Bad idea or really bad idea

[LimitedTimeOnly]

With the unveiling of the next generation BRZ, my interest in waiting a couple of years to replace my 2016 VW GTI with one has declined. It might still be the way to go, but I'm back to thinking about the current BRZ as a fun new automotive direction to try.

I'd link to my previous thoughts on the current gen BRZ . . . but Kinja.

In my not sufficiently mis-spent youth I owned an Acura Integra, and enjoyed winding up the motor to get the meager performance. I loved that car, and I see the BRZ as a modern iteration, except even better because rear wheel drive (but no useful hatchback).

However, I don't like the noise of the BRZ, and the torque dip means that I needed to make a fair bit of noise when I test drove a BRZ to have the car respond in the manner to which I've become accustomed with my GTI and the turbo torque on tap.

I understand that it is simple to plug the hole in the firewall to improve the quiet in the cabin of the BRZ, and that replacing the headers and re-mapping the ECU solves the torque dip. What I don't know is whether this would make me happy with a BRZ, but I think that it might.

All that to say that my eye is wandering, as it tends to do. If I'm not waiting for the next generation BRZ, I wonder if I can find a modded one for sale nearby and see if it works for me?

Well, the only example that clearly has just headers and ECU work done is 4 hours away. But, interestingly, there is this example somewhere nearby:

So, that is a de-contented BRZ from 2013 with a lengthy list of modifications. Owner wants to trade, and I'm thinking they would need to put thousands of dollars into a trade if they would be interested in my GTI, more than they probably would care to do. Worse, this is beyond a few mods, the dang engine has been rebuilt.

But it has a supercharger, which I am also curious about in this application.

So bad idea? Or lock me up so that I don't do something stupid to myself?

The last time I let my mind wander this much about an acquisition I test rode a motorcycle into a ditch and shattered my collarbone. It took only eight months for me to unlearn that lesson apparently.

(Don't worry, I'm fairly confident that I won't pursue this in my holiday week. I think.)

[Shoop]

I like it, but i am an idiot

[BicycleBuck]

You're forgetting the rule: Never buy someone else's project!

[Jb boin]

If it's not a sketchy build, why not !

But if it's for a main commute car it might not be ideal.

[LimitedTimeOnly]

@bicyclebuck So I should buy a clean example, then put on headers, a supercharger and map the ECU on my own dime? Maybe.

[rctothefuture]

Tough call. Buying one that's had your mod list done is a tempting idea. However, you don't know how he built it and if any corners were cut. They say never buy someone elses project. However, if this a completed build then it wouldn't be a bad idea.

My recommendation, buy a used stock one. Get the headers and ECU tune, run E85 and see if you need more power. The handling and fun of this car is what makes it stand out. So focus on that once you get torque dip fixed.

Once you are sure you want turbo/supercharger, then really go high on the hog and do it. There's something good feeling that YOU know that YOU torqued that bolt to spec and know how the system works. Just my 2 cents.

[trivet]

@rctothefuture said in Bad idea or really bad idea:

They say never buy someone elses project.

My recommendation, buy a used stock one. Get the headers and ECU tune, run E85 and see if you need more power. The handling and fun of this car is what makes it stand out. So focus on that once you get torque dip fixed.

Once you are sure you want turbo/supercharger, then really go high on the hog and do it. There's something good feeling that YOU know that YOU torqued that bolt to spec and know how the system works. Just my 2 cents.

This. SO much this right here. @rctothefuture is right on the money here.

[BicycleBuck]

@limitedtimeonly that’s the safer course that could be more expensive, but not knowing the true condition of the modified car, it might be the less expensive approach in the long run.

[LimitedTimeOnly]

@bicyclebuck This must be a really bad idea if Oppo won't enable me (except @Shoop!).

If I were really serious I might drive the 4 hours to check out the one that has only the headers and ECU mods, and looks like a very clean example. But while it is a BRZ, it is a 2015 and I'd prefer a 2017 or later, after the refresh, really. Plus it's white (I'd link to a rant on preferring cars with colors, but . . . Kinja).

Good thing I really don't need or want to do this, but I have to have some focus for my automotive wandering mind, or else I'll buy a cargo van.

[Shoop]

@limitedtimeonly
If you were serious id say go test drive it, and if you fall in love, get a PPI, then send it.

[100percentjake]

Do it.

[futureNDowner]

@shoop I concur. You shouldn't buy someone else's project blind, but if you have a good tuning shop do a PPI you can have peace of mind and save a bunch on mod costs.

[just-a-scratch]

@jb-boin seconded.

[LimitedTimeOnly]

@100percentjake There we go! I should have known that I could count on you, Jake. You have no hesitation about buying other people's project cars, right?

[lokerola]

Do not do it.

Someone else's project will very likely be your disaster. Unless you're an oil sheikh and have a buzillion dollars.

[Snuze]

I say do it!

[beefchips]

@limitedtimeonly why not test drive the new one before making up your mind about splashing out on a first-gen? I admit it may be a longer wait that you want before they start showing up at dealers tho

[LimitedTimeOnly]

@beefchips That is probably the sensible thing to do, although the net cost would be higher at least it would be under warranty. But I'm not thrilled by the looks of the new one, and also don't love the full digital gauge cluster. But if I drag my feet long enough I may be able to consider both options.

[LimitedTimeOnly]

@lokerola I can afford to do something stupid, but I'd prefer not to waste money. Or, in general, do something stupid.

[Jarrett]

It's a 13, so valve spring recall might be an issue. If they've rebuilt the engine it probably has been addressed.

You would need to really go over this car with a fine tooth comb.

Everyday Driver has a supercharged vs tuned video that may apply to you, as well as several "long term ownership" reviews:

[LimitedTimeOnly]

@jarrett Yeah, I think that's a great video, seen it before . . . I could imagine myself going either way, which is why I'd like to try a tuned car.

[g_body_man]

I say do it. If your ideal build involves something expensive like forced induction, it's almost invariably cheaper to sort out someone else's project than upgrade AND sort out your own.