BRZ Rear Seat Delete: Unleashing Your Inner Track Star (and Shedding Pounds!)
Alright, let's talk about something that many BRZ and GR86 owners ponder, especially those with a need for speed or a penchant for a cleaner, more focused interior: the BRZ rear seat delete. If you own one of these fantastic little sports cars, you already know it's all about the driving experience. It's light, it's nimble, and it communicates with you in a way few other cars can. But what if you could make it even more so? What if you could shed some pounds, tighten up handling, and transform that barely-there backseat into something truly useful (or just plain cool)? That's where a rear seat delete comes into play, and honestly, it's a pretty popular mod for a reason.
Why Even Think About a BRZ Rear Seat Delete? The Genesis of Lightness
So, you've got your BRZ (or 86, or GR86 – you get the idea), and you love it. It's a beautifully balanced machine, right? But let's be real: those "rear seats" are less for actual humans and more for oversized shopping bags or maybe, maybe, a very small dog on a short trip. They're practically ornamental. For many enthusiasts, especially those who dabble in track days, autocross, or just enjoy spirited driving, the idea of "weight savings" is a siren song. Every pound counts when you're trying to improve acceleration, braking, and cornering. And those rear seats, while not massive, do add up. Taking them out is often one of the first, relatively easy, and cost-effective steps people take on their journey to a lighter, faster machine. It's about optimizing what you've got, pushing the car's inherent strengths even further.
The "Why" Behind the Mod: More Than Just Less Weight
Okay, so we've established that shedding weight is a primary driver. But a BRZ rear seat delete offers a few other compelling advantages you might not have considered.
Performance Gains: Every Ounce Counts
This is probably the most obvious benefit, but it's worth diving into. Think about it: a lighter car accelerates faster because the engine has less mass to move. It stops quicker because there's less momentum to overcome. It corners better because there's less inertia fighting against directional changes. Even a seemingly modest reduction of 30-50 pounds (which is roughly what you'll save) can make a noticeable difference in the car's power-to-weight ratio and overall agility. You'll feel it in the seat of your pants, trust me. Plus, removing weight from the rear can subtly shift the car's center of gravity, which can further refine its already excellent handling dynamics. It makes the car feel even more eager, more responsive.
Aesthetic Appeal: A Purpose-Built Look
Let's be honest, part of the appeal of modding your car is making it yours, and often, making it look cooler. A BRZ rear seat delete transforms the interior from a "sort-of-a-four-seater" to a dedicated two-seater sports car. It instantly gives the car a more focused, track-ready aesthetic. The cluttered look of unused seats is replaced by a clean, often purposeful panel or carpeted area. It screams, "This car means business," and for many, that visual statement is a huge part of the mod's appeal. It just looks right in a driver-focused machine like the BRZ.
Practicality (Surprisingly!): More Usable Space?
This might sound counterintuitive, right? You're removing seats, how can that be more practical? Well, think about it from a different angle. With the seatbacks gone, you suddenly have a much flatter, more continuous cargo area extending from the trunk into the cabin. This is a game-changer for track enthusiasts who need to haul extra tires, a toolbox, a jack, helmets, and other gear. No more trying to wedge things into the awkward nooks and crannies of the original setup. For daily drivers, it means you can fit larger, bulkier items that wouldn't clear the seatbacks before. It essentially turns that "useless" space into truly usable space.
Cost-Effectiveness (Relatively Speaking)
Compared to, say, a supercharger install or a full suspension overhaul, a BRZ rear seat delete is a pretty budget-friendly modification for the performance and aesthetic benefits it provides. Whether you go the DIY route with basic tools or opt for an aftermarket kit, you're looking at a relatively small investment for a noticeable change in how the car feels and looks. It's a great bang-for-your-buck mod.
What Does a BRZ Rear Seat Delete Entail? DIY or Buy?
So, you're convinced. You want to ditch those rear seats. What's involved? You basically have two main paths: doing it yourself or buying an aftermarket kit.
The DIY Route: Stripping it Down
If you're handy with a wrench and aren't afraid of a little elbow grease, going DIY is totally doable. You'll need some basic hand tools – a socket set, screwdrivers, possibly a trim removal tool. The process generally involves:
- Removing the bottom cushions: Usually held in by clips or bolts.
- Removing the seatbacks: These are typically bolted in and might require removing some surrounding trim panels.
- Dealing with seatbelts: You'll likely want to remove the seatbelt receivers and possibly the belt itself for maximum weight savings and a cleaner look. Be mindful of any wiring for seatbelt sensors, though these are usually minimal in the rear.
The raw DIY approach leaves you with exposed metal, insulation, and possibly some wires. Some folks like this "bare bones" race car look. Others might get creative with some simple carpeting or sound deadening material to clean it up and reduce noise. It's the cheapest way to go, but requires a bit of imagination to make it look truly finished.
The Aftermarket Kits: Polished Perfection
For those who want a more polished, factory-like finish without the hassle of fabricating their own solution, aftermarket BRZ rear seat delete kits are fantastic. These usually consist of:
- Panels: Made from materials like ABS plastic, composite, or even carbon fiber, cut precisely to fit the contours of the rear cabin.
- Carpet or upholstery: Often matched to the car's existing interior to blend in seamlessly.
- Mounting hardware: Designed for a straightforward installation.
These kits often provide a much cleaner aesthetic, sometimes incorporate sound deadening, and can even include handy features like tie-down points for securing cargo. Installation is usually pretty simple, often just bolting into existing points. They are, of course, a bit more expensive than going fully DIY, but the convenience and finished look are often well worth it.
The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?)
As with any modification, a BRZ rear seat delete isn't without its potential drawbacks. It's important to weigh these before you commit.
Loss of (Tiny) Passenger Capacity
This is the big one, and pretty obvious. Once those seats are out, you're unequivocally a two-seater. If you occasionally ferry friends, kids, or even very small adults in the back, this mod might not be for you. Even if they're only briefly in the back, that option is gone. So, be honest with yourself about how often those seats get used (or could get used).
Increased Cabin Noise and NVH
Your car's interior isn't just for comfort; the seats, carpet, and trim all act as sound insulation. When you remove the rear seats and their associated padding, you're taking away a significant barrier against road noise, tire hum, and exhaust drone. You might find the cabin becomes noticeably louder, especially on longer drives or at highway speeds. This can be mitigated with aftermarket sound deadening mats, but it's an added step and cost. So, be prepared for a potentially noisier ride.
Resale Value Considerations
While a rear seat delete is popular in the enthusiast community, it might not appeal to every potential buyer when it comes time to sell. A prospective owner looking for a stock-ish daily driver might see it as a negative. If you're concerned about resale, it's a good idea to keep all the original parts in good condition so you can revert the car to stock if needed.
The "Point of No Return" Feeling
While technically reversible, doing a BRZ rear seat delete is a pretty significant change to the car's interior. Mentally, it feels like a bigger commitment than, say, swapping out your shift knob. Make sure you're genuinely ready for that transformation and that it aligns with your vision for the car.
Is a BRZ Rear Seat Delete Right for You?
Ultimately, deciding whether a BRZ rear seat delete is the right move comes down to your priorities and how you use your car.
- Are you a track enthusiast? If you frequently hit the autocross course or track, the performance gains and cargo flexibility are huge benefits.
- Do you never use those back seats? Be honest. If they're just gathering dust and acting as a parcel shelf you can't really access, then why not optimize the space?
- Do you love the idea of a more focused, aggressive interior aesthetic? If the "race car" vibe appeals to you, this mod delivers.
If your BRZ is primarily a daily driver that occasionally needs to transport more than one passenger, or if you value absolute cabin quietness, then it might be worth thinking twice. But for those who embrace the spirit of lightweight performance and a purpose-built driving machine, a BRZ rear seat delete can be one of the most satisfying and impactful modifications you can make. It truly helps unlock another layer of your BRZ's raw, unadulterated potential. Think about it, sleep on it, and then go for it if your heart (and your need for speed) tells you to!