Introduction

Upgrading the suspension on your Subaru BRZ with the FA20 engine is one of the most effective ways to transform its character from a fun coupe into a precision corner-carving machine. The KW V3 coilover kit offers independent adjustment for both compression and rebound damping, along with a threaded body for ride height adjustment. This combination gives you the ability to dial in the handling to match your driving style, whether you’re attacking autocross courses, tackling track days, or simply enjoying a weekend canyon run. Installing them yourself not only saves on labor costs but also gives you intimate knowledge of your suspension setup. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough, covering every detail from preparation to final testing, so you can execute the installation with confidence and get the most out of your new coilovers.

What You Will Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and supplies. Having everything on hand minimizes downtime and frustration.

Tools

  • Floor jack (low-profile recommended for BRZ clearance)
  • Jack stands (at least two, rated for 3 tons)
  • Socket set (metric, including 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 21mm sockets)
  • Torque wrench (capable of 0–150 lb-ft for critical fasteners)
  • Ratchet and extensions
  • Spring compressors (for pre-loading if adjusting spring perch; typically KW V3 are pre-assembled but verify)
  • Pliers (for brake line clips)
  • Flathead screwdriver (for prying clips and disconnecting harnesses)
  • Allen keys (for KW damper adjustment knobs)
  • Breaker bar (for stubborn bolts)
  • PB Blaster or penetrating oil
  • Safety glasses and mechanic gloves

Parts and Supplies

  • KW V3 coilover kit (ensure it is the correct application for 2013–2020 Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S / Toyota 86 with FA20)
  • New top hat hardware (optional but recommended; KW V3 usually reuse OEM top mounts for front)
  • New strut mount nuts (if recommended by manufacturer)
  • Anti-seize compound (for threads on coilover bodies)
  • Loctite (medium strength) (for adjustable perches and lock rings)
  • Alignment specifications (for final setup)
  • Clean rags and degreaser

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is critical for a safe and efficient installation. Take the time to set up your workspace and inspect the new parts.

  • Park the BRZ on a level, concrete surface. If working on asphalt, use wide, stable jack stand pads.
  • Chock the rear wheels (or front if starting with the rear).
  • Release the parking brake only after the car is on stands.
  • Loosen the lug nuts on the first two wheels (jack points before lifting) to make removal easier once the car is in the air.
  • Consult the KW V3 user manual for any specific pre-assembly steps. Check that all components are present and undamaged.
  • If you plan to set a specific ride height, measure from the center of the hub to the fender lip on your stock suspension before lifting. This gives you a baseline.

Removing the Stock Suspension

Stock removal must be done carefully to avoid damaging brake lines, ABS sensors, and other components. Work one corner at a time or raise the entire car on four jack stands.

Front Suspension Removal

  1. Lift the front of the car and place jack stands under the front frame rails. Ensure the car is stable.
  2. Remove the front wheels.
  3. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry loose the brake line mounting clip from the strut housing. Do not pull on the brake line itself.
  4. Disconnect the ABS sensor wire from the strut bracket – it is usually attached with a plastic clip or a small bolt.
  5. Support the lower control arm with a jack or stand to take tension off the sway bar end link. Remove the sway bar end link nut (19mm) and separate the link from the strut.
  6. Remove the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle (typically 17mm or 19mm). These can be tight; use a breaker bar. On some BRZ years, you may need to separate the ball joint to gain clearance – if so, loosen the pinch bolt on the knuckle and use a ball joint separator.
  7. Inside the engine bay, remove the three nuts (12mm) that secure the top of the strut to the chassis. Hold the strut from below to prevent it from falling.
  8. Carefully pull the strut assembly out from the wheel well. If it binds, compress it slightly or wiggle the knuckle.
  9. Repeat for the other front corner.

Rear Suspension Removal

  1. Raise the rear of the car and secure on jack stands. Remove rear wheels.
  2. Remove the rear sway bar end link from the lower control arm (14mm nut).
  3. Remove the lower bolt that secures the shock to the rear knuckle (17mm).
  4. Fold down the rear seat backrests to access the top mount in the trunk area. Remove the plastic covers to expose the two top mount nuts (14mm).
  5. While supporting the shock from below, remove the top nuts. The rear shock assembly can then be extracted downward.
  6. If your BRZ has the factory “pickle fork” style lower mount, you may need to pry it free. Take care not to damage the brake line that runs nearby.

Preparing the KW V3 Coilovers

KW V3 coilovers come pre-assembled with the spring preloaded, but you may need to adjust ride height and damping before installation. Follow these steps:

Set Ride Height

  • Loosen the lower lock ring on the threaded body using the provided spanner wrenches.
  • Turn the lower spring perch (the large black ring) to adjust height. Turning it upward lowers the car; turning downward raises it. A good starting point for the BRZ is a 1-inch drop on all corners if you plan to optimize handling without extreme lowering.
  • Tighten the lock ring against the spring perch. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s torque; use Loctite on the threads to prevent settling.

Adjust Damping

  • KW V3 dampers have separate knobs for rebound (red knob on top of the shaft) and low-speed compression (knob on the reservoir or lower body).
  • Both are 16-click adjustments. A good baseline for street and occasional performance: rebound at 8 clicks from full stiff, compression at 6 clicks from full stiff. You can fine-tune later.
  • Use the small Allen key to turn the adjusters. Turn clockwise to stiffen, counterclockwise to soften. Count clicks carefully.

Preparing Top Mounts

  • The KW V3 kit for BRZ typically uses your original front top mounts and rear top mounts. Transfer the OEM top mount and bearing to the new KW strut shaft. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the shaft before sliding on the mount.
  • Torque the top nut to KW spec (usually 44 Nm / 32 lb-ft). If using the supplied KW nut, follow their instructions.

Installing the KW V3 Coilovers

Installation is the reverse of removal, but with attention to torque and routing. Work carefully to avoid pinching wires or hoses.

Front Installation

  1. Guide the front coilover into the strut tower from above. It helps to tilt the bottom outward to clear the brake line bracket.
  2. Install the three top mount nuts and tighten them to 28 Nm (20 lb-ft). Do not fully tighten yet if you need to adjust camber alignment later.
  3. Align the lower strut bracket to the knuckle holes. Insert the two bolts – you may need to spread the knuckle slightly using a pry bar. Use new hardware if provided.
  4. Torque the knuckle bolts to 130 Nm (96 lb-ft). A breaker bar with torque wrench is best.
  5. Reconnect the sway bar end link. Torque the end link nut to 44 Nm (32 lb-ft).
  6. Reattach the brake line bracket and ABS sensor clip. Ensure lines are not twisted and have clearance through full suspension travel.
  7. Repeat for the other side.

Rear Installation

  1. Insert the rear coilover from the top through the trunk access hole. The bottom eyelet should align with the lower control arm mount.
  2. Install the lower bolt loosely. Do not torque yet.
  3. From inside the trunk, install the top mount nuts. Torque to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  4. Now torque the lower bolt to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  5. Reconnect the sway bar end link. Torque to 44 Nm (32 lb-ft).
  6. Double-check that the spring is properly seated and that the rubber isolator (if used) is in place.

Final Adjustments and Torque Checks

Before lowering the car, perform a thorough check of all fasteners.

  • Re-torque all suspension bolts to factory or KW specifications. A torque chart is provided in the KW manual.
  • Ensure the brake lines are not under tension when the suspension is at full droop (car on stands). Zip-tie if necessary, but avoid pinching.
  • Check that the spring perches are lock-tited and tight.
  • Hand-turn each wheel to ensure nothing is contacting the coilover body (no rotational interference).

Lower the car and bounce each corner a few times to settle the suspension. Then, on level ground, measure the ride height at each corner. Adjust if needed by repeating the perch adjustment procedure. Expect about a 1/4 inch of settling after the first drive.

Aligning the Suspension

A professional alignment is mandatory after any coilover install. Take the car to a shop that understands lowered vehicles and can set camber, caster, and toe. For performance driving:

  • Front camber: -2.0 to -2.5 degrees for aggressive cornering, -1.5 for street daily.
  • Rear camber: -1.5 to -2.0 degrees to match.
  • Toe: Zero front toe (0.00°) and slight rear toe-in (0.10° per side) for stability.
  • Caster: Maximize caster (usually around 6°+ with stock mounts).

If your BRZ requires more negative front camber, consider aftermarket camber plates or camber bolts (KW V3 often includes adjustable top mounts – check your kit).

Test Driving and Fine-Tuning

Take the car for a cautious test drive on familiar roads. Check for:

  • Knocking or clunking sounds (possible loose bolts or spring binding).
  • Brake line clearance at full lock.
  • Ride height symmetry. If one side is lower, adjust the lower spring perch accordingly.
  • Damping feel: if the car feels bouncy, add more rebound damping (turn the red knob clockwise). If it feels harsh on compression, soften the low-speed compression.

After a few hundred miles, re-torque all suspension bolts. The new springs settle, and fasteners can loosen. Many enthusiasts also schedule a corner balance session for maximum performance.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

KW V3 coilovers are sealed units but still require routine inspection:

  • Clean the damper bodies and adjusters after winter driving to prevent corrosion.
  • Check for oil leaks every 10,000 miles.
  • If you track aggressively, consider a rebuild every 2–3 years.
  • Lubricate the threaded adjusters (spring perches and lock rings) with a small amount of grease to prevent seizing.

Conclusion

Installing KW V3 coilovers on your Subaru BRZ FA20 is a rewarding upgrade that transforms the car's handling from compliant but soft to precise and controlled. By following this detailed guide, you can complete the installation in a weekend, saving hundreds of dollars and gaining a deeper understanding of your car's suspension. The key to success is preparation: use proper tools, torque everything to spec, and don't skip the alignment. For further reading, check out the official KW Suspension technical documents, or join the FT86 Club forum for community tips. For sourcing parts, vendors like Import Image Racing offer competitive pricing. Your BRZ will reward you with sharper turn-in, improved grip, and a true driver-focused experience.