Recently came across a first hand customer review of the new BRZ done by someone who's actually using the car exactly the way it was intended to be used. Modified, right off the bat and put through its paces on a track! The story below is from the perspective of
the owner, enjoy...
He also covers:
How-To Change Suspension on Subaru BRZ
A forum member snagged this pic of my car sold in the dealership a week before I picked it up. I live in Baton Rouge, LA and the car is in Manchester, NH. It's going to be a long trip to get it home. Photo taken June 8thish.
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| Brand Spankin' New |
The first BRZ I ever saw in person was mine. I was astounded at how.. acceptable the interior was. Honestly, I expected it to be half-assed in person, but the real deal blew me away. Nothing insane, but no significant punches pulled. Que heart fluttering. The next few days will be visiting friends in the northeast. June 15th.
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| First Encounter |
It's been a long journey, but I'm finally at the top of the Tail of the Dragon. The car seems at home in this this environment. June 18th.
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| Tail of the Dragon |
I'm still enamored with this car. The long miles have been great. Every gas stop is a meet-and-greet with an enthusiast. I find myself refilling at half-tanks just to talk to more people.
My friend has had a good time of it, but is happy to be alive at the top of the Dragon. Good to have a friend along for the drive, but I wish he could drive stick during some of the longer stretches.
So many photographers along the Dragon. Gotta buy somebody's shots. Too good to pass up on.
More of that.
I've autocrossed and e36 M3 previously, but this was my first go at C-Stock in the BRZ. A little overprotective with the painter's tape.
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| First Autocross |
You can tell it's a local event by the level of preparedness. Subsequent events don't involve this level of readiness. Sadly, no action shots. June 24th.
A good clean shot of the car washed and ready for a new set of shoes. July 5th.
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| Wheel Change |
Enkei RPF1 17x8 with Dunlop Star Spec 255/40/17. A little pinched, but I just had to try it.
Back shot with a view of my other two white manual coupes. Still trying to muster the strength to sell them.
Side by side shot of stock vs the replacements.
Getting a much better view of the added rubber.
Wheels mounted. Stickier rubber makes the car really come alive, but oh boy what this could do with a proper suspension...
Decided to run stock wheels and tires to be on a level playing field with the FRS's in attendance. Got my ass handed to me by a young hotshot, but I learned a lot from the experience. July 9th.
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| 2nd Autocross |
KW Variant 3s seemed like the right package for what I wanted to do. August 2nd.
The canopy makes it socially acceptable to leave a car on jack stands.
First time I've used my Calculus book since college.
An old ex gave me this book when we were dating. I didn't get a lot out of reading it, but boy was it the right thickness to jack the car in the air.
Stock vs KW v3.
The coils with the offset hats they'll soon be mated to.
Gutted like a fish.
I get by with a little help from my friends. I now have the tools to do this by myself, but at the time we made up for proper toolage with the liberal application of hands and swearing.
Mounted in place. Things are coming together.
Rain on my parade.
A brief pause in the rainfall lets me admire how classy the canopy makes the whole affair seem.
Fronts done! Back still needs addressing...
Exploded view of the stock struts.
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| Subaru BRZ Stock Suspension Exploded View |
Exploded view of the KW replacements.
Front down, ass up, that's the way I change a strut.
All together now.
Low and slow.
Minimum suggested ride height looks nice, but I'm wary of the performance. Probably needs to be a hair higher for racing.
Just another view.
First race in STX with the new setup. Snagged 12th of 43 entries. October 14th.
Car was very neutral. Still working on dialing in the coils. This car will continue to be an adventure for events to come.
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