Best BRZ, FR-S, 86, and GR86 Exhaust Systems: First-Gen and Second-Gen Picks

The best BRZ exhaust depends on which generation you own and how far you plan to modify the car. A cat-back that sounds perfect on a stock FA20 can become too loud after an unequal-length header and front pipe. A system that fits a 2013-2020 BRZ, Scion FR-S, or Toyota 86 may not line up correctly on a 2022+ BRZ or GR86 unless the manufacturer explicitly lists both generations.

For a first-gen 2013-2020 BRZ/FR-S/86, the safest daily-driver answer is the Invidia Q300 or Perrin cat-back. The Invidia N1 is still the classic loud choice, but owner discussions repeatedly warn that it can drone, especially once headers or front pipes enter the setup. For 2022+ BRZ/GR86 owners, Perrin, Corsa, XForce, Tomei, HKS, MRT, and Rev9 have clearer current second-gen fitment than many older first-gen-only listings.

This guide separates the first-gen ZC6/ZN6 cars from the second-gen ZD8/ZN8 cars because fitment is the easiest expensive mistake to make.

How we chose these BRZ and GR86 exhausts

We checked current manufacturer pages, specialist retailers, owner forum threads, recent second-gen fitment guides, and review patterns around common BRZ/FR-S/86 exhausts. Older guides often treat all Toyota/Subaru twins as one fitment pool, but that is not safe anymore.

First-gen cars include 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ, 2013-2016 Scion FR-S, and 2017-2020 Toyota 86. Second-gen cars include 2022+ Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86. Some cat-backs now list both generations, but headers, front pipes, overpipes, and some rear sections are generation-specific. Always verify your exact year before ordering.

Owner sentiment also shows a clear sound pattern: Q300, Perrin, Corsa, and similar resonated systems are better daily choices; N1, Tomei, HKS single exits, and Rev9-style systems are more aggressive; headers make every cat-back louder and can add rasp if the rest of the exhaust is not resonated enough.

BRZ/FR-S/86 exhaust comparison

Exhaust	Best for	Fitment to verify	Sound level	Main tradeoff
Invidia Q300	First-gen daily driver	2013-2020 listings	Mild-moderate	Too quiet for some owners
Perrin Catback	Broad fitment street pick	2013-2026 listed by Perrin	Moderate	Single-exit look on current design
Corsa Sport 14864	Premium anti-drone street pick	2012-2024 listed by Corsa	Moderate	Expensive
Invidia N1	Classic loud first-gen pick	Mostly first-gen listings	Loud	Drone risk
Invidia R400	Middle-ground first-gen Invidia	First-gen listings	Moderate-loud	Availability/listing quality
Tomei Expreme Ti	Lightweight loud single exit	First-gen and some 2022+ listings	Loud	Cold starts and headers can be too much
HKS Hi-Power Single	Track-style single exit	First-gen and some 2022+ listings	Loud	Not subtle
XForce Varex	Adjustable sound	2013-2020 and 2022+ variants	Adjustable	More complexity
MRT Sport Touring Axle-Back	2022+ simple sound	2022+ only	Mild-moderate	Not a full cat-back
Borla S-Type / rear section	First-gen street tone	First-gen listings	Moderate	Older listings need verification
Rev9 N1 Catback	Cheapest broad-fitment option	2013-2025 retailer listing	Loud	Budget fit/finish tradeoff

Best First-Gen BRZ, FR-S, and Toyota 86 Exhausts

These picks focus on 2013-2020 BRZ/FR-S/86 owners. First-gen fitment is broad, but that does not mean every product is right for every setup. If you already have or plan to add headers, start with a quieter cat-back than you think you need.

The Invidia Q300 is the first-gen exhaust we would start with for a daily-driven BRZ, FR-S, or 86. It is deeper than stock, has a more mature muffler design than canister-style loud systems, and is repeatedly recommended in owner discussions when the car will eventually get headers.

The reason is simple: headers wake these cars up. Pair an unequal-length header and front pipe with an already-loud cat-back and the car can drone or rasp. The Q300 gives you room to add sound later without starting from the loudest baseline.

Buy it if you want a deeper street tone and long-term modification flexibility. Skip it if you want the car to sound obviously modified at idle.

Perrin is a strong current-market pick because its cat-back page lists 2013-2026 BRZ, FR-S, 86, and GR86 compatibility. Perrin specs include 304 stainless construction, a 3-inch midpipe, a 4.5-inch tip, 28.7-pound weight, and a Helmholtz resonator intended to reduce low-rpm booming.

That makes it unusually useful for an article that covers both generations. It is not the old dual-tip Perrin setup many first-gen owners remember; the current design is a single-exit system, so the look is part of the buying decision.

Buy it if you want a modern, broadly listed cat-back with drone control. Skip it if you want to preserve a factory dual-exit look.

Corsa’s Sport cat-back is the premium street pick for buyers who want a real dual-exit exhaust and do not want to gamble on drone. Corsa’s current 14864 page lists BRZ, FR-S, Toyota 86, and GR86 applications with 2.5-inch piping, dual rear exits, and 4.5-inch tips.

It costs more than many popular BRZ exhausts, but the value proposition is clear: controlled cabin sound, stainless construction, and a more polished daily-driver feel. If your car gets highway miles, this belongs on the shortlist.

Best Second-Gen BRZ and GR86 Exhausts

Second-gen 2022+ BRZ and GR86 owners should not assume a first-gen exhaust fits. Some brands have updated their listings to cover both generations, while others sell separate second-gen parts.

MRT’s Sport Touring axle-back is a good second-gen-specific option when you want a little more sound without changing the full exhaust path. MRT lists it for 2022+ Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 with the 2.4L engine and explicitly says it does not fit first-gen cars.

That clarity is useful. It is not a power-focused cat-back, but it is a clean way to add sound on a newer daily driver while keeping the rest of the exhaust stock.

Buy it if you want a simple 2022+ sound upgrade. Skip it if you want the flow, tone, and full-system look of a cat-back.

Best Loud BRZ, FR-S, 86, and GR86 Exhausts

These are the systems to consider when loud is part of the goal. If the car has headers, front pipe changes, or a stripped interior, these picks can become tiring quickly.

The Invidia N1 is the classic loud BRZ/FR-S/86 exhaust. It has the look, the canister-style sound, and the long-running popularity that older guides usually rank first.

The problem is daily-driver comfort. FT86Club owner discussions repeatedly mention drone and cabin volume, especially once front pipes or headers are added. Some owners use the silencers for commuting and pull them for autocross or track days. That makes the N1 fun, but not the best default recommendation for everyone.

Buy it if you specifically want a loud first-gen exhaust. Skip it if you drive long highway trips or plan to add a loud header.

Tomei’s Expreme Ti is the lightweight single-exit pick. Retailers now commonly list Tomei Type-80 options for both first-gen and second-gen twins, but you still need to verify the exact generation and version before buying.

The appeal is obvious: titanium construction, low weight, simple routing, and a raw motorsport-style sound. The downside is also obvious: volume. This is not the exhaust to buy if your first priority is quiet commuting.

The HKS Hi-Power Single Racing system is another aggressive single-exit option, with current retailer listings that include first-gen and 2022+ applications depending on version. Like Tomei, it is best for drivers who value weight, sound, and track-style looks over subtlety.

Buy it if you want a Japanese single-exit exhaust and can verify your generation. Skip it if you want a quiet dual-exit setup.

Best Budget BRZ, FR-S, 86, and GR86 Exhausts

Budget exhausts can make sense on this platform because the cars are relatively simple and well-supported, but the cheaper you go, the more you should expect fitment and finish tradeoffs.

Rev9 is the budget pick for buyers who want a cheap N1-style cat-back. Redline360 currently lists the Rev9 single-muffler N1 cat-back for 2013-2025 BRZ/FR-S/86/GR86 applications, with a driver-side single-exit design and 2.35-inch piping.

That broad fitment is useful, but budget expectations still apply. Plan for louder sound, more possible alignment work, and less refinement than Invidia, Perrin, Corsa, or Tomei.

The Invidia R400 is the middle-ground Invidia choice for first-gen cars. It is generally louder and more aggressive than Q300, but not as raw as N1. The issue is shopping quality: many current listings are marketplace or remaining-stock listings, so verify exact fitment, tip style, and seller reputation.

Borla’s rear-section exhaust is a simpler first-gen option when you want more sound without changing the whole cat-back. It is easier to install than a full system and tends to be less of a commitment.

The tradeoff is that it does not offer the same full-system tone shaping or flow path as a complete cat-back. Buy it for simple sound, not maximum performance.

BRZ, FR-S, 86, and GR86 Exhaust Fitment, Drone, and Costs

First-gen fitment is 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ, 2013-2016 Scion FR-S, and 2017-2020 Toyota 86. Second-gen fitment is 2022+ Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86. There was no normal 2021 BRZ model year in the US transition period, and vague “BRZ exhaust” listings should be treated carefully.

Headers matter more on this platform than on many cars. A cat-back alone may be pleasantly louder. Add an unequal-length header, front pipe, and overpipe, and the same cat-back can become much louder, raspier, and more drone-prone. If headers are in your plan, choose Q300, Perrin, Corsa, or another resonated street system before choosing N1, Tomei, HKS single, or Rev9.

Cat-backs normally leave emissions equipment in place, but headers and front pipes can affect catalytic converters and legality. Check local rules before removing or changing emissions-related parts, especially in California and other inspection states.

Budget for gaskets, exhaust hangers, penetrating oil, and possible hardware replacement. Most cat-backs are driveway-installable, but tip alignment can take time, especially on budget systems or when fitting a dual-exit bumper with a single-exit exhaust and an optional cutout plate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best BRZ exhaust overall?

For a first-gen daily driver, the Invidia Q300 is the safest answer. For a broader current-market recommendation that also covers 2022+ cars, Perrin’s current cat-back is the strongest all-generation pick because it lists 2013-2026 compatibility and uses drone-control engineering.

What is the loudest BRZ or GR86 exhaust?

Invidia N1, Tomei Expreme Ti, HKS Hi-Power Single Racing, and Rev9 N1-style systems are among the louder common choices. They get much louder when paired with headers or front-pipe changes.

Will a first-gen BRZ exhaust fit a 2022+ BRZ or GR86?

Do not assume it will. Some cat-backs are designed to fit both generations, but others are generation-specific. Headers, front pipes, bumper cutouts, hanger locations, and routing can differ. Always verify your exact year and model on the manufacturer page.

Do you need a tune for a BRZ cat-back exhaust?

No. A cat-back exhaust alone does not normally require a tune. A tune becomes more relevant when you add headers, intake changes, forced induction, or other airflow modifications.

Is Invidia N1 too loud for daily driving?

For many owners, yes. Some daily it happily, especially with silencers, but owner discussions repeatedly mention drone and cabin volume. If you commute or plan to add headers, Q300, Perrin, or Corsa are safer daily choices.