The Complete Guide to Subaru BRZ Suspension Parts

Upgrading the suspension on your Subaru BRZ is one of the most effective ways to improve handling, ride quality, and overall driving enjoyment. The BRZ comes from the factory with a well-tuned double-wishbone rear and MacPherson strut front, but many owners find room for improvement in body roll, damping, or ride height. Whether you're looking for better cornering on back roads, a lower stance, or track-ready performance, choosing the right suspension parts is key. This guide walks through the main categories of suspension upgrades, how to match parts to your driving style, and what to consider before buying.

Types of Suspension Upgrades

Coilovers

Coilovers are a complete strut-and-spring assembly that replaces the factory units. They offer adjustable ride height and often damping adjustability. For the BRZ, coilovers are the most popular upgrade because they allow you to fine-tune both body height and shock stiffness. Entry-level options like the BC Racing BR series provide a good balance of cost and performance, while higher-end setups from Ohlins or KW give more precise damping control. If you plan to autocross or track your car, coilovers with adjustable damping let you dial in the setup for different conditions. Keep in mind that lowering the car too much can negatively affect roll center and bump travel.

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are a more budget-friendly alternative to coilovers. They replace just the springs, lowering the car by about 1 to 1.5 inches while using the factory struts. Brands like Eibach and Swift offer progressive rate springs that improve handling without a harsh ride. The trade-off is that stock struts may not have enough damping for stiffer springs, leading to a bouncier ride. For a daily driver who wants a moderate drop and better looks, lowering springs are a good choice. But if you frequently drive aggressively, consider pairing them with aftermarket struts.

Sway Bars

Sway bars (also called stabilizer bars) reduce body roll during cornering. The BRZ responds well to a thicker front and rear sway bar set. Increasing rear bar stiffness can promote oversteer, which is fun on track but can be tricky in the rain. Whiteline and Cusco make popular kits. For street use, a 22mm front and 18mm rear is a common starting point. Adjustable sway bars allow you to fine-tune the balance.

Strut Tower Braces

A strut tower brace ties the top of the front strut towers together, reducing chassis flex under load. While the BRZ chassis is fairly rigid, a front strut brace can sharpen turn-in response. Carbing and Cusco offer aluminum braces that are light and effective. If you also upgrade the rear, consider a rear tower brace or a trunk brace.

Bushings and Control Arms

Replacing rubber bushings with polyurethane or spherical units dials out suspension slop and gives more precise wheel control. Control arms with adjustable camber allow you to dial in alignment after lowering. For example, SPC rear lower control arms let you correct rear camber when the car is lowered. When you lower the BRZ, the suspension geometry changes, so adjustable toe arms and camber bolts often become necessary. Whiteline and Megan Racing make affordable bushing kits.

Choosing the Right Setup for Your Needs

Daily Driver vs. Track

If your BRZ is a daily driver, comfort matters. A mild spring-and-strut combo or a coilover with soft damping (like the KW V1) can improve handling without rattling your teeth. For track use, look for coilovers with high damping force and higher spring rates (8k/8k or stiffer). You may also want adjustable sway bars and upgraded bushings. Keep in mind that a stiffer ride can become fatiguing on long commutes.

Stance vs. Performance

Many owners lower the BRZ for looks. If you want a stretched tire and slammed stance, be prepared to sacrifice handling. That low ride height can cause bump steer and bottoming out. For a performance-oriented stance, aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of drop with proper alignment. Parts like camber plates and toe arms let you keep the alignment within spec even when lowered.

Key Factors to Consider

Spring Rates and Damping

Spring rates determine how stiff the suspension feels. A rate of 6k-8k (kg/mm) is common for street performance. For track use, 10k+ may be needed. Damping controls how the spring oscillates; too little damping makes the car bouncy, too much makes it harsh. Adjustable coilovers let you find the middle ground.

Adjustability

Consider what you need to adjust. Ride height is the most common. Camber plates allow front camber adjustment, which is useful after lowering. Rear camber is often adjusted with aftermarket control arms. If you track the car, you'll want both ride height and damping adjustment.

Budget

A complete suspension overhaul can cost from $500 (springs) to over $3000 (top-tier coilovers). Decide what percentage of your budget goes to parts vs. professional installation. Some upgrades, like sway bars, are fairly simple to install yourself with basic tools.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Before installing any suspension parts, have an alignment performed afterward. If you lower the car more than an inch, the factory alignment specs may not be achievable without adjustable arms. Always torque bolts to spec, and preload bushings with the car's weight on the ground. If you are unfamiliar with suspension work, consider paying a shop for installation—especially for coilovers that require corner balancing.

Also, check local laws regarding ride height before lowering. Some states have minimum bumper height requirements. And remember that upgraded suspension may affect warranty on related components if still under factory coverage.

Final Recommendation

For most BRZ owners who want a balanced upgrade that works well on street and occasional track days, a quality set of coilovers in the 6k-8k spring rate range (like BC Racing BRs or Fortune Auto 500s) combined with a 22mm front sway bar and adjustable rear control arms is a solid setup. Budget around $1500-$2000 for parts. If you only want to lower it a bit and keep the ride comfortable, go with a set of lowering springs from Eibach or Swift and aftermarket struts like Koni Yellows. Avoid extreme lowering unless you're building a dedicated show car. Always prioritize alignment and careful setup to get the most out of your BRZ's chassis.