Originally Posted by QUIKAG (Post 25099823)

DO IT! One of the most fun cars I’ve owned. Definitely get the shocks and brakes. Even if you don’t track, it makes a good car even better. Then, you will get every dollar of the package back at resale as used buyers will specifically be looking for that performance package.

Originally Posted by darcyw (Post 25099925)

Joey, Happy new year!

I've been researching the BRZ/GR86 these past few weeks. They have been a competitive choice against the s2000, especially at the airport autocross we run.

However, the issues the internet wizards have highlighted is excess RTV clogging the oil pickup. Now, maybe they've fixed the issue in the newest cars? Apparently, they also recommend an early oil change, checking the oil for RTV, and cut open the filter to check for debris. They've run a camera into the drain plug checking for excess RTV at the sealing surfaces as well to help judge future risk. Also, for those that track their BRZ/GR86, there is concern with low oil pressure on high G turns, especially with high grip tires. Of course, the car doesn't come with 200 tread wear tires, and it's not their fault if one is pushing the car beyond the brief.

Here's the video- I have no financials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43BQEbKQhBI

Maybe others can weigh in who are in the know more than me. I really like these cars and would give them serious consideration against the Miata or WRX (manual shift and fun to drive).

darcy

Originally Posted by TommyDeVito (Post 25099999)

On the new Twins, at some point after break in yes, drop the oil pan, and get rid of any excess RTV. While you’re doing that install the aftermarket oil baffle to sort out the oil pressure drop in long, hard, right hand turns. The internet blows everything up 100 fold so neither are even a concern on the street. Now if you are going to track it, consistently, I don’t mean 1 track day per year, do the oil baffle mod, and inspect the RTV and you’re GTG. It’s really an overblown issue.

Most every car, especially affordable performance machines, have something to address for serious track work. You do it, and move on with life and it’s in the rear view mirror.

Originally Posted by ThreeD (Post 25100063)

Congrats

i owned a 1st gen performance pkg car as a daily. Still miss it, great chassis, great suspension, practical, low key. Phenomenal brake feel from the brembos, one of the best. Slides well, approachable, just love the low center of gravity, deals w bumpy canyon roads without getting upset, just phenomenal chassis.

agree w the rest that whichever package gets you the brembos is worth it

ended up going w a different daily after 50k mi. didn’t trust the engine and didn’t want to buy Gen 2 with the oil starvation issue and didn’t want to feel like I had to buy a new daily every 50K miles

Gripes with it were the engine sound, throttle input and clutch. Clutch and throttle made me feel like I had never driven stick before. Even after 50k mi of driving it starting from a stop required attention. Engine sounds agricultural and like it’s dying at high RPM. Not good.

problem I have w the new ones is the oil starvation and low oil pressure on right handers. It’s not a RTV problem and there is no solution yet. Verus is working on one. I haul ass on on ramps and would slide it regularly. So much fun. But, that engine issue was a hard pass for me when it came to considering the Gen 2. Even with warranty I didn’t want to deal w it. I know for some of the others here it’s nbd.

Originally Posted by ssbfgc (Post 25099919)

Which one did you like more, GRC or 86?

Originally Posted by Jub (Post 25099883)

The S2000 was a very quick rack compared to its contemporaries. In the modern era, it's just normal. The AP1 is 13.8:1 compared to the 86 at 13.5:1. It's a moot point between these 2 cars and the AP2 is 14.9:1. I also think that the "zero steering feel" thing about the S2k is largely due to journalists writing it in reviews when compared to its contemporaries. It was one of the first electric power steering racks and it didn't have great feel compared to the hydraulic racks of the time. Sure, an NC and a 986 and 987 have significantly better steering feel. I do not think the BRZ, ND, or any modern car that the S2k is compared to has significantly more feel. I've had seat time in both of those comparisons. I've driven all 3 cars on 200tw tires, in anger, so my personal comparison is on fairly equal terms. Granted, my S2k is modded at this point, has more camber, stiffer suspension, etc. It's been a while since I've been in a stock one. However, I think that "steering numbness" is a thing that people continue to parrot since it was written in 2001.

Sitting back in the car does totally change the sensation when the car steps out. Regardless, the S2k is much snappier than an 86. It can be fun but also not, in ways. The 86 is more friendly, while being playful. Tunes are readily available for the S2k and lowering VTEC with a HFC does do wonders for having fun on street.