Happy Halloween from JDMphasis

A couple Zele Performance R35s in Halloween orange and black...

And a little Bride Jack-o-Lantern fun...

Judicious Ingenuity

I came across the following pictures on the Voltex Facebook page and, of course, I began considering the research, design, development, tooling and re-tooling, not to mention the creativity and originality involved in designing truly amazing aero. Imagine if the replica brands that prey on the intellectual property of legitimate companies such as Voltex put half of that energy into their own original designs and focused their efforts into exercising the same attention to detail in their parts...

"Every Voltex bumper is meticulously handcrafted..."

Testing...

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Never tire...

...of Jay's Evo. (Also seen here.)

So much JDM. So much attention to detail. So much win. 

(Peep Jay's awesome blog here: JDMEGO)

Reflecting... Thank You

As JDMphasis approaches a small milestone in terms of page impressions, I have found myself considering the path this domain has taken. As I mentioned early on, the inspiration for this blog is my passion for the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market as well as the advocacy for Innovation over Imitation. We make an effort to seek out the parts that are truly impressive, rare, and that exemplify the Innovation over Imitation credo, as well as the cars that we believe have helped to shape the industry we love. I am humbled by the amount of followers and increasing readership, especially since I know my opinions, in terms of anti-corner-cutting modification preaching, are not shared by many. However, I received an e-mail from a reader of JDMphasis last week that was a breath of fresh air. A really good guy who happens to have a replica body kit on his car (and some objectivity) granted me permission to share a portion of his message:

I thank you endlessly for "fighting the good fight." In the sea of what is the norm, it would be easy for most to be lost without guidance of the likes that you provide. I wish there were more of it and more people would speak out against replica parts instead of praising them like they do. It is the praise that these cars (unfortunately, mine included) receive that really is the death of the "real." People will always make and successfully sell replica parts, there is no stopping that. But the new(er) found allowance and support of this is the penultimate blow, in my opinion... I have purchased knock-off parts, I have fit the mold of people that hurt this industry, but hopefully one day my car can be the focus of a story you blog about and call it 'Preaching to the Now Converted.'

I hope so, too...

I do not share the e-mail of this reader to pat myself on the back for a job well done. I share it because it gives me hope. It allows me to illustrate that, despite the overwhelming amount of replica/knock-off parts permeating the market, there are still some true enthusiasts out there. Sometimes they just need direction and/or some enlightenment. 

As we approach the 2-year anniversary of the first JDMphasis post, I just want to express my sincere gratitude to the loyal followers, readers, the enthusiasts rocking our stickers on their rides, for all the Facebook LIKEs, for all the 'shares,' as well as a big Thank You to our fellow bloggers who have added us to their blogroll, and to all the people who have supported, encouraged, and applauded JDMphasis. 

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.

R-Titan on a Z34

Titanium blueing up nicely...

Confidential Supra

Limited Edition Top Secret Volk Racing TE37 rollers, an ARC intercooler lurking behind a widebody Top Secret front bumper, some Brembo big brakes... Pretty Legit. 

"All the colors mix together - to grey."

Beautiful V36 sedan by Access Evolution...

Carbon lip...

Blacked-out grill...

Quad-tipped Amuse exhaust...

Garage G-Force Evo X

A few shots of the sinister Evo X sporting Varis aero, Endless brakes, and a set of Volk G25 wheels...

HREs @ AE

Nice C63 is nice...

(Photo Credit: Carview Japan)

A JDM Smurfmobile

There are few words that can do this car justice. This Z33 features custom paint, a functionally aggressive stance, a bevy of authentic JDM goodies, and, to top it all off, plans for more...

An evolving project, this Z was purchased by Steve Trias in 2009. Since then it has been on the receiving end of various wheel and aero set-ups. A former Z33 owner myself, I have to say that I would not have wandered too far from the decisions made by Steve with this project. I will shut up now and post some great shots of this sick Z. Great job, Steve. I am definitely looking forward to seeing the next phase of this build... 

JUST A FEW OF THE NOTABLE PARTS ON STEVE'S MOD LIST:

* ARC Polished Shift Knob

* ARC Oil Cap

* ARC Radiator Cap

* ARC S13 Timing Chain Cover

* ARC Titanium Cooling Panel

* ARC V2 Engine Oil Cooler

* ARC V2 Catch Can

* Nismo Cold Air Intake

* Nismo Sway Bars

* Nismo Power Steering Oil Cooler

* Nismo Finned Differential Cover

* Nismo Floormats

* Work VS-XX Wheels (19x9.5" F/19x10.5" R)

* Project Mu Big Brake Kit

* MCR Bonnet

* KW V2 Coilovers

* Works Bell Short Hub

* Works Bell Quick Release

* Personal Neo Eagle Steering Wheel

* Bride Cuga Seats

* Bride Rails & Sliders

* Cusco Front Strut Brace

* Cusco Catch Can

* GReddy Ti-C True Dual Exhaust

* Rare JDM Engine Cover

* INGS+1 LX Fenders

* Amuse Front Bumper

* Top Secret Carbon Fiber Diffuser

* Craft Square Mirrors

* Chargespeed Bottomline Side Skirts

* Voltex Type-8 Rear Wing (1700mm)

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Project G37S: "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." - Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Some time has passed since my last update... There is little of note to report, as I am still waiting on my exhaust. At this point, it has been close to 11 months since the plan for the new exhaust was first discussed. I received an update in early August that construction was to be completed by the end of the month. Needless to say, they are running a bit behind schedule. Part of the game. Nonetheless, I have recently found myself synchronizing the e-mail accounts on my phone every few minutes as I anxiously await shipping confirmation.

Once the exhaust components arrive from Japan, I will drop the car off with my trusted friend, Brian, at JT Motoring. There, the G will be on the receiving end of some additional modifications about which I am particularly excited.

Stay tuned...

In the meantime, some new JDM swag.

Zele Performance Ti Shift Knob & discontinued Top Secret Oil Cap

Authentic Alliance?

Too idealistic?

While browsing Facebook, I came across a picture snapped at a recent car meet/show. The subject of the picture was a car that was the recipient of an award at said show. (I am not going to re-post the picture of this car.) The car features some sick wheels by a well-known wheel company. Unfortunately, this car also features a fake body kit from a company that has undermined quite a few JDM aero companies in Japan by stealing their designs and replicating them. It is often difficult to differentiate the real from the fake when it comes to body components. However, the aero of this car is no secret, as the car sports quite a large banner advertising the replica company across the entire length of the windshield.



This car was featured on the wheel company’s Facebook page, where it has accumulated multiple shares and hundreds of LIKEs.

Can you picture a Varis or Mine's car rolling on Rotas? How about the beautiful Amuse Z34 on a set of Varrstoens? Neither can I…

I acknowledge that not everyone has the aversion to replicas and knock-offs that I have, but is there no fraternity, or fellowship, within the aftermarket industry? Is there no common support of authenticity and innovation among the pioneering companies?

If you read JDMphasis, you know that I frown upon corner-cutting. I advocate in support of the true innovators of the industry and against the parasitic bottom-feeding replica companies. Replicas and knock-offs harm the real talent of the aftermarket, the companies that bring us great, unique, original designs. As I have said before, I believe the best way to battle this marauding of our industry is with education and awareness. I think the easiest and most effective way to tactfully and diplomatically address the ascending replica/knock-off trend is to simply avoid showcasing and praising the cars featuring these parts. This task becomes infinitely more difficult when legitimate companies - companies one would assume to be advocates of originality, ingenuity, and innovation - are proudly showcasing these corner-cutting projects. UGH…

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

"It is in games that many men discover their paradise." - Robert Wilson Lynd

Not 100% certain as to the source of all of these photographs, but I would like to give credit to two of my favorite blogs, RA64FREDDY and FARM OF MINDS, as I believe one or two may be from those guys...