GR86 and BRZ Coilovers: How to Choose Street, Track or Drift Kits

The Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S are some of the best cars you can buy to lower. They are light, rear-wheel drive and balanced, and the aftermarket for them is huge. That is also the problem: there are dozens of coilover options, and the right one depends on what you actually do with the car. This guide walks through how to pick coilovers for a street car, a track car or a drift car, what else you should change when you lower one, and the mistakes we see most often.

If you already know what you want, you can jump straight to our GR86, BRZ and FR-S coilovers and suspension collection. Otherwise, start with your generation.

First check your generation

There are two generations of this platform, and coilovers are listed by chassis code. Always match the code before you buy.

• First generation (ZN6 / ZC6), 2012–2020: Scion FR-S (2013–2016), Toyota 86 (2017–2020), Toyota GT86 outside the US, and the first-generation Subaru BRZ (2013–2020).
• Second generation (ZN8 / ZD8), 2022 and newer: Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ.

Both generations use MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone rear, and many kits are made for both. Some brands list one part number for every year, while others split them by generation. The product title and fitment notes are what count, so read them before you check out. If anything is unclear, contact us with your year and model and we will confirm fitment with the brand before you order.

Coilovers vs lowering springs on the 86 platform

Lowering springs are the cheapest way to drop the car, but they keep the stock dampers, which were valved for the stock spring rate and ride height. Shorter, stiffer springs on stock dampers tend to feel bouncy and can wear the dampers faster. Coilovers replace the spring and damper together, so the damping is matched to the spring, and you can set ride height exactly where you want it.

For a car that will see any spirited driving, coilovers are the better long-term buy. Most owners who start with springs end up buying coilovers later anyway.

Street coilovers

For a daily driver, you want a kit that lowers the car without making it harsh. Look for:

• Moderate spring rates. A street kit is usually softer than a track kit, which keeps the car comfortable on rough roads.
• Damping adjustment. Single-adjustable dampers let you soften the ride for the commute and firm it up for a canyon run.
• Height-adjustable bodies. Full-length adjustable designs let you change ride height without losing shock travel.

SF Racing Sport coilovers for the GR86 (ZN8): a street-focused kit with height and damping adjustment.

Good street options we carry include the SF Racing Sport coilovers for the GR86 and the matching Sport kit for the first-generation BRZ, the FactionFab V2 FL-Spec street coilovers, which are listed for both generations, and the BLOX Racing Street Series II Plus for first-generation cars.

Track coilovers

On track, the priorities change. You want the car to stay flat, respond quickly and stay predictable lap after lap. That usually means:

• Higher spring rates to control body roll and pitch under hard braking.
• More damping range, so you can tune the car to tires and track conditions.
• Camber-adjustable top mounts or plates up front, so you can run the extra negative camber that sticky tires like.

Look at the SF Racing Track coilovers (also available for the first-generation BRZ and FR-S), the FactionFab V2 FR-Spec track coilovers, and for serious time-attack builds, the AST 5100 Series and the SF Racing N2 coilovers.

A track kit will ride firmer on the street. That is the trade-off. If the car is a daily and only goes to a few track days a year, a street kit with damping adjustment is often the smarter choice.

Drift coilovers

The 86 platform has become a popular drift car, and drift coilovers are built differently from grip-focused kits. Drift setups usually run stiffer front spring rates for quick, sharp transitions, with a softer rear to help the car find grip on exit. They are also built to survive repeated hard landings and curb hits.

SLR Drift Spec coilovers, built for drifting and listed for the GT86, GR86, FR-S and BRZ.

Our drift options for this car are the SLR Drift Spec coilovers and the SLR Drift Spec MAX 2-way adjustable coilovers. The MAX kit adds separate adjustment for compression and rebound, so you can fine-tune how the car transitions.

Air-adjustable ride height

If you want the car low at a car meet but still need to get over speed bumps and up driveways, air suspension is worth a look. Air struts replace the steel spring with an air spring, so you can raise and lower the car on demand.

SF Racing air struts for the GR86: adjustable ride height on demand.

We carry SF Racing air struts for the GR86 and the Air Lift Performance coilover kit, plus everything else in our air suspension range. Keep in mind that air struts are only one part of a full air system. You will also need a management kit, compressor and tank, unless the listing says they are included.

How low should you go?

Lower is not always faster. Every coilover lets you go lower than is sensible for a street car. As the car drops, the suspension geometry changes. Camber goes more negative, the roll center moves, and bump steer can increase. On the 86 platform, most owners who drive the car hard stay with a modest drop of around an inch to an inch and a half below stock. Dropping it more is a styling choice that usually needs extra parts to drive well.

Before you set the final height, check:

• Tire clearance at full lock and full compression, especially with wider wheels.
• That the shock still has enough travel and is not sitting on the bump stop.
• The ground clearance of the exhaust, the front lip and the oil pan.

What else to change when you lower it

Lowering the car changes the alignment, so plan for these extra parts:

• Rear camber and toe arms. Lowering adds negative camber at the rear. Adjustable arms such as the SPL Parts rear lower camber arms or the BLOX Racing rear lower control arms let you set it back to where you want it.
• Front lower control arms. For serious track builds, the SPL Parts front lower control arms add adjustment for camber and geometry correction.
• Bushings. Firmer bushings, such as the BLOX Racing poly bushings, reduce slop in the arms.
• A proper alignment. Always get the car aligned after installing coilovers or arms. A good alignment makes a bigger difference than most people expect.

SPL Parts rear lower camber arms let you dial rear camber back in after lowering.

Browse all of our alignment and camber kits and control arms to find the right parts for your setup.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying by price alone. The cheapest kit often ends up costing more when you replace it later.
• Running track spring rates on the street. The car will feel harsh, and it is not faster on bumpy roads.
• Skipping the alignment. The wrong toe setting wears tires fast and makes the car feel nervous.
• Not checking the brand's terms. Warranty, rebuild and lead time vary by brand. Read the listing, or ask us before you order.

Shop GR86, BRZ and FR-S parts

Everything in this guide is in our GR86, BRZ and FR-S coilovers and suspension collection. You can also browse all coilovers or see which kits are trending in popular coilovers. Specs, lead times and warranties come from each brand, so check the details on each product page.

Frequently asked questions

Do GR86 coilovers fit the Subaru BRZ?

Coilovers for the same generation usually fit both, because the GR86 and BRZ share a chassis. Some brands still list separate part numbers, so always check the fitment notes on the product page for your exact year and chassis code.

Will first-generation FR-S or 86 coilovers fit a 2022 or newer GR86?

Some kits are made for both generations, and others are not. Check that the listing names your chassis code: ZN6 or ZC6 for first-generation cars, ZN8 or ZD8 for 2022 and newer.

Do I need camber plates or camber arms after lowering?

Mild drops on the street often align fine with the factory adjustment. Bigger drops and track use usually need adjustable rear arms and front camber adjustment to get the alignment where you want it.

How much does it cost to put coilovers on a GR86 or BRZ?

Quality street coilovers usually start around a thousand dollars. Track and drift kits with more adjustment cost more. Budget for installation and an alignment on top of the parts.

Are coilovers better than lowering springs on a BRZ?

For most owners, yes. Coilovers match the damper to the spring, let you set the exact ride height and usually handle better. Lowering springs are cheaper, but they run on the stock dampers.