Next Level Performance
July 24, 2026 • 11 min read
The first-gen Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S are the best-handling affordable sports cars of the last decade — and among the easiest to make faster. The best mods for the 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 attack the one weak spot Toyota and Subaru left on the table: power. This lightweight, rear-drive, near-perfectly balanced chassis begs for more grunt, and the aftermarket answers with everything from a full HKS turbo system to KW coilovers and Borla exhausts. Below are the six upgrades our Tampa, FL shop reaches for first when a customer wants a quicker, sharper, more reliable 86.
Our Verdict
The HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit is the single best upgrade for the first-gen Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S — it targets roughly 300+ wheel horsepower, close to double the factory FA20 output.
The chassis was always brilliant; the engine was the weak link. If you only change one thing, add boost — then back it up with KW coilovers, a Borla cat-back, and a Mishimoto oil cooler for a fast, reliable street-and-track build.
Shop Our Top Pick →Why the First-Gen 86/BRZ Is the Ultimate Mod Platform
The first-generation 86/BRZ twins (chassis codes ZN6 for the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S, ZC6 for the Subaru BRZ) are a tuner’s dream because everything except the engine was engineered for enthusiasts. They weigh roughly 2,760 lb, carry a low center of gravity thanks to the Subaru-built FA20 flat-four boxer, and send power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual and a standard Torsen limited-slip differential.
The catch is output. From the factory the FA20 makes just 200 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft at 6,400 rpm on 2013-2016 cars; the 2017-2020 refresh nudged manual models to 205 hp and 156 lb-ft. Worse, there is a well-documented torque dip near 4,000 rpm. That is why the smartest build path starts with airflow — forced induction — then sharpens the chassis, cooling, and drivetrain to match. Every part below fits 2012-2021 first-gen cars unless noted.
The HKS GTIII-RS turbo system roughly doubles the FA20 boxer output.
The 6 Best Mods for the Subaru BRZ & Toyota 86 at a Glance
Here is a quick-scan comparison of our six picks, ranked by impact and price. Each links directly to the product page, and every part is verified in stock at NLP Performance.
| Mod | Category | Standout | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro KitTop Pick | Forced Induction | Targets ~300+ whp (double stock) | $4,950.00 |
| KW Variant 3 Coilovers | Suspension | 3-way adjustable, TUV-approved | $3,214.00 |
| Borla S-Type Cat-Back | Exhaust | T-304 stainless, aggressive tone | $1,289.99 |
| SPL Front Lower Control Arms | Chassis | Adds caster/camber, spherical bearings | $1,282.37 |
| Mishimoto Thermostatic Oil Cooler | Cooling | Thermostatic, kills FA20 oil-temp spikes | $768.95 |
| Exedy Stage 2 Cerametallic Clutch | Drivetrain | Higher clamp load for FI torque | $459.83 |
1. HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit — Best Big-Power Upgrade
The HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit is the definitive way to fix the 86/BRZ’s only real flaw. It is a complete bolt-on turbocharger system — billet-wheel GTIII-RS turbine, cast manifold, front-mount intercooler, charge piping, wastegate, downpipe, and upgraded fuel hardware — engineered specifically for the FA20. On the stock short block with a proper tune and supporting fuel, it targets roughly 300+ wheel horsepower, and the GTIII-RS turbine has the airflow headroom for 400+ whp on a built engine. That is close to double the factory crank output.
Key Specifications
What We Like
- + Roughly doubles output — the single biggest transformation available for the platform
- + Complete kit with turbo, intercooler, manifold, and fuel hardware in one box
- + Backed by HKS engineering and a proven track record on the FA20
Things to Consider
- – Requires a professional tune and supporting fuel for safe, reliable power
- – Not CARB-approved — cannot ship to California
2. KW Variant 3 Coilovers — Best Suspension Upgrade
Once the FA20 makes real power, the next dollar goes to suspension. KW Variant 3 coilovers ($3,214) are the enthusiast benchmark: independently adjustable ride height, low-speed compression, and rebound damping on KW’s stainless “inox-line” struts, all TUV-approved and built in Germany. You can lower it for the street or dial in a stiffer, flatter setup for track days without swapping hardware. On a chassis this well-balanced, better damping is felt in every corner.
What We Like
- + Independent compression and rebound adjustment for street or track tuning
- + TUV-approved German engineering with corrosion-resistant stainless struts
- + Adjustable ride height to eliminate fender gap and lower the center of gravity
Things to Consider
- – A premium price versus lowering springs or single-adjustable kits
- – Getting the most out of them rewards a corner-balance and alignment session
3. Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust — Best Sound & Bolt-On
The flat-four deserves a better voice, and the Borla S-Type cat-back ($1,289.99) delivers it. Built from mandrel-bent T-304 stainless steel with a dual split-rear exit, it frees up flow, trims weight over the restrictive factory system, and gives the boxer the aggressive rasp owners want — without droning on the highway. Borla backs it with a million-mile warranty, so it is a lifetime bolt-on. It is the easiest way to make the car feel faster the day it arrives.
Mandrel-bent T-304 stainless with a dual split-rear exit.
4. SPL Front Lower Control Arms — Best Chassis Fix
Lowering any 86/BRZ throws off its factory suspension geometry, and that is where SPL Parts Front Lower Control Arms ($1,282.37) earn their keep. They add front caster and camber adjustment, replace rubber with motorsport-grade spherical bearings, and restore correct roll-center and bump-steer behavior on a dropped car. For anyone running coilovers and chasing tenths on track, this is the upgrade that unlocks the tire.
5. Mishimoto Thermostatic Oil Cooler — Best Reliability Mod
This is the unglamorous upgrade that saves engines. The first-gen FA20 is notorious for climbing oil temperatures during spirited driving and track sessions, and heat is the enemy once you add boost. The Mishimoto Thermostatic Oil Cooler Kit ($768.95) uses a thermostatic sandwich plate that only routes oil through the cooler once it hits operating temperature (around 180°F), so you get protection under load without overcooling on cold mornings. It is direct-fit and backed by Mishimoto’s lifetime warranty.
What We Like
- + Thermostatic control protects the FA20 on track without overcooling on the street
- + Direct-fit kit with a lifetime warranty and proven track record
- + Cheap insurance for any boosted or hard-driven build
Things to Consider
- – Not a power part — benefits show up in longevity, not on the dyno
- – Adds oil capacity, so budget for a slightly larger oil change
6. Exedy Stage 2 Cerametallic Clutch — Best Drivetrain Upgrade
Add a turbo and the stock clutch becomes the next weak link. The Exedy Stage 2 Cerametallic Clutch ($459.83) uses a cerametallic thick disc with a higher clamp load to hold substantially more torque than OEM, making it the ideal match for a boosted FA20. It bites hard, tolerates abuse, and keeps power getting to the ground when a stock disc would slip. Pair it with a lightweight flywheel for even sharper throttle response.
How to Build Your BRZ or 86 in the Right Order
Sequence matters as much as parts. For most drivers we recommend starting with bolt-ons and handling — a Borla cat-back, KW coilovers, and adjustable Hotchkis sway bars ($787.78) — because they transform the car for well under the cost of forced induction. When you are ready for real power, commit to the HKS GTIII-RS turbo kit and back it with the Mishimoto oil cooler and Exedy clutch on day one.
Prefer supercharging over turbo lag? The HKS GT2 supercharger system ($4,510) is a linear, ECU-packaged alternative. And once your grip and power climb, upgrade the stoppers with a Brembo GT big brake kit ($1,883.28). Our Tampa, FL team fits these builds every week and can help you stage the right parts in the right order.
Adjustable Hotchkis sway bars are an affordable handling win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mod for a Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86?
The best mod for a first-gen Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, or Scion FR-S is a forced-induction kit, because the naturally aspirated FA20 makes only 200-205 hp from the factory. The HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit ($4,950) targets roughly 300+ wheel horsepower with supporting fuel and a proper tune — close to double stock output. The chassis, brakes, and balance are already excellent, so adding power transforms the car more than any other single change.
How much horsepower does the first-gen 86/BRZ make stock?
The first-generation Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S make 200 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft at 6,400-6,600 rpm on 2013-2016 manual cars. The 2017-2020 refresh (manual only) raised output to 205 hp and 156 lb-ft. All U.S. cars share the 2.0L FA20 flat-four boxer engine with Toyota's D-4S dual port-and-direct injection, driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or automatic.
Is the HKS turbo kit reliable on a stock FA20 engine?
The HKS GTIII-RS Turbo Pro Kit is designed as a bolt-on system for the stock FA20 short block, and at conservative boost with a professional tune it is a proven, streetable setup. Reliability depends on tuning discipline, fuel quality, and heat management — which is exactly why we pair every boosted build with a Mishimoto thermostatic oil cooler and an upgraded clutch. Note this kit is not CARB-approved and cannot ship to California.
Do I need coilovers if I add a turbo to my BRZ?
You do not need coilovers to run a turbo, but they are the highest-value handling upgrade once you add power. KW Variant 3 coilovers ($3,214) give independent ride-height, compression, and rebound adjustment on a TUV-approved stainless strut, letting you dial in grip for street or track. On a car this well-balanced, better damping and a lower center of gravity pay off in every corner.
Why does the FA20 engine need an oil cooler?
The FA20 in the first-gen 86/BRZ is known for rising oil temperatures during hard driving and track sessions, which can accelerate oil breakdown. A Mishimoto thermostatic oil cooler ($768.95) routes oil through the cooler only once it reaches operating temperature (around 180F), protecting the engine on hot days and under boost while avoiding overcooling on the street. It is one of the cheapest reliability upgrades you can make.
How much does it cost to build a first-gen 86 or BRZ?
A comprehensive first-gen 86/BRZ build in this guide runs from about $460 for an Exedy Stage 2 clutch to $4,950 for the HKS GTIII-RS turbo kit. A well-rounded power-and-handling package — turbo, KW coilovers, Borla exhaust, SPL control arms, oil cooler, and clutch — totals roughly $12,000 in parts. You can stage the build over time, starting with bolt-ons and suspension before committing to forced induction.
Ready to Wake Up Your BRZ or 86?
Shop turbo kits, coilovers, exhausts, and thousands more performance parts for the Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S at NLP Performance.
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