Jump to content
Tweedbean

tweedbean's Porsche RS Green BRZ Build

Recommended Posts

Well this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to these cars having owned two of its sister car the Toyota GT86.  This purchase was a little unexpected and happened very quickly but I cant wait to get stuck into it as its definitely a project.  

So I've had a search saved in ebay for years now looking at salvaged BRZ's, however it always seems to be GT86 that come up cheap as the BRZ holds its value better due to there being fewer of them.   Nothing significant has come of it until early last week when a 2013 Subaru BRZ with 41k on the clock popped up.  It ticked all the boxes with heated half leathers, back 3/4's spotless, engine running, theres just the small matter of half the front end missing.  It came up cheap so a quick conversation later to Turbo Monkeys in Burton who were selling it and I headed up there last Wednesday to see it.  It was as described so I left a deposit and arranged a tow truck to collect it.  It arrived today and I couldn't be happier.  And before anyone asks the other cars I have aren't going anywhere this is a +1 project. 

Spec wise its stock, pearl white, manual, heated half leathers, CD player etc.  It is a Cat S, I've seen why and will get it all checked out before it goes back on the road.  

So what are my plans, firstly acquire all the parts to rebuild it, I have a rad pack ready to go on which means its easier to move around.  I've never attempted such a project before, I normally start with at least a complete car, so this will be challenge and I am expecting bumps along the way.  Once I have all the parts I will fit as much as I can before it heads over to a specialist to ensure its all straight and lines up before everything is bolted down.

Not sure where I am going with the car right now as theres so many options, but one thing I do know is it needs a facelift as those tail lights are really dated.  So already have a list of parts to fit the 2017 facelift BRZ front end and I have 2017 style rear lights to be fitted later today.  I do know It will be getting a full respray as I've not seen many bodyshops match the pearl paint to a standard I would be happy with, a colour change to something none Toyota/Subaru for sure.  It also will be remaining stock body, no wide body kits here.  

I also have a HT Auto lip kit ready to go and a Top Sage rear diffuser lip to keep me ticking over while working on the boring stuff up front.  I'm tempted to take the approach of building what Subaru would have done if they had built a proper BRZ STI.   

Time for some photos:

49647969237_8d470cb90c_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

The boot was full of parts clearly picked up off the road following the accident:

49647685821_6fb471b5c2_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

The front end, not so tidy:

49647203388_c229c0b2da_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

And a better look of the front end damage:

49647969472_5ca74d01e5_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First two mods already done I fitted Vland V2 tail lights to my Subaru BRZ.  They are 2017 facelift style lights with the added bonus of sequential indicators.  It was super easy plug and play.  The before and after difference is amazing, it really refreshes that back end:

Here is a how to video I made for installing them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_oGWm4Y2Y0

49642841233_f53d7965ac_c.jpgFacelift Style Sequential Lights Vland by James Baker, on Flickr

49648680243_66d18c4dd2_c.jpgWhat a difference by James Baker, on Flickr

I decided I wanted to also debadge the rear end of all chrome lettering.  Much cleaner, below is a link to a how to video on removing the chrome lettering:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YO00wD4HgU

49649501012_1567326d0b_c.jpgDebadged rear end by James Baker, on Flickr

I then set about stripping the front end removing the damaged metal such as wings, bonnet and parts of the slam panel.  Basically anything damaged that wasnt welded in has now been removed.  This is how I left it at the end of day 1:

49649486287_0626cf7685_c.jpgEnd of day 1 by James Baker, on Flickr

Next steps are to call Subaru and Toyota tomorrow to order up all the parts needs for the front bumper as well as two wings, wing brackets and slam panel.  I will share the part lists and prices as and when I get them for anyone thinking of doing the same.  Most parts are cheaper from Toyota I have found, however the bumper is a Subaru only item so I need to go to them for that.  Its crazy how many individual parts there are on the bumper alone.

There are plenty more how to video coming up as I modify my BRZ, for additional updates please follow my youtube channel and instagram page:

https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=tweedbean

https://www.instagram.com/tweedbean

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
32 minutes ago, MartinT said:

How is the engine - intact?

Yep other than the rads, fans and airbox the engine is untouched.  Also no airbags were deployed so interior is intact and in great condition.  

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 2:

Time to get ordering parts, so far:

Front Bumper

Im going for a facelift front end so I will be ordering the bumper and all associated parts from Subaru including the facelight light trim etc

The one part I left out this order will be the main grill/moustache, from what I understand the UK part come with two big holes to bolt a front plate on.   As someone who runs removable plate brackets on all my cars, I have ordered a US spec part from ebay International. 

s-l1600.jpg

Headlights

Having been impressed with the Vland rear lights and recommendations from another member I have purchased the Vland headlights.  There are two reasons why I have gone aftermarket, firstly they have black housings, saving me joey modding a set of lights.  The second reason is down to price, headlights are between £575-£700 each plus VAT and finding a decent pair of used BRZ headlights is very rare(Dont want to fit GT86 lights).  I purchased my Vland headlights through their ebay store (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264414046349)  They are listed at £419 delivered however I had an offer of £380 delivered accepted.  

s-l1600.jpg

Radiator Assembly

Next up the radiator(£295+VAT)/fan(£232+VAT)/ac condenser(£280+VAT) assembly was destroy in the crash.  New these were over £800 plus VAT, this doesnt include all the little brackets etc.  Matt Baker over at MB Developments helped me out here.  They are a Subaru specialist who are building a BRZ based track car, their build looks epic.  They had no need for the stock parts and I managed to get all the above for £80 collected which is a super bargain and I really appreciate it.  As a bonus is the entire assembly with motors, brackets, filler, pipes etc  I was very lucky with this:

49642841188_afb32eb76e_c.jpgRadiator, fan assembly and a/c condenser by James Baker, on Flickr

Bonnet and Crash Beam

Next up we have the main body panels so a bonnet new from Toyota is around £390 plus VAT, I managed to pick up a used one for £150 from SJ Autosport in Birmingham who are breaking a BRZ.  I also picked up the crash for £50 from the same place, instead of £147.97 plus VAT from Subaru.  The foam part is £25.49 plus VAT but I can reuse my old one which survived.  

49644670878_a08b8bcb07_c.jpgBonnet, wing and crash beam by James Baker, on Flickr

Front Wings

I also need both front wings, not many decent used examples about so I am going new on these, the one in the photo above is damaged so decided against using that.  From Toyota the wings are £109 +VAT new compared to £151+VAT from Subaru so I will be getting them from Toyota.  I also need the brackets that sit under the wing to hold it in place, again these are cheaper at Toyota at £19.71+VAT new compared to £20.87 from Subaru.  Again going new with the brackets as they are easily bent.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good luck James. Following your thread carefully. Some initial thoughts- Vland tail lights are great, I have them but am not so sure of the Head. American cousins advise that the light quality and brightness is insufficient for road use. Have a rethink about them.

Toyota parts are cheaper due to higher volumes and they import straight from Subaru Japan to Toyota UK while Subaru import from Japan to Subaru Netherlands and then to International Motors UK, the Subaru Franchise here. Margins and transport costs add up.

Where do you plan to get a respray and how much does it generally cost?

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
1 minute ago, BRZ-123 said:

Good luck James. Following your thread carefully. Some initial thoughts- Vland tail lights are great, I have them but am not so sure of the Head. American cousins advise that the light quality and brightness is insufficient for road use. Have a rethink about them.

Toyota parts are cheaper due to higher volumes and they import straight from Subaru Japan to Toyota UK while Subaru import from Japan to Subaru Netherlands and then to International Motors UK, the Subaru Franchise here. Margins and transport costs add up.

Where do you plan to get a respray and how much does it generally cost?

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
 

Ive seen the Vland headlights in action and seemed good to me, but I will do a full and honest review on them.  I know theres plenty of bulb options for them to which could help brightness.  Worst case if they are pants then I can swap for some stock ones later on.  

Bodyshop wise, I use a place close to me called Autoworx, they have painted two cars for me now.   My R53 which was a full respray colour change from blue to Porsche RS Green, I still own this car:

Before:

24525691690_23b413921e_c.jpgClean by James Baker, on Flickr

After:

48086354988_979d63c986_c.jpgJUNE 2019 R53 by James Baker, on Flickr

48086356273_9c363ec88f_c.jpgJUNE 2019 R53 by James Baker, on Flickr

And my Mini Clubman, which I have now sold on.  They resprayed the entire car this time no colour change it remained chilli red but I got rid of the ugly silver contrast roof etc.  The bodywork was awful to start with, plenty of rust spots, dings etc they repaired the lot:

Before:

43082625154_94a1667897_c.jpgAnother project by James Baker, on Flickr

43799192941_f184e5ff03_c.jpgAnother project by James Baker, on Flickr

After:

33836008898_d7288decb3_c.jpgCLUBBY by James Baker, on Flickr

47660203352_d10178dc0f_c.jpgCLUBBY by James Baker, on Flickr

46797018805_8d5451cbc8_c.jpgCLUBBY by James Baker, on Flickr

Price wise it all depends on so many factors including the colour you pick, colour change vs keeping the same colour, size of car, amount of separate parts etc

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Superb stuff. I take that this car is going to be a keeper, if you are going to spend this much time and attention to it good luck and I will be watching from the sidelines.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
2 hours ago, BRZ-123 said:

Superb stuff. I take that this car is going to be a keeper, if you are going to spend this much time and attention to it emoji3.png good luck and I will be watching from the sidelines.

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
 

Thanks , yes this will be a keeper.  To be very open about this build, as it helps others who want to do a similar thing, my aim is to have a road legal working BRZ with a facelift front end for a budget of £7000 all in including the purchase of the car.  The car itself was £4200 and an additional £160 to get it transported to me.  Currently I have zero labour costs as 75% of the work I can do myself, the only labour I will incur is the cost of welding the slam panel in and a check that the front end is straight.  I have about 95% of the parts I need already on order or purchased used.  I know there are going to be bits missing when I start to rebuild it but theres space remaining in the budget for that.  

This will then give me a cheap stock car to then go onto modify in the future.   The cheapest BRZ on ebay/autotrader is £12,995 so for me its a much cheaper way (and more fun for me) of getting into a BRZ and I certainly wouldn't get near a facelift for that money.   

The only thing this does not take into account is paint, I could have waited and got second hand parts in the same colour as the car and within the budget, therefore I wouldn't incur any paint costs however my plan has always been to go for a none factory colour therefore is a separate cost.  Even with the total paint costs and a number of mods I have already purchased out of the 7k budget, such as lip kit, rear lights, headunit etc I will be no-where near £12,995 cheapest BRZ. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
4 hours ago, Tweedbean said:

Thanks , yes this will be a keeper.  To be very open about this build, as it helps others who want to do a similar thing, my aim is to have a road legal working BRZ with a facelift front end for a budget of £7000 all in including the purchase of the car.  The car itself was £4200 and an additional £160 to get it transported to me.  Currently I have zero labour costs as 75% of the work I can do myself, the only labour I will incur is the cost of welding the slam panel in and a check that the front end is straight.  I have about 95% of the parts I need already on order or purchased used.  I know there are going to be bits missing when I start to rebuild it but theres space remaining in the budget for that.  

This will then give me a cheap stock car to then go onto modify in the future.   The cheapest BRZ on ebay/autotrader is £12,995 so for me its a much cheaper way (and more fun for me) of getting into a BRZ and I certainly wouldn't get near a facelift for that money.   

The only thing this does not take into account is paint, I could have waited and got second hand parts in the same colour as the car and within the budget, therefore I wouldn't incur any paint costs however my plan has always been to go for a none factory colour therefore is a separate cost.  Even with the total paint costs and a number of mods I have already purchased out of the 7k budget, such as lip kit, rear lights, headunit etc I will be no-where near £12,995 cheapest BRZ. 

Thank you for sharing the price paid - very interesting! How much are you budgeting for a respray?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 3:

Opting for a facelift front bumper and getting it ordered

As the front end is completely missing from my car, I have to order every brackets, duct, plastic undertray, nut, bolt etc.  There was nothing left of the original one.  Its crazy how much that adds up to.  I could go down the route of a pre-facelift bumper or aftermarket however I really like like the BRZ facelift front end and they dont come up second hand.  There is one on ebay but what it doesn't mention in the ad is that its cracked, I know as I drove to see it and refused to buy it after to seeing the damaged.  

Pre facelift:

dims?client=fh7w6q744eiognjk&signature=4

Facelift:

subaru-brz.jpg?itok=jJ4UM6r3

When buying from Subaru the facelift bumper skin is actually cheaper than the pre-facelift one.  So I have ordered everything required from Subaru which comes to £617.92, the breakdown is attached below covering part numbers, quantities and prices.  This list contains everything including ducts for air to the radiator, headlight brackets, stuff you wouldn't need to buy if you had an existing front end, but it doesn't cover fog light units themselves(Will get aftermarket ones), the moustache as I have the US part on order and the various nuts and bolts.

The nuts and bolts alone came to £87.21 plus VAT.  I have managed to source a number of these on the car, salvaged from damage parts or through ebay to get them cheaper, so shop around.  Common items like the clips(909140007) that hold the weather seal in place, can be had 50 for £5.98 from ebay rather than £1 each from Subaru:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50pc-Interior-Door-Card-Moulding-Trim-Panel-Retainer-Clips-For-Subaru-Crosstrek/174035752811?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Not all can be sourced easily but I managed to find some of them, so go the bill down from £87.21 plus VAT to around £25 in the end, just by doing the above.  

I also need to buy washer covers however at around £50 a side I will wait until the car is ready for paint then source those.  

Parts will start to arrive this week which is great news, the longest wait is the slam Panel

Shopping around for the slam panel

The slam panel for the BRZ has been a pain, its spot welded on so it isnt a straight forward swap however I have a friend who can assist with that.  Pricing for these vary dramatically.  It used to be around £258 plus VAT for the entire unit from Toyota, however when I called to order they had made a mistake, the part had now been superseded and was something like £520 plus VAT after discount.  A big difference, im sure you will agree, so I rang Subaru and they can get one in for £306 including VAT so much cheaper, only issue is its coming direct from Japan so there may be a 3 week wait, but the price difference is worth the wait as I'm not in a rush mega rush, even if I am impatient.  So thats now on its way as well.

Theres now not much I can do but wait for parts over the next 3 weeks as I have removed everything damaged that isn't welded on so I will take the time to fit a new head unit, fit rear lip kit and diffuser lip while I wait.  I will be making fitting videos for those 3 jobs in the coming weeks.  

90221067_244015783431789_8048867634390761472_n.jpg

89496236_2378616022429676_3537239416063918080_n.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 4:

Buying the parts to upgrade the headunit

As there is nothing I can do RE the front end until parts arrive, its time to tackle some interior bits.  The BRZ came with only a CD player headunit so I wanted to upgrade to a more modern headunit.  I have purchased the Pioneer DA130DAB which has Apple Car play so I will have bluetooth calling, DAB, music streaming, sat nav etc, its actually the one from my old Mini clubman as the new owner installed an android auto headunit instead.

Pioneer-SPH-DA130DAB-Car-Stereo.webp?$sf

So I have been doing some reading RE differences between replacing the headunit in the BRZ vs the GT86.  I have created the following list based off what other BRZ owners have purchased:

Cable to allow me to connect the stock USB port to the aftermarket headunit:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184019557009

s-l500.jpg

Stereo bracket/surround, Ive heard all the options are a bit dodgy fitting so I thought I would try this one for now:

http://www.roadradio.com/wiring-fascia-adaptors/ICT50-282/7429/

large_dfp1108.jpg

Harness adapter:

http://www.roadradio.com/wiring-fascia-adaptors/PC2-17-42/4883/

large_PC2174.jpg

Aerial Adapter:

http://www.roadradio.com/wiring-fascia-adaptors/ICT21-147/7350/

large_Image1.jpg

Pioneer ND-BC8 Reversing Camera:

511LWSaxbOL._AC_SL1000_.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 6: More parts are here

Yesterday all my parts from Toyota arrived including new rubber bushes for mounting the rad assembly, both wing brackets and the wings themselves.  Didnt realise how big the boxes would be for the wings, glad I took the bigger car.

49671849858_f305ae95af_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

Headlights Arrived 
Also the Vland headlights arrived, note they did arrived damaged, but Vlands ebay store were really helpful and quick to rectify the problem with  a new set on the way to me.  Quality so far looks good and I connected them up to the car last night to ensure the wiring on the car was intact and that the headlights worked.

49672389281_a48e7b3978_c.jpgVland headlights by James Baker, on Flickr

Click the image below for a short video:
49672389786_1d6028e55b_c.jpg  

The test went well with the DRLs and sequential indicators looking spot on.  I now need to source some stock headlight bulbs and attach the ballasts as the stock bulbs are missing from the car but I do have two ballasts.  I will see if I can steal the bulbs from an old set of Mini xenons I have in the garage.  I know some people are cautious about aftermarket headlights, I will be very open and honest with my thoughts on them once installed so people hear first hand what they are like, will probably do a video review of them over on my youtube channel www.youtube.com/tweedbean  

Newly discovered issue

When I returned from Toyota last night I decided to fit the wing brackets to see how straight the structure was in front of the front wheels.  Passenger side bolted on no problem, all appears straight.  The drivers side, not so easy, the rear two bolts for the wing bracket go in no problem, the front one, shown in the pic below, doesnt line up.  This will be correctable via the specialist the car is going to to straighten everything, worst case I can buy that section from Toyota if it doesnt pull straight.  I expected there to be more parts like this, so no surprise here.  

49671849848_81e1d44808_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Having bought a front wing myself, the boxes are huge with plenty of space around the wing. Not surprising when you realise how flimsy the things are... as I only had my 86, I had to leave the box behind at the dealer :D 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 8:  Most of the parts from Subaru are here

Had a call to say most of my parts arrived at Subaru.  Only bits missing are 3  brackets and the major part the slam panel on its way direct from Japan, due in next Saturday.  Hopefully everyone remains safe and the dealership/delivery company etc are still working next weekend.  Its luck of the draw at the moment with everything going on.  I have held off ordering anymore bits now until the country gets back to normal.

49675214803_ee49c14047_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

49675214733_87d7eeed21_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

 

Also received the bits for the headunit this morning, so that can go in this weekend, regardless of the above bits:

49675214688_2e7a062941_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
12 minutes ago, will300 said:

Facelift bumper does look really cool like that, I like how it highlights all the extra creases compared to a pre-17 bumper. 

Yeah, I am glad I went to the extra expense of getting a facelift over a used pre one.  It was good to get it out the box and have a proper look at it in the flesh as its been a while since I've seen facelift.  

 

Hopefully collecting a full stock airbox setup and washer fluid bottle later today which are the last pieces of the puzzle I am aware of currently. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 10:

Collecting more parts

So yesterday I collected a used airbox and washer bottle with pumps, these are the last major parts I hadnt ordered.

 

49684092217_0ed58b9de5_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

 

Today I decided to fit the new head unit, it was super easy, as I hadn't bought new metal brackets I had to cut up the stock ones, the filler pieces fit really well, looking at other guides I think people are fitting them inside the metal brackets causing a fitment issue when they should be fitting them outside the metal brackets.  I have a headunit fitting video to edit and I will get that uploaded to help others.

 

49683797796_d2ae1d84e7_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

 

Have a couple of simple videos I created for removing internal bits like the dash panels and gear knob, I will ensure I do more as I remove bits for mods, again only easy jobs if you know how to do them, hopefully this video series encourages more people to do DIY jobs on their cars:

 

I also fitted a HT auto rear lip and Top Sage diffuser lip, super easy:

49683259673_fdcb0356f1_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

 

I also threw on the bonnet, passenger wing and air box to get them out the garage, starting to look more like a car now.  Ignore the panel gaps as I havent bolted anything down properly yet:

 

49683797871_4945f5c644_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Day 14 Still Waiting...

Progress has slowed due to the current climate.  I'm still waiting on parts from Subaru Japan, with the local Subaru dealership now closed, I am unsure if I will be able to collect the remaining parts for 3 weeks plus, although the manager gave me a glimmer of hope, they may be able to leave them outside if they do turn up for me to collect as they are literally on my daily run route.  

My front grill turned up from the USA, big thanks to Quirkparts on ebay for getting it delivered really quickly.  Its only a subtle change, with this piece not having any pre-cut holes the UK spec comes with for the front numberplate holder.   For me its the little details like this:

49697026568_b4d18301f9_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr 

Trying to source genuine STI parts in the UK is really tricky for the BRZ, I'm after the side skirts, rear bumper trims and front lip.  These apparently are out of production now and USA stores want crazy money to deliver them.  A company called Brayson do replica parts and at a really good price, so I may go for them as there shipping is reasonable too:

49697558411_6776320340_c.jpgUntitled by James Baker, on Flickr

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Japanparts is the answer:

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/40550

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/42177

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/41126

I bought my tail lights and a BRZ tS dash trim from them, and they're very good.  Delivery isn't too bad since you're looking at almost £1k for genuine parts anyway.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can usually get things cheaper from Japanparts. My TRD aero fins were cheaper than UK companies were charging. Even something cheapish like the eurowinker indicator relay was cheaper via japanparts than partbox (even with club discount)... things just take a little longer to arrive.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
3 hours ago, spikyone said:

Japanparts is the answer:

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/40550

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/42177

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/41126

I bought my tail lights and a BRZ tS dash trim from them, and they're very good.  Delivery isn't too bad since you're looking at almost £1k for genuine parts anyway.

That isnt quite the right part list as I need the facelift lip, but thanks for searching it.  They do this sport package for a little more that comes with the STI strut brace too:

 xresize_image.php,qimg=62340,asx=458,asy

If I was ordering from there I may aswell get the Leg duck tail from them and a couple of alcantara interior bits.  

How accurate was the delivery date prediction?  Postage is coming out around £400-£500.  

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×