2013 Widebody BRZ: The Ultimate Guide

What's up, car enthusiasts, guys! Today, we're diving headfirst into the awesome world of the 2013 Subaru BRZ widebody conversion. This isn't just any old car; the BRZ, especially from its first generation, is a platform begging for personalization. And when you talk about personalization, few things scream louder and look cooler than a widebody kit. We're talking about pushing the boundaries of what your BRZ can look like, giving it that aggressive stance and the ability to stuff some serious rubber underneath. So, whether you're contemplating this mod yourself or just love drooling over killer builds, stick around. We're gonna break down everything you need to know about making your 2013 BRZ a widebody beast.

Why Go Widebody on a 2013 BRZ?

So, why would you even consider slapping a widebody kit on your 2013 BRZ, you ask? Well, guys, it boils down to a few key things: performance, aesthetics, and the sheer joy of standing out. The 2013 BRZ, known for its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis and balanced handling, is already a fantastic driver's car. But let's be real, sometimes the stock look, while sharp, can feel a little… understated. A widebody kit completely transforms that. It flares out the fenders, creating a much more aggressive and muscular silhouette. This isn't just about looks, though. The primary functional benefit of a widebody is the increased track width. This means you can fit wider wheels and tires, which translates directly into a larger contact patch with the road. More rubber gripping the asphalt means better traction for acceleration, braking, and cornering. Think about those grip levels skyrocketing! For track days, autocross, or just spirited driving on your favorite backroads, this performance gain is huge. Moreover, a wider stance often allows for more aggressive wheel fitment – think deep dish wheels, negative offsets, and that perfectly flush look that’s the envy of everyone at the car meet. It’s the kind of mod that takes your BRZ from looking good to looking absolutely menacing and race-ready. Plus, let's not forget the visual impact. A widebody kit is arguably one of the most dramatic modifications you can make to any car. It instantly gives your 2013 BRZ a unique personality, a statement that says you're not afraid to push the envelope. It transforms the car into a rolling piece of art, something that turns heads everywhere it goes. It's a commitment, for sure, but the payoff in terms of how your car looks and performs is pretty darn significant.

Choosing the Right Widebody Kit for Your 2013 BRZ

Alright, so you're sold on the widebody dream for your 2013 BRZ. Awesome! But now comes the big decision: which kit do you go with? The market for widebody kits for the first-gen BRZ (which includes your 2013 model) is pretty diverse, guys. You've got options ranging from bolt-on fender flares to full widebody conversions that replace entire body panels. We're gonna break down some of the most popular styles and what to consider. First up, let's talk materials. Most kits are made from either fiberglass (FRP - Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) or polyurethane. Fiberglass is generally more affordable and offers a wider range of designs, but it can be brittle and prone to cracking if hit hard. Polyurethane is more flexible, durable, and better suited for daily drivers or cars that might see some track abuse. Some high-end kits even use carbon fiber for weight savings and that premium look, but those come with a much steeper price tag. Then there are the styles. You have the classic over-fender flare kits, which bolt onto your existing fenders, giving you that wider look without requiring extensive bodywork. These are usually the easiest to install and the most reversible. On the other end of the spectrum are the full widebody kits. These often involve cutting into your stock fenders and sometimes replacing door panels and bumpers to create a seamless, integrated look. These are more involved, require professional installation, and are a more permanent modification, but the result is often spectacular, looking like the car came from the factory that way. Brands like Rocket Bunny (now Pandem), Liberty Walk, and various other aftermarket manufacturers offer kits for the 2013 BRZ, each with its own distinct design language. Rocket Bunny/Pandem kits are often more aggressive and angular, while others might offer a smoother, more organic look. Consider your end goal: Are you aiming for a subtle increase in width, or do you want a dramatic, show-stopping transformation? Are you planning on tracking the car, where durability is key? What's your budget? Installation costs can also add up, especially for full kits. Do your homework, look at tons of build photos, and maybe even chat with people who have installed these kits on their own 2013 BRZs. This decision is crucial because it dictates the final look, feel, and even the complexity of your build. Don't rush it, guys; choose wisely!

Installation Process and Considerations

So, you've picked out the perfect widebody kit for your 2013 BRZ. Hell yeah! Now, let's talk about getting it onto your car. This is where things can get real, folks. Depending on the kit you chose, the installation process can range from a weekend DIY project to a full-blown professional job that requires serious skills and specialized tools. For simpler bolt-on fender flare kits, the installation might involve drilling holes in your fenders to mount the flares, potentially rolling or massaging your stock fenders to avoid rubbing, and then fitting wider wheels and tires. This is definitely achievable for a dedicated DIYer with a good set of tools and a willingness to get their hands dirty. Important note: Make sure you have a high-quality drill bit, a clean workspace, and you mask off the areas to prevent scratching your paint. Measure twice, drill once, people! On the other hand, full widebody kits that require cutting, shaving, and integrating new panels are a different ballgame entirely. These jobs typically demand professional body shop expertise. You're looking at cutting off factory fender structures, fabricating mounting points, potentially modifying the chassis for clearance, and then, of course, the painstaking process of bodywork and painting. This is not a job for the faint of heart or the inexperienced. Professional bodywork and paint are essential here to ensure the kit fits seamlessly, looks integrated, and is properly protected from the elements. A bad paint job or poor fitment can seriously detract from the aggressive look you're going for. Key considerations during installation include wheel and tire fitment. The whole point of a widebody is to run wider wheels and tires, so choosing the right offset and width is critical. You'll need to do some research or consult with wheel experts to figure out what sizes will clear your suspension components and fill out the new fenders perfectly. Suspension modifications often go hand-in-hand with widebody kits. To properly accommodate the wider stance and larger tires, you might need adjustable coilovers to fine-tune ride height and alignment, or even upgraded suspension arms to correct geometry. Rubbing is another major concern. Even with a widebody, improper wheel offset, tire size, or suspension settings can lead to rubbing, which can damage your fenders, tires, or paint. Proper fender rolling, potentially using a fender rolling tool, is often a necessity. Cost is another huge factor. While the kit itself can be expensive, don't underestimate the cost of professional installation, paint, tires, and potential suspension upgrades. Factor all of this into your budget before you buy the kit, guys. A widebody conversion is a significant investment, but when done right, the results are absolutely mind-blowing!

The Aesthetic Impact and Customization

Let's be honest, guys, a massive part of the appeal of a widebody 2013 BRZ is the sheer visual drama it creates. It's like taking a sleek sports car and giving it a serious dose of steroids. The aesthetic impact of a widebody kit is undeniable, transforming the car's proportions and personality overnight. You're not just adding flares; you're fundamentally changing how the car sits and how it's perceived. The widened fenders create a much more planted and aggressive stance, making the BRZ look like it's ready to hug corners with incredible tenacity. This look is often accentuated by aggressive wheel fitment. With the extra real estate provided by the widebody fenders, you can finally run those wider, lower-offset wheels that fill out the wheel wells perfectly. Think deep dish, concave designs, and that satisfying flush look that’s the holy grail for many car builders. It's this combination of wide body and perfectly matched wheels that truly makes a statement. But the customization doesn't stop at just the flares and wheels. A widebody kit often inspires further modifications to complement its aggressive nature. Body kit integration is a common next step. Many widebody kits are designed to integrate seamlessly with custom front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and diffusers. This creates a cohesive, bespoke look where the entire car flows together, rather than just looking like individual parts have been bolted on. Spoilers and wings also play a big role. A more aggressive wing, like a large GT wing or a subtle ducktail spoiler, can enhance the track-inspired aesthetic and further balance the car's proportions. Paint and vinyl wraps offer another layer of personalization. While some prefer the classic look of a clean paint job, others go wild with custom colors, intricate graphics, or bold vinyl wraps that highlight the new body lines. The contrast between the flared fenders and the main body color can be striking. Think about a matte black wrap with gloss black accents, or a vibrant color that makes the flares pop. Ventilation and aero elements are also often incorporated into widebody designs. Functional vents in the fenders can help release air pressure from the wheel wells, improving aerodynamics and cooling. Small canards or dive planes on the front bumper can also add to the race-car aesthetic and provide a functional aero benefit. Ultimately, the customization potential of a widebody 2013 BRZ is immense. It's a blank canvas for expressing your individual style and creating a truly unique machine. Whether you're aiming for a subtle widebody that hints at performance or an outrageous build that screams track-day dominance, the widebody kit is the foundation for an unforgettable transformation. It’s about making your BRZ not just a car, but a personal statement on wheels, guys. The way it looks, the way it sits, the way it commands attention – that's the magic of the widebody.

Performance Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

While we've harped on the incredible looks of a widebody 2013 BRZ, let's not forget that this modification offers some serious performance benefits too, guys. It's not just about looking fast; it's about being faster and handling better. The most significant performance advantage stems directly from the wider track width that a widebody kit enables. By fitting wider wheels and, crucially, wider tires, you increase the vehicle's contact patch with the road. This larger footprint translates into several tangible performance gains. Firstly, improved traction. More rubber on the ground means more grip. This is beneficial for accelerating off the line, getting power down out of corners, and crucially, for braking. A larger contact patch allows your tires to bite harder into the tarmac, reducing stopping distances. Secondly, enhanced cornering ability. With wider tires providing more grip, your BRZ can maintain higher speeds through corners. The increased lateral grip helps resist the forces that push the car outwards, allowing for faster, more confident cornering. This is especially noticeable on track days or in competitive driving scenarios like autocross. You'll feel more connected to the road, with the car feeling more stable and predictable at the limit. Beyond just the tires, the wider stance itself can improve vehicle stability. A wider base generally increases resistance to body roll. While suspension tuning is paramount for managing body roll, the inherent stability gained from a wider track width is a significant factor. It makes the car feel more planted and less likely to feel unsettled during aggressive maneuvers. Furthermore, the installation of a widebody kit often goes hand-in-hand with other performance upgrades. Since you're already modifying the fenders and potentially the suspension, it's the perfect opportunity to upgrade to performance suspension components. Coilovers, adjustable control arms, and stiffer sway bars can be installed to further optimize the chassis for the wider track and larger tires. This allows you to fine-tune the car's handling characteristics, correct any geometry changes caused by the wider stance, and maximize grip. Aerodynamics can also be a factor, although this depends heavily on the specific widebody kit design. Some kits incorporate functional elements like vents to manage airflow, reduce drag, or increase downforce. While not all widebody kits are designed with pure aerodynamics in mind, many high-performance kits consider these aspects. The overall goal is to create a more capable and engaging driving experience. The widebody isn't just about slapping on some fender flares; it's about creating a more capable platform that can handle more power, more grip, and more abuse. It's a transformation that enhances both the visual appeal and the dynamic performance of your 2013 BRZ, making it a true driver's machine.

Conclusion: Is a Widebody BRZ Right for You?

So, guys, we've taken a pretty deep dive into the world of the 2013 Subaru BRZ widebody. We've talked about why it's such a killer mod, the different types of kits out there, the installation realities, the insane aesthetic potential, and even the performance benefits. The question now is: is this the right path for your build? A widebody conversion on your 2013 BRZ is not a small undertaking. It's a significant investment in terms of both money and time. You're looking at the cost of the kit itself, professional installation (likely), paintwork, wider wheels, aggressive tires, and potentially suspension upgrades. It’s definitely a commitment. Who is a widebody BRZ for? It's for the enthusiast who wants their car to be truly unique, to stand out from the crowd, and to make a bold statement. It's for someone who prioritizes aggressive styling and isn't afraid of a more demanding aesthetic. It's also for the driver who wants to extract more performance from their BRZ, by fitting wider tires and improving traction and handling. If you're aiming for show-winning looks, a track-day weapon, or simply a car that makes you smile every time you see it, then a widebody could be your dream modification. Who might want to reconsider? If you're on a tight budget, or if you prefer a more subtle, understated look, then a widebody might be overkill. The installation can be complex and irreversible, so if you're planning to sell the car soon or want to maintain its stock appeal, this probably isn't for you. It also requires ongoing maintenance and care, especially if you're running wide, low-profile tires and aggressive suspension setups. However, for those who embrace the widebody lifestyle, the payoff is immense. You create a car that is a true reflection of your passion and dedication. It’s a transformation that turns heads, sparks conversations, and provides an unparalleled driving experience. The 2013 BRZ is a fantastic chassis to start with, and a well-executed widebody conversion takes it to an entirely new level. So, think about your goals, your budget, and your commitment, and decide if the aggressive stance and enhanced performance of a widebody BRZ are calling your name. If they are, you're in for one heck of a fun ride, guys!