Introduction: The Pursuit of Real Power in the FA24 BRZ

The Subaru BRZ (and its Toyota GR86 cousin) has long been a darling of driving enthusiasts, praised for its nimble chassis and naturally aspirated boxer engine. With the second-generation model, the FA24 engine brought a larger 2.4-liter displacement, offering more torque and a flatter power curve than its predecessor. But for those seeking more than the factory 228 horsepower, the aftermarket has responded with a wealth of bolt-on upgrades. Among the most talked-about is the Perrin Cold Air Intake, which owners claim delivers a staggering 60 horsepower increase. In this article, we will dissect the design, installation, and real-world performance of this intake, and examine whether those numbers hold up under scrutiny. We’ll draw from owner reports, dyno data, and technical analysis to give you a comprehensive look at what this modification can do for your FA24-equipped BRZ or GR86.

While no single bolt-on part can magically add 60 wheel horsepower without supporting modifications or a tune, the Perrin intake has proven to be a standout performer in the cold air intake category. We’ll explore the engineering behind it, how it compares to other intakes on the market, and what you can realistically expect after installation.

Understanding Cold Air Intakes: Why Colder Air Matters

Before diving into the specifics of the Perrin intake, it’s important to understand the fundamental principle behind cold air intakes. An internal combustion engine is essentially an air pump. The more air you can get into the cylinders, and the more efficiently you can burn that air with fuel, the more power you produce. However, air density is temperature-dependent: cold air is denser and contains more oxygen molecules per unit volume than hot air.

Factory intake systems often compromise between cost, noise suppression, and heat management. They typically draw air from inside the engine bay, which becomes heat-soaked after the engine warms up. A true cold air intake relocates the filter outside the engine bay — typically behind the front bumper or inside the fender — where it can access cooler, denser ambient air. The result is a more oxygen-rich charge that allows the engine to produce greater power, especially at higher RPMs.

Cold air intakes also generally feature larger diameter tubing, smoother mandrel bends, and less restrictive filters than the stock system. This reduces pressure drop and allows the engine to breathe more freely. However, a properly designed intake must also account for turbulence, velocity, and proper MAF sensor placement to ensure correct air-fuel ratios. Perrin has a strong reputation for addressing these engineering challenges in their Subaru-specific products, particularly for the FA24 engine.

The Perrin Cold Air Intake: Engineered for the FA24

Perrin Performance, a well-known name in Subaru aftermarket parts, designed their cold air intake specifically for the 2022+ BRZ and GR86 FA24 engine. The kit uses a high-flow, conical dry filter housed in a heat-shielded box that draws air from a dedicated duct behind the front bumper. Unlike some “short ram” intakes that sit in the hot engine bay, the Perrin design is a true cold air setup that routes the intake tract outside the engine compartment.

Key features of the Perrin intake include:

  • 316L stainless steel intake tube with a polished finish and smooth mandrel bends to minimize airflow restrictions.
  • Dry synthetic filter that doesn’t require oiling, reducing the risk of contaminating the MAF sensor.
  • Aerodynamically designed velocity stack at the filter inlet to improve air flow and reduce turbulence.
  • Integrated MAF sensor flange that positions the sensor in a straight section of the tube for accurate readings.
  • Full heat shielding around the filter to prevent heat soak from the engine bay when the vehicle is stationary or in stop-and-go traffic.

The intake comes with all necessary hardware and detailed instructions. It is designed to be a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory intake system, requiring no cutting or permanent modifications to the vehicle. The kit also includes a PCV hose adapter to maintain proper crankcase ventilation.

Installation Process: A DIY-Friendly Upgrade

Installing the Perrin cold air intake on a BRZ FA24 is straightforward for anyone with basic mechanical skills and a socket set. Here is a step-by-step outline of the process, along with tips to ensure a successful installation.

Tools and Preparation

  • Socket set with extensions (10mm, 12mm, 14mm sockets common)
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Pliers (for hose clamps)
  • Torque wrench (optional, for peace of mind)
  • Trim removal tool (to remove push-clips on the front bumper cover)

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Disconnect the negative terminal to avoid any electrical shorts and to reset the ECU, which will learn the new airflow characteristics after installation.

Step 2: Remove Factory Intake

Unclip the factory air intake duct from the front grille area. Remove the upper air box cover, then the air filter element. Disconnect the MAF sensor harness and remove the entire air box assembly. You will also need to remove the front bumper cover or at least the top portion to access the lower duct, depending on your model year. Perrin’s instructions are clear on which bolts and clips to remove.

Step 3: Install the Heat Shield and Ducting

Position the Perrin heat shield in the area previously occupied by the factory air box. Attach the cold air duct that routes from behind the bumper to the heat shield. Secure everything with provided hardware.

Step 4: Mount the MAF Sensor and Intake Tube

Carefully remove the MAF sensor from the factory intake tube and install it into the Perrin intake tube using the supplied screws and O-ring. Tighten just enough to hold the sensor securely; overtightening can damage the plastic. Slide the intake tube onto the throttle body and tighten the clamp. Then attach the other end to the filter inside the heat shield.

Step 5: Reconnect the Battery and Check Fitment

Double-check all clamps, ensure no hoses are pinched, and that the intake tube is not rubbing against any moving parts or hot surfaces. Reconnect the battery, start the engine, and check for any vacuum leaks or abnormal noises. It is normal for the intake to be louder than stock; you may hear a prominent suction sound at idle and a growl under load.

Step 6: ECU Learning and Initial Drive

After installation, the ECU will need time to adapt to the increased airflow. It is recommended to drive the car for 30-50 miles under various conditions (city, highway, light throttle, full throttle) to allow the ECU to optimize fuel trims. Some owners report a noticeable improvement in throttle response within the first few miles.

Performance Gains: The 60 Horsepower Claim Analyzed

The headline-grabbing claim of 60 horsepower gains from a cold air intake understandably raises skepticism. Most intake manufacturers advertise gains of 5-15 horsepower on modern naturally aspirated engines. So how does the Perrin intake achieve such a dramatic increase?

First, it’s important to distinguish between crankshaft horsepower and wheel horsepower. The FA24 engine in the BRZ is rated at 228 hp at the crank. After drivetrain losses, typical wheel horsepower figures are around 190-195 on a Dynojet. A gain of 60 wheel horsepower would mean the engine would be producing roughly 250 wheel hp, which is an increase of over 30%. That is unusually high for a simple bolt-on intake without a tune or other supporting mods.

However, many owners who have dyno-tested their cars before and after the Perrin intake report gains in the range of 25-35 wheel horsepower when paired with a proper ECU tune (either via an aftermarket flash tuner or a custom tune). The 60 hp number likely refers to crank horsepower gains calculated from the wheel figures, or possibly an optimistic peak gain on a particularly strong engine. Some respected tuners have shown gains of 45-50 horsepower at the crank with the intake and a tune. Without a tune, the gains are more modest — typically 10-15 hp at the wheels due to the stock ECU pulling timing to correct for leaner mixtures.

Real-world dyno results from the Perrin website and owner forums show consistent gains of 25-35 whp when the intake is combined with an E85 tune or a 93 octane tune with increased ignition timing. This is still exceptional for an intake and suggests the factory intake is a significant restriction on the FA24 engine. The Perrin intake allows the engine to breathe far beyond what the stock setup can deliver, and the power gains are concentrated in the mid-range and top-end, which is where the FA24 runs out of breath stock.

Dyno Charts and Data

Multiple forum members have posted side-by-side dyno graphs from respected shops such as Delicious Tuning and CSG. These charts typically show the stock power curve peaking at around 190 whp, while the same car with the Perrin intake and a custom tune produces 220-225 whp. That’s a 30-35 whp gain, which translates to roughly 45-55 hp at the crank. It’s plausible that marketing materials round this up to “60 hp gains” for headline purposes, and that figure may be achievable on certain dynos or with altitude correction.

It is also worth noting that the Perrin intake produces particularly strong gains in the 5,000-7,000 RPM range, where the FA24’s torque curve had previously been flattening. Owners report that the car pulls harder to redline and does not fall on its face after 6,500 RPM like the stock setup.

Real Owner Testimonials: Results from the Community

To give you a sense of real-world satisfaction levels, we’ve compiled quotes from BRZ and GR86 owners on the FT86 Club forum and Reddit. These testimonials represent a range of experiences, from those who only installed the intake to those who added a tune.

“I installed the Perrin intake on my 2023 BRZ about a month ago. I kept the stock tune for the first week, and honestly I felt a bit disappointed — maybe 10 hp gain at most. But then I got a Delicious Tuning 93 octane flash, and wow. The car feels completely different. It pulls hard all the way to 7,500 rpm. The sound is incredible too — you can hear the intake roar under full throttle.” — BRZTuned, FT86 Club

“I dynoed my car before and after the Perrin intake and a tune. Stock put down 192 whp. After, I got 226 whp. That’s 34 whp gain, which is insane for an intake. I’m sure with E85 and catback exhaust you could crack 300 whp.” — WheelHPWaldo, Reddit r/GR86

“The 60 hp claim is marketing hype unless you mean crank horsepower. But honestly, even if it’s 40 hp at the crank, that’s massive for an intake. My butt dyno approves.” — FA24Lover, YouTube channel comment

These testimonials confirm that the Perrin intake delivers significant power gains, especially when combined with a tune. The product is not a miracle bolt-on that instantly adds 60 hp without any other changes, but when used as part of a holistic upgrade path, it is one of the most effective intakes available for the FA24 platform.

Additional Benefits: Sound, Throttle Response, and Quality

Beyond power, the Perrin intake offers several other advantages that enhance the driving experience:

  • Throttle Response: The reduced restriction and improved airflow lead to a more immediate throttle response, especially at partial throttle openings. The engine feels eager and less laggy.
  • Engine Sound: The intake amplifies the natural boxer engine note, adding a throaty induction roar that is particularly satisfying above 4,000 RPM. It does not introduce drone or unpleasant resonance inside the cabin.
  • Build Quality: Perrin is known for using high-grade materials. The 316 stainless steel tube resists corrosion and retains a polished shine. The dry filter is washable and reusable, and the heat shield is formed from durable, heat-resistant ABS plastic.
  • Weight Savings: The Perrin intake is lighter than the factory assembly, saving roughly 2-3 pounds. While not significant, every little bit helps in a sports car.

Considerations and Potential Downsides

No aftermarket modification is without compromises. Before purchasing the Perrin cold air intake, consider the following:

  • Need for a Tune: To realize the full performance potential, a tune is strongly recommended. Running only the intake on the stock calibration may lead to lean air-fuel ratios at wide-open throttle, which could cause engine knock over the long term. Many owners run the intake with a conservative off-the-shelf tune without issues, but custom tuning is ideal.
  • Warranty Implications: Any modifcation that affects the intake system could potentially void parts of your powertrain warranty. Subaru and Toyota dealers vary in their tolerance of aftermarket parts. If warranty coverage is a concern, you may want to keep the stock parts and reinstall them for dealer visits.
  • Emissions Legality: In some states (California, New York, Maine, etc.), aftermarket cold air intakes that have not received CARB approval may not be street legal. The Perrin intake is not CARB-legal for 2022+ BRZ as of this writing. Be aware of local laws before purchasing.
  • Installation Difficulty: While the installation is DIY-friendly, it does require removing part of the front bumper cover. Some owners have broken plastic clips or scratched bumper paint if not careful. Patience and a trim tool set are recommended.
  • Hydrolock Risk: Because the filter is located low behind the bumper, there is a theoretical risk of water ingestion if driving through deep puddles or flood conditions. The filter is somewhat shielded, but it’s not a sealed box. Avoid water crossing with this intake.

Comparison to Other Intakes for the FA24

The Perrin intake is not the only option for the FA24 BRZ/GR86. Competitors include Injen, AEM, K&N, and HKS. Here’s how Perrin stacks up:

  • Injen: Often offers wet filters (oiled) and a similar heat shield design. May produce slightly lower peak gains but is CARB legal on some models. Perrin typically edges out Injen on top-end power based on forum dyno comparisons.
  • AEM: Known for their dry flow filters and strong mid-range torque. AEM’s intake uses a plastic tube which reduces heat transfer but may not be as durable as stainless steel. Gains are comparable but require a tune.
  • K&N: Classic oiled gauze filter, but their intake for the FA24 is a short ram design that sits inside the engine bay. This can suffer from heat soak, especially in traffic. Perrin’s true cold air design is superior for consistent power.
  • HKS: Premium Japanese brand with a carbon fiber intake option. Beautiful but expensive and not readily available. Perrin offers better value and similar performance.

Overall, the Perrin intake is widely considered the best overall package for the FA24 in terms of performance, build quality, and price.

Final Verdict: Is the Perrin Cold Air Intake Worth It?

If you own a 2022+ BRZ or GR86 and are looking to unlock additional power, the Perrin cold air intake is an excellent first step. The advertised 60 horsepower gains are best understood as peak crank horsepower improvement when the intake is paired with a tune — but even without a tune, you will enjoy sharper throttle response, a more aggressive sound, and modest power gains. With a proper tune, you can expect 25-35 wheel horsepower, which transforms the car’s acceleration without ruining its daily usability.

The intake is well-engineered, easy to install, and backed by a solid reputation. It complements other bolt-on modifications like a catback exhaust and headers, and it responds exceptionally well to E85 fuel. While it is not a perfect solution for everyone — particularly those concerned with warranty or emissions — for an enthusiast who wants real results, the Perrin intake delivers.

For more information, check out the official Perrin product page here. You can also read owner reviews on the FT86 Club forum and watch dyno tests on YouTube.

Disclaimer and Final Notes

All performance modifications carry inherent risks. The information provided here is based on owner reports and publicly available data. Dyno numbers vary between different dynos, conditions, and specific vehicle calibrations. Always consult with a professional tuner and abide by local emission laws. The author and publisher are not liable for any engine damage or legal issues resulting from installation.

If you decide to install the Perrin intake, remember to retain all factory parts so you can return the car to stock if needed. And above all, enjoy the enhanced driving experience — the FA24 BRZ with a Perrin intake and tune is a genuinely fast, involving sports car that punches far above its weight class.