Kevin's Top 5 Performance Mods For Your GR86 / BRZ
#5 - Oil Cooler
The stock GR86 / BRZ's are notorious for overheating. When your oil overheats it breaks up and doesn't lubricate your engine properly. In comes Kevin's #5 performance mod, the oil cooler. Here at Driven.Media our favorite oil cooler is the Jackson Racing Oil Cooler - 2022+ Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86.
Jackson Racing Oil Cooler
This track and race-tested cooler features a thermostatic oil adapter and OEM heat exchanger, providing reliable cooling in extreme conditions for consistent performance. With a championship-proven design, it maintains oil temperatures below 250ºF and ensures proper oil warm-up for peak functioning.
#4 - Header & Tune
If you bought one of these cars to go fast in a straight line... you bought the wrong car. Plain & simple. If you're looking to get the most out of your engine especially in the mid-range then we have a solution for you. Header + Tune!
HKS FA24 Super Maifold W/ Catalyzer
Harness the full potential of your FA24 engine with the HKS GT-SPEC Super Manifold w/ Catalyzer. Built on decades of Japanese engineering excellence, this stainless steel equal-length exhaust manifold is designed to maximize high-RPM horsepower while maintaining strong, responsive mid-range torque for street and track use alike.
Driven.Media x Boosted Performance Custom Phone Flash Tuning
Unlock the full potential of your FA24 with a custom Ecutek E-Tune from Boosted Performance, offered in collaboration with Driven.Media. This remote tune is tailored specifically to your 2022+ Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ, optimizing power, drivability, and response for your exact mods and fuel type all from the convenience of your phone.
HKS GT-SPEC FA24 Super Maifold W/ Catalyzer - 2022+ Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86
#3 - Suspension
There are so many important components in this specific category that tailor many different needs, Kevin wrapped all of these up into one.
Suspension - Alignment
No matter what supsension you go with you NEED a proper alignment. We recommend a professional algin your vehicle for the best results
Suspension - Springs & Struts
If you're looking for a set it and forget type of a setup and lower your car a little bit as well as stiffen your suspension for more grip in the corners then Lowering Springs & Struts are your budget friendly option. Our recommended spring of choice are the Eibach lowering springs.
Eibach Lowering Springs
Transform the stance and handling of your Subaru BRZ or Toyota GR86with the Eibach Pro-Kit Springs. Engineered for enthusiasts who want improved cornering and a sportier look without sacrificing daily comfort, the Pro-Kit lowers your center of gravity for sharper response and reduced body roll, while maintaining excellent ride quality thanks to Eibach’s progressive spring design.
Suspension - Coilovers
Slimmer profile gives you more room to work with ontop of being fully customizable for your needs. Most have dampening adjustments to stiffen or soften your suspension. Our Coilover of choice at Driven.Media are between HKS, Ohlins, or Annex Group
#2 - Brake Pads & Fluid
OEM pads and fluid are just not made for performance driving. You're going to get brake fade and an inconsistent brake pedal feel which is just not confidence inspiring.
If you're looking to push those braking zones and get better lap times our #2 choice is brake pads & fluid.
Performance Brake Pads
These cars come with street pads which are made to be quiet with low amounts of dust. Track pads on the other hand can be noisey and create dust, but give you a more condidence inspiring and are made to withstand higher temps so no brake fade all while giving you a more aggressive bite.
For our recommendation on pads we recommend what Yo uses on his 2024 Subaru BRZ tS - CSG Spec Performance Brake Pads
Performance Brake Fluid
This is the same thing for the fluid. The OEM fluid can't withstand the high temps and starts boiling which gives you a spongey brake pedal meaning you have less braking power. With a high performance fluid like from Motul, the boiling point is much higher meaning more performance.
Brake Pads & Fluid
Motul RBF 600 .5L DOT4 Racing Brake Fluid
Motul RBF 660 .5L DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid
#1 Performance GR86 & BRZ Mod - Tires!
The oem tires for the GR86 and BRZ are lack luster to say the least. The limited variants that come with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4's but there's still a lot to be gained with 200 treadware tires.
We suggest that you track at least once on the stock tires to have a baseline, but to upgrade and feel the difference.
Currently Yo is runing the Kumho Ecsta V730
Outside of the Kumho's we recommend
Bridgestone RE-71RS
Bridgestone RE-71RZ
Nangkang CR-S
Yokohama AO52
Top 5 Performance Mods Products
Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs - 2022+ Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86
What's Happening At Driven.Media
Driven.Media GR86 DRL Bezel INSTALL!
Kevin gives you a full unboxing, overview, and install of our all new Driven.Media GR86 DRL Bezels.
New Products November 2025 | Black Friday & GR86 DRL Bezel
Kevin walks you through the newest products for the GR86 / BRZ & GR Corolla. Also the day has come, reserve your spot for the all new Driven.Media GR86 DRL Bezel. Featuring new suspension pieces from Annex & Eibach as well as some performance tuning for the FA20/FA24 with Boosted Performance.