The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are blank canvases that are begging to be personalized. These rear-wheel-drive compact sports cars are cult favorites in the tuning scene, and for good reason—the aftermarket support is insane. With parts and kits everywhere you look, you can build your dream setup. But here's the truth: modding doesn’t have to bleed your wallet dry. You can still stack up solid performance and style upgrades without dropping a grand.
Ready to make your GR86 or BRZ stand out? These are the best GR86/BRZ mods under $500 that actually deliver.
1. Perrin Cold Air Intake ($419.90)
The Perrin cold air intake is a functional beast that relocates the filter behind the front bumper, far from all that engine heat. Translation? Cooler air, more oxygen, and more power. Expect a bump of 7–10 wheel horsepower with zero compromise on reliability. No tune required. It also unleashes a deep, throaty growl that screams performance every time you floor it.
2. Remark Axle-Back Exhaust ($475)
If you’re gunning for volume and vibes, this is it. The Remark axle-back exhaust is a direct bolt-on mod that instantly upgrades your car’s rear-end attitude. Featuring 4.5" stainless tips, it sounds aggressive, looks aggressive, and is aggressive. Bonus points for the weight reduction. If you're chasing that signature boxer rumble, this is one of the best GR86/BRZ mods.
3. TEIN H-Tech Lowering Springs ($444)
Get the stance you want without turning your ride into a spine-killer. TEIN’s H-Tech springs are all about balance—they lower your car just enough to kill wheel gap and improve handling, without ruining your daily drive.
4. Cusco Type-OS Front Strut Brace ($240)
You want better cornering, quicker turn-in, and a tighter front end? This one’s a no-brainer. The Cusco Type-OS strut brace, crafted from tubular aluminum with a high-polish finish, gives your chassis the extra rigidity it craves. Bonus: the integrated brake cylinder stopper adds stiffness where it counts, giving you a firmer pedal feel and better brake response. This is function and form at its best.
5. Billetworkz Short Throw Shifter ($260) + Weighted Shift Knob ($209)
Let’s talk driver engagement. A 30% throw reduction means faster shifts, less slop, and more connection to your car. Pair that with a weighted knob and you’ve got a precise shift feel that makes every gear change satisfying. This combo nails the sweet spot between performance and style—and it’s one of the best BRZ/GR86 mods under $500, hands down.
BONUS: Fukin Tuned Throttle Response Controller ($279.99)
Here’s the truth: the GR86/BRZ has serious potential, but they are known to have an annoying throttle lag. The Fukin Tuned throttle response controller kills the delay between your foot and the engine, giving you sharper response right when you want it. With 4 modes and 36 settings, you can fine-tune it for fuel economy, city driving, or all-out aggression.
But that’s not all. It comes with a built-in Anti-Theft feature that lets you disable the gas pedal entirely—perfect for added peace of mind whenever you need. The Anti-Theft feature is FREE to try for the first 14 days, and then only costs $0.99 a month or $9.99 a year.
Get your Fukin Tuned throttle response controller today and unlock the real power of your BRZ or GR86!