Project G37S: Doing things right doesn't happen overnight.

It has been quite some time since I have posted any sort of update on Project G37S. At the start of 2012 my goals were to execute a few minor changes to the exterior (nothing too crazy), new rollers and rubber, and a completely new exhaust set-up. I am happy to report that everything is well underway. Trying to remain patient while enduring the build and wait times from companies in Japan is, of course, challenging, but I am focused on the end result. I believe it will be well worth it... Check out the progress pictures below.

Out with the old...

In with the new...

  

"Get out of my face!"

Mean RE RX-7

(Thanks, FREDDY!)

Read up!

Oh, the possibilities...

Just for fun... Volk Racing TE37 Tokyo Time Attack

I stopped by my buddy's shop, JT Motoring, today just to catch up a bit, as well as talk a little about the next stage of my project. A set of Volk Racing Tokyo Time Attack Edition wheels had just arrived. We decided to play around with them and see what they might look like on the G...

I have never really been a fan of black wheels with a polished lip, but, I must say, these wheels are sharp...

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. 

R1 Titan with 'B' Tails on a Z33

550HP Twin-Turbo Infiniti Super G

Interesting...

It'll only be built at the same plant as the Nissan GT-R, our Tochigi plant. I think our marketing types want to create a special high performance "Tochigi brand," as this will be the only place where the GT-R and IPL engines are basically hand-made. Tochigi will come to mean "a unique brand of Japan-made performance, luxury and quality."

The 530-hp IPL-spec G will probably be priced at around the same price as the GT-R if not a fraction more.

See more here: MOTOR TREND: Infiniti Super G with 550-hp Twin-Turbo V-6 in Pipeline

One of the Good Guys

Many of the posts of JDMphasis are sparked from something encountered while browsing a forum. This post is no different. Owning a G, it is only natural that I spend a bit more time on the G boards than the boards devoted to the Z. However, a few days ago, I stumbled upon a thread on the 370 forum that really piqued my interest. The topic of the thread was an inquiry into where to find replica Varis aero. I suppose, with this post, I would just like to recognize one of the good guys for his steadfast views on authenticity. He "gets it." Replicas and knock-offs harm the industry, and, in the long run, the consumer. Plain and simple. 

Ryan's statements are paraphrased here:

You proclaim yourself to be a true enthusiast. To me, a true enthusiast is someone who is sure to be proud of his/her car. Someone who supports the original designers of products for the car. In doing so, in the long run, there will be more products available to the consumer. By choosing to buy replica parts, you are only destroying the industry. I understand you don't have the money to spend 5k+ for a kit, so SAVE, you will be much happier in the end with the real product.  I have a problem with what both UAM and Shine Auto do, yes. And if RavSpec is doing what they say here in this thread, then I will have issues with them also. I have not done business with people because it saves me a few dollars. I do business with people because it is right. Just my ethics...

True enthusiasts, like Ryan, who not only refuse to cut corners with their own builds by way of supporting the true innovators of the industry, but who also make an effort to persuade others to buy authentic and educate to the downfall of purchasing knock-offs and replicas, are doing their part to keep JDM alive in the States. 

Thus, JDMphasis applauds Ryan and his sick Z34.

Ryan's Z34 is sporting an authentic Amuse Vestito body kit (front, rear, and sides) as well as a Mines rear spoiler. The handling has been improved by way of a set of KW V3 coilovers and and some SPC camber arms, as well as a sharp set of HRE rollers: 19" P43SC wrapped in Toyo rubber.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

"The real industry is all of us."

Then don't steal.

I had never heard of wheelindustry.com until I received a link to this picture a few days ago. It appears to be an online gallery/blog of various vehicles featuring different aftermarket wheels. There are some very nice cars and some very nice wheels showcased on the site. However, with the unifying tag line that "the industry is all of us," one might assume that a representative of this site might reach out to a fellow member of this supposed harmonious community of enthusiasts and ask permission, not only to use their photograph, but, to cover up the photograph's original watermark with that of their own. After browsing the gallery for a few minutes, I realized that the photographs of my car are not the only ones that have fallen victim to this site. There are multiple photographs with their original photographic trademark covered with that of the wheelindustry.com watermark.


To be honest, I'm not exactly infuriated by this, as this site covered up the logo watermark of a once-trusted shop that did some work on my car. This shop took advantage of me as a customer. As a result of my poor experience, I will never recommend the services of that particular shop to another automotive enthusiast. 


Nonetheless, lacking here is a certain, distinct principle of implicit professional integrity.

Black Tie

Matte and Gloss TEs and CEs... Neck and neck.

Can't go wrong with either one.

Street Version Bensopra R35 GT-R

So much win.

[As seen on Jonsibal.com]

"Yes, dear, I'll gladly go pick up some milk..."

Modified Magnified

I reflected upon the irony as I closed the door to my office, logged onto my computer, and sat down in my chair. I shared the same hallways, the same copy machines, the same water coolers, fax machines, and restrooms. I shared the same parking lot as every employee of that office for the previous six years.

The difference was that on this particular day I had decided to drive the G to work. I happened to pull in right behind an unmarked State Police cruiser driven by a detective with whom I am not too familiar. I parked a few spots to the left of him and sat there studying my phone, feigning reading something with the humble hopes that the detective, a man I had seen on a regular basis every day for the past six years but never said more than “hello” to in passing, would get out of his car and walk into the building before me. While not maintaining any steadfast desire to be rude or antisocial, I had simply wished to avoid that inevitable, constrained greeting and exchange of insincere pleasantries during the side-by-side walk from the parking lot, up two flights of stairs and hallways to our respective offices. When I peered over and saw that he was talking on his phone in his car, I decided to get out and start into the building. Then, caught off-guard, I heard, “New car?” as he stepped from his vehicle.

I explained that the car was not new, but that I rarely drive it to work for various reasons. He then began questioning me.

Is it a stick?

Is it quick?

How does it handle?

He remarked upon the condition of it; how clean it was, how the paint looked great (What?!?) and how it shined. My wheels and the brakes were the focus of his initial commentary. The discussion that followed focused on how fun it must be to drive. He asked about all the modifications I had done and then remarked that he had no idea I was interested in cars. He informed me of how he used to “mess around” with his cars in his younger years. We stood in the parking lot for a few minutes discussing my car and then began to walk into the building. Our conversation lasted the entire length of three long hallways and two flights of stairs. We then parted ways when we reached our separate offices. This was, indisputably, the longest exchange I had, in six years, ever maintained with this gentleman. It was a discourse sparked from and centered upon my modified Infiniti G37S.

The irony that I found myself considering as I settled down at my desk stemmed from a meeting I had had three days prior with another police officer. Only this was a police officer with whom I was not a direct co-worker. I did not share an office building or parking lot with this particular enforcer of traffic laws.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon of a holiday weekend. My Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi shift knob had arrived from Japan via FedEx the day before. I spent the better side of an hour and a half that morning wrestling with the Loctite-covered stock shift knob before I got the TK installed. Once I did, I was anxious to see how it performed. I pulled out of the end of my street and ripped through gears one, two, and three with ease. The knob was a pleasure - the shifts felt slightly smoother than stock because of the heavy weight and it sat slightly lower than the stock knob. However, just as I hit fourth gear, I noticed a cruiser headed towards me, shielded by the car in front of it. I knew I was caught, so I pulled off to the side of the road to wait, before the officer even made the turn-around and activated his overhead lights. I had driven less than half a mile and found myself sitting on the side of the road waiting willfully, a guilty puppy sitting next to his master’s chewed slipper, to be scolded.

Before handing me a citation for speeding, the officer informed me that he knew I lived right around the corner and that I need to “take it easy” in my own town. I do not make a habit of speeding around town, but I did not try to explain myself or make excuses. I knew I was in the wrong. I had let my excitement get the best of me for those few seconds. The officer then gave me a bit of advice. He made note of the fact that I was driving a nice car and made it clear that it attracts attention. Referencing the modest size of the town, he informed me that my car is “known” by the police. As closely as I can remember, he said something along the lines of, “Whether you are speeding or not, you need to be extra careful around here. By the nature of this car alone, we will keep our eyes on you for a second longer. That’s just how it is.”

Lesson learned.

Any vehicle that strays from the status quo in the form of aftermarket modification, or any divergence from its representation at the factory, is bound to attract some attention. That attention could be in the form of a ‘thumbs-up’ from the guy next to you at a stoplight or a compliment from a neighbor. Conversely, it could be in the form of a long scratch down the entire body of the car initiated by a key at the hand of a resentful zealot, or a goading teenager on the highway revving his engine as he executes a “fly-by.” Or, in a pleasantly surprising and rare instance, it could be in the form of a conversation with someone you have seen regularly for close to six years but to whom you have never had occasion to speak. That attention could also very well be in the unpleasant form of hawk-like, discerning scrutiny from your local law enforcement officers.

Enjoy modifying. Enjoy your project. Enjoy the rush. Enjoy the attention. Enjoy it safely.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation     

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. 

Because racecar...

Black as the Ace of Spades...

Clean R34 on Gloss Black Progressive Spoke Volk TE37s and some Nismo aero...