Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Forum Frustration

In light of the recent sentiments expressed on JDMEGO of becoming "numb" to forum ignorance and stupidity, I deem a post on this matter appropriate...


 A topic I have previously, albeit briefly, touched upon with a JDMphasis post, automotive forums can be a great source of information where consultation and exchange of ideas and experiences can prove quite helpful. A place to share the latest crazes and trends, as well as a means to unite automotive enthusiasts, the forums can be an invaluable resource. However, as much benefit as forums serve to the aftermarket industry, they can play an equally detrimental role, as well. For me, the forums are slowly becoming a source of interminable frustration. Every time I log on, I inch closer and closer to the edge of that dark, bottomless abyss where I feel as though I am the sole party left acknowledging the trend of destruction to this industry, not only by these fly-by-night replica companies, but by the so-called enthusiasts supporting them. 


I was recently labeled a "hater" and accused of trying to be a "badass" in a thread where I pointed out a few facts about the modifications to a car that rendered it "not my cup of tea." I simply stated that I would have preferred the owner kept his Infiniti G37S stock. To give some background, the car featured 1) "rolled" fenders. Now, anyone familiar with the G37 will know that the G's fenders are not the same as those of a Z - the fenders come pre-rolled from the factory, making this modification completely useless and, basically, destroying the fenders of this car. 2) The G featured Varrstoen wheels. Enough said. 3) This G37, like many of the "trendy" cars of the day going for the HellaFlunk look, is slammed on stretched tires. 4) The "lip" on this G37 was made from rubber weather stripping material, purchased at Home Depot. No lie. For those folks wondering what I mean... Take a peek at the bottom of your garage doors. The rubber that unites the door to the ground to create a "seal" against the elements, THAT is a material similar to what was used to make the "lip" of this G37. Does it really need to be stressed, on a forum of "enthusiasts," that anything purchased from the Home & Garden Department at Lowe's or Home Depot will not land a spot on any sort of list of accepted automotive modifications?


I suppose I'm just a hater... I digress. 


We are all aware that making any sort of non-complimentary comment in a vendor thread will inflict the wrath of forum moderation by way of a banishment. Thus, I am not permitted to speak my mind when I witness the ignorance (or simple miseducation) of the people posting in the replica/knock-off threads where vendors advertise their ripped-off, unoriginal designs. My posts have been deleted in the wheel/tire section of the board for stressing my displeasure with certain vendors selling both Volk wheels and knock-off Volk wheels. An entire thread was deleted where I expressed my opinions about BAUS Auto knocking off the G37 Zele aero kit.


Teeth clenched in umbrage, I scroll down the page as people drool over this knock-off body kit and the vendor brags of how many he has sold. I view comments like the one below, made by a member who has modestly dubbed himself an "Original Trendsetter" (Do I even have to remark upon the incredible irony of rocking replica parts and baptizing yourself as one who sets trends?).


My kit is a head turner ohhhh yeahhhhh  I think this is the best kit yet for a 37. Always wanted a zele original but now w this option I'm freaking glad, looks good, fits good, quality is good and for a good price. How can u say no? Go [BAUS]!


My answer to the posed question of how one can say no? Because some people refuse to cut corners. Some people respect ingenuity, innovation, and originality. Some people care about the future of JDM in the States. Some people enjoy "The Real Deal."


I wonder just how many enthusiasts realize there is a company in Japan that has poured their energy and resources into creating this great design only to be undermined by a cheap, hack company in the US simply out to make a few dollars.


Then, not to be outdone, yet another G rocking a fake Zele surfaces... This one makes me more sad than angry. I actually helped this member out when he was buying his wheels shortly after the TE37SL made its debut. Really nice guy. I offered my assistance in regards to wheel specifications and tire sizes. Quite simply, I suppose being forced to acknowledge someone else faking the funk just disappoints me.


Please... I urge you to become aware. Wake up, people! 

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Congratulations, JDMEGO!

In a post acknowledging his 1,000,000th (!) page view today, Jay, of JDMEGO, stressed that there is much about the current state of modding to which he has become "numb." The increasing number of fake parts, corner cutting, and the perpetuation of these trends with weak "features" by weak sources are some of the factors I would assume contribute to this disappointment and burnt-out frustration. Comments on the JDMEGO web blog have been disabled for a few months now because of the non-desire of Jay to deal with the obtuseness, insensibility, naiveté, and ignorance of people posting. (Otherwise I would have posted my CONGRATULATIONS right there on his blog.)


Although hitting 1,000,000 page views may not be something worthy of too much revelry to Jay, I believe it is important to note that it is the Jays of the modifying world and the blogs like JDMEGO that inspire, encourage, and remind us all to enjoy modifying for what it is, to refuse to cut corners with our builds and, above all, to... DEFEND AUTHENTICITY.


So, humbly, JDMphasis would like to acknowledge this achievement of JDMEGO and say congratulations to its founder, Jay. Perhaps (and very likely) I am one of those individuals who takes this car stuff too seriously, but nonetheless, I hope Jay knows the extent to which he and his blog have influenced and stimulated my own passion. Thanks, Jay...

Friday, February 24, 2012

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Get Some!


(Source: My350Z member MethodRN)

Z33 + Volk RE30 + Project Mu + Vertex Aero = JDM Win 

Monday, February 20, 2012

Amusing Photography...

My compulsion towards the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market is not based on a personal assessment of performance superiority. It is about design, quality, and attention to detail. Likely my biggest obsession of the industry, Power House Amuse is quite possibly the superlative of JDM parts. Hardly boring or run-of-the-mill, the products that come out of their facility in Chiba are not simply functional components to be admired momentarily pre-installation, only to be forsaken shortly after brusque acknowledgment of any performance benefit or gain. Every Amuse part contains an all-too-real element of genuine automotive artistry. 

Amuse R1 Silent Y-Pipe

(Source: Carview Japan)

Friday, February 17, 2012

S&R Performance: Go Hard or Go Home!

Single turbo G37 by S&R Performance setting the standard...





 100% Stock Block



651HP @ 13.5lbs of Boost

Impressive Stuff!

Enjoy, Albert...

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day from JDMphasis

So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. 
- Morrie Schwartz, from Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom


Some JDM LOVE in one of Cupid's favorite colors...

Abflug RX-7


Yashio Factory S15



Dream Angels RX-7 on Wedssport SA55M
(Source: RA64Freddy)

Sumo Power Do-Luck Z33


Saturday, February 11, 2012

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Infiniti Considering GT-R-based Halo Car


Not quite sure how I feel about this just yet...

The biggest criticism upon which I have stumbled apropos the GT-R is the "cheap" interior. This is, without question, an area that would be addressed quite appropriately in the Infiniti version of this beast. Other than that, it is no secret that its supercar performance at an affordable price make the Nissan R35 GT-R a dream to the Japanese tuning fiend. On a parallel (yet much grander) scale of the G to the Z, I cannot see any Mount Fuji disguised GT-R touching, let alone surpassing, the R35 in any respect performance-wise.

I suppose I am just struggling to discern the target market for a car of this nature. The tuning enthusiast looking for bang-for-the-buck Nissan heritage and performance will not think twice about choosing the GT-R over any Infiniti branded clone. Right?

Of course, at this point, we have not the faintest notion as to the actual performance numbers and characteristics of this car, we do not know what it will look like, or just how much this re-badged GT-R will cost, but it is always fun to speculate. One could rather effortlessly make the argument that the interested parties will not be JDM tuning zealots. (I cannot seem to abandon the image of a refined, wealthy gentleman behind the wheel of this wolf in sheep's clothing.) Thus, the question ought to be posed, albeit perhaps a bit early... Will contrast-stitched leather and a numberless analog clock be enough to convince the distinguished cavalier seeking an adrenaline rush to opt for the Infiniti version of Godzilla over, not only the Nissan R35 GT-R, but, say, a Maserati GranTurismo? Mercedes-Benz CL? Cadillac CTS-V?

We shall see. (In three years or so...)

Infiniti Essence Concept

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Nissan Introduces Revised 370Z for 2013

Some of the highlights and changes:

  • Refreshed Front Fascia with LED Daytime Running Lights (No Fangs!)
  • Red Reflector added to the Rear Fascia
  • Red-colored Brake Calipers
  • Two New Exterior Colors: Midnight Blue & Magma Red
  • Redesigned 19" Aluminum-Alloy Wheels (Sport Package models only)
  • Euro-tuned Shock Absorbers


    Other than these subtle revisions, the changes to the new Z are not too crazy. The Coupe and Coupe Touring will both be offered with the 332-horsepower DOHC 3.7L V6 engine with choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmissions.


    Some interesting notes are that the Nismo Edition 370Z will not be available in the two new colors, they do not feature the new front fascia or rear reflector, and do not use the Euro-tuned shock absorbers. Only available in the 6-speed SynchroRev Match transmission, the Nismo 370Z features a sport-tuned exhaust, utilizing an H-pipe and an optimized ECM, putting out 350-horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.




    Wednesday, February 1, 2012

    Amusing Photography...

    My compulsion towards the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market is not based on a personal assessment of performance superiority. It is about design, quality, and attention to detail. Likely my biggest obsession of the industry, Power House Amuse is quite possibly the superlative of JDM parts. Hardly boring or run-of-the-mill, the products that come out of their facility in Chiba are not simply functional components to be admired momentarily pre-installation, only to be forsaken shortly after brusque acknowledgment of any performance benefit or gain. Every Amuse part contains an all-too-real element of genuine automotive artistry.


    (Source: Carview Japan)