if you are buying a BRZ, FR-S, or 86, you already know this. Otherwise, you would have just bought a WRX. The soul of the BRZ and its variants is the handling, and how it’s a real driver’s car. Still at the end of the day, we are all car people, and we like to mod things. Although the bread and butter for the BRZ, FR-S, and 86 are mainly going to be in the suspension department, we know that you can still completely upgrade your intake and exhaust systems. One of the featured power packages we’d like to discuss is the HKS Header Back Exhaust System:

HKS Header Back Exhaust System 2013-2024 B RZ/FR-S/86

 

We often header about cat-back exhaust systems, but header-back, it is an exhaust upgrade from the exhaust manifold, all the way through the tailpipe. And it’s brought to you by HKS, who pioneers of turbocharger upgrades are leading back to the mid-1970s, and they have forged the path for many other aftermarket companies to further improve their own product development.

Here is an example of an OEM BRZ exhaust manifold:

It’s not a terrible design. It must clear the OEM oil pan, and there are flex sections that allow the exhaust manifold to move with the weight of the rest of the exhaust, as well as road vibrations. It is also heavy with many weld points piecing it together.

Here is a picture of the HKS unit:

You can objectively see where horsepower is produced. The header runners coming off each cylinder have smoother bends, and there is a slight increase in the overall piping diameter. This gives the exhaust gases a faster exit path that will quicken the throttle response because there is less turbulence because the exhaust gases aren’t going through corrugated flex sections, and sharper bends. When exhaust gases can escape faster, this produces more horsepower, more torque, and more sound.

When an upgraded exhaust manifold is combined with a proper cat-back system, the performance gets better for the same reasons. Smoother bends, and larger piping allow for the stream of exhaust gases to flow faster.

HKS Hi Power  Spec L2 Cat-Back Exhaust System 2013-2024 BRZ/FR-S/86

 

Any of the cat-back systems we carry will deliver very similar results because they are made with the same general formula. It just boils down to brand preference, tip design, or you can choose from stainless steel or invest in a full titanium system.

 

CLICK HERE FOR ALL EXHAUST SYSTEMS

 

GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS

Because of the increase in horsepower and a louder exhaust note, this is the key reason why exhaust systems are a main ingredient in basic performance upgrades. If you don’t know anything about cars and want to make more performance, anyone who has the slightest knowledge of cars will always tell you that you can get an intake, and an exhaust. An aftermarket intake allows your engine to breathe in a higher volume of unrestricted airflow whether it has a turbo or if it just has a standard intake connected to the throttle body like the BRZ. The point of an upgraded intake and an exhaust is keeping your engine breathing and exhaling better without restrictions and that’s why you get more horsepower and more torque.

GrimmSpeed Cold Air Intake System 2013-2024 BRZ/FR-S/86

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR ALL INTAKE SYSTEMS

 

When combined with an upgraded exhaust, it makes for the ultimate performance combination within reason. Meaning, these are simple mods that can be performed by any competent mechanic, or if you have the tools and know how to safely secure your BRZ on jackstands, you can perform these mods on a weekend yourself. A performance intake allows your engine to breathe without restriction and a performance exhaust system allows your engine to exhaust to exhale faster. Within a reasonable budget, you can get a proper cold air intake, an upgraded exhaust manifold, and a quality cat-back exhaust system that will add a satisfactory amount of power that will change the fun factor in your BRZ, FR-S, or 86.

 

THING IS, THE CARS ARE SO FUN AND REWARDING TO DRIVE WITHOUT BIG HORSEPOWER

Exactly. When it comes to making more horsepower and more torque out of any generation BRZ, FR-S, or 86, these cars were not designed to have a turbocharged powerplant, and they were Subaru’s leap of faith outside of the AWD rally sphere. That’s why there are so many suspension upgrades, braking upgrades, upgrades to the drivetrain in terms of short shifters, and several upon several aesthetic mods. The BRZ was made as a lightweight traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car that is highly competitive in sanctioned competition events with the SCCA (sports car club of America).

Yes, there are those who have Frankenstein’d these cars with big turbo builds, LS swaps, 2J swaps, and so on. But it’s got a short wheelbase. The chassis and suspension weren’t designed to handle a high MPH. People can do whatever they want to their own cars but again, the BRZ is naturally a nimble car, with just the right amount of power from the factory that is paired with a close-ration 6-speed manual transmission option. A nice intake and exhaust are really all you need to add a little more sauce to the car to make your overall driving experience and overall ownership a little more rewarding.