Complete Guide to Scion FR-S Suspension Parts: Upgrade Your Ride

The Scion FR-S (and its twins, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86) is a driver's car from the factory, but its suspension leaves room for improvement. Whether you want to dial in more grip for autocross, lower the stance for looks, or just tighten up the feel on back roads, upgrading suspension parts is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make. This guide covers the essential suspension components for the FR-S, how they affect performance, and what to consider based on your driving goals.

Understanding Your Scion FR-S Suspension System

The FR-S comes with a MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear setup. Factory tuning prioritizes a balance between comfort and moderate handling, but the car sits high, has soft bushings, and lacks adjustability. Common complaints include excessive body roll, vague steering response, and a bouncy ride on rough pavement. Upgrading suspension parts addresses these issues and can transform how the car drives.

Components to Upgrade

When people talk about suspension parts for the FR-S, they typically mean one or more of these: coilovers, lowering springs, sway bars, control arms, camber plates, strut tower braces, and bushings. Each plays a role in ride height, stiffness, alignment, and grip.

Choosing the Right Suspension Parts for Your Driving Style

Not all upgrades suit everyone. Your choice should match how you use the car.

Daily Driver vs. Track Use

For a daily driver, you want improved handling without sacrificing too much comfort. A mild lowering spring set (like 1.0-1.5” drop) with upgraded dampers can sharpen responses without jarring your spine. For track or autocross, adjustable coilovers let you fine-tune spring rates, damping, and ride height for maximum grip. Dedicated track cars often benefit from stiffer sway bars and solid bushings, but these can be harsh on the street.

Budget Considerations

Suspension parts range from a few hundred dollars for springs to several thousand for high-end coilovers. Set a realistic budget: if you can only do one upgrade, start with coilovers or sway bars for the biggest handling improvement. Avoid cheap components that ride poorly or lack durability.

Key Suspension Parts for the Scion FR-S

Here’s a breakdown of the most common upgrades and what they do.

Coilovers

Coilovers replace the entire strut assembly and allow independent adjustment of ride height and damping (rebound and compression). They are the gold standard for handling. Entry-level sets (e.g., BC Racing, Tein) offer good value for street and light track use. Mid-range options (KW, Ohlins) provide better valving and longevity. Premium coilovers can be tuned for specific conditions. Look for features like stainless steel bodies, adjustable spring perches, and linear springs for predictable handling.

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are a budget-friendly way to lower the center of gravity and reduce body roll. They work with factory dampers, but performance is limited because stock dampers are not valved for higher spring rates. Expect a firmer ride and potential for bottoming out. Pairing lowering springs with aftermarket short-stroke dampers (like Koni Yellows) gives a much better result. Drop should be moderate (1.2-1.5 inches) to avoid geometry issues.

Sway Bars

Sway bars reduce body roll and improve cornering response. The FR-S responds well to a thicker front bar (22-25mm) to reduce understeer, but some drivers also upgrade the rear to balance the car. Adjustable sway bars let you fine-tune stiffness. Pair them with upgraded end links for reliability. Sway bars are relatively easy to install and offer a noticeable improvement without changing ride quality much.

Camber Plates and Control Arms

To get proper alignment after lowering, you may need front camber plates and rear lower control arms. Factory camber is limited. Camber plates mount at the top of the front struts and give up to 3 degrees of adjustment. Rear control arms adjust camber and toe. These parts are essential if you lower the car more than 1 inch, as incorrect alignment wears tires unevenly and reduces grip.

Strut Tower Braces

Strut tower braces tie the front shock towers together to reduce chassis flex. They sharpen steering response and are cheap and easy to install. A front brace is more effective than a rear one for the FR-S. While not a handling game-changer, it complements other upgrades.

Bushings and Spherical Bearings

Replacing rubber bushings with polyurethane or spherical bearings removes slop from the suspension. This mod gives a more direct feel but increases noise and vibration. It's best for track-focused cars. For street use, consider only upgrading the rear subframe bushings or differential mount.

Installation and Tuning Tips

Most suspension parts require professional installation unless you have experience. Corner balancing and alignment after any height change is critical. For coilovers, set ride height first, then adjust dampers to your preference. Start with a medium setting and adjust based on feel. Sway bars are straightforward: tighten all nuts to spec. Remember, any change in suspension geometry affects how the car handles, so test in a safe area.

Final Recommendation

If you're new to modifying your FR-S, start with a set of quality coilovers (like BC Racing or Tein Flex Z) and a front sway bar. This combination dramatically improves handling without breaking the bank. For daily street use, add rear control arms to get proper alignment. Avoid super aggressive setups unless you track the car regularly. Always prioritize parts from reputable manufacturers that have proven durability. With the right suspension parts, your Scion FR-S will feel more connected, stable, and fun to drive.