Grimmspeed Strut Tower Brace - Red Subaru BRZ Scion FR-S Toyota FT-86 2013-2018 | 098009

You’ve probably read somewhere on the internet that a strut tower brace never does anything but look pretty. You’re about to read otherwise. Armed with a strong background in vehicle dynamics and chassis design, we’ve spent months understanding the BRZ/FRS/86 chassis, testing different designs, collecting data and measuring performance. With the help of the FT86Club community, we’ve developed a strut tower brace that works.

Quick Specs

• Laser cut, CNC bent brackets ensure perfect fit
• Mild steel construction provides maximum stiffness
• Rigid design prevents unnecessary slop and tolerance stacking
• Durable DuPont powdercoat
• Legal in autocross classes that allow a strut tower bar but no other modification
• Installation in minutes with only a single tool

Design

Our design requirements for this project were simple. The GrimmSpeed Strut Tower Brace must provide additional stiffness between the strut towers, enhancing stability and sharpening steering response. We began with testing both on the street and by statically flexing the chassis in the shop. Tweaking the chassis manually and using our FARO Arm to plot critical points in CAD, we were able to identify the weak points in the system. What we found was interesting. The OEM triangulation bars actually function very well. So, while the allure of a beautiful 3-point brace was tempting, the data spoke loud and clear: a simple 2-point brace was the right solution. With that, we set out to create a clean, simple and cost effective solution.

Using 3D scanned data from multiple vehicles, we were able to quantify the manufacturing tolerances and design our brace accordingly. What that means for you is a perfect fit and easy installation. 3D-printed prototypes helped speed the development cycle and allowed us to test a number of different bracket designs for fitment and aesthetics.

One key design decision was to utilize a rigid, welded construction. The reasons for this are three-fold, but what it boils down to is the old standby, ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid’. When the goal is to reduce compliance in the system, it’s not hard to understand why a solid form design is best.

• A rigid bar will function with maximum stiffness, providing the best possible performance 
• A multi-piece bar adds unnecessary cost and complexity to a fundamentally simple mechanism
• A multi-piece bar adds additional welding and hardware, stacking tolerances and creating many possible failure modes

Materials

End brackets are laser cut from 3/16" steel and precision CNC bent. These brackets were sized to provide maximum strength and stiffness without compromising thread engagement with the vehicle. Cross tubes are CNC laser cut to length from .125in wall tubing. Mild steel, being both the viable material that is both economical as well as the well-suited for the job, was an easy choice. Contrary to popular belief, mild steel offers greater stiffness than stainless steel and while stainless steel offers higher yield strength, in this particular application, we’re nowhere near those types of forces. The assemblies are all robotically welded in the same fixture for unbeatable accuracy and repeatability. Each finished brace is coated with a durable DuPont textured powdercoating. The cherry on top, so to speak, is that we’ve laser cut the GS logos from stainless steel, so you’re free to polish the coating off of it for a unique look without worry about rust.

Performance

Performance metrics, both quantitative and qualitative were carefully tracked through development and following production. In our slalom testing, peak deflection between the strut towers dropped from .180in to .030in, a decrease of 83.3%. Even more notable than the lowering of deflection was the substantial decrease in ‘noise’ within the data. You can truly feel this improvement the first time you leave your driveway after the install. Expect an immediate and noticeable decrease in NVH and a noticeable increase in sharpness and steering feel. The chart below shows strut tower deflection through a series of slalom turns before and after the installation of the GrimmSpeed Strut Tower Brace. What you see is that without the brace, the data shows a great deal of noise and unpredictable deflection, indicating an unsettled chassis. After installation of the brace, noise in the data is greatly decreased and behavior is much more predictable. With the brace installed, the chassis reacts as you would expect, cycling between tension and compression as the brace works to maintain stiffness between the strut towers through the slalom.

Customer Reviews

“WOW! Im usually very skeptical and I thought this was more of an engine bay dress up piece but NOPE. The moment you drive off your home and hit the streets you can already feel it. The car is more planted, nimble, quieter over bumps and less jarring. The car also feels more responsive. Whether this is a placebo effect or not, I have no regrets.” – SliverBrz

“So, after installing this and driving to work today, got to say.....It is awesome. If i were to start all over, or even just to recommend to a new twin owner, make this your first purchase. Amazing how much better the car feels, as someone else mentioned, steering feels tighter, less play, just solid. Great purchase!” – gdrider77

“Your comment on how it improved ride was one of the things that helped sell me. It really is true. I took my test drive this morning. On a BRZ with stock suspension and tires, it has removed a LOT of the harshness. Driveways, intersections, bumps, potholes are much smoother and less noticeable now. It seems to handle cornering better but I was limited by school zones being checked out. The strut tower brace is really a plus to my driving satisfaction.” – elrod

“I am not the handiest of men, but even for my skill level this was like a 10m install where 4m was trying to find my socket set. And what a difference in ride/handling. It makes one wonder why this wasn't included from the factory.” – Optimus Prime

“I agree! The install was very easy and the car drives and feels better! This was one of the best upgrades I have done to the BRZ and the red bar looks awesome!” – tripjammer

“Install took all of about 10 minutes. REALLY liking the difference the bar makes. Overall, a "tighter" feel in the steering wheel, the minor "back and forth" I felt via the steering wheel, even on pretty level roads, is gone. I'm feeling quite a bit of difference (IMHO) when driving over washboard roads or small bumps. Thanks GS!” – PNW FRS

Fitments

- 2013 Subaru BRZ

- 2013 Toyota BRZ/FRS

Install Guide

BRZ/FRS/86 Strut Tower Brace Install Instructions

At JDMuscle, we understand that fast and reliable shipping is crucial. With multiple distribution centers across the nation, most in-stock items are shipped within 1-2 business days. On average, you can expect delivery within 1-5 business days for in-stock items. Please note, however, that some products may ship directly from vendors, which could result in additional delays. Products sourced from overseas may also take longer to arrive.

Free Shipping over $199 Policy

• Free shipping is available only for the 48 contiguous states in the U.S.
• Ground shipping applies to regular-sized items only.
• Oversized items such as lips, hoods, and trunks requiring freight shipping are not included in the free shipping program.
• Some manufacturers may impose a shipping surcharge, which will be excluded from the free shipping program.
• The most accurate shipping costs will be displayed at checkout. If you believe the shipping cost is incorrect, please contact us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com for further review.

Carriers

We ship via FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL. While we strive to use the most efficient option, we cannot guarantee which carrier will deliver your order. Your items may arrive in multiple packages through different carriers.

Processing Time and Shipping Cut-off

Orders typically take 24 hours to process, with shipping cut-off at 3:00 PM EST. Transit times vary based on location and carrier. Some items, especially those requiring freight shipping, may have extended processing and delivery times. For freight shipping inquiries, contact us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com.

International and Special Shipping Considerations

• International orders are subject to higher shipping fees. If you would like to review your shipping cost, email us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com with your full address and items you plan to purchase.
• In some cases, shipping costs may be incorrectly calculated for international or oversized items. We reserve the right to adjust the shipping fee and will work with you to negotiate a fair cost if needed.
• Customers can challenge and request a review of international shipping fees, and we’ll do our best to find a lower rate where possible.
• Customs Fees & Import Taxes: The shipping charge you pay does not include customs fees or import taxes. These charges vary by country and are the customer’s responsibility. Please check with your local customs office for more details before placing an order.
• Shipping Cost Adjustments: Shipping rates fluctuate, and while we strive to provide the most competitive rates, there may be instances where the shipping cost you paid is significantly lower than the actual cost. In such cases, we reserve the right to request the difference to ensure we cover our basic expenses. We appreciate your understanding and will always aim to keep shipping costs as affordable as possible.

Address Modifications and Fees

• Any modifications to a shipping address after an order is placed may be subject to additional fees.
• For single, small packages, the flat fee is $20. For larger or multiple packages, the fee may be up to $60 or more.

Freight Shipping Guidelines

• Freight shipments require you to be present at the time of delivery.
• The delivery driver may provide a delivery receipt (Bill of Lading). It is crucial to inspect the shipment before signing.
• Carefully check the packaging for any visible damage (dents, punctures, rips) and notate it on the Bill of Lading.
• Open the package and inspect the product itself. If damage is found, document it in detail on the Bill of Lading, take photos, and contact the shipping company to initiate a damage claim.
• Do not refuse the shipment. Contact us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com for guidance.
• If the delivery driver is unable to wait for inspection, note this on the Bill of Lading.

Failure to document damages before signing the Bill of Lading will void any claims for refunds or replacements.

Pre-Installation Inspection Policy

We strongly recommend inspecting all parts or items upon arrival before installation. If you identify any damage, imperfections or missing components, report them immediately to sales@jdmuscleusa.com. Do not install the item. Please note that reports of damage, defects, imperfections or missing components after installation will NOT be honored.

Package Protection

We do our best to ensure your items arrive to you safely but sometimes things happen. If you utilized our Checkout+ feature, rest assured that your package is protected! With package protection, in the event that your package is lost, stolen, or damaged while in transit, we will replace it free of charge. To start a shipping claim, please click here.

Need Assistance?

If you have any concerns about shipping costs or transit times, or if you notice discrepancies during checkout, feel free to reach out to us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com. We’re happy to assist you and ensure a smooth delivery experience.

Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. To initiate a return, please email us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com.

Eligibility for Returns

✅ Items must be unused and in the same condition as when received.
✅ Items must be in their original packaging.

Non-Returnable Items

❌ Gift cards
❌ Special-order or custom products

How to Initiate a Return

📧 Include the following details in your return request email:

Order Number

Item(s) to be returned

Reason for return

Important Notes:

Do NOT send your purchase back to the manufacturer.

Do NOT return any items without first setting up a return request with us.

Partial Refunds

Partial refunds may be granted under the following conditions:

⚠️ Items not in original condition, damaged, or missing parts not due to our error.
⚠️ Items returned more than 30 days after delivery.

Restocking Fees

Some manufacturers may charge a restocking fee, which includes but not limited to:

ManufacturerRestocking Fee

ESR30%

JDMuscle15%

PLM & Option Lab 20%

Cancellations

Before placing an order, please confirm availability.

Cancellations within 7 days may be subject to fees to cover third-party transaction costs.

Once the order has been processed (packaged or tracking generated), cancellations are not allowed. Eligible items may be returned instead.

Special-order items cannot be canceled.

Refund Process

🔄 Once your return is received and inspected, we will notify you of the refund status.
💳 Approved refunds will be credited back to your original payment method within 3-10 business days (depending on the payment provider).

Late or Missing Refunds

🔍 Check your bank statement — sometimes the refund may not appear as a new entry but as the disappearance of the pending charge. 📞 Contact your credit card or financing company — they may require additional time for processing.

If you’ve done all of the above and still haven’t received your refund, email us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com for assistance.

Sale Items

Only full-priced items are eligible for returns and refunds.

Exchanges

We replace items only if they are defective or damaged. To request an exchange for the same item, email us at sales@jdmuscleusa.com.

Gifts

🎁 If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you will receive a gift credit for the return value.
📩 If the gift giver had the item shipped to themselves, we will refund the gift giver.

Return Shipping

📦 Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is damaged, defective, or incorrect (in which case we will cover shipping both ways).

Initial shipping costs are non-refundable.

Return shipping costs will be deducted from the refund amount.

For items over $75, consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items during return shipping.

Return Shipping Address: Please use the address provided in the RMA/return instructions, as it may differ from the initial shipping address.

Proposition 65 Warnings: cancer and reproductive harm www.p65warnings.ca.gov