The Toyota GR86 is one of the best driver focused cars you can get, but in standard form it’s very conservative. The chassis is playful, the seating position is spot on, and the manual gearbox is a highlight, yet the soundtrack doesn’t really match the experience.
That’s why this stage of our build focused on what we’d call the “feel mods”. The upgrades that make the car more rewarding every single time you drive it, without changing what makes the GR86 special.
In our latest YouTube episode, we fitted two of the most effective sound and response upgrades available for the GR86: an Eventuri carbon intake and a Milltek cat-back exhaust.
Why intake and exhaust are a good route on the GR86
On a naturally aspirated car like the GR86, you’re not fitting an intake and exhaust expecting a huge power jump on their own. What you are doing is improving the things you actually notice most on the road:
- Throttle response and immediacy
- Induction noise and engine character
- Improved Exhaust tone
- Overall sense of occasion
This is exactly the kind of modification that suits the GR86’s character. It’s already a great driver’s car. These changes simply make it feel more alive.
Eventuri intake: more response and a proper induction note
The Eventuri GR86 intake is built around their sealed carbon housing concept, aimed at creating a smooth airflow path from filter to engine rather than relying on an exposed cone filter setup.
What that means in real terms is the intake doesn’t just look good in the engine bay, it also changes how the GR86 feels from the driver’s seat. You get a sharper response when you lean on the throttle, and the induction sound becomes a genuine part of the driving experience rather than something you only hear faintly at the top end.
If you’re the sort of owner who values feedback and character, this is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can do.
Claimed performance increase:
- 10-14hp
- 10-11ft-lb
For an in-depth look into the development, testing and purpose of this intake check out Eventuri's website.
Milltek cat-back exhaust: giving the GR86 the tone it deserves
The Milltek cat-back options for the GR86 are designed as direct replacement systems with multiple configurations, letting owners choose between a quieter resonated setup or a louder non-res system depending on how they use the car.
The key benefit here is the tone. The GR86 gains a deeper, more purposeful sound under load, without making the car exhausting to live with day to day (especially if you choose the resonated option). It adds that missing sense of “occasion” when you’re driving with intent, which is exactly what the GR86 should deliver from the factory.
Shop GR86 Milltek cat-back exhaust.
Why these two upgrades work so well together
Intake and exhaust upgrades can sometimes feel disjointed if one is far louder than the other. On the GR86, the Eventuri and Milltek pairing works because it creates a balanced soundtrack:
- Induction noise up front that builds naturally with revs
- A richer exhaust note behind you that gives the car presence under load
Together, they make the GR86 feel more engaging without changing the core driving balance that makes the car special.
Watch our video below to see the fitting and hear the sound difference of these mods:
What’s next for the AUTOID GR86 build?
This build series is about unlocking the GR86’s potential in a way that makes sense for real road use. This intake and exhaust stage is the foundation. From here, we’ll be moving into the next steps that bring the full vision together.
If you want to follow the build as it progresses, keep an eye on the channel and the blog.
Own a Toyota GR86? Shop our modifications here.
Need help choosing the best mods for your GR86? Get in touch.
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