I cannot wait to see fake widebody Z33s all over the place...

/SARCASM.

Please do not support these parasites attempting to cash in on a proven Japanese design. If you are debating the purchase of a fake Rocket Bunny kit for your Z33, I urge you to resist that urge and save your money for a bit longer. It is worth it in the end, I promise. Take pride in your ride. Buy Real.

And… The LEGIT version.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

All Business - HKS GT1000 R35

I love this shot of the HKS GT1000 R35…

Just a portion of the MOD LIST on this beast:

ENGINE

• HKS 9.0:1 Forged Pistons
• HKS Connecting Rods
• HKS Step2 Camshafts
• HKS Racing Suction Reloaded Intakes
• HKS GT1000+ Spec Turbochargers
• HKS GT1000 Manifolds
• HKS SSQV Blow-Off Valves
• HKS GT2 50MM Wastegates
• HKS Racing SPL Exhaust
• HKS F-Con V Pro (Engine Management)
• HKS R-Type GT1000 Spec Intercooler

SUSPENSION/FOOTWORK

• HKS Hipermax Springs
• HKS Hipermax IV SP SPL Adjustable Dampers
• Advan GT Wheels (20x11" +5 square set-up)
• Yokohama Advan A005 Tires
• Endless Forged Monoblock Brakes (6-Piston F&R)
• Endless Rotors (400MM Front, 387MM Rear)
• Endless Brake Pads
• Endless Stainless Braided Brake Lines

INTERIOR

• Bride Maxis III N.O.B. Special Edition Seats
• Takata 6-Point Harnesses
• Nardi Steering Wheel

EXTERIOR

• BenSopra Aero
• BenSopra Wing
• Craft Square Mirrors
• Top Racing Carbon Fiber Bonnet

A few more shots of this beauty...

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Demello Offroad Single-Hoop Front Bumper

Up until about a week and a half ago the Z had controlled much of my modding attention. I made a purchase for the FJ yesterday, however, that, though unexpected, has me very excited. I would not call it an "impulse buy" because it is a part that I have had my eye on for a long time, but it is a purchase that I had planned on making a little further down the line. Oh well…

Demello Offroad Single-Hoop Front Bumper

I decided to spend a few extra dollars and go with the aluminum model (as opposed to steel) for the weight savings. This bumper weighs roughly 10-20 pounds more than the stock bumper and the steel version weighs roughly 110 pounds, about 70+ pounds more than stock. No brainer, in my opinion.

Anticipating this purchase over a year ago, I had already purchased a relocation kit for the windshield washer fluid reservoir, as the stock piece would be low-hanging and exposed with this bumper. I also ordered a set of Baja Designs Squadron Sport 3.5" lights to go with the bumper.

The lead time for the bumper is 3-4 weeks. Once it arrives, I am going to make an appointment to get my tires mounted, lift kit installed, and bumper and nerf bars installed. Stay tuned…

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Rant.

I apologize that I do not have a better title for this post.

Replica parts ruin a car for me. Yes, ruin it. Despite what many say, I am allowed to have that opinion. Then I know there are people who actually do not run replica parts on their own vehicles, but say that they can still respect a build that has been constructed using replica parts. I am not one of those people. Please do not announce how proud of your project vehicle you are and then cut corners. It is contradictory and hypocritical.

I saw a Z33 on the road today with aero components that seem to be becoming more and more popular and I have no idea why. I suppose it is what sparked this post. I actually remember making a blog post about a Z donning this aero back in 2012. Amuse Vestito Z34 replica parts for the Z33. Why is this desirable? Am I the only one who thinks this looks cheap? Not just "looks" cheap. It IS cheap. It is a known Z34 aero component that has been ripped off by fly-by-night aero companies looking to make a buck and butchered onto a different platform. And people actually WANT this look? Why? What is the appeal to sporting a part that you know was originally made for another vehicle and then copied by a parasitic replica company so it could be used on a different vehicle just to make that company even more money? Even if it looked good, why?

Here is another shot of this comical example of irony… Eat, Sleep, not JDM. At all.

Fake wheels, fake aero… [Face Palm]

There are a number of hack replica companies that have stolen this design…

I guess I just do not understand it...


Then there is the REAL deal.

Amuse Vestito Z34

Is this cool, too? Ugh.

Be the Funk. Don't Fake it.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Buying Varis parts? Take heed.

A public service announcement from my friends at Bulletproof Automotive…

Due to some shady consumerism, there are counterfeit Varis parts circulating the market. I know - everyone is shocked. If you are in the market for Varis parts, make sure you look for the gold Varis badge of authenticity.

Be the Funk. Don't Fake it.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Finally pulled the trigger on rubber!

My plans for this truck have vacillated considerably over the past six months or so. I have spent months researching tire sizes and conversions to the point where I decided I just needed to make a decision and go with it. One would think that it would be relatively simple to find a set-up on a forum by way of a picture of the desired lift and stance desired. However, I have to say, it is not an easy feat. I have searched and searched and searched with no luck. Perhaps I am too particular of exactly how I want this truck to look. Either way, I have taken a bit of a leap of faith with the tire on which I ultimately decided. I believe we should be okay. Nonetheless, if we experience any rubbing at all, I think minimal trimming will remedy the situation.

Without further ado, here is the rubber we will be sporting…

BF Goodrich T/A KO2

34x12.5R18

Oh, and in case you have forgotten on what wheels these tires will be mounted…

Volk Racing TE37 Large PCD

18x9.0"

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Just… Don't. Please.

Be Real. Buy Real.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation