Hey everyone, and welcome back to the channel! Today, we're diving deep into something that's super important for any BRZ owner looking to get the most out of their car: Subaru BRZ transmission upgrades. Whether you're hitting the track, crushing some canyons, or just want a more engaging daily driver, upgrading your transmission can make a world of difference. We're going to cover why you might want to upgrade, the different types of upgrades available, and what to look out for. So buckle up, guys, because this is going to be a fun one!

Why Upgrade Your BRZ Transmission?

So, why bother upgrading your Subaru BRZ transmission in the first place? Well, let's be real, the stock transmission in the BRZ is pretty decent. It's a solid unit that can handle a good amount of abuse. However, as you start pushing your car harder, whether that's with more power from engine mods or by driving it like you stole it on the track, you might find its limitations. One of the biggest reasons people consider a transmission upgrade is reliability. When you're out there doing multiple track days or consistently putting down higher horsepower figures, the stock gears, synchros, and even the clutch can start to wear out faster than you'd like. A stronger, more robust transmission can handle that extra stress, giving you peace of mind and preventing costly breakdowns. Another major factor is performance. A stock transmission might feel a bit clunky or notchy, especially when you're shifting quickly. Upgrades can lead to smoother, faster, and more precise shifts. This translates directly to better lap times on the track and a more connected driving experience overall. Think about it: every split second you save in shifting is a split second gained on the track. Plus, some people just want a different feel. Maybe the stock gear ratios aren't ideal for their specific use case, or they want a shorter throw shifter for that snappier, more race-car-like engagement. Whatever your motivation, there's definitely a transmission upgrade out there that can elevate your BRZ driving experience.

Manual vs. Automatic Transmission Upgrades

Alright, so before we dive into specific parts, we need to talk about the two main camps: manual and automatic. The Subaru BRZ is known for its fantastic manual gearbox, and honestly, that's where most of the aftermarket support and enthusiast interest lies when it comes to transmission upgrades. However, if you've got an automatic BRZ, don't despair! There are still options for you, though they might be a bit more limited or involve a different approach. For the manual transmission guys, the upgrades are often focused on strengthening individual components or swapping out the entire unit for something more robust. We're talking about things like upgraded clutches, stronger flywheels, reinforced gear sets, better synchros, and even full-blown racing transmissions. These are designed to handle significantly more power and abuse than the stock unit. Now, for the automatic BRZ crowd, things are a little different. While you can upgrade the automatic transmission itself, it's often a much more involved and expensive process. This usually involves tuning the transmission's control module to adjust shift points, line pressure, and torque converter lock-up for better performance. Sometimes, people even opt for a manual transmission swap if they're really serious about performance and want the engagement that only a manual can offer. It's a massive undertaking, but for some, it's the ultimate BRZ experience. So, when you're thinking about upgrades, first and foremost, know which transmission you have and what your goals are. This will really help narrow down the options and prevent you from going down a rabbit hole of parts that aren't suitable for your specific setup. Let's dig into the manual transmission upgrades first, as that's the most common path for BRZ enthusiasts.

Manual Transmission Upgrades: Clutch and Flywheel

When we talk about upgrading the manual transmission on your Subaru BRZ, the first things that usually come to mind are the clutch and flywheel. These two components are intimately linked and are often upgraded together. The stock clutch is designed to be a good all-rounder, comfortable for daily driving and capable of handling the stock power output. However, once you start adding power – think forced induction like a turbo or supercharger, or even just more aggressive naturally aspirated tuning – the stock clutch will start to slip. A slipping clutch is a bad sign, guys. It means the friction material is wearing out prematurely and you're losing power transfer to the wheels. Upgrading the clutch is crucial for putting that extra power down effectively and reliably. You'll see a range of options available, from mild upgrades that offer a bit more clamping force and durability for spirited driving and light track use, to heavy-duty clutches designed for serious racing applications. When choosing a clutch, consider the type of driving you do. A high-performance, aggressive clutch might be grabby and difficult to drive smoothly in traffic, leading to a less pleasant daily driving experience. Look for reviews and recommendations specific to your use case.

Now, let's talk about the flywheel. The flywheel's job is to store rotational energy from the engine and smooth out the power delivery to the transmission. The stock flywheel is typically a dual-mass unit, which is great for NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) reduction, making for a quieter, smoother ride. However, dual-mass flywheels can be heavy and don't always provide the best pedal feel or responsiveness. Many performance clutch kits come with a single-mass flywheel, often made of lighter steel or even aluminum. A lighter flywheel will allow the engine to rev up and down more quickly, which can improve throttle response and make the car feel more lively. This can be fantastic for track driving where quick rev-matching is key. However, it can also make the car slightly more prone to stalling in stop-and-go traffic if you're not used to it, and it might introduce a bit more gear rattle when the clutch is disengaged. So, it's a trade-off. When upgrading your clutch, it's highly recommended to replace the flywheel at the same time, especially if you're going with a single-mass unit. This ensures proper compatibility and gives you the best overall performance gain. Don't forget to consider the clutch release bearing and pilot bearing too – replacing these while the transmission is out is just good practice and saves you from having to do the job twice.

Upgrading the Transmission Itself: Gears, Synchros, and Cases

Beyond the clutch and flywheel, you can also get into upgrading the transmission internals for your Subaru BRZ. This is where things get serious and are usually aimed at those who are pushing their cars to the absolute limit, like dedicated track cars or drift builds. Upgraded gears are a popular choice when you're increasing horsepower significantly. The stock gear teeth can be a weak point under extreme torque. Aftermarket gear sets are often made from stronger materials and may feature different tooth profiles to handle more abuse. You might also find different gear ratios available. For example, if you're primarily doing highway driving and want better fuel economy, you might look for taller (numerically lower) gears. Conversely, if you're doing a lot of autocross or track driving where you need to accelerate quickly out of corners, you might opt for shorter (numerically higher) gear ratios to keep the engine in its power band more effectively. This can make a huge difference in how the car feels and performs.

Another crucial internal component is the synchros. Synchros are what allow you to shift gears smoothly. Over time, especially with hard driving or missed shifts, the synchros can wear down, leading to grinding gears and difficulty shifting. Upgraded synchros, often made from more durable materials like carbon fiber or stronger metals, can significantly improve shift feel and longevity. They can make those quick, aggressive shifts feel much more crisp and precise. For the ultimate in strength, some enthusiasts go for a reinforced transmission case. The stock case is usually made of aluminum and can be susceptible to cracking under extreme stress or impact. Aftermarket cases are often made from stronger materials like magnesium or steel, and they might feature extra ribbing or bracing for increased rigidity. This is usually reserved for extreme builds where absolute reliability under race conditions is paramount. When considering internal transmission upgrades, it's essential to work with a reputable shop or specialist. These aren't typically bolt-on parts; they often require professional installation, rebuilding the transmission from scratch, and meticulous attention to detail. It's a significant investment, but for those seeking the highest levels of performance and durability, it's a path worth exploring. Remember, guys, the goal here is to match the transmission's strength and gearing to your specific power goals and driving style.

Short Shifters and Transmission Mounts

Moving on to some other popular and often more accessible upgrades for the Subaru BRZ transmission are short shifters and upgraded transmission mounts. These don't directly change the gears or the strength of the gearbox itself, but they dramatically improve the feel and precision of your shifts, making the whole driving experience much more engaging. A short shifter reduces the amount of travel needed to move the gear lever from one gear to the next. This means you're making shorter, quicker shifts. It feels more direct, more mechanical, and honestly, just cooler. It can make a noticeable difference in how quickly you can bang through the gears, which is especially beneficial on a track or during spirited driving. There are a few types of short shifters out there: some replace the entire shifter mechanism, while others are simply a shorter shift lever that bolts onto the stock mechanism. Both can achieve the goal of reduced throw, but the full replacement kits often offer a more refined feel and better build quality. When installing a short shifter, it's also a good time to consider upgrading your transmission mounts.

Transmission mounts are the rubber or polyurethane bushings that hold your transmission in place and absorb vibrations. The stock mounts are usually made of soft rubber to maximize comfort and minimize NVH. However, this softness allows for quite a bit of movement, especially under acceleration, deceleration, and hard cornering. This movement can lead to a sloppy, imprecise shifter feel, and can even contribute to drivetrain shock. Upgraded transmission mounts, typically made from stiffer rubber or polyurethane, significantly reduce this movement. This results in a much more solid and connected feel from the drivetrain. You'll feel the engine and transmission more directly, and your shifts will feel more crisp and immediate because the whole assembly isn't flexing and moving around as much. The downside, of course, is that stiffer mounts will transmit more vibration and noise into the cabin. This is often referred to as an increase in NVH. For a dedicated track car, this is usually a welcome change, as it enhances driver feedback. For a daily driver, you'll want to find a balance – perhaps a medium-stiffness polyurethane mount that offers a good compromise between performance and comfort. Many companies offer different durometers (stiffness levels) for their mounts, so you can choose what best suits your needs. These two upgrades, short shifter and better mounts, are a fantastic bang-for-your-buck combination for anyone wanting a more performance-oriented feel from their BRZ's manual transmission.

Automatic Transmission Considerations

Now, let's circle back to the automatic transmission in the Subaru BRZ. While it's not the most common choice for hardcore performance enthusiasts, the automatic BRZ is still a capable car, and there are ways to enhance its performance. The primary goal with automatic transmission upgrades is usually to improve shift speed, firmness, and overall responsiveness, and importantly, to increase its torque handling capacity if you're adding significant power. Tuning the transmission control module (TCM) is often the first step. This involves software adjustments that can change shift points, increase line pressure (which makes shifts firmer and quicker), and adjust torque converter lock-up strategies. Some tuners can also modify the transmission's behavior in manual mode, making the paddle shifters more responsive.

Another avenue is upgrading the torque converter. The torque converter is essentially a fluid coupling that allows the engine to idle while the transmission is in gear. Performance torque converters often have higher stall speeds, meaning they allow the engine to rev higher before the converter fully engages. This can lead to better acceleration off the line. They can also be built with stronger materials to handle increased power. However, a higher stall speed can sometimes lead to a less efficient power transfer at cruising speeds and potentially more heat generation. Upgraded valve bodies are also available. The valve body is a complex maze of passages and solenoids that direct hydraulic fluid to engage different gears. Performance valve bodies are often modified to improve fluid flow and speed up hydraulic response, leading to faster and firmer shifts. For those looking at really significant power increases, internal automatic transmission upgrades become necessary. This can involve stronger clutch packs, hardened components, and improved cooling systems. However, these internal upgrades for automatics are generally much more expensive and less common than for manual transmissions, often requiring specialized knowledge and parts. For many automatic BRZ owners, a good TCM tune combined with potentially a higher-stall torque converter and an auxiliary transmission cooler is often the most practical and effective way to enhance performance and reliability without venturing into full rebuild territory. It's all about finding the right balance for your specific goals and budget, guys.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

No matter what Subaru BRZ transmission upgrade you decide to go with, professional installation is often highly recommended, especially for anything beyond a short shifter or transmission mounts. Rebuilding or replacing a transmission is a complex job that requires specialized tools, knowledge, and a clean environment. Incorrect installation can lead to premature failure, costly repairs, and even damage to other drivetrain components. A reputable shop will have the experience to ensure everything is torqued correctly, aligned properly, and that all seals and gaskets are installed without leaks. They can also perform necessary diagnostics and ensure compatibility between different upgraded parts. Think of it as an investment in the longevity and performance of your upgraded transmission. Beyond installation, proper maintenance is key to ensuring your upgraded transmission lasts.

This means following a regular maintenance schedule. For manual transmissions, this includes changing the transmission fluid periodically with a high-quality fluid that's appropriate for your setup. Some performance upgrades might require more frequent fluid changes, especially if you're driving in harsh conditions like track days. Check for any signs of leaks or unusual noises. For automatic transmissions, regular fluid changes are even more critical, as the fluid performs many roles including lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic pressure. Using the correct type and grade of fluid specified by the manufacturer or the tuner is essential. Many performance automatic builds benefit greatly from an auxiliary transmission cooler, especially if you track your car, as it helps to keep temperatures in check and prevent fluid breakdown. Don't forget about the clutch fluid for manual cars too – keeping that fresh can improve clutch feel and performance. Always listen to your car, guys. If you notice any grinding, slipping, difficulty shifting, or strange noises, get it checked out immediately by a qualified mechanic. Addressing issues early can prevent minor problems from becoming major, expensive repairs. Proper installation and diligent maintenance are your best friends when it comes to ensuring your Subaru BRZ transmission upgrade performs optimally for years to come.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! We've covered a lot of ground on Subaru BRZ transmission upgrades. From understanding why you might want to upgrade, to diving into the specifics of clutches, flywheels, internal components, short shifters, and even automatic transmission considerations. Whether you're looking for a bit more reliability for spirited driving, improved shift feel for autocross, or a bomb-proof setup for serious track abuse, there's an upgrade path for you. Remember, it's crucial to define your goals and choose parts wisely. Don't just throw parts at your car; research, read reviews, and consult with professionals. And most importantly, ensure professional installation and consistent maintenance to enjoy the benefits of your upgraded transmission for the long haul. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you in the next one!