Ama - 2013 brz

[Heero01]

So since I'm sure quite a few of you are interested in the BRZ I thought I would answer any questions about the car with ppl here.

I have roughly 3k kms on the car currently & it's stock other then LEDs ;)

Here are some pics of the car:

http://s17.postimage.org/7pne8nraj/IMAG0057.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/7pne8nraj/)
http://s17.postimage.org/idr57i19n/IMAG0055.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/idr57i19n/)


So what's next for my Zed?
Well I took her to OptionJDM today and had Jon take her for a spin. Jon has placed 1st in the GT Challenge at Mosport International Raceway in 2010 and 2nd in GT Sprints at Shannonville Motorsports Park in 2009 - so I trust that he knows what he's talking about :D

He suggested stickier tire asap along with a good set of KW coilovers & an exhaust. He also gave me a tour of the shop + garage and I got to take a peak at their racing cars.

Will definately look into my options before purchasing though. Hopefully with more and more interest in the BRZ and FRS more parts will be available and prices will drop some what!

[Heero01]

I also had my car detailed by Lucas from Reflective Detailing.

Lucas arrived promptly at the time we scheduled and immediately began to work! He did a great job - working meticulously for 7 hours to get my car up to shape. At each step he informed me of what exactly he was doing as well as the purpose of the action.

The result was a fresh looking car and one happy owner! I could not be any happier with the services provided and would highly recommend Lucas!

http://s11.postimage.org/cuq99qokf/DSC00385.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/cuq99qokf/)

Here is part of the process to remove iron from the car:
http://s11.postimage.org/9wtag1gwv/DSC00389.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/9wtag1gwv/)

Look at it all!
http://s11.postimage.org/swxdtvdnj/DSC00390.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/swxdtvdnj/)
http://s11.postimage.org/np7pbo7of/DSC00388.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/np7pbo7of/)

http://s11.postimage.org/odl58cvrz/DSC00392.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/odl58cvrz/)
http://s11.postimage.org/l80ji5d5r/DSC00393.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/l80ji5d5r/)

He even moisturized the weather guard strip:
http://s11.postimage.org/muuch4elb/DSC00401.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/muuch4elb/)
http://s11.postimage.org/dbknnnr33/DSC00402.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/dbknnnr33/)

http://s11.postimage.org/besiwtpsv/DSC00405.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/besiwtpsv/)
http://s11.postimage.org/sx6klcsf3/DSC00407.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/sx6klcsf3/)

Car after opti-guard:
http://s11.postimage.org/l5pumso9r/DSC00410.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/l5pumso9r/)

Looking fresh:
http://s11.postimage.org/eht9074rj/DSC00411.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/eht9074rj/)

And here are some pics of the car @ Night with the interior & exterior LEDs I have installed. The trunk lights and interior lights are VERY bright - but I duno... they look too blue to me. Don't get me wrong they look very nice but I want to get bright white light which these particular ones don't seem to offer.

http://s11.postimage.org/xplftwten/DSC00450.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/xplftwten/)
http://s11.postimage.org/cz2wsc4in/DSC00452.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/cz2wsc4in/)
http://s11.postimage.org/wxirupp7j/DSC00453.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/wxirupp7j/)

The reverse lights aren't LEDs... looking to get those changed out at the same time as the turn signal lights:
http://s11.postimage.org/bciakuhun/DSC00454.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/bciakuhun/)

I'll post more pics when I get the LED turn signals & reverse lights!!

[bpopd]

The sticker is ugly. But the car is fab. Congrats :D

[samm]

Very clean!

When you said miles, are you implying its a US imported car?

[flyz]

Make sure no tunnel wash or you'll destroy the paint.

[DJ_Peanuts22]

Are you being sponsored by optionjdm?

What type of discounts do you get for having that sticker on your windshield?

[Heero01]

Very clean!

When you said miles, are you implying its a US imported car?

Thanks! Sorry - meant KMs :) Fixed!


Make sure no tunnel wash or you'll destroy the paint.

2 bucket method every weekend ftw!


The sticker is ugly. But the car is fab. Congrats :D

Thanks!

The OptionJDM sticker is actually not that bad... a little ricer but I don't mind showing my support for a great local shop.

Any1 have questions about the car? :O

[BluePhirePB]

Reviewers (both owners and media) claim the Scion FR-S is tail happy and easy to drift. Is the BRZ more composed around turns? I read somewhere the BRZ was tuned for comfort vs. performance. Also, what was the price out the door? What options did you select?

[phrozenn.heat]

I also had my car detailed by Lucas from Reflective Detailing.

Lucas arrived promptly at the time we scheduled and immediately began to work! He did a great job - working meticulously for 7 hours to get my car up to shape. At each step he informed me of what exactly he was doing as well as the purpose of the action.

The result was a fresh looking car and one happy owner! I could not be any happier with the services provided and would highly recommend Lucas!



Can you PM me Lucas or Reflective Detailing contact info? Thanks.

[ottofly]

Reviewers (both owners and media) claim the Scion FR-S is tail happy and easy to drift. Is the BRZ more composed around turns? I read somewhere the BRZ was tuned for comfort vs. performance. Also, what was the price out the door? What options did you select?

Both cars are tail happy and easy to drift simply because they purposely come from the factory with a lower grip harder compound skinny Michelin HP touring tire. Obviously a set of wider 18's with a soft compound grippy tire like a Bridgestone RE50/RE70 would eliminate a lot of the tail happy rear but what fun would that be. ;)

[Heero01]

Reviewers (both owners and media) claim the Scion FR-S is tail happy and easy to drift. Is the BRZ more composed around turns? I read somewhere the BRZ was tuned for comfort vs. performance. Also, what was the price out the door? What options did you select?



Both cars are tail happy and easy to drift simply because they purposely come from the factory with a lower grip harder compound skinny Michelin HP touring tire. Obviously a set of wider 18's with a soft compound grippy tire like a Bridgestone RE50/RE70 would eliminate a lot of the tail happy rear but what fun would that be. ;)

Yup the BRZ slides too. However you can definitely feel it about to break loose. You have enough time to save the car if desired. That said... the nannies on the car are quite good. I doubt you will be able to make the car slide out.

[Rehan]

Can you PM me Lucas or Reflective Detailing contact info? Thanks. http://www.reflectionsdetailing.ca/
Nice to see a young kid with initiative.

Other thread:
http://www.toronto-subaru-club.com/forums/reflections-detailing/164372-reflections-detailing-portfolio.html

[BluePhirePB]

Both cars are tail happy and easy to drift simply because they purposely come from the factory with a lower grip harder compound skinny Michelin HP touring tire. Obviously a set of wider 18's with a soft compound grippy tire like a Bridgestone RE50/RE70 would eliminate a lot of the tail happy rear but what fun would that be. ;)


Yup the BRZ slides too. However you can definitely feel it about to break loose. You have enough time to save the car if desired. That said... the nannies on the car are quite good. I doubt you will be able to make the car slide out.Ah good to know. I've never driven a RWD car before let alone one designed for handling. Last thing I'd wanna do if I own one some day is wrap is around a light post like that one kid in the US.

[Heero01]

Ah good to know. I've never driven a RWD car before let alone one designed for handling. Last thing I'd wanna do if I own one some day is wrap is around a light post like that one kid in the US.

Yup I can understand - have no worry though both these cars are easy to drive.

In terms of the differences between the BRZ and the FRS suspensions, Moto Miwa had this to say:



The BRZ shocks at the rear seems to be slightly softer, giving a better ride and less wilder enthusiasm at the track, but because of this, ride height alteration on the very short stock shocks should be approached with a little more care, as you tend to run out of shock travel faster on the BRZ over rough terrain. (ironic huh? since Subaru is the one who's famous for WRC? However there is a GOOD reason. Subaru wanted a more mature ride and less peakiness in the handling for the BRZ, which makes sense for their target audience of slightly more adult fan base than Japan's AE86 drivers who are wild drivers, and Scion's younger crowd who don't mind the slightly stiffer ride...

For those who haven't test driven both, the BEST way to tell the difference is not from driving these cars like you stole it during a dealer test drive, as you really won't notice much on what you can do in terms of handling on public roads as you don't usually have enough silky smooth asphalt where you can dice the car into a lift-throttle drift into an apex and hammer out in total control...

The difference can be felt much more easily by something much more mundane. Just roll the car over a large bump like parking lot speed bumps or on/off a steep driveway ramp. You will find that the BRZ will soak up the bump slightly more compliantly than with a FRS, where the BRZ will tread over it, while the FRS feels like it wants to hop over it slightly. And if you are not sensitive enough to feel this, then there is no need to push the car to it's limits as that won't really help you feel this either at speed.

I think this accurately describes the differences between the two (based on the limited experience driving the FRS).

[B0000rt]

Did you go for manual or auto? Any options? I was considering this until I saw the 0% APR over at VW. Didn't pass up on free money towards a Golf R.

What are your plans for the winter? Beater or drive carefully with the best skinny winters money can buy?

[Heero01]

Did you go for manual or auto? Any options? I was considering this until I saw the 0% APR over at VW. Didn't pass up on free money towards a Golf R.

What are your plans for the winter? Beater or drive carefully with the best skinny winters money can buy?

I have the MT no other options. I'm considering OEM fogs but thats about it.

0% is great - I got 2.9% which is not too shabby.

I'm planning to garage in the winter. Honestly though... I feel with the nannies on + 18inch winter tires this car will be fine in the winter. The nannies are really good.

Edit: If your concerned about winter you could consider the Auto. It has a snow mode where the throttle is constrained and the car will start in second gear rather then first.

[bpopd]

18 inch winter tires? really.

[coriolis]

How much is insurance compared to your old ride?


I've been doing some quotes and the BRZ was surprisingly cheaper then Corolla/Civic.

[ottofly]

I have the MT no other options. I'm considering OEM fogs but thats about it.

0% is great - I got 2.9% which is not too shabby.

I'm planning to garage in the winter. Honestly though... I feel with the nannies on + 18inch winter tires this car will be fine in the winter. The nannies are really good.

Edit: If your concerned about winter you could consider the Auto. It has a snow mode where the throttle is constrained and the car will start in second gear rather then first.

LOL at getting auto, driving this in the winter and using 18 inch tires when the stock wheel is a 17. The car has hardly any ground clearance and will act like a plow and bog down in any deep snow. Come March, you'll probably need a complete new valence/bumper clip from smashing through hard packed ice/snow. Anyone buying this should have a beater at the ready for winter.


How much is insurance compared to your old ride?

I've been doing some quotes and the BRZ was surprisingly cheaper then Corolla/Civic.

Don't be fooled by the cheap insurance rates. Since this is a new model no statistics are available to compare amount and quantity of claims and vehicle theft. The first year or two may be cheap but if claims/thefts are abundant and expensive to repair expect rates to rise pretty quickly.

[B0000rt]

LOL at getting auto, driving this in the winter and using 18 inch tires when the stock wheel is a 17. The car has hardly any ground clearance and will act like a plow and bog down in any deep snow. Come March, you'll probably need a complete new valence/bumper clip from smashing through hard packed ice/snow. Anyone buying this should have a beater at the ready for winter.



Don't be fooled by the cheap insurance rates. Since this is a new model no statistics are available to compare amount and quantity of claims and vehicle theft. The first year or two may be cheap but if claims/thefts are abundant and expensive to repair expect rates to rise pretty quickly.
Theft of what? Don't all new cars have immobilizers these days?

[rileywai]

I also had my car detailed by Lucas from Reflective Detailing.

Lucas arrived promptly at the time we scheduled and immediately began to work! He did a great job - working meticulously for 7 hours to get my car up to shape. At each step he informed me of what exactly he was doing as well as the purpose of the action.

The result was a fresh looking car and one happy owner! I could not be any happier with the services provided and would highly recommend Lucas!

http://s11.postimage.org/cuq99qokf/DSC00385.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/cuq99qokf/)

Here is part of the process to remove iron from the car:
http://s11.postimage.org/9wtag1gwv/DSC00389.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/9wtag1gwv/)

Look at it all!
http://s11.postimage.org/swxdtvdnj/DSC00390.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/swxdtvdnj/)
http://s11.postimage.org/np7pbo7of/DSC00388.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/np7pbo7of/)

http://s11.postimage.org/odl58cvrz/DSC00392.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/odl58cvrz/)
http://s11.postimage.org/l80ji5d5r/DSC00393.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/l80ji5d5r/)

He even moisturized the weather guard strip:
http://s11.postimage.org/muuch4elb/DSC00401.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/muuch4elb/)
http://s11.postimage.org/dbknnnr33/DSC00402.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/dbknnnr33/)

http://s11.postimage.org/besiwtpsv/DSC00405.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/besiwtpsv/)
http://s11.postimage.org/sx6klcsf3/DSC00407.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/sx6klcsf3/)

Car after opti-guard:
http://s11.postimage.org/l5pumso9r/DSC00410.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/l5pumso9r/)

Looking fresh:
http://s11.postimage.org/eht9074rj/DSC00411.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/eht9074rj/)

And here are some pics of the car @ Night with the interior & exterior LEDs I have installed. The trunk lights and interior lights are VERY bright - but I duno... they look too blue to me. Don't get me wrong they look very nice but I want to get bright white light which these particular ones don't seem to offer.

http://s11.postimage.org/xplftwten/DSC00450.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/xplftwten/)
http://s11.postimage.org/cz2wsc4in/DSC00452.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/cz2wsc4in/)
http://s11.postimage.org/wxirupp7j/DSC00453.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/wxirupp7j/)

The reverse lights aren't LEDs... looking to get those changed out at the same time as the turn signal lights:
http://s11.postimage.org/bciakuhun/DSC00454.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/bciakuhun/)

I'll post more pics when I get the LED turn signals & reverse lights!!

i am currently upgrading my car's interior lights to LEDs too... i got blue courtesy lights and white for the rest... your car looks great!

[bogi093]

It was my pleasure to detail your vehicle. Thanks for the testimonial.

[jdmkidd]

When I was car shopping, I was quoted at $1870 for the BRZ. My WRX is $1740

Belair

[microBe]

I've been doing some quotes and the BRZ was surprisingly cheaper then Corolla/Civic.

For now. Get a quote again after a year and see what happens.

[AARON_R/C]

For now. Get a quote again after a year and see what happens.

yep exactly,once the real annual statistics shows up...is going jump up a lot

[Heero01]

How much is insurance compared to your old ride?


I've been doing some quotes and the BRZ was surprisingly cheaper then Corolla/Civic.

Hey - my insurance rate is already exuberantly high so no change for my rates... yet...


LOL at getting auto, driving this in the winter and using 18 inch tires when the stock wheel is a 17. The car has hardly any ground clearance and will act like a plow and bog down in any deep snow. Come March, you'll probably need a complete new valence/bumper clip from smashing through hard packed ice/snow. Anyone buying this should have a beater at the ready for winter.



Don't be fooled by the cheap insurance rates. Since this is a new model no statistics are available to compare amount and quantity of claims and vehicle theft. The first year or two may be cheap but if claims/thefts are abundant and expensive to repair expect rates to rise pretty quickly.

Uh... well the auto has been shown to be pretty good on this car so I wouldn't totally discount it. If you really cannot drive a manual I would not hesitate buying the auto.

& as far as the 18inch tires... I was never suggesting this car be driven on unploughed roads. Obviously people should use common sense and drive only when roads are clear. I was simply refering to not having to worry about slippery conditions.

[Heero01]

Bump for First mod every single racer should do ASAP to prove they are srs business:

http://s17.postimage.org/4drmjkh8b/DSC00455.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/4drmjkh8b/)

The towhook from cusco is solid. I don't see it snapping off.

http://s17.postimage.org/90xolc4l7/DSC00457.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/90xolc4l7/)

http://s17.postimage.org/n9xb3ej3v/DSC00458.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/n9xb3ej3v/)

http://s9.postimage.org/ehu9dyu63/DSC00462.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/ehu9dyu63/)

Install is super easy & obvious...

1) take the plastic cover off
2) spray anti-seize on the threads if you'd like
3) screw in (hand tighten)

First part that came in :/ Just ordered my other parts in today - hoping to get them in a week or 2.

Tow Hook looks nice IRL. I might drill the plastic piece to make it look a bit cleaner but its fine as is IMO. Still waiting on front one to come in & I'm actually considering another 1 in the back just for some symmetry LOL

For all those worried about their cars getting towed away you can unscrew the actual red hook and screw it back on come track day (knock on wood you wont ever have to use them).

http://s17.postimage.org/a9isyq2wr/DSC00460.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/a9isyq2wr/)

Go grab yours from OptionJDM today!

[B0000rt]

Hah, Driving around with tow hook? Isn't that going to slap your bumper all the time? I'm getting a license plate holder for my front tow hook on my Golf.
http://www.usmillworks.com/vw.html

Why you got your dealer plate cover still on? Remove it!

[Heero01]

Hah, Driving around with tow hook? Isn't that going to slap your bumper all the time? I'm getting a license plate holder for my front tow hook on my Golf.
http://www.usmillworks.com/vw.html

Why you got your dealer plate cover still on? Remove it!

Hah... Can't afford to buy new plate covers :D Post a pic of the license plate holder - I wasn't really a far of how far the plate stuck out with the tow hook holder.

& No the tow hook extends far enough out that it doesn't bang the bumper.

I'll update this thread when the rest of my parts come in for the car!

For everyone who wants a FRS or BRZ GO BUT IT! Very nice car.

[adams7]

How is the ride & suspension on slightly bumpy roads? I like good handling cars but don't like to feel every little bump.

I checked out the Scion at a dealer, looks better than the pictures (haven't seen BRZ yet). Most of the car mags seem to favour the Subaru where they do a comparison track test.

[custy]

If only the BRZ or the FR-S came with a turbo charged engine!!!

[jim321901]

Hah... Can't afford to buy new plate covers :D Post a pic of the license plate holder - I wasn't really a far of how far the plate stuck out with the tow hook holder.

Just buy some sandpaper, or use a belt sander, and sand off the "Willowdale" part. Keep the Subaru, after all, it is a subaru.

You won;t be able to match the paint though.... its easier when the plate covers are pure white or black, a slap of spray paint, and you're good to go!

[DJ_Peanuts22]

Just buy some sandpaper, or use a belt sander, and sand off the "Willowdale" part. Keep the Subaru, after all, it is a subaru.


That's actually a pretty good idea!

Allows endless customization options. The OP can even replace the Willowdale with his name. :)

[jim321901]

That's actually a pretty good idea!

Allows endless customization options. The OP can even replace the Willowdale with his name. :)

Thanks for that. I tried that on my wife's Hyundai Tiburon. Scratched off the dealer's name with sandpaper, (the plate cover was black) and left the H in the corner. Looks great!

[iHop]

Miata or BRZ? Which one is better?

[gnunn]

Miata or BRZ? Which one is better?

If you google a bit there a lot of comparisons out there like this one:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/comparisons/2013-subaru-brz-vs-2012-mazda-miata-featherweight-sports-car-faceoff-7650540

I'm a big fan of Mazda's car philosophy which is to make very good handling cars without getting ridiculous on horsepower, this to me is what makes a fun to drive street car. Having to work to get the best performance out of a car on the street is a lot more fun then just mashing the gas pedal down and relying on raw horsepower to go fast. I've owned a Miata in the past and now own an RX-8, the BRZ to me is a very similar car to those two models in terms of overall design. The Miata has the advantage of being a convertible which is nice in the summer but only has two seats and less storage so is somewhat less practical if it's your only car. The Miata is down on horsepower to the BRZ but is lighter weight so it is probably a wash in terms of performance. From what I understand the BRZ suspension is tuned somewhat taunter and firmer then the Miata, whether you prefer a firmer ride over something more comfortable for daily driving would be a personal preference.

If this was my primary car I'd go with the BRZ for the increased practicality, if it was a secondary car I would be very tempted with the Miata or wait until the next generation Miata comes out which looks to be even lighter weight.

When all is said and done the BRZ is a great car and kudos to Toyota/Subaru for bringing it to market, I would certainly give it strong consideration if something happened to my RX-8 and I wanted a new car now that Mazda is no longer producing the 8.

[KevC]

How is the low-end for everyday driving?

I drive a gutless Honda (k20a3) and shift at 2500rpm (from 1st to 2nd I shift at 3000rpm). It's slow, but I can generally keep up with the lazy traffic.
It's just going uphills I have to hold the gear to 3500rpm or else I can really feel the motor lug.

It has probably something to do with my exhaust too ... I felt a significant loss of low-end (with a significant gain 4-7000RPM) after the "upgrade". Kinda silly in retrospect, as I hardly ever take it up there.

[Heero01]

How is the ride & suspension on slightly bumpy roads? I like good handling cars but don't like to feel every little bump.

I checked out the Scion at a dealer, looks better than the pictures (haven't seen BRZ yet). Most of the car mags seem to favour the Subaru where they do a comparison track test.

IMO BRZ front end looks nicer then the FRS :)

In terms of suspension for both cars - I will quote moto again as he does a good job explaining the differences:



The BRZ shocks at the rear seems to be slightly softer, giving a better ride and less wilder enthusiasm at the track, but because of this, ride height alteration on the very short stock shocks should be approached with a little more care, as you tend to run out of shock travel faster on the BRZ over rough terrain. (ironic huh? since Subaru is the one who's famous for WRC? However there is a GOOD reason. Subaru wanted a more mature ride and less peakiness in the handling for the BRZ, which makes sense for their target audience of slightly more adult fan base than Japan's AE86 drivers who are wild drivers, and Scion's younger crowd who don't mind the slightly stiffer ride...

For those who haven't test driven both, the BEST way to tell the difference is not from driving these cars like you stole it during a dealer test drive, as you really won't notice much on what you can do in terms of handling on public roads as you don't usually have enough silky smooth asphalt where you can dice the car into a lift-throttle drift into an apex and hammer out in total control...

The difference can be felt much more easily by something much more mundane. Just roll the car over a large bump like parking lot speed bumps or on/off a steep driveway ramp. You will find that the BRZ will soak up the bump slightly more compliantly than with a FRS, where the BRZ will tread over it, while the FRS feels like it wants to hop over it slightly. And if you are not sensitive enough to feel this, then there is no need to push the car to it's limits as that won't really help you feel this either at speed.

So if you don't want to feel the bumps as much go for the BRZ (but note that all sports suspensions will be "rough".


If only the BRZ or the FR-S came with a turbo charged engine!!!

Take a look here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9942

Quality turbo is on its way. They are starting with a small turbo set up. 250 HP should be fine for me so I'll be going the small turbo path instead of big turbos.


Just buy some sandpaper, or use a belt sander, and sand off the "Willowdale" part. Keep the Subaru, after all, it is a subaru.

You won;t be able to match the paint though.... its easier when the plate covers are pure white or black, a slap of spray paint, and you're good to go!

Nice idea! Will do :)


Miata or BRZ? Which one is better?

I considered the Miata when purchasing the BRZ. There are many reviews comparing both and both cars are very comparable. At the end of the day I didn't need a drop top while I DID need the extra back 2 seats. The back seats are usable. I had 4 adults in the car during a trip to Blue Mountain and they didn't really complain about the ride or comfort.

I went with the BRZ and I have no regrets on skipping the Miata. I suggest test driving both cars and making a decision - I'm confident you will go with the FRS or BRZ tho


How is the low-end for everyday driving?

I drive a gutless Honda (k20a3) and shift at 2500rpm (from 1st to 2nd I shift at 3000rpm). It's slow, but I can generally keep up with the lazy traffic.
It's just going uphills I have to hold the gear to 3500rpm or else I can really feel the motor lug.

It has probably something to do with my exhaust too ... I felt a significant loss of low-end (with a significant gain 4-7000RPM) after the "upgrade". Kinda silly in retrospect, as I hardly ever take it up there.

Hey - not sure about your specific circumstances related to exhaust etc. But as far as the BRZ goes from my experiences there is a dip in power at from 3.5 to roughly 4.5k rpm. This has been confirmed by many dynos (http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7118).

If you keep this car in the 2.5-3.3k range it feels pretty nice. I don't really have many issues going up hill - If I'm going 50 I keep the car in 4th gear (which is 2kRPM), If I'm going 40 I keep in third - etc. Not including the mid dip, I haven't had any issues with torque or HP. I'm hoping the turbo kits getting made ATM will get full boost at 3k which should solve the gutless middle issue. Lets see though.

EDIT: You should always look @ Dynos for whatever mod you will be bolting on your car. There are a few intakes for the BRZ ATM which cause drops at lower RPM for gains (outweighing the drops) at the top end. But who really wants that? Hence why I am looking for a solution that gets boost at 3k rpm.