Whether it’s the eye-popping view from behind the wheel, or the misty-eyed view of taillamps disappearing through the next curve, Toyota’s GR86 is a sport coupe for the ages. These smartly-priced 2+2s are engineered especially for threading curves and slaloms with surgical precision. That means no ordinary aftermarket exhaust system will work for them. They need tubes that ramp-up quickly, and let the power come on heavily when it’s time to swing into next turn.
XForce Brings Superior Flow Dynamics To the Toyota GR86
With two of the hottest 2.0L and 2.4L boxer powerplants ever offered in a production sports coupe, 1st and 2nd generation GR86s are perfect examples of singular-minded engineering. These rear wheel drive sports cars are built to resoundingly out-handle many of their far costlier contemporaries; and a premium performance Toyota 86 exhaust system is all that’s needed to take these high-revving 2+2s to the next level.
Not just any set of oversized, off-the-shelf pipes will do, though. They need a system that’s tuned to the tight torque and output range that these canyon carvers are engineered to produce. And fortunately, that’s precisely what you can expect from XForce exhaust systems.
For more than 25 years, NSW’s XForce has been on the leading edge of Australian exhaust design and development. They understand that big pipes alone are no guarantee of big performance. That’s why their dyno-tuned, headerback and catback Toyota 86 performance exhausts are the first choice for the kind of low restriction breathing that 4U-GSE/FA20 and FA24 powerplants need for their best output.
XForce’s commitment to engineering excellence and full ADR compliance is visible in each of their Toyota 86 performance exhaust variants, comprised of:
- Mandrel bent and TIG-welded 2.5” or 3.0” brushed 304 stainless steel exhaust tubing;
- A stainless steel 2.5” or 3.0” resonance-reducing drone canister or centre hot dog resonator;
- Braided 2.5” or 3.0” stainless steel flex bellows connection flange;
- A choice of a single oval muffler, dual angled rear resonator, or premium Varex™ adjustable muffler; and,
- A choice of 4.5” single or dual outlet polished, or matt black exhaust tips.
The superior flow dynamics of XForce Toyota 86 aftermarket exhaust systems is perfectly matched to the fast wind-ups and grippy low-end torque that these naturally-aspirated flat-fours are engineered to produce. And as these circuit-tuned Toyotas share an identical platform with Subaru’s equally fleet-footed BRZ, they can also enjoy the massive performance boost that XForce’s GR86 system has to offer – all with direct replacement convenience.
Optimised Flow Attributes Give GR86s the Performance Edge
Make no mistake: while GR86s are tuned specifically to produce the kind of low end power needed to muscle their way out of steep curves and sweeping turns, their ability to deliver solid straightline performance is equally impressive. Such is the versatility of the GR86 boxer powerplants – and XForce exhaust systems rise convincingly to meet both challenges by moving the Toyota’s spent exhaust gases better than any other aftermarket exhaust system sold in Australia.
XForce understands that when spent exhaust gases are allowed to linger in the exhaust system, performance invariably suffers. That’s why all of their headerback and catback exhausts are engineered to aggressively clear themselves of spent gases, with emphasis on the following:
- Improving exhaust scavenging. Exhaust scavenging uses the vacuum created by spent exhaust gases moving from high pressure to low pressure to draw fresh mixtures of fuel and fresh air into each combustion chamber. XForce exhausts excel at encouraging superior scavenging throughout their entire length.
- Increasing exhaust gas velocity. The faster spent exhaust gases are evacuated from the system, the faster the next mixture of fresh fuel and air can be drawn into the engine. XForce’s dyno-tuned GR86 exhausts take full advantage of the boxer motor’s rapid RPMs to maximise exhaust velocity.
- Reducing exhaust backpressure. Whether it’s the result of poorly bent tubing, substandard welds or an overly restrictive muffler, any amount of resistance within the system that restricts air flow can cause backpressure. XForce GR86 exhaust systems are designed to eliminate any unnecessary blockages and restrictions that would create backpressure.
Regardless of the type of car, the optimal exhaust system is expected to maximise scavenging by keeping exhaust gas velocities high and backpressure is low – and XForce’s combination of balanced flow dynamics, premium materials and flawless fabrication delivers all three. It takes a cutting-edge muffler to get the most from this powerful trio of attributes though, and their industry-leading Varex is the sound absorption unit that gives these exhaust systems their bite.
Varex Functionality Gives GR86 Drivers Full Exhaust Control
XForce’s Varex-range of electronically controllable mufflers is the crowning achievement of 20 years of trailblazing exhaust manufacturing. That’s because even though electronically adjustable mufflers are nothing new to the automotive industry, the fully tunable muffler technology built into the Varex is nothing short of revolutionary. The Varex’s multi-functional butterfly valve allows the unit to be managed from either a dashboard-mounted controller, handheld remote or key fob, making it possible for drivers to control them with the touch of a finger.
Varex mufflers offer three modes of operation – street mode, in-between mode and race mode – all of which offer the following:
- The ability to increase or reduce exhaust flow according to the desired level of performance;
- The ability to fine tune an exhaust’s note to match different driving environments; and,
- The ability to manage fuel consumption during different driving periods.
The Varex’s highly advanced valve mechanism isn’t just an open-and-close component. The angle of the butterfly is also controllable, giving driver’s the most control available from any adjustable-bodied muffler on the market. It’s the best possible combination of sound absorption and performance, all in a single, street-legal package.
The Final Word
An XForce premium performance Toyota 86 exhaust system offers all the unrestricted flow characteristics these high-revving motors need to produce their best output. It’s an aftermarket investment that GR86 owners, and BRZ owners alike won’t regret making.
At the end of the day, the GR86’s exceptional performance at low RPMs gives it everything it needs to take on the most challenging circuits and roadways. It can always benefit from better exhaust breathing though, and XForce knows precisely what it takes to get the most out of it.
