Z33 vs. R34
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Some more R34 love...
A clean tandem...
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| A couple sets of TE37s... |
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| Not a bad backdrop... |
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| Top Secret rear diffuser |
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| Note the AMG brake conversion... |
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| Insane |
Friday, January 25, 2013
Project G37S: Bulletproof Illuminati
Spacers, lugs, brake pads, etc... still to be completed, I have been contemplating for a while now where I am going to place this most symbolic decal. Now, I am not really one to sticker bomb my cars. Other than some JDMphasis: Innovation over Imitation representation and a subtle Bulletproof Automotive sticker residing at the top of my windshield, I have refrained from putting any stickers on the G. However, this is more than just a brand or company decal. This is a decal in which I take great pride. Frankly, I am honored to have received this decal.
For those of you who may not know, Bulletproof Illuminati is an invite-only group of enthusiasts. The core values are quality, innovation, authenticity, passion, and knowledge. The decal itself was designed by Manubu Suzuki (Mana-P) at his MS-R shop in Japan. The philosophy behind the decal is that whenever one surfaces it will be on a car whose owner embodies the same values and passion in regards to JDM parts and culture. Needless to say, you will not see an Illuminati decal on a car that is faking the funk.
Anyway, I have had this decal for a long time and I think the time may be approaching for me to represent and find it a home on the G. A few months back I was playing around with it...
For those of you who may not know, Bulletproof Illuminati is an invite-only group of enthusiasts. The core values are quality, innovation, authenticity, passion, and knowledge. The decal itself was designed by Manubu Suzuki (Mana-P) at his MS-R shop in Japan. The philosophy behind the decal is that whenever one surfaces it will be on a car whose owner embodies the same values and passion in regards to JDM parts and culture. Needless to say, you will not see an Illuminati decal on a car that is faking the funk.
Anyway, I have had this decal for a long time and I think the time may be approaching for me to represent and find it a home on the G. A few months back I was playing around with it...
Of course, this picture was taken before the paint work to the Zele front bumper and prior to the trim work done to the First Molding aero plates, but this may be the spot...
Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?
JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Not worthy...
A few shots of a one-of-a-kind 1999 Nissan R34 GT-R V-Spec...
That's right... It was Jay's (JDMEGO) R34. Many would recognize the Evo at a lightning-fast glimpse in a foggy haze from atop the Empire State Building. The notoriety it has earned is a result of its quality, impeccable parts selection, and extreme attention-to-detail. However, I don't think too many shots of the R34 he once owned have surfaced. For him to call the R34 his "crowning achievement" says much about this build. As might be expected, it is absolutely amazing...
Thank you, Jay, for allowing me to share this masterpiece...
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| Mine's exhaust framed nicely by a Top Secret carbon diffuser... |
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| Classic Volk Racing TE37 |
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| ARC, Nismo, HKS... |
It doesn't take much to recognize the time, sweat, and money invested in this piece of automotive art, but to put a proper perspective on it, when I was talking to him about it, the owner of this R34 called it his "crowning achievement." If you do not recognize it, you may after viewing this next picture...
Thank you, Jay, for allowing me to share this masterpiece...
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Reflecting...
So, I have been reading and thinking... and viewing and browsing... and trolling... and reading and thinking... Throughout my reflections, I have a few opinions. I know there are many out there in the import scene who do not share my predilections, but my opinion is as valid as anyone else's... Right?
I would like to assert that I am an enthusiast. I have no allegiance to anyone. Quite simply, I like cars. I like Japanese cars. I like high-quality parts created by skilled Japanese tuning companies. I do not like replica and knock-off parts. Plain and simple.
My observations over the last few months are some of dismay and, perhaps, a bit of disgust. Now, call me a hypocrite because I constantly denounce faking the funk as well as the hack companies that turn a profit by way of stealing the product of another company's pioneering and innovation. Do not get me wrong - I am not of the extreme melodramatic mindset as to suggest that the tuning world is in dire straits because people do not always see eye-to-eye. I enjoy the diversity in taste in modifying. However, I wonder where and when the seemingly constant insolence was born. I look to social media.
I recently came across a comment on Facebook. The comment was a response to a feature of a car in which the author directed attention to an extremely rare part (1 of 1 in the States). A beautiful aero part with meticulous carbon fiber weave and incredible attention-to-detail, this particular online publication devoted exactly two sentences and one photograph to this automotive specimen of lure. The comment that irked me a bit stated that "all it comes down to for feature cars is who has the most money." I do not think I have to state that I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement, as we see cars riddled with knock-off and replica parts cyber-broadcasted every day. I also think it is worth it to address the issue of denouncing quality and legitimacy. What does it say about the state of the tuning world when modifying with well-constructed parts from the best companies in Japan is something to criticize or declaim? Is it jealousy? Envy? Once again, I find myself reverting to the notion that so-called enthusiasts want something and they want it yesterday, without working for it. To me, that mentality is entirely in line with supporting replica and knock-off companies. I believe a large part of that mindset is attributable to social media. When one can log on to a blog, Facebook, or a forum and see cars put together hastily with replica and knock-off parts earning praise, "features," and acclaim, where is the incentive to build a car with quality parts? Sadly, I do not think it is much of a stretch to suggest that many allow the e-fame of shoddily-built projects to influence their decisions when it comes to modifying their own cars.
We should all be building our cars for ourselves and not to please, impress, or stimulate others. Embracing diversity and embracing trends harmful to the tuning industry are two very different things. I cannot tell someone how to modify their car. If there is one thing that is universally understood, it is the reality that money is tight and people have limited budgets. However, if we call ourselves enthusiasts, should we not strive for the best? Is that not what we are told to do in life and in all of our professional endeavors and personal pursuits outside of our hobbies? Why should building something based on a passion; something of which we want to be proud, be different? The "best" does not have to be the most expensive, but why must we be forced to embrace something that is feigning the appearance of the most expensive? We are constantly expected to recognize that which is inherently and fundamentally mediocre at best. A point I have stressed more than once, why modify at all if we are going to replace perfectly operative stock parts with something of inferior quality? Do we not modify to improve?
In this vacillating social construct where enthusiasts engage daily in the Function over Form fracas and continually debate how much tire stretch is appropriate and how much is idiotic, I suppose I believe this staunch chagrin should be redirected to other automotive cultural afflictions, such as yearning for features showcasing cars exhibiting shoddy (or worse) quality parts. Quite frankly, I don't get it. (Ironically enough, I end up the one labeled a "hater" for questioning it.)
Only three weeks into 2013, I hope to see less promotion of corner-cutting and mediocrity over the next year and to see a more concentrated acknowledgment of and focus on innovation, ingenuity, authenticity, and the real pioneering of the Japanese tuning world.
I would like to assert that I am an enthusiast. I have no allegiance to anyone. Quite simply, I like cars. I like Japanese cars. I like high-quality parts created by skilled Japanese tuning companies. I do not like replica and knock-off parts. Plain and simple.
My observations over the last few months are some of dismay and, perhaps, a bit of disgust. Now, call me a hypocrite because I constantly denounce faking the funk as well as the hack companies that turn a profit by way of stealing the product of another company's pioneering and innovation. Do not get me wrong - I am not of the extreme melodramatic mindset as to suggest that the tuning world is in dire straits because people do not always see eye-to-eye. I enjoy the diversity in taste in modifying. However, I wonder where and when the seemingly constant insolence was born. I look to social media.
I recently came across a comment on Facebook. The comment was a response to a feature of a car in which the author directed attention to an extremely rare part (1 of 1 in the States). A beautiful aero part with meticulous carbon fiber weave and incredible attention-to-detail, this particular online publication devoted exactly two sentences and one photograph to this automotive specimen of lure. The comment that irked me a bit stated that "all it comes down to for feature cars is who has the most money." I do not think I have to state that I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement, as we see cars riddled with knock-off and replica parts cyber-broadcasted every day. I also think it is worth it to address the issue of denouncing quality and legitimacy. What does it say about the state of the tuning world when modifying with well-constructed parts from the best companies in Japan is something to criticize or declaim? Is it jealousy? Envy? Once again, I find myself reverting to the notion that so-called enthusiasts want something and they want it yesterday, without working for it. To me, that mentality is entirely in line with supporting replica and knock-off companies. I believe a large part of that mindset is attributable to social media. When one can log on to a blog, Facebook, or a forum and see cars put together hastily with replica and knock-off parts earning praise, "features," and acclaim, where is the incentive to build a car with quality parts? Sadly, I do not think it is much of a stretch to suggest that many allow the e-fame of shoddily-built projects to influence their decisions when it comes to modifying their own cars.
We should all be building our cars for ourselves and not to please, impress, or stimulate others. Embracing diversity and embracing trends harmful to the tuning industry are two very different things. I cannot tell someone how to modify their car. If there is one thing that is universally understood, it is the reality that money is tight and people have limited budgets. However, if we call ourselves enthusiasts, should we not strive for the best? Is that not what we are told to do in life and in all of our professional endeavors and personal pursuits outside of our hobbies? Why should building something based on a passion; something of which we want to be proud, be different? The "best" does not have to be the most expensive, but why must we be forced to embrace something that is feigning the appearance of the most expensive? We are constantly expected to recognize that which is inherently and fundamentally mediocre at best. A point I have stressed more than once, why modify at all if we are going to replace perfectly operative stock parts with something of inferior quality? Do we not modify to improve?
In this vacillating social construct where enthusiasts engage daily in the Function over Form fracas and continually debate how much tire stretch is appropriate and how much is idiotic, I suppose I believe this staunch chagrin should be redirected to other automotive cultural afflictions, such as yearning for features showcasing cars exhibiting shoddy (or worse) quality parts. Quite frankly, I don't get it. (Ironically enough, I end up the one labeled a "hater" for questioning it.)
Only three weeks into 2013, I hope to see less promotion of corner-cutting and mediocrity over the next year and to see a more concentrated acknowledgment of and focus on innovation, ingenuity, authenticity, and the real pioneering of the Japanese tuning world.
JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Tokyo Auto Salon 2013
I was not fortunate enough to attend the mecca of JDM awesomeness, but in browsing the multiple different pages and blogs posting coverage, there was definitely some great stuff popping up at this year's TAS. Of course, this is a drop in the bucket of all the JDM swag at this event, but here are just a few things that caught my eye...
As you might expect, FRS/BRZ/86 craziness...
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| Varis Arising 2 Widebody and Non-Wide |
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| Top Secret |
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| Rocket Bunny |
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| Zele Performance |
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| Jun R35 on Advan GT rollers |
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| Kansai Service R35. A lot of publicity for the traditional design of the new Advans... |
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| Varis R35 on... wait for it... Advan GT wheels |
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| Tein's new EDFC Active |
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| Intriguing... |
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| Volk Racing TE37 RT "Rigid Type" (Note the etched logo. I love.) |
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| I didn't think the G-Force Evo X could look better, but it does wearing the RTs... |
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| Endless. Enough said. |
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Peep this blog.
I had a short e-mail conversation with lifewithjason's Jason Hoang recently. Good dude. Legit enthusiast with a pretty awesome STI build under his belt and some grand plans for a Lexus VIP project.
Show him some love... lifewithjason.
Show him some love... lifewithjason.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Project G37S: Minor Details
With the biggest modification plan of the past 16 months (the exhaust, of course) complete, I have had a chance to take a step back and look at this project as a whole. I am happy with the car. One-off Project Mu brakes, a one-off exhaust system by Power House Amuse, multiple other quality parts from legitimate JDM companies including Zele Performance, Advan, Cusco, Top Secret, Bride, Tein, HKS, Works Bell, First Molding, etc... There are a few small details I want to address before making a final decision on what will constitute the next phase of this project.
First, I have never been an advocate for installing spacers on wheels. The whole concept of them does not sit well with me. I guess, to be blunt, they just scare me. That said, I am not in love with the ever-so-slight tuck of my front wheels [Specs: 20x9.0" (+27) on 255/35/20 Falken FK452]. After talking with my buddy, Brian of JT Motoring, about my reluctance to install spacers, he assured me that installing a set of hub-specific/hub centric spacers is safe. Trusting Brian's word, I agreed. Skimping on parts is not something I have ever considered with this project, so why would I start when it comes to something that could affect safety? We decided on a set of FIC Japan 10MM spacers. I think these will give my front wheels the exact look for which I am going. (And, rest assured, the first piddling vibration I feel will result in the immediate removal of these spacers.)
These have been sitting for a few months. Ordered when we mounted the Advan RZ-DFs last April, they arrived in June, I believe. We held off putting them on until the car went in the shop for the exhaust overhaul. Only then, six months later, did we discover that we were sent the wrong thread pitch. Not the end of the world, as the current Kics lugs are perfectly fine. I just have a habit of picking up new lugs every time a new set of wheels is ordered. It seems only natural... Right?
After the above-mentioned areas are addressed, there are a couple other minor details that I will tackle before the Spring, but I am in serious debate as to the road this project will take next. Please bear with us... I am excited.
Stay tuned...
First, I have never been an advocate for installing spacers on wheels. The whole concept of them does not sit well with me. I guess, to be blunt, they just scare me. That said, I am not in love with the ever-so-slight tuck of my front wheels [Specs: 20x9.0" (+27) on 255/35/20 Falken FK452]. After talking with my buddy, Brian of JT Motoring, about my reluctance to install spacers, he assured me that installing a set of hub-specific/hub centric spacers is safe. Trusting Brian's word, I agreed. Skimping on parts is not something I have ever considered with this project, so why would I start when it comes to something that could affect safety? We decided on a set of FIC Japan 10MM spacers. I think these will give my front wheels the exact look for which I am going. (And, rest assured, the first piddling vibration I feel will result in the immediate removal of these spacers.)
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| FIC Japan 10MM Spacer |
Next, we have decided now is a good time to change out the front brake pads. As I have mentioned before, I believe a good set of anti-sway bars and upgraded brakes are the two best modifications one can do to a car. I cannot wait to feel the bite of these Project Mu Street pads.
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| Project Mu Street Sports pads for PMu Forged Slim 6POT BBK |
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| Kics REVO R40 w/ red Closed End Caps |
After the above-mentioned areas are addressed, there are a couple other minor details that I will tackle before the Spring, but I am in serious debate as to the road this project will take next. Please bear with us... I am excited.
Stay tuned...
JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Fake Wheel Filth...
The only thing worse than blatant copies of proven designs are blatant copies of proven designs that go so far as to copy all the signature elements and characteristics of the real thing for no reason other than to deceive...
JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation
Friday, January 4, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Perpetuation of Annihilation
Once again, I cannot tell a so-called enthusiast how to spend his/her money, but I guess I cannot grasp the concept of the "enthusiast" websites showcasing corner-cutting; the type of corner-cutting that ultimately harms the industry they claim to love and wish to promote. I can understand, with the crazy number of pictures some of these sites post up on a daily basis, missing a car that is rocking fake aero or even mistaking a set of replica wheels for the real thing, but when the vehicle in question is tattooed with branding of a bootleg company, an alarm should sound and I would hope that someone who loves the JDM parts scene and culture would think twice about supporting or condoning this methodology in regards to modifying.
I explored the website shrouded all over (at least 9 times) the Evo pictured below and found a bevy of [JDM company]-style parts for multiple makes and models. Founded in 2010, this company boasts of "using only Japanese made carbon fibre" for their products, resulting in "uncompromising craftsmanship and quality." I just find myself wondering why, with all the "cutting edge technology" and quality control, original and unique designs cannot be achieved. Why steal someone else's construct?
I'd be quite surprised if Zele, Do-Luck, Veilside, Nismo, Mugen, RE-Amemiya, C-West, DAMD, Varis, Voltex, Jun, Wald, Origin, Bee-R, Auto Select, Top Secret, HKS Kansai, and every other legitimate aero company referenced as a [fill-in-the-blank]-style on that website are receiving, for their covetable designs, a percentage of the sales of this glorified replica company.
If I can just encourage you perusers of Facebook and automotive blogs to think twice before you applaud these pictures. Please do not perpetuate the "corner-cutting is okay" notion by praising these cars. Before you brusquely and impulsively click LIKE, SHARE, or type "Dope!" or "Do want!" or "Sick!" please consider the company that has been ripped off. Consider the research, development, tooling, and prototyping that went into that original design by those original designers. Consider those visionaries. Consider the skill and talent that went into imagining, conceiving, constructing, and actualizing that design. Consider the industry you love.
JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation
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