JDMphasis teaming up with Bulletproof Automotive

I am extremely happy to announce that I have recently joined the Bulletproof Automotive team as an Independent Sales Representative, specializing in G and Z parts. (That is not to say that I cannot help with other makes and models.)

While I still maintain full-time 9-5 employment, I am excited about this opportunity. A great chance for me to combine my passion for modifying in association with one of the biggest names in the JDM scene, I am quite proud to be affiliated with Bulletproof Automotive. 

For the few of you who may not know, Bulletproof is well-known and widely respected for their steadfast position in regards to originality, innovation, and unflappable support of authenticity. The mission statement is simple: Represent the Real. If you are looking for replicas, knock-offs, or fake parts, you should look elsewhere. Bulletproof Automotive strives to support the original designs from the best aftermarket parts companies in the world. It is truly an honor to have been asked to join such an esteemed company made up of like-minded individuals and hardcore JDM enthusiasts.

If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I have created a link to the BPA website on the side of the blog. If you do not see what you're looking for there, there is still a very good chance we can get it for you. 

Outside of this blog, I can be reached at bill@bulletproofautomotive.com.

Random Picture...

RE-Amemiya RX-7 on Gram Lights 57 Max's...

Sometimes Less is More...

Paint, Di-Noc, and the popular current trend of covering any and every exposed part in Plasti-Dip... I would suggest that, more often than not, modifying stock parts is, quite simply, a bad idea. Cheap, tacky and gaudy are often the achieved result when attempting to alter OEM parts.

On a rare occasion, however, modifying a factory part is pulled off brilliantly. I have seen quite a few modified factory steering wheels, but there are few that have come out as nice as the one of my friend, Jason.

Jason did not attempt to save a few pennies by using cheap, faux materials. This wheel was done right. He sent it off to Dallas Custom Steering Wheel in Garland, Texas where they went right to work to improve the look and feel of this factory piece. Jason wanted to thicken the wheel, so some additional padding was in order. The wheel was then re-wrapped with perforated leather, alcantara inserts, and red diamond-pattern stitching. To finish it off, the bezel was wrapped by Carbon Fiber Element in a matte finish.

Still clean and classy, this steering wheel is one stock part that was modified properly. Maintaining all the convenient features of the stock steering wheel, this wheel adds a hint of sport and tuning style to a refined Infiniti interior. Well done, Jason!

Win-Win-Win Situation

Volk Racing and Brembo outfitting some sharp e92's...

Quality Critics

Confused. Annoyed. Perplexed. Disappointed.

The emotions I feel all too often when I browse the forums. Reading some of the sentiments of my fellow G37 "enthusiasts" (Yes, I use that term loosely...) often leads me to frustration.

I am not suggesting that I want every person who modifies his/her car to share my taste in parts or modding ideology. I do not claim to be an expert or an authority. I have often stated that I enjoy the diversity in modifying tastes. However, why modify at all if the parts with which you are replacing your stock parts are of questionable quality? It is sad when I see G37 owners replace their OEM Enkei wheels with cheap $200 replica wheels. Or when the stock exhaust is replaced with poorly-constructed eBay pipes.

My ideal is that the modifications to a car should, at the very least, be in proportionate range to the quality/cost of the car itself, if not far surpass that standard. Afterall, we modify to improve, right? Whether it be a popular modification or not, nobody should change their car for the worse. When I alter something on my car, rationally, I am doing it because I feel it makes the car better.


That said, I fully acknowledge that there are two sides to every debate. Take, for instance, the ever-popular Replica vs Authentic argument. I could spend hours defending my opinions on that matter. I can also concede that they are just that - my opinions. They will not be shared by everyone, which is precisely the reason that cheap replicas and knock-offs will continue their assault on the industry.


I digress. 


My issue here is not the fact that I will refuse to vote in this month's G of the Month contest on the forums, because, in doing so, I would be fostering and endorsing corner-cutting (as each of this month's three candidates are all sporting knock-off body kits). My issue is based on a thread in which a member, who I have come to learn, via private messages and e-mail, shares my constitution towards quality, supporting authenticity, respect for all that is JDM, and a loathing of replicas and knock-offs, posed a question to forum members about two exhaust systems. Neither system is cheap. They are both quality exhausts and, as far as I can tell, this person is quite serious about purchasing one of these respective systems.


One of the systems this member is considering purchasing is made by Power House Amuse. With Amuse, no introduction is necessary. I do not need to argue in support of the quality, attention to detail, and sheer artistry of every piece of titanium that exits the Amuse facility in Japan. We all know about Amuse.


Maybe I am being overly sensitive and just nit-picking when I say that I become annoyed when I witness a large majority of members commenting on how "ridiculous" and "absurd it is to spend $5,000 on an exhaust system," or that they would "rather spend that money on forced induction," etc... Maybe, to some people, it is ridiculous. Maybe, to some people, boost would be a more worthwhile investment. Everyone has a right to an opinion. Mine is this: The thread was created because someone is going to purchase one of these two exhaust systems. He is not asking people if they would buy an Amuse exhaust. He is not looking for financial criticism or advice. Before creating the thread he had made up his mind to spend his money modifying his car with quality, authentic, JDM parts. Plain and simple. 


Along similar lines, I came across a post by a person who does not believe a particular member to be valid and legitimate in his public inquiries as he leans towards purchasing a set of Endless brakes for his G37. (His post: "Spending $10K on a $40K car? I don't think he was serious.")


It is somewhat staggering to consider the disapproval and denunciation of these enthusiasts simply because they have the nerve to modify using QUALITY parts... 


But, then again, what do I know?


It is comical to then consider the very real possibility that if I commented on the "absurdity" and "ridiculousness" of members creating threads debating modifying their cars with cheap, subpar quality parts, I would very likely be on the forums all day long...


It is what it is. To each his own. 


My position is simple. Support authenticity. Represent the real. Modify with quality parts. JDMphasis...
      

I apologize...

Simply, I would like to apologize for the lack of posts as of late. Without getting into it too much... Due to a less-than-satisfactory shop experience, I have momentarily lost interest in my project - to the point where it makes me mad to even think about it, let alone drive it. Thus, anything that relates to it (ie: this blog and the forums) has taken a back seat temporarily. For that, I am sorry. The pending resolution of my issues will dictate whether or not I will post the backstory and details of my disappointment... Stand by. -BP

Rooftop Argument

A pair of tastefully done Z34's engaged in a stand-off...

Amuse aero + TE37SL = YES! 

Thanks, BPA...

Bulletproof Automotive.

The Real JDM. Represent the Real.

Peep Ben's blog. He recently featured the G.

The Real JDM: Bill's G37 Coupe

Very cool. Thank you...