Project FD: RE-Amemiya Facer N1 VS Facer N1 (2002)

I have done well in terms of adhering to my goal of holding off on the purchase of any parts for this car to this point. However, as I have mentioned a few times in my posts, I have an idea of the direction I would like this project to take. Who knows? Things will inevitably arise and plans will likely change, but it is always a good idea to plan. 

I have done my research in regards to aero options for the FD. In fact, I have actually attempted to find an alternative to RE-Amemiya. In my humble opinion, there is nothing that compares. In fact, I actually want to like something else, as some argue RE-Amemiya is "played out," as abstract a claim as that may be, given that I am quite confident the vast majority of people out there do not encounter an abundance of RE-Amemiya-kitted FD's during their daily conventions. FEED, TCP, and even the controversially insane Fortune kit from VeilSide have all, at one time or another, popped into my head as potential options, but they are shortly thereafter dismissed as inferior to the aero of the legendary rotary tuner. 

Undoubtedly the most popular front bumper in the RE-Amemiya line-up, the N1 is available in a few different variations. Personally, I prefer a version that can be complemented with the RE-Amemiya under sweep. (For those that do not know, the carbon "lip" that runs along the bottom edge of the bumper is a separate piece from the bumper itself. It extends under the front end of the vehicle and is referred to as the undersweep.) That leaves a couple options. There is the older version with the slightly rounder form, fitted with orange reflectors. Then there is the newer (2002) version of the N1 with the sharper lines, clear winkers, and added intercooler vent.


OLDER - Facer N1

NEWER - Facer N1 (2002)

I go back and forth between these two options what seems like every day. I have altered my 'Build List' at least six times to this point. If I decide to go this route with the car, I have a feeling it will be a coin-flip that decides which version I choose. On the one hand, I like the newer look with the vents and the winkers, but I also like the more "traditional" design and ever-so-slightly rounder look of the older version. In a way, the older version strikes me as a bit more period-correct for this car, as absurd or outlandish as that may seem. As stressed above, who knows? I have plenty of time to wrestle with this prospect.

Nonetheless, Stay tuned...

Brotherhood.

Garage Mak fire!

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

More replica hypocrisy...

A few more parasitic replica companies have surfaced in the Z community over the last couple years and they have become fairly popular. We referenced one in a post back in December. Because there are LIKE-seeking "enthusiasts" and e-fame cravers everywhere, these companies are successful. It is believed that there is a correlation between the "I want it now and I do not want to work or wait for it" mentality and the price of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the Z is not as expensive as it once was, and, thus, corner-cutting is rampant. Sadly, replica parts are selling.

Some of these replica companies pay to advertise on social media. Occasionally I come across some of these ads. Of course, the dogma/essence/premise behind JDMphasis is to encourage support of authenticity, originality, and innovation. One of our tag lines, so to speak, is "Be Real. Buy Real," so I found it somewhat ironic and humorous when I see one of the advertisements of one of these replica companies pop up and note the tag line they are using. "Be American. Buy American."

As I understand it, to "be American" means to exercise freedom in the marketplace. If I choose to buy a Nissan or a Toyota pick-up truck, am I not "being American" because I did not buy a Ford F-150 or a Dodge Ram? No. Not at all. In fact, I would argue that the competition in the marketplace not only benefits the consumer, but also the businesses themselves.

Economics aside, this replica company is full of hypocrisy from the implication that you, as a consumer, would not be American if you chose to buy from a company that made parts elsewhere in the world, such as Japan, but also in the laughable "Built by us, inspired by you" slogan. (No, inspired by the Japanese companies whose designs you ripped off.) A quick search of their website shows us that they have stolen designs from companies such as Nismo, INGS+1, Chargespeed, Rocket Bunny, among many others… Notice anything about these companies? Yes, all Japanese. Anything else? Yes, they are all parts for, you guessed it, Japanese cars.

So, does this patriotic company REALLY want you to be American and buy American? Nahhh… If you did, what would happen to them?

Just another fly-by-night replica company looking to make a dollar by ripping off the real talent of the Japanese tuning industry. 

Support originality and innovation. Save your money for a bit longer and buy from the companies who researched, designed, and risked to bring these parts to reality.

Plus, if you choose not to buy from these parasites, you will not have to receive a bumper that looks like a Frito.

Be Real. Buy Real.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Business End.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Happy 3/7!

A few sets of TE37s I have owned…

Be Real. Buy Real.

 Repeal and Replace Replicas.

Be the Funk. Don't Fake It.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Happy Valentine's Day from JDMphasis...

Enjoy this day of grossly over-commercialized love.

 

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Random Picture

Sick Set-Up.

Z34 sporting some BBS rollers and a Central20 big brake kit.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Garage Mak R35

How about a few shots of the Garage Mak R35?

And here is one with the beautifully aggressive Garage Mak Z33…

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Varis Japan through the lens of Daniel Olivares

Shokunin - The Varis Japan Story by Daniel Olivares

THIS is why I love the Japanese tuning culture. This video is precisely the reason I love this stuff. Ingenuity, masterful craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unparalleled pride are just a few of the qualities that make Varis one of the top aerodynamics companies in the world. Their fresh and innovative designs are not only beautiful but functional. They are truly pioneers of the tuning industry. 

I love these behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the tuning culture of Japan because we become witnesses to how things are done. We can soak up all that goes into a design or a shop build. I love that short documentary videos such as this one by Daniel Olivares can help to change attitudes. It can inspire. Videos like this have the ability to show people that the true talent of the industry is in companies like Varis. For example, this video allows us to see with our own eyes the molding by hand of aero designs. It allows us to see the workspace and interior of the Varis shop. It allows us to see that Varis has 14 employees. Fourteen! Let that sink in. Fourteen employees. Hand-made components. There are no conveyor belts pumping out bumpers. There are not hundreds of people bubble-wrapping fiberglass and carbon fiber before loading them onto freight trucks for delivery. One of the common points made by pro-replica "enthusiasts" is that knock-offs and replicas are the way of the world and that we all need to get used to it. There are often comparisons to knock-off products like generic drugs or off-brand sodas. This video allows us to see for ourselves just how absurd those arguments really are. Again, Varis has 14 employees. When someone purchases a Wal-Mart brand soda or generic baby powder, Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson are not going to feel the effects quite as strongly as Varis does when people purchase replica aero components from the hack companies who copy their designs for the sole purpose of turning a profit. This video allows us to see for ourselves that Varis is not a multi-billion dollar corporation. In that way, it shows us that purchasing replica parts can actually harm the vanguards of the tuning world. It shows us that there is real pride and real passion behind these designs, something that cannot be said about replica and knock-off parts.

This really is why I love the Japanese tuning industry. This stuff is what it is all about. I will stop fanboying now. Daniel Olivares and Varis Japan, keep doing your thing!

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation 

Project Z33: Vertex Ti Bolts

I recently received some titanium bolts from Vertex for my wheel…

Thrilling update, I know… But the small details are important, too. I am hoping to make a bit more progress on this project in 2018 than was made in 2017.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Lady in Red...

I came across these pictures a few weeks ago. The backdrop is Chicago. Car owner and photographer is Richy Contreras.

Sharp Fairlady Z.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation