Widebody BRZ 2013: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you're thinking about slapping a widebody kit on your 2013 Subaru BRZ? Awesome! You've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from why you might want a widebody to the nitty-gritty details of choosing and installing one. Let's dive in!
Why Go Widebody?
Let's kick things off by chatting about why you'd even consider a widebody kit in the first place. It's not just about looks, although let's be honest, that's a big part of it! A widebody BRZ can seriously transform the car's appearance, giving it an aggressive, track-ready stance that's hard to ignore. But there's more to it than just aesthetics.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Okay, let's be real, the most immediate and noticeable benefit of a widebody kit is the drastic change in appearance. Your BRZ will go from a sleek sports car to an absolute head-turner. The wider fenders, aggressive lines, and overall beefier presence give the car a unique and intimidating look. If you're aiming to stand out at car meets or simply want a car that reflects your personal style, a widebody is a fantastic way to achieve that. Plus, the visual impact is undeniable – it's a statement that says, "I'm serious about my car."
Improved Performance
Beyond the head-turning looks, performance enhancements are a significant advantage of installing a widebody kit. The most immediate performance gain comes from the ability to run wider wheels and tires. More rubber on the road translates to increased grip, which is crucial for better handling, especially when cornering. A widebody kit allows you to push the limits of your BRZ's performance capabilities, whether you're on the track or simply enjoying spirited drives on winding roads.
Accommodating Wider Wheels and Tires
The real magic of a widebody lies in its ability to accommodate wider wheels and tires. This is where the performance gains really start to shine. Wider tires provide a larger contact patch with the road, which means more grip. More grip equals better acceleration, braking, and cornering. If you've ever felt like your BRZ was lacking in the grip department, a widebody kit and wider tires can make a world of difference. It's not just about straight-line speed; it's about feeling confident and in control through every turn.
Increased Stability
With the right setup, a widebody kit can significantly increase your car's stability, especially at higher speeds. The added width lowers the center of gravity, making the car feel more planted and stable. This is particularly beneficial on the track, where maintaining control and stability is crucial for shaving off those precious seconds. Even on the street, the increased stability can make your driving experience more confident and enjoyable.
More Aggressive Stance
Let's not forget the aggressive stance a widebody kit provides. It completely transforms the BRZ's demeanor, giving it a more purposeful and commanding presence. The wider, lower look exudes confidence and power, making your BRZ look like it's ready to tackle any challenge. If you're going for a specific aesthetic, such as a track-inspired or JDM look, a widebody is an essential element.
Choosing the Right Widebody Kit
Okay, so you're sold on the widebody idea. Now comes the fun part: choosing the right kit! There are tons of options out there, each with its own unique style and price point. Here's what you need to consider:
Material
Widebody kits typically come in two main materials: fiberglass and polyurethane (PU). Each has its pros and cons.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is generally more affordable but can be more prone to cracking and damage. It often requires more prep work before painting. However, skilled body shops can work wonders with fiberglass, achieving excellent fitment and finish. If you're on a budget and willing to invest in professional installation and prep, fiberglass can be a viable option.
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane is more flexible and durable, making it less likely to crack. It usually fits better right out of the box and requires less prep work. However, it tends to be more expensive than fiberglass. If you're looking for a balance of durability and ease of installation, PU is a great choice.
Style
This is where personal preference comes into play. Do you want a subtle, understated widebody, or a full-blown, aggressive look? There are kits that offer subtle fender flares, while others completely transform the car's body lines. Consider your overall vision for the car and choose a kit that complements that vision. Look at different styles and see which one you like the most, consider the end result you are looking for.
Fitment
Fitment is crucial. A poorly fitting widebody kit can be a nightmare to install and will never look quite right. Research the kit you're interested in and read reviews from other BRZ owners. See what they say about the fitment and ease of installation. If possible, check out photos of the kit installed on other cars to get a better idea of how it looks in real life.
Brand Reputation
Stick with reputable brands that have a proven track record of producing high-quality widebody kits. Established brands often have better quality control and provide better customer support. While it might be tempting to save money with a no-name brand, the potential headaches and fitment issues are often not worth the savings. Do some research and choose a brand you can trust.
Price
Widebody kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a budget and stick to it. Remember to factor in the cost of installation and painting, which can often be as much as the kit itself.
Installation: DIY or Professional?
So, you've got your widebody kit. Now what? Installation is the next big hurdle. You've got two options: DIY or professional installation.
DIY Installation
If you're mechanically inclined and have some experience with bodywork, you might be tempted to install the widebody kit yourself. This can save you money on labor costs, but it's a time-consuming and challenging project. You'll need a well-equipped garage, the right tools, and a lot of patience. Be prepared to spend several days, if not weeks, getting the fitment just right.
Professional Installation
Unless you are experienced, professional installation is the way to go. A reputable body shop will have the expertise and tools to install the widebody kit correctly, ensuring proper fitment and a flawless finish. While it will cost more, the peace of mind and quality of the finished product are well worth the investment.
Painting and Finishing
Once the widebody kit is installed, it needs to be painted and finished to match your car's existing paint. This is another area where it's best to leave it to the professionals.
A good paint job can make or break the look of your widebody. The body shop will need to properly prep the surface, apply primer, and then paint the widebody to match your car's color. They'll also need to blend the paint seamlessly so that the widebody looks like it came from the factory.
Wheels and Tires
Of course, you can't just slap a widebody kit on your BRZ and call it a day. You'll also need wider wheels and tires to fill out those new fenders. This is where things can get a bit complicated.
Choosing the Right Size
You'll need to carefully measure your new fender clearances to determine the optimal wheel and tire size. Consider the offset of the wheels, the width of the tires, and the overall diameter. You'll also want to make sure that the wheels and tires don't rub against the fenders or suspension components.
Suspension Adjustments
You may also need to adjust your suspension to accommodate the wider wheels and tires. This could involve installing coilovers, lowering springs, or adjustable camber plates. The goal is to achieve the perfect stance and handling balance.
Conclusion
A widebody kit can completely transform your 2013 Subaru BRZ, giving it a unique and aggressive look while also improving performance. But it's not a project to be taken lightly. Careful planning, research, and execution are essential to achieving the desired results. Whether you choose to DIY or go with professional installation, make sure you're prepared for the time, effort, and expense involved. But in the end, the reward of a stunning, widebody BRZ is well worth it!