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Hey car enthusiasts! I know what you're thinking: a lift kit for a GT86 or BRZ? Isn't that sacrilege for a low-slung, rear-wheel-drive sports car? Well, hear me out! I recently embarked on this somewhat unconventional journey, and I’m here to share my personal experience with installing a lift kit on my beloved BRZ (which, let's be honest, applies equally to the GT86 crowd!). My motivation wasn't to turn it into an off-road monster, but rather to achieve a unique rally-inspired look and gain a little extra ground clearance for those pesky speed bumps and uneven driveways without scraping my front lip every single time. Plus, let's admit it, a slightly lifted GT86/BRZ with some chunky tires just looks cool and stands out from the crowd of slammed builds. Choosing the Right Lift Kit for Your GT86/BRZ This was the first big decision. There aren't as many 'off-the-shelf' dedicated lift kits for these cars as there are for, say, a Subaru Forester. However, options do exist, mainly falling into two categories: Strut Spacers: These are the most straightforward and budget-friendly option. They sit on top of your existing strut assemblies, effectively pushing the car's body upwards. I considered these for a simple 1-inch or 1.5-inch lift. They're great for maintaining existing ride quality (mostly) and are relatively easy to install. However, they don't increase suspension travel, just shift the ride height. Lift Coilovers or Raised Springs: Some companies offer specific coilover kits or spring sets designed to provide a mild lift while retaining good suspension geometry and performance. These are generally more expensive but offer better control over ride quality and handling characteristics compared to simple spacers. I opted for a set of slightly taller springs combined with longer struts designed for a mild lift, as I wanted a bit more suspension travel for rougher roads. My Installation Experience: What to Expect I decided to tackle the installation myself with a friend, and while it's definitely doable for a DIY enthusiast with some mechanical aptitude, it's not a simple spring swap. Here are a few things I learned: Tools are Key: You'll need a good jack, jack stands, a comprehensive socket set, spring compressors (if doing springs), and potentially some camber bolts for alignment adjustments afterward. Patience is a Virtue: Rusted bolts, tight spaces, and unexpected challenges are part of the game. Give yourself a full day, or even a weekend, especially if it's your first time. Alignment is CRUCIAL: After any suspension modification, especially a lift, you must get a professional alignment. Lifting changes your camber and toe angles, which can lead to rapid tire wear and poor handling if not corrected. Don't skip this step! Driving Impressions: How Does a Lifted GT86/BRZ Feel? Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! With my chosen setup (taller springs/struts for a mild 1.5-inch lift), the car still feels planted and fun to drive. Yes, there's a slight increase in body roll compared to stock, but it's not dramatic. The biggest difference is the newfound confidence over bumps and gravel roads. I no longer wince approaching every dip! The ride quality is actually better in some ways – less harsh over small imperfections. And the look? Oh, the look! Paired with some slightly larger, all-terrain-ish tires (nothing crazy, just a bit more sidewall), it totally transformed the car's aesthetic. It’s got that cool, rally-inspired vibe, ready for some light adventuring or just turning heads at the coffee shop. Tire and Wheel Considerations This is an important one. A lift often means you can fit slightly larger tires, which further enhances the lifted look and can provide better grip on loose surfaces. However, be mindful of rubbing. I did a lot of research on forums to find the maximum tire size I could run with my specific lift height without needing fender rolling or significant modifications. Measure twice, buy once! Is a Lift Kit Right for Your GT86/BRZ? If you're looking to stand out, add a touch of practicality, or simply love the rally aesthetic, then absolutely consider it! It's not for everyone, especially purists who want to keep their cars as low as possible for track performance. But for daily driving, light adventuring, and achieving a truly unique look, my GT86/BRZ lift kit journey has been incredibly rewarding. It totally changed my perception of what this car can be, and I'm loving every minute of it!