Top 5 Exhaust Options For The Latest BRZ/GR86

TOP 5 EXHAUST OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR 2022+ BRZ/GR86

As we enter the second year of production of the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, turns out it’s one of the best bargains for enthusiasts and new owners who want a fun, true drivers’ car at an affordable price. Although the previous generation earned its status as a mentioned, “real drivers” car in terms of using skill and momentum to remain competitive in weekend autocross and track day events, they desired more power in the mid-range as the torque felt like it hit the ceiling around 3k RPMs. To make up for the lack of power, the aftermarket supplemented the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine with cold air intake systems, and cat-back exhaust systems.

When designing the second-generation ZN8 BRZ and GR86, Subaru and Toyota both recognized that they could make up for the power by bumping the engine displacement up to 2.4-liters that produces 228 HP and 184 LB. FT of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed close-ratio gearbox that developed a very rewarding linear power band all the way to redline. And yes, there is an automatic version for those who enjoy comfort for daily duties. The second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 rolled off assembly lines with modern amenities such as LED lighting, modern touch-screen infotainment, along with modern styling. In today’s economy buying a new Porsche, Mustang, Corvette, or one of those new Dodge boats, the prices are very hard to digest. With Premium BRZ models at just over $27k, and Limited models at just over $30k, the BRZ and GR86 make for a bargain for those who want a traditional 2-door RWD coupe that can be enjoyed every day.

 

Yes like 95% of us who enjoy these cars, sometimes we desire more power and sound, and we just can’t leave our cars alone. What is the most exciting mod you can perform to your BRZ or GR86? Off the bat, it will be the cat-back exhaust system. Your factory exhaust system must be universally compliant with sound ordinances, so they are produced with large and heavy mufflers, several bends, along with heavier materials designed to withstand all driving elements. A quality cat-back exhaust upgrade will feature minimal bends, 304 stainless steel materials, with an increase in the exhaust piping size. This allows the exhaust gases to escape quickly to increase the throttle response, horsepower, torque, while producing a more aggressive exhaust note.

 

Because of these reasons, here are the Top 5 exhaust systems that are available for your 2022+ Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GR86.

 

NUMBER 5: APEXI N1 EVOLUTION X CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM

Apexi has been a household name in the sport compact industry, as well as the Japanese racing culture for several decades. Decorating popular magazines such as Turbo Magazine, Sport Compact Car, and Import Tuner. Apexi was in full production mode developing their timeless N1 Dunk exhaust systems, turbo timers, and in the early 2000’s released their innovative S-AFC fuel controller and AVC-R boost controllers known for their 8MB-like digitized blue display. Today there is a fine marriage between new technology and grandfathered manufacturing methods to continue in their production.

The Evolution-X Cat-Back Exhaust System features a single-exit design that provides a decent amount of weight savings when compared to the OEM muffler. It has minimal bends with larger piping diameter to allow for better throttle response, more power and torque, and best of all, a deep exhaust note. Not too loud with built-in resonators in the piping, and in the muffler section. A great mod that can be enjoyed on the street but will scream at the track.

 

DETAILS:

• Single-exit layout
• Increased piping diameter
• Titanium tip
• Built-in resonator
• Aggressive, yet controlled exhaust note

 

NUMBER 4: GREDDY TITANIUM SUPER STREET CAT-BACK: 

 

This one will be mentioned for a few reasons, like Apexi, Greddy are one of the main pioneers in Japanese and turbo performance development. Their products have a proven success rate in world-class race cars sanctioned in some of the most prestigious of motorsports events. Now the Greddy Titanium Super Street is not for the faint of heart, especially when you see the price tag. However, it is for the most demanding of enthusiasts who only want the best. This exhaust system combines art and performance with full titanium craftsmanship.

 

DETAILS:

• Full titanium construction
• 60mm to 50mm piping diameter
• Weighs around 18lbs
• Beautiful burnt titanium finish throughout
• Delivers an aggressive exhaust note

 

 

NUMBER 3: HKS LEGAMAX SPORTS CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM

 

The HKS Legamax Sports Cat-Back Exhaust System has been a popular choice among the BRZ/86/FR-S camp due to the performance and the sound. This particular design features very minimal bends in the exhaust piping leading to the mufflers, coming out of the mufflers are a pair of burnt exhaust tips that provide that race-inspired aesthetic. A great direct-replacement option that will include all required hardware and gaskets to make this an awesome performance mod on your newer BRZ or GR86 that you can be proud of. Here are some extra highlights:

 

• 304 stainless steel construction throughout
• 65-50mm piping diameter
• Dual burnt tips
• Creates an aggressive exhaust note
• Adds more power, torque, and increases the throttle response

 

 

NUMBER 2: TOMEI EXPREME TI CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM

For those of you who want a full titanium cat-back exhaust system within a budget, you cannot go wrong with Tomei’s example. The Expreme Ti has been out for over a decade now and is available for many makes and models. For a car that is already lightweight and nimble, more weight savings for the BRZ is a performance upgrade since the powerplant is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer that makes 228 HP. The Expreme Ti will add more power and torque to the BRZ and GR86 with the largest piping diameter at 80mm which is also large enough to flow forced-induction upgrades. Visually, the Expreme Ti features JDM pie-cuts in the bends, with a burnt titanium finish throughout. Like all titanium exhaust systems, the Expreme creates distinctive race car noises during full throttle.

Extremely lightweight and a direct bolt-on cat-back system that will include everything for the installation.

 

DETAILS:

• Full titanium construction
• 80.5mm piping diameter
• 115mm tip diameter
• Weighs 18.7 lbs
• Features JDM pie-cuts
• Beautiful burnt titanium finish throughout

 

NUMBER 1: AWE TUNING TOURING EDITION CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM

The reason why AWE’s cat-back system makes it into the #1 spot, is because of the performance, price point, but mainly the versatility. Finding the right exhaust system in terms of sound can be challenging and you cannot make everyone happy. A cat-back that may be quiet to some, may be too loud for others. AWE has (2) versions of their cat-back exhaust options for the BRZ and GR86. They have the Touring Edition, which has integrated mufflers, but then they have the Track Edition which is essentially a straight-piped version. The Touring Edition will be more civilized in terms of sound but will still generate a deep aggressive note. The Track Edition is all business and will be the loudest option for those of you who desire weight savings and performance.

But you have alternatives if you purchased one exhaust over the other. AWE has their Conversion Kits to allow you to convert your Touring Edition into a Track version, or vice versa. This can simply be performed by replacing the rear muffler section.

AWE TOURING TO TRACK EDITION CONVERSION KIT

AWE TRACK TO TOURING EDITION CONVERSION KIT

 

Here are some highlights:

• Designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house at AWE’s USA facility
• Designed with AWE’s patented drone-cancelling 180 Technology
• 3” and 2.5” exhaust piping diameter
• Hand-crafted
• Available in the Touring or Track Edition
• Conversion kits available to make your exhaust louder or more suppressed
• Deep boxer rumber
• Adds more horsepower, torque, while improving the throttle response

 

Although we proudly carry a great selection of exhaust upgrades for the BRZ/GR86, you cannot go wrong with any of these choices. All will increase the overall performance, and what it really comes down to is budget. Titanium exhaust options will be the most expensive, but they will be the lightest, and most artistically crafted units in terms of how titanium fabrication compares to stainless steel. However if you're never going to be looking under the car, and will want something just to enjoy on your daily commute, while getting the performance for those track days, any of the mentioned stainless steel examples will most certainly exceed your expectations.