OTL Releases The Equal Length Header For 1st And 2nd Generation BRZ/86 Models

    12 JAN 2024 - Jeff Willis

    It is hard to believe yet equally impressive the the Subaru BRZ is entering the 11th year of production. Subaru made a bold move by creating a sportscar that is outside of their traditional formula which is all-wheel drive that has always been a staple in their rally inspired WRX and STI models. In addition, the BRZ drove off the assembly line with a naturally aspirated motor, but still in Subaru’s flat-four layout. As many enthusiasts wondered why Subaru never offered a turbocharged version of the BRZ, 11 years later we understand that much like the Miata, the BRZ. FR-S, and the Toyota 86 are best known for being a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car that is still offered in a manual transmission. A momentum car, and a car meant for the driver with skill. Even at weekend autocross or local track events, the BRZ is highly competitive because as a real driver knows, smoother is faster.

    OTL, aka Off The Line Performance has earned their establishment in the automotive performance aftermarket with decades of fabrication, engineering, and development for current sport compacts, as well as other platforms that can be enjoyed, and taken beyond their factory limits. From performance to aesthetic modifications, they offer just about every component that checks all the boxes on our dream lists.

    But let’s keep our focus on the BRZ. When Subaru debuted the BRZ in 2013, the chassis was dubbed the ZN6, and the engine was rated to 200 HP. Now this engine was methodically matched to the chassis to provide the driver with a great driving experience, and not to break any records at your local track. At the time, Subaru’s lineup was very exciting as the GV model WRX was offered with the same widebody sedan option as the STI, and you had the option of the wagon model as well. We also were introduced to the Crosstrek model that offers consumers with another crossover option that joins the likes of the Forester. With many great options at the time, the BRZ stood out because it was a small sports car without AWD. A bold move that goes against the grain of Subaru yet turned out to be the right move.

     

    In 2013 we had faster variants of Ford’s Mustang, and there was a wave of excitement as Toyota started releasing hints of a new generation Supra that didn’t release until 7 years later. And the other choice was the Nissan 370Z didn’t evolve too much, but it was in the middle of the bridge with between affordable and expensive. For years, the Miata dominated as the most affordable entry-level sports car, with a starting price at $24,000 for that year. But the BRZ was fresh out of the oven brought to you by a company that has earned several world rally championships in this exciting 2-door that had a 6-speed manual transmission, and it was offered in a coupe. This arrested the attention of many SCCA members. The 2.0-liter flat four engine produced 200 HP and had short ratio gears that made buzzing around those cones thrilling. It wasn’t designed to drive around turbocharged cars or V8’s at your local track’s straightaways no, but it shined in the corners. Aside from enthusiasts who really appreciated the BRZ for what it really was, and what it meant to be, the automotive aftermarket wanted more out of it. There were turbocharger and supercharger kits available. But then those with a heavy foot demanded more power as boost can do this to us. Then you had to rebuild the engine with stronger internals, add more fuel, then a standalone EMS with a tune to try to make the car run right. Builders even stuffed a V8 under the hood and Frankenstein’d the car. And it was just unnatural to the chassis.

    The first generation BRZ had an 8-year run where Subaru gained a lot of the feedback and revisited their drawing board. Many people including established magazine organizations expected a turbocharged STI variant since there was the introduction of the VB WRX, and we are still left in the dark with discussions of producing the next STI model in an all-electric format. Even so, the rumored plan will not really see the light of day until early 2028. And the world dynamic of post covid, shifts in the economy, and the ongoing armed conflicts on a worldwide scale have taken a toll on automotive manufacturers in terms of trying to market their vehicles harder while making them easier to drive with all the interfacing and tech. Having many driver assists, getting the maximum gas mileage, ECU’s to operate every faucet of the vehicle, all of these options are nice to have but it adds weight and adds more labor and complications when maintenance is required. One of the greater advancements in sports cars is just how fast PDK and automatic transmissions can shift. Still, with all the advantages that produce faster 0-60 times and an easier driving experience, there are many enthusiasts who want to feel connected.

     

    Subaru wanted to stick with the main floorplan of the BRZ, but now it’s a little more seasoned. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine in the first generation gets bumped up to 2.4 liters. It now has 228 HP and 184 LB. FT of torque. The new engine is now mated to a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox where it really utilizes the torque and the power to really fulfill a void owners felt with the first generation. The new engine is a vast improvement throughout all driving conditions as 228 HP out of a naturally aspirated boxer 4 cylinder is plenty of power to have fun with. The powerband is very linear from the bottom to the top, when compared to the first-generation as you run out of steam in the mid-range.

     

    The ZN8’s exterior evolution was executed very well by Subaru with fender vents that resemble the likes of the Lexus IS-F, the R35 GTR, and now part of the newer Mustang design. It now has 18-inch wheels, and the contours and shape of the body from any angle are executed very well. Although opinions are subjective, and for what it is, when you see the new BRZ out in traffic you can’t help but to think, that’s a great-looking car.

    With Off The Line Performance, they have a thorough relationship with the BRZ and know what upgrades are effective without having to get an additional tune or other supporting modifications. Upgrading the exhaust system is simple as far as a component that you can bolt-on and go for a drive. Now we are not disregarding the fact that it can be a little labor intensive to install depending on your mechanical skill and tools, but the BRZ loves exhaust upgrades.

    Whether if you drive a first or second generation BRZ, they can share some exhaust components between the 2.0 and 2.4-liter engines. This includes the exhaust manifold. The factory exhaust manifold is heavy and robust. And to be fair it needs to be as it is exposed to the most heat. In terms of performance, there is room on the table for improvement.

     

    The Off The Line Performance Equal-Length Catted Header features smooth tubular bends, and 100% stainless steel construction to allow those exhaust gases to escape freely with very low turbulence. The reason why headers are a part of virtually any modified engine, is that they increase the throttle response, generate more horsepower and torque, and it also creates a more aggressive exhaust note. The OTL Header touches all of the bases for the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota GT/GR 86 models. Let’s have a look at the highlights:

    • 100% 304 stainless steel construction
    • CNC machined ½” thick ss flanges provide a perfect seal
    • Low merge 4 into 1 collector design with the Power Bullet
    • Stepped equal runners improve low to mid-range gains while holding top-end power
    • Designed with a high-flow cat that is in the OEM location
    • Meticulously TIG-welded in-house at he OTL Performance USA facility
    • Built-in heat-sink O2 bungs promote long sensor life in all applications
    • Mates to both OEM and aftermarket overpipes
    • The runners are CNC mandrel bent for smoother flow with repeatable results
    • Includes new overpipe to header hardware
    • Adds more horsepower and torque
    • Saves weight

     

     

    Overall, the OTL Equal Length Header is one of the best examples on the marketm and a great modification that you can perform to the 1st and 2nd generation BRZ. An intake and full exhaust upgrade will really improve the mid-range drop on the 1st generation models, and while really enhancing the gains for the 2nd generation. Off The Line Performance developed this header to be a great investment for your BRZ, FR-S, and 86 with premium materials to provide you with long-lasting performance. Your driving experience will be further enhanced and more enjoyable from the daily commute to work, or on that weekend spirited drive through the canyons.