Monday, November 26, 2012

Two Years...

Today marks the 2-year anniversary of the first post on JDMphasis. If someone had asked me then to predict how many page impressions JDMphasis would have today, I solemnly would have guessed a number far less than half of the current total. For the followers and readership of this blog, I am extremely grateful. The basic principles around which this blog was founded are simple. 


  • Passion and intrigue into the parts of the Japanese Domestic Market. 
  • A desire to encourage support of the true pioneers and innovators of the industry and, correspondingly, to discourage corner-cutting in builds. 
  • A means to chronicle and document my own personal project.

In the introductory post two years ago, I wrote, 

...I consider myself a rather sincerely devoted enthusiast. I pride myself on the research, time, and money that go into my projects, as well as the people with whom I surround myself to provide service, guidance, and advice... Modifying my cars is a bit more than a hobby to me. It is a passion.
I have been extremely lucky. This blog was started as a result of encouragement and support from a few people in the industry with whom I have been fortunate enough to build solid relationships. And better; friendships. At the same time, I have had some bad experiences. This has allowed me to gain a proper perspective. I believe it is important to associate one's self with those people who care just as much about you and your project as they do about putting a dollar in their pocket. These are the people who enhance the industry. Those networking practices are what builds the tuning car culture. That is the passion that fuels the industry. That is the sort of fellowship that makes this industry special and unique. That is what defines the industry we love.

That said, I would like to thank a few people for the success of JDMphasis. I would like to thank my very good buddy, Brian, who has not only been with me since Day 1 of my project, but who was probably the most influential encouragement I had in creating this blog. Secondly, I would like to thank the President of Bulletproof Automotive, Ben Schaffer. Ben has been a great resource over the years and, in recent years, an even better friend. Third, I want to thank Jay of JDMEGO. Jay needs no introduction. Likely the OG of staunch support of originality and authenticity, quite simply, Jay is someone from whom every modifying enthusiast should take notes. And lastly, thank you to everyone who reads and follows JDMphasis. Your support is sincerely appreciated.


JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving from JDMphasis


We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do. - Frederick Keonig

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Saturday, November 17, 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.

STEALTH... Amuse R1-Titan Black Edition



(Source: Carview Japan)

Thursday, November 15, 2012

SWAG via JDMEGO

Jay, of JDMEGO, comes through again! Hooked up!


Jay has sent me some great packages free of charge in the past. This time I wanted to support him, so I made a purchase by way of his online store without telling him. (Visit! Some cool stuff in there...) The next day I received a text from Jay saying that he would take care of me. Needless to say, he did just that, sending me a package containing the contents pictured above. I now have an abundance of JDMEGO plate frames and a hearty surplus of stickers and decals. (I only wish I had more cars!)

Without question, once my car finds its way back on the road, there will be some JDMEGO representation.

Thank you again to one of the best guys in the scene.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Just to illustrate...

...that we do not love EVERYTHING that comes out of Japan.

A questionable modification decision on the part of this V36 sedan owner.
(Source: Carview Japan)

Monday, November 5, 2012

Wide Ess

Some old photos of a well-known S2000.

Some of the noteworthy parts are the Tracy Sports widebody kit, Top Secret Limited Edition TE37 wheels, and Spoon hardtop.






Saturday, November 3, 2012

Sharp 2008 V36 Coupe FOR SALE

My buddy, Eric, has decided to move on from his G37. This boosted G features some legitimate, authentic JDM parts. Eric would love to sell it as-is. 50,7XX miles. Never tracked. Car is located in San Francisco, CA. If you are interested in this G, Eric can be reached at Weiboy718@yahoo.com.






Mod List

EXTERIOR
Lexus color coded full paint job done at Sunny Autobody last year - Glacier Frost Mica 
Zele Performance Japan Front Facia
Zele Performance Japan Side Rockers
Top Secret Rear Diffuser
Stillen Roof Spoiler
Duck Bill Molded Trunk
Headlight Eye Lids
Gloss Black Grill

SUSPENSION
KW V3 Coilovers
SPC Front + Rear Camber kit
GT Spec Front Strut Bar
GT Spec Rear Lower Tie Bar

WHEELS
Work Wheels Gnosis 4 in Gold
Wrapped with Hankook 
20x10.5
20x9.5

EXHAUST
Fujitsubo Legalis R 
Mid pipe back
Motordyne ART Pipes

ENGINE
GT Motorsports Stage 1 Supercharger
400WHP and 345TQ
19 Row Oil Cooler
Oil Cooler Supplement Kit
Southbend TZR Clutch
Southbend Steel Flywheel
Heavy Duty Throwout Bearing
B&M Short Shifter

INTERIOR
HKS CAMP 2 Electronic Digital Gauges
Boost
Oil Temp
Oil Pressure

BRAKES
AP Racing
6/4 Pot
Street Pads
Cross Drilled 2pc Rotors

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Rollin' on Hate...

Quite literally. 

I got a good laugh from this picture on JDM Chicago's Facebook page. Faking the funk to the extreme and clearly not open to criticism.

NO.

And, of course, the real deal...

YES.