Top 10 Upgrades for Your Toyota GR86: Performance, Handling, and Aesthetics

Top 10 Upgrades for Your Toyota GR86: Performance, Handling, and Aesthetics

Upgrading your Toyota GR86 is an exciting way to enhance its performance, handling, and aesthetics, transforming it into an even more thrilling driving experience. Whether you’re looking to increase horsepower, improve handling, or simply give your car a more aggressive look, these first 10 upgrades will help you maximize your GR86’s potential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best upgrades for your GR86, covering both performance and styling.

1. Performance Tuning: ECU Remap (Tuning)

Purpose: The ECU (Engine Control Unit) controls the engine’s parameters, including fuel delivery and ignition timing. A remap allows for increased power output and optimal throttle response.
Benefits:

  • Increase horsepower (typically 15-30 hp).
  • Improve throttle response and drivability.
  • Better fuel efficiency with a tuned air-fuel ratio.
    Recommended For: Enthusiasts who want better overall performance without hardware changes.
    Brands: EcuTek, Cobb Tuning, Tuning by Sube.

2. Cold Air Intake

Purpose: A cold air intake replaces the stock system to draw cooler, denser air, improving combustion efficiency.
Benefits:

  • Increased horsepower (around 5-10 hp).
  • Improved engine sound, especially at higher RPMs.
  • Better airflow and throttle response.
    Recommended For: Those who want a simple, cost-effective upgrade with performance and sound improvements.
    Brands: K&N, Injen, Mishimoto.

3. Performance Exhaust System

Purpose: Upgrading the exhaust system ensures better airflow, reducing backpressure and increasing power.
Benefits:

  • More aggressive and sporty exhaust note.
  • Increased power and torque.
  • Reduced weight with lightweight materials like titanium or stainless steel.
    Recommended For: People looking for a boost in power and a louder, more aggressive sound.
    Brands: Borla, HKS, Remus, Tomei.

4. Suspension Upgrade: Coilovers

Purpose: Coilovers replace the stock suspension, offering adjustable ride height and damping for improved handling and aesthetics.
Benefits:

  • Lower ride height for better handling and appearance.
  • Adjustable damping for fine-tuned ride comfort.
  • Improved cornering stability and reduced body roll.
    Recommended For: Those who want a customizable setup for daily driving and track days.
    Brands: KW, Bilstein, BC Racing, Tein.

5. Lightweight Wheels

Purpose: Lighter wheels reduce unsprung weight, enhancing handling, braking, and acceleration.
Benefits:

  • Quicker acceleration and reduced braking distance.
  • Better handling due to reduced weight.
  • Improved aesthetics with a wide variety of wheel designs.
    Recommended For: Those who want both a performance upgrade and a style enhancement.
    Brands: Volk Racing, Enkei, Rays, Fifteen52.

6. Upgraded Brake Pads & Rotors

Purpose: The stock braking system is adequate, but upgraded pads and rotors significantly improve performance under hard driving conditions.
Benefits:

  • Better braking performance and fade resistance.
  • Enhanced braking feel and modulation.
  • Improved safety and control during aggressive driving.
    Recommended For: Anyone planning to push the GR86 hard on track or spirited driving.
    Brands: Brembo, EBC, StopTech, Hawk Performance.

7. Strut Bars / Chassis Bracing

Purpose: Strut bars and chassis braces reduce flex, improving the car’s structural rigidity, especially during aggressive cornering.
Benefits:

  • Improved handling with reduced body roll.
  • More precise steering response.
  • Better control during sharp turns or high-speed driving.
    Recommended For: Enthusiasts looking to optimize handling both on the road and track.
    Brands: Cusco, Whiteline, Perrin.

8. Short Throw Shifter

Purpose: A short throw shifter reduces the throw distance between gears, improving shifting precision and speed.
Benefits:

  • Faster, more precise shifts.
  • Enhanced driving experience and control.
  • Reduced shifting fatigue.
    Recommended For: Those who enjoy a more engaging and responsive driving experience.
    Brands: Beatrush, Cobb Tuning, Kartboy.

9. Upgraded Clutch & Flywheel

Purpose: The stock clutch may struggle to handle power gains from engine mods. A stronger clutch and lightweight flywheel will improve acceleration and gear engagement.
Benefits:

  • Stiffer clutch to handle more torque.
  • Lightweight flywheel for faster engine revs and improved throttle response.
    Recommended For: Owners with substantial power upgrades or those who want more responsive shifting.
    Brands: ACT, Exedy, Clutchmasters.

10. Strut Tower Brace

Purpose: A strut tower brace connects the strut towers in the engine bay to reduce chassis flex and improve handling.
Benefits:

  • Increased chassis rigidity for better handling.
  • More responsive steering and reduced body roll.
  • Enhanced cornering performance.
    Recommended For: Enthusiasts looking to optimize their GR86's handling dynamics.
    Brands: Cusco, Whiteline, Perrin.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to start transforming your GR86 into a true performance machine, with improvements in handling, acceleration, and overall driving enjoyment. Be sure to carefully consider your priorities—whether you’re focusing on power, handling, or both—and enjoy the process of making your GR86 uniquely yours!

Shop GR86 Here!

Back to blog
Isaac Lowe
Shopify Admin