The GR86 & BRZ unfortunately suffer from a bit of an oil pressure problem out on track. Specifically during right hand high g-force turns so if you are tracking your car here is some info that you're going to want to know to help minimize the chances of your cheap fun sports car turning into a financial character building exercise!

What is Oil Starvation?

Great question! As oil starvation is one of the most controversial topics about the 2nd generation BRZ / GR86.

Oil starvation

When talking about oil starvation on the GR86 / BRZ typically we're talking about important engine parts like engine bearings not getting enough oil. Leading to extreme friction, oil ending up in your heads, and sometimes causing your engine to.... ya know, blow up.

What is ideal oil pressure and how to achieve it?

The general rule of thumb for oil pressure for FA24 is
10 PSI per 1000 RPM + 10 PSI
(Up to around 60 PSI FA24)

What Causes Oil Starvation?

A number of things can cause oil starvation, but here are the ones we most commonly see.

  • Low oil levels
  • Restricted oil tube
  • Blocked filters
  • High g-force corners

Main culprit - The FA24

Subaru's FA24 due to it's flat design has more space in the heads and timing cover for oil to slosh into, when hard cornering. That means if oil is going to those ares, they're not in the oil pan. If it's not in the oil pan, then you are well on your way to oil starvation.

Now this may not be an issue right away, but overtime as this consistently happens this can lead to huge catastrophic failure.

Oil Starvation.. very scary, will it happen to me?

Regular daily driving / canyon driving - honestly, you'll be fine.

Tracking your 22+ BRZ / GR86 - If you find yourself regularly tracking your car, this should be something to think about. Most typically happening on track during

  • High speed right handers
  • magnified even more if they're long sweepers
  • Take that to another level if you add some elevation
  • Running 200 treadwear tires
  • Running slick tires with aero

The Solution: Verus Engineering Oil Pan + Baffle

The least invasive and most effective way to deal with oil starvation/oil slosh, introducing the Verus Engineering Oil Pan with built-in Baffle. These oil pans are perfect for those on track and they're much cheaper than replacing an FA24.

Huge Shoutout to 900brz

This video/article wouldn't have been possible without 900brz's testing and data logging. If you want to see the process and how just how much the oil pan will help with oil pressure be sure to check out his channel.

900brz's YouTube

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