The Complete Perrin Performance Buyer's Guide for Your Subaru

Who Is Perrin Performance? Brand Overview & Philosophy

Based in Beaverton, Oregon, Perrin Performance has been engineering aftermarket parts for Subaru vehicles for over two decades. What started as a passion project rooted in motorsports has grown into one of the most recognized and respected brands in the Subaru community — and their focus has never wavered from the platform we all love.

Unlike companies that spread their attention across dozens of makes and models, Perrin has built their identity around Subaru. From the classic GD-chassis WRX and STI to the latest VB WRX and second-gen BRZ, Perrin engineers parts specifically for the boxer-powered platform. That singular focus translates into better fitment, smarter design, and real-world performance gains that enthusiasts can feel immediately.

Engineering-Driven, Not Hype-Driven

Perrin's approach is refreshingly straightforward: identify a weakness in the factory setup, engineer a solution, test it extensively, and bring it to market at a fair price. Their products are designed and manufactured in the USA, with an emphasis on CNC-machined aluminum, stainless steel, and high-grade silicone — materials chosen for durability and performance, not just aesthetics.

This philosophy shows up across their entire catalog. Whether it's a simple shift stop that eliminates sloppy gate feel or a full cold air intake system engineered for maximum airflow, every Perrin part is built to solve a real problem for real Subaru owners.

A Brand Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts

What sets Perrin apart from many aftermarket brands is that their team lives and breathes Subaru culture. They attend events, support grassroots motorsports, and actively engage with the community. When you buy a Perrin part, you're buying from people who drive the same cars you do — and that shared passion shows up in the quality of every product.

Why SubiMods Carries Perrin

At SubiMods, we're selective about the brands we stock — and Perrin has earned their place in our catalog many times over. Their commitment to Subaru-specific engineering, quality materials, and fair pricing aligns perfectly with what our customers expect. Whether you're planning your first bolt-on or building a comprehensive performance setup, Perrin consistently delivers parts that meet and exceed expectations.

Perrin Intake & Engine Performance Parts

When most enthusiasts think of Perrin Performance, the first thing that comes to mind is their intake and engine performance lineup. This is where Perrin has made some of their biggest impact — designing parts that improve airflow, reduce intake temperatures, and unlock measurable power gains across WRX, STI, and BRZ platforms.

Cold Air Intakes

Perrin's cold air intake systems are among the most popular bolt-ons in the Subaru aftermarket. Engineered to replace the restrictive factory airbox with a high-flow filter and optimized intake tube, these systems deliver improved throttle response and measurable horsepower gains — especially when paired with a proper tune.

Perrin designs their intake routing to pull cooler air from outside the engine bay, reducing intake air temperatures (IATs) for denser, more power-producing charges. The result is a noticeable improvement in both feel and sound — that signature Subaru turbo intake noise becomes much more pronounced.

Charge Pipes & Boost Tubes

The factory charge pipe and boost tubes on the WRX and STI are made of plastic and rubber — materials that flex under boost pressure, creating turbulence and restricting airflow. Perrin replaces these weak links with CNC-machined aluminum and high-grade silicone couplers that maintain a smooth, consistent bore under full boost.

The upgrade is especially impactful on the FA20DIT-powered WRX (2015+), where the factory charge pipe is a known bottleneck. Swapping to a Perrin unit provides:

• Reduced boost lag — less pipe expansion means faster spool
• Improved airflow — smoother interior finish and optimized diameter
• Increased durability — aluminum won't crack or deform over time like factory plastic

Turbo Inlet Hose

Another commonly overlooked restriction point is the turbo inlet hose — the silicone connection between your intake and the turbo compressor inlet. Perrin's turbo inlet hose upgrades use reinforced multi-ply silicone with a larger internal diameter to maximize airflow right where it matters most: feeding the turbo.

This is one of those small, affordable upgrades that punches above its weight, especially when stacked with an intake and charge pipe for a complete intake tract overhaul.

Engine Dress-Up & Accessories

Beyond raw performance, Perrin also offers a range of engine bay accessories that add both function and style. Their oil caps, dipstick handles, battery tie-downs, and fender shrouds are CNC-machined from billet aluminum and anodized in signature Perrin colors. These parts won't add horsepower, but they transform a factory engine bay into something that looks as good as it performs.

What About Naturally Aspirated Subarus?

BRZ and GR86 owners aren't left out. Perrin offers intake solutions for the FA20/FA24 naturally aspirated platform as well, helping to free up airflow on an engine that responds well to breathing modifications. While the power gains on an NA engine are more modest compared to boosted applications, the improved throttle response and intake sound make it a worthwhile upgrade for enthusiasts who want more engagement behind the wheel.

Perrin Chassis, Suspension & Drivetrain Upgrades

Power is only part of the equation. Where Perrin truly shines is in their chassis, suspension, and drivetrain catalog — a deep lineup of parts designed to eliminate factory slop, tighten handling, and make your Subaru feel like an entirely different car. Many of these upgrades are affordable, easy to install, and deliver results you can feel on your very first drive.

Sway Bars

Upgrading your sway bars is one of the single most effective ways to improve your Subaru's handling. Perrin offers adjustable sway bars in multiple diameters for both front and rear applications, allowing you to fine-tune your vehicle's balance between understeer and oversteer.

Each Perrin sway bar features three adjustable end link mounting holes that let you dial in stiffness to match your driving style and goals. The numbers speak for themselves — on some platforms, a Perrin rear sway bar can be up to 700-900% stiffer than the factory bar, dramatically reducing body roll through corners.

Perrin sway bars are available for a wide range of Subaru models:

• WRX / STI (2008-2025) — Front and rear options in multiple sizes
• BRZ / GR86 / FRS / GT86 (2013-2025) — 22mm adjustable rear sway bar and more
• Crosstrek / Forester / Legacy (various years) — 16mm, 18mm, and 22mm rear options

Strut Tower Braces

A strut tower brace ties the two front strut towers together, reducing chassis flex during hard cornering. Perrin's front strut tower brace is made from lightweight aluminum and installs in minutes. It's one of those upgrades that makes an immediate, tangible difference — the front end feels more connected, turn-in is sharper, and the car responds more predictably when you push it.

This is an especially popular upgrade for WRX and STI owners running coilovers, as it ensures the chassis can keep up with stiffer suspension components.

Drivetrain Bushings & Lockdown Kits

Subaru's AWD drivetrain is one of the brand's greatest assets — but the factory rubber bushings that hold it all together are soft and prone to degradation over time. Under hard acceleration, these bushings allow the driveshaft and differential to move excessively, robbing you of power transfer and creating unwanted vibration.

Perrin addresses this with several key upgrades:

• Driveshaft Lockdown Kit — Holds the driveshaft carrier firmly in place, maintaining proper alignment and reducing drivetrain slop under hard acceleration. Fits 2008-2025 WRX and 2008-2021 STI.
• Driveshaft Carrier Bushings — Precision-fit polyurethane replacements for the soft factory rubber bushings. These improve throttle response and eliminate that vague, disconnected feeling during quick throttle transitions. Wide fitment across WRX, STI, BRZ, GR86, Legacy, Crosstrek, and more.
• Rear Differential Lockdown Bushings — Reduces excessive rear diff movement during hard cornering and acceleration. A must-have for 2008-2014 WRX/STI owners who push their cars on track or spirited backroads.

Shifter Upgrades

If you drive a manual-transmission Subaru, you know the factory shifter feel leaves room for improvement. Perrin offers a range of shifter components — including shift stops, shifter bushings, and shifter detent kits — that dramatically tighten up the shift gates, reduce throw distance, and eliminate that vague, rubbery feel from the factory.

These are some of the most affordable and satisfying upgrades you can make. A Perrin shift stop and bushing combo can be installed in under 30 minutes and will completely transform how your WRX or STI shifts — making every gear change feel precise, mechanical, and rewarding.

Pitch Stop Mounts

The factory pitch stop mount is a small rubber bushing that connects the transmission to the chassis. Under load, it flexes significantly, allowing the drivetrain to rock back and forth. Perrin's upgraded pitch stop mount uses stiffer polyurethane or solid construction to reduce drivetrain movement during hard acceleration and deceleration.

The result is a more direct connection between your right foot and the wheels — throttle inputs translate into forward motion more quickly, and the car feels noticeably more planted during spirited driving.

How to Build a Perrin-Focused Subaru: Recommended Setups by Goal

One of the best things about Perrin's catalog is how well their parts stack together. Whether you're looking for a few quick wins or planning a comprehensive overhaul, you can build an entire upgrade path using Perrin components that complement each other perfectly. Here's how we'd approach it based on three common build goals.

Build 1: The Daily Driver Refresh

Goal: Tighten up the driving experience, eliminate factory slop, and add some under-hood style — without changing the car's character or requiring a tune.

Best for: WRX, STI, or BRZ owners who want their car to feel more engaging on the daily commute.

1. Shift Stop + Shifter Bushing — The single best bang-for-your-buck upgrade on any manual Subaru. Transforms the vague factory shifter into something precise and mechanical.
2. Pitch Stop Mount — Reduces drivetrain rock and makes throttle response feel more direct.
3. Driveshaft Carrier Bushings — Eliminates the soft factory rubber for tighter power delivery.
4. Engine Dress-Up (Oil Cap, Battery Tie-Down, Radiator Stays) — Clean up the engine bay with quality billet pieces.

Build 2: Street Performance

Goal: Noticeable gains in power, handling, and overall driving dynamics. The car should feel faster, corner flatter, and respond more aggressively to driver inputs.

Best for: WRX and STI owners who enjoy spirited backroad driving and the occasional track day.

1. Everything from Build 1 — Start with the foundation.
2. Cold Air Intake + Charge Pipe + Turbo Inlet Hose — Complete the intake tract overhaul for improved airflow and throttle response. Requires a tune on turbocharged models.
3. 22mm Adjustable Rear Sway Bar — Dramatically reduces body roll and lets you fine-tune handling balance.
4. Front End Links + Rear End Links — Ensure your new sway bar performs at its best with solid, zero-flex connections.
5. Front Strut Tower Brace — Ties the chassis together for sharper turn-in and reduced flex.
6. Driveshaft Lockdown Kit — Locks the driveshaft in place for cleaner power delivery under hard acceleration.

Build 3: Track-Ready Setup

Goal: Maximum performance within the bolt-on Perrin catalog. The car should be competitive on track days, handle with confidence at the limit, and deliver power efficiently from turbo spool through redline.

Best for: WRX/STI owners who regularly attend track days or autocross events and want every advantage from their chassis and drivetrain.

1. Everything from Build 2 — The full intake and handling foundation.
2. Rear Differential Lockdown Bushings — Critical for track use where hard cornering loads push the rear diff around on soft factory mounts.
3. Larger Rear Sway Bar Upgrade — Step up to the 25mm adjustable rear sway bar for maximum roll resistance. Use the adjustable mounting holes to dial in your preferred balance between rotation and stability.
4. Shifter Detent Kit (STI) — Tightens up the shift gates even further for fast, positive gear changes under pressure.
5. Complete Drivetrain Bushing Overhaul — Carrier bushings, lockdown kit, diff bushings, and pitch stop all working together eliminate every soft point in the drivetrain.

BRZ / GR86 Owners: Your Perrin Path

The naturally aspirated BRZ and GR86 platform benefits enormously from Perrin's chassis and suspension parts. Since power gains from bolt-ons are more modest on an NA engine, the best strategy is to focus on handling, weight reduction, and driving feel:

• 22mm Adjustable Rear Sway Bar — Up to 729% stiffer than the factory 14mm bar on 2013-2016 and 2022+ models
• Front End Links with Polyurethane Bushings — Solid connection without the harshness of spherical bearings
• Rear End Links — Complete the sway bar upgrade with matching rear connections
• Driveshaft Carrier Bushings — Tighten up the drivetrain for crisper throttle response
• Shift stop and shifter bushing for precise manual gear changes

Final Thoughts

Perrin Performance has earned their reputation in the Subaru community by doing things the right way — engineering parts in-house, testing them on real vehicles, and standing behind everything they sell. Whether you're tightening up the shifter on your daily driver WRX, overhauling the intake tract on your STI, or building a corner-carving BRZ for weekend track days, Perrin offers a cohesive ecosystem of parts that work together seamlessly.

The beauty of building with Perrin is that you don't have to do everything at once. Start with the upgrades that match your immediate goals — a shifter stop and bushing kit, a set of driveshaft carrier bushings, or an adjustable rear sway bar — and build from there as your driving ambitions evolve. Each piece improves the experience on its own, and they compound beautifully as you add more.

Ready to start your Perrin build? Browse the full Perrin Performance collection at SubiMods and find the right parts for your platform, your goals, and your budget. If you have questions about fitment or build planning, our team is always here to help.