tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44147550349339145752024-03-14T05:29:42.596-04:00JDMphasisTo select automotive enthusiasts, "JDM" is more than just an acronym for Japanese Domestic Market. JDM is not simply rare parts. It is a way of life. A culture. A modus vivendi. JDM is a lifestyle.BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.comBlogger660125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-70917239220236316052020-05-28T04:30:00.000-04:002020-05-28T04:30:05.634-04:00Project M4: Lockdown Lag<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As with just about every aspect of life these days, the M4 project has slowed to the pace of a snail. That is okay, though. This is likely the first time in my life that I have had a project with the parts in-hand and ready to go. It is a different kind of anxious waiting. I am now waiting for shops to open and fit me in as opposed to waiting for parts to arrive with crazy delays from Japan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That said, I was able to drop the M4 off at <a href="http://sansossioautocouture.com/">Sansossio Auto Couture in Natick, MA</a> last weekend for some work. I am really stoked about the work that is being done to the car by Phil Sansossio and his crew. The car will likely not be done for another week, but I have received a few update/teaser shots of the progress being made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were three main jobs that I wanted Phil to address: the brake calipers, the front bumper, and the rear spoiler. If you have followed <b><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis</span></i></b> for any period of time or if you happen to be familiar with any of my previous projects, you know that I can be anal. Attention to detail matters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The brake calipers.</b> The M4 is fitted with the Brembo carbon ceramic brake option from BMW. I actually like the gold caliper finish... on just about every car color except Austin Yellow. To me, the colors are too similar, but not close enough to match. I have been irked by that since Day 1 of owning the car. Knowing that I wanted to run Mag Blue/Titanium Blue wheels on this car, I knew I would have a difficult time deciding what to do with the color of the calipers. The safe play would have been to color-match them to the body of the car with Austin Yellow. This was a scenario to which I gave some very serious thought. However, I am a fan of calipers that pop against the body color of the vehicle. If the color of the vehicle is on one side of the color wheel, I am likely to choose the color directly opposite it on that wheel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I suppose I took a risk. I decided to go with 'Glasurit BMW 5002' - the light blue color in the BMW <b style="font-style: italic;">///M </b>logo. I chose this because I think it will look good against both the Titanium Blue of the Advan GT wheels as well as the Austin Yellow of the car itself. It is a much lighter blue than the blue of the wheels, so not as to look as though there was any sort of attempt to match the two. On top of that, I believe this particular light blue will contrast nicely with the unique shade of yellow that BMW calls Austin Yellow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am really looking forward to seeing them mounted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some teaser snaps:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmsKW78xmSo/Xs8tpsMULVI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/_fMg-Y6clOsl79WpaVaFierXi5vrT_vgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dmsKW78xmSo/Xs8tpsMULVI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/_fMg-Y6clOsl79WpaVaFierXi5vrT_vgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2844.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGGAFtsvmYs/Xs8tpwK5YUI/AAAAAAAAHsU/VDNFjNLHpFwo1s9rrIycrBpOK8AKvtOFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGGAFtsvmYs/Xs8tpwK5YUI/AAAAAAAAHsU/VDNFjNLHpFwo1s9rrIycrBpOK8AKvtOFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2845.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDt668Sngcg/Xs8tp8UZm0I/AAAAAAAAHsY/MpqWfd3eEO07StfQnPGxDOlPhIiyjoLmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDt668Sngcg/Xs8tp8UZm0I/AAAAAAAAHsY/MpqWfd3eEO07StfQnPGxDOlPhIiyjoLmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2846.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The front bumper.</b> Another aspect of this car that has bothered me since I saw my first M4 is something that I believe would go unnoticed to many non-car people. The reflectors on the front bumper. Eyesores as far as I am concerned.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7slgbX8WMs/Xs80YQESZ0I/AAAAAAAAHss/e15QGn5tmfYeHhYCcuZKsb3uY0qdaotrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7slgbX8WMs/Xs80YQESZ0I/AAAAAAAAHss/e15QGn5tmfYeHhYCcuZKsb3uY0qdaotrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2431.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BMW specialists IND Distribution feel the same way that I do about these unsightly reflectors. They sell body-colored inserts. One simply pops the reflector out and pops in the body-colored replacement. These inserts certainly look better than the reflectors, but, in my humble opinion, they are sort of a Band-Aid. I decided that I want to do it right and have the reflectors deleted permanently, leaving no sign that they were ever there to begin with. Phil informed me that most people would not opt to do this. Maybe he is right. And perhaps 95 out of 100 people will look at the front bumper and have no idea there was ever anything different about it. But I will know. I believe the final product will look much cleaner and not distract from the rest of the car. I am actually very excited about this modification.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-m-JGPUD-o/Xs8164srI6I/AAAAAAAAHs8/QtmG6C7X0Q4MP0LE2nT8MGQzZtd1lug_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-m-JGPUD-o/Xs8164srI6I/AAAAAAAAHs8/QtmG6C7X0Q4MP0LE2nT8MGQzZtd1lug_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2853.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUVvO9YRpes/Xs816u9wY4I/AAAAAAAAHtA/oJJ3HHLkRWY2qIIYAGqhzl7X9AzHR7f8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUVvO9YRpes/Xs816u9wY4I/AAAAAAAAHtA/oJJ3HHLkRWY2qIIYAGqhzl7X9AzHR7f8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2854.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrTLo98G9Mw/Xs816l1TcCI/AAAAAAAAHs4/dPu_qtxzz94K4Zfu8gvzXr9pNaD2Did1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrTLo98G9Mw/Xs816l1TcCI/AAAAAAAAHs4/dPu_qtxzz94K4Zfu8gvzXr9pNaD2Did1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2855.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The spoiler.</b> The final area of the car that I asked Phil to address is the rear spoiler. It actually took me a long time to decide on a spoiler that I liked enough to put on the car. I contemplated a few different ideas and made a decision about which I am actually pretty stoked. I do not have any pictures of the spoiler, so you will have to leave that up to your imagination for now. I will say that it is carbon fiber. One thing that I dislike about carbon fiber parts is that sometimes it can look as if they were an afterthought - as if a box was opened one minute and the part was slapped on the car the next. There has not been one aspect of this project so far that I have not spent a significant amount of time debating before making a decision. The spoiler is no different. So, I asked Phil if he could do some paintwork to the spoiler to avoid it looking like "an afterthought," as I described it to him. We discussed a few options and I believe the end result will be worth the surprise...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I retrieve the car from Sansossio Auto Couture within the next week it will be going directly into the care and custody of my buddy Brian at Eastside Motoring to address the interior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stay tuned...</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-55500279594979012682020-05-23T14:30:00.000-04:002020-05-23T14:30:06.532-04:00If you have about 13 minutes......check out the first episode of this YouTube series featuring Yukimitsu Hara of Car Shop GLOW. It's worth the watch, especially if you are into FD's.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/Hmuj86utysY">Car Shop GLOW TV</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-31864892472528057002020-04-09T23:00:00.000-04:002020-04-11T12:15:31.342-04:00Project M4: Plans for Spring/Summer 2020<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The M4 is currently in the same state that it was prior to winter. However, we have some plans for the coming weeks, as parts have been waiting in the wings for a few months now. I have gone back and forth with my vision for this car. That is not to suggest that my plans may not change down the metaphorical road, but, as of right now, I am actually quite happy with the appearance of the M4. A few small modifications and enhancements and the exterior of the car will be exactly where I want it. <i>For now...</i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have more plans for the interior of the M4 about which I am rather excited. It is safe to say that there will be a bit more carbon fiber adorning the cockpit courtesy of M Performance and IND Distribution.</span></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZu3go7S6Kc/XowJGtlPuzI/AAAAAAAAHp8/boL-oKZWflcBN6QEkp4sP3oGOG6nChexQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CFseatback1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="757" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZu3go7S6Kc/XowJGtlPuzI/AAAAAAAAHp8/boL-oKZWflcBN6QEkp4sP3oGOG6nChexQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/CFseatback1.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VunFQF5xXVU/XowJGihQmeI/AAAAAAAAHqA/XtdFIaxF8FYbGb-gsn-Lp3ZKbEVAN7Z_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CFseatback2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VunFQF5xXVU/XowJGihQmeI/AAAAAAAAHqA/XtdFIaxF8FYbGb-gsn-Lp3ZKbEVAN7Z_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/CFseatback2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrqlSEZ2UEk/XowJIK5uo_I/AAAAAAAAHqE/h5MqA8zxWwYkplhAzuhFlp5O0a73MC5mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ebrake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrqlSEZ2UEk/XowJIK5uo_I/AAAAAAAAHqE/h5MqA8zxWwYkplhAzuhFlp5O0a73MC5mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ebrake.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZl5a2obdno/XowJL2SpsTI/AAAAAAAAHqM/kdXr5hR8lEkneVyY3rxvM3UOaQMTdLR9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/shiftbezel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZl5a2obdno/XowJL2SpsTI/AAAAAAAAHqM/kdXr5hR8lEkneVyY3rxvM3UOaQMTdLR9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/shiftbezel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDfa4ipl4zk/XowJL78FmhI/AAAAAAAAHqI/2kABXmPMdAUNuQHg66hM2Fc7nqh7znDiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Shiftcover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDfa4ipl4zk/XowJL78FmhI/AAAAAAAAHqI/2kABXmPMdAUNuQHg66hM2Fc7nqh7znDiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Shiftcover.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And a teaser of some of the other parts I received from IND the other day...</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzebpxiVEyM/XowEx0jL2jI/AAAAAAAAHpw/uWjRLLVzoHEscEzkLKIGKNNeIRbg6PD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/INDgoodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzebpxiVEyM/XowEx0jL2jI/AAAAAAAAHpw/uWjRLLVzoHEscEzkLKIGKNNeIRbg6PD9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/INDgoodies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am in the process of figuring out when this work will be completed. Thank you for reading. Stay tuned. <i>In the meantime, stay home. Stay safe.</i></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
</div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-90242295441410549082020-04-04T08:30:00.000-04:002020-04-04T08:30:17.465-04:00Old School Street Dreams<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>This Hako.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ_JD29ceFc/XoflHbT-ByI/AAAAAAAAHpM/ME7wp20GqncH4R-HWNpneUbh2ME0q1PUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ_JD29ceFc/XoflHbT-ByI/AAAAAAAAHpM/ME7wp20GqncH4R-HWNpneUbh2ME0q1PUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_7567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-82092159059767613562020-02-15T19:00:00.000-05:002020-02-15T19:00:43.663-05:00Squad Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Choose your weapon.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRfJ9z24dlc/XkIh7z92syI/AAAAAAAAHns/tnY0E8ltf6gBFyio1Ib3r_8Ap1vripvtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NissanSquadGoals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRfJ9z24dlc/XkIh7z92syI/AAAAAAAAHns/tnY0E8ltf6gBFyio1Ib3r_8Ap1vripvtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/NissanSquadGoals.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</b></span></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-31403845837627592332020-02-11T02:30:00.000-05:002020-02-11T02:30:03.832-05:00Queued Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9gXQMEqWGw/XkIhIeqEeYI/AAAAAAAAHnk/Q3XB7fktW8YutGTm9Eh0ssnRmlF_PxJmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/KamikazeRqueuedup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9gXQMEqWGw/XkIhIeqEeYI/AAAAAAAAHnk/Q3XB7fktW8YutGTm9Eh0ssnRmlF_PxJmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/KamikazeRqueuedup.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Varis Kamikaze-R</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>JDMphasis...</i> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-29178024690498171462020-01-30T04:30:00.000-05:002020-01-30T04:30:17.581-05:00Clean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sdevux9Md1E/XjDdKAzPMXI/AAAAAAAAHm8/DSgW6SfAa8oJ5oMyyXeFygkZlDerEP2FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cleanS2Kbay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1080" height="546" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sdevux9Md1E/XjDdKAzPMXI/AAAAAAAAHm8/DSgW6SfAa8oJ5oMyyXeFygkZlDerEP2FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cleanS2Kbay.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-64282913080474465012020-01-10T02:00:00.000-05:002020-01-10T02:00:19.723-05:00Project M4: Aero<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>First off<b>, Happy New Year!</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I seem to post every few months now when I used to post multiple times a week. I have no good excuses. I apologize for the lack of activity/content.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have completed a few updates to the M4 since my last post here. I have really enjoyed driving/learning this car and it certainly attracts more attention than the SRT did. I am not quite sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I spent a considerable amount of time researching aero for the M4. Of course, I was leaning towards the Japanese companies because, well, I love Japanese parts. The attention to detail is the biggest draw for me. However, I went a different route when I chose APR Performance for the front and sides. I do not regret that decision. At all. These carbon fiber aero parts are legitimate. Fit and finish is second to none. On top of that, I love the aggressive yet classy look these parts provide. As for the rear diffuser, I went with Kohlenstoff, which, as far as I know, is actually a Japanese aerodynamics company, though it does not sound it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mixing and matching aero parts can be risky. I did not want the front and sides to clash with the rear. I wanted them to complement one and other. In my opinion, the level of aggression is perfect. Not too much, not too little. The ideal amount. On top of that, I confirmed that the carbon fiber weave on these parts matched. I do have a few other plans for the exterior of the M, but the pictures below are of the vehicle in its current form. More changes coming later in 2020...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">APR Performance Carbon Fiber Front Lip</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">APR Performance Carbon Fiber Side Rocker Extensions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Kohlenstoff Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you for continuing to follow <i><b><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis</span></b></i>, though my posts have been few and far between.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtjrSfg4FhA/XhgArvRjL9I/AAAAAAAAHk8/JjGllv70bCARaOrIK90Kbcvnr5AFIB8XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtjrSfg4FhA/XhgArvRjL9I/AAAAAAAAHk8/JjGllv70bCARaOrIK90Kbcvnr5AFIB8XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0539.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAPGL13EG8s/XhgAtcsADiI/AAAAAAAAHlA/asiWlIpO-i4ZUxLpXkHViMn8djLRgHieACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAPGL13EG8s/XhgAtcsADiI/AAAAAAAAHlA/asiWlIpO-i4ZUxLpXkHViMn8djLRgHieACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmbqhFdLEuM/XhgAwxC90ZI/AAAAAAAAHlE/cAJ8bJsw0VYlFx9rArlAKQgGHwLk0mDdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmbqhFdLEuM/XhgAwxC90ZI/AAAAAAAAHlE/cAJ8bJsw0VYlFx9rArlAKQgGHwLk0mDdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3WBteR8oU0/XhgAyrf-adI/AAAAAAAAHlI/JvvOrFea3scV52W6NUGJ04JITK9QE64GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3WBteR8oU0/XhgAyrf-adI/AAAAAAAAHlI/JvvOrFea3scV52W6NUGJ04JITK9QE64GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAT6JJSMhkY/XhgA0ShRDFI/AAAAAAAAHlM/eBP71hDG_M4UWeM4YBcx7ChL9Opi8X7pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAT6JJSMhkY/XhgA0ShRDFI/AAAAAAAAHlM/eBP71hDG_M4UWeM4YBcx7ChL9Opi8X7pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQoGvjAj5J4/XhgBBvRBzUI/AAAAAAAAHlY/kbqFDtBmf905AfF2y0YBJde1mpJT0pKDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/0798C07F-E89A-4A12-829B-6280348AC31F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQoGvjAj5J4/XhgBBvRBzUI/AAAAAAAAHlY/kbqFDtBmf905AfF2y0YBJde1mpJT0pKDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/0798C07F-E89A-4A12-829B-6280348AC31F.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywtzT-m3NQA/XhgBHS6BZ9I/AAAAAAAAHlk/WgsPDkS0jjo4umgFmwCa3CuScRynrYgRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1215" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywtzT-m3NQA/XhgBHS6BZ9I/AAAAAAAAHlk/WgsPDkS0jjo4umgFmwCa3CuScRynrYgRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1268.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJJFSotcltM/XhgBTjGTh3I/AAAAAAAAHl4/AGXTg_Jxyokr9oqAz7rF5t95rlwJ8Pf4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJJFSotcltM/XhgBTjGTh3I/AAAAAAAAHl4/AGXTg_Jxyokr9oqAz7rF5t95rlwJ8Pf4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1292.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The following shots are from a quick photoshoot by Eastside Motoring who installed all of these parts. Big thanks, as always, to my trusted friend Brian. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj9f0CmBCT8/XhgBJBdYnaI/AAAAAAAAHmI/QoolwGdcoNYHmzh06xx0r3pSxByCVqdjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/8AC4BDA4-AD1B-4624-8B5A-40D0F8EB8C8F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj9f0CmBCT8/XhgBJBdYnaI/AAAAAAAAHmI/QoolwGdcoNYHmzh06xx0r3pSxByCVqdjQCEwYBhgL/s640/8AC4BDA4-AD1B-4624-8B5A-40D0F8EB8C8F.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-GJFd3UQcY/XhgBKSySmaI/AAAAAAAAHl8/WdCWhcwjH8gGlIf3jSsVhdf7VcXyo2rCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/67A1AE57-1626-4DBB-A28A-FF43F2D9E59E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-GJFd3UQcY/XhgBKSySmaI/AAAAAAAAHl8/WdCWhcwjH8gGlIf3jSsVhdf7VcXyo2rCQCEwYBhgL/s640/67A1AE57-1626-4DBB-A28A-FF43F2D9E59E.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKsLQ5NZFQ0/XhgBNmXo4gI/AAAAAAAAHmE/lJd3tSFT8-sP70Z4hIaKQw5psMsukcmBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BADFB342-2410-43E1-9D4B-6355EDB480F9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKsLQ5NZFQ0/XhgBNmXo4gI/AAAAAAAAHmE/lJd3tSFT8-sP70Z4hIaKQw5psMsukcmBwCEwYBhgL/s640/BADFB342-2410-43E1-9D4B-6355EDB480F9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6-vOD26x_E/XhgBMFr1r_I/AAAAAAAAHmI/Z9Bc6T_2YBs5eieMjaCuY-G3A44lznGSACEwYBhgL/s1600/B32823EA-02AE-4F11-9075-3887EADE82D8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6-vOD26x_E/XhgBMFr1r_I/AAAAAAAAHmI/Z9Bc6T_2YBs5eieMjaCuY-G3A44lznGSACEwYBhgL/s640/B32823EA-02AE-4F11-9075-3887EADE82D8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-59438664500853831912019-08-31T10:00:00.000-04:002019-08-31T10:00:01.401-04:00Timeless<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I do not think TE37's will ever be boring to me...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jmEVLifPb0/XVylZZsSxzI/AAAAAAAAGc4/mSZm1brbP7MRVqhLg1jzN4asWPs8yLn2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jmEVLifPb0/XVylZZsSxzI/AAAAAAAAGc4/mSZm1brbP7MRVqhLg1jzN4asWPs8yLn2QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpHN-60Fu6U/XVymyhCK9-I/AAAAAAAAGdc/Mn8VH2TjwUMkYxoYL5LV8mehOkdVvkgLwCLcBGAs/s1600/te37black.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpHN-60Fu6U/XVymyhCK9-I/AAAAAAAAGdc/Mn8VH2TjwUMkYxoYL5LV8mehOkdVvkgLwCLcBGAs/s640/te37black.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psC7HEbj-sA/XVym1XgHiII/AAAAAAAAGdg/N6ZY08B6MaoajcwTtXpFOvzzLgEzwbSUwCLcBGAs/s1600/te37red1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psC7HEbj-sA/XVym1XgHiII/AAAAAAAAGdg/N6ZY08B6MaoajcwTtXpFOvzzLgEzwbSUwCLcBGAs/s640/te37red1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzKq6WnVwAs/XVymamWUQ1I/AAAAAAAAGdI/eukaZf5KwJU3vLUBat-cRT5UPgCx79-twCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzKq6WnVwAs/XVymamWUQ1I/AAAAAAAAGdI/eukaZf5KwJU3vLUBat-cRT5UPgCx79-twCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be Real. Buy Real.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-14846809360233440262019-08-21T02:30:00.000-04:002019-08-21T02:30:05.794-04:00Project M4: Rolling along...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been a couple months since I have posted regarding the progress of the M. Everything is coming together and my next phase of modifications is in the works. Here are a few shots of the car as it sits currently.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBUAYSK_vBs/XVyeqWUy8iI/AAAAAAAAGUA/tfFA6uqUd84I5XnJRUvBAFsIL2RYE8cpACLcBGAs/s1600/2D64C5A2-7A31-40C3-93DD-B33689F0AD8A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBUAYSK_vBs/XVyeqWUy8iI/AAAAAAAAGUA/tfFA6uqUd84I5XnJRUvBAFsIL2RYE8cpACLcBGAs/s640/2D64C5A2-7A31-40C3-93DD-B33689F0AD8A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uds58dOndMY/XVyet8BjtbI/AAAAAAAAGUE/BoOr_e7bMRMLelVRzfhSyL9grUB-XimDwCLcBGAs/s1600/84128CC9-4BCA-41A3-8EB4-96316BA11DD8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uds58dOndMY/XVyet8BjtbI/AAAAAAAAGUE/BoOr_e7bMRMLelVRzfhSyL9grUB-XimDwCLcBGAs/s640/84128CC9-4BCA-41A3-8EB4-96316BA11DD8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRajngVs-4M/XVyews9Q78I/AAAAAAAAGUI/TB1lkT5KnR0kM1q2L5GH98mhGA0D60ECQCLcBGAs/s1600/FE882957-2552-4F46-9AD6-9F1B963B4C6A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1600" height="558" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRajngVs-4M/XVyews9Q78I/AAAAAAAAGUI/TB1lkT5KnR0kM1q2L5GH98mhGA0D60ECQCLcBGAs/s640/FE882957-2552-4F46-9AD6-9F1B963B4C6A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4oc5VjcKe8/XVyezM3QfxI/AAAAAAAAGUM/HHvd_INVi2M-bArLqNOCU3PBzFW2ugilQCLcBGAs/s1600/FF16F73E-A1D2-45BE-BE97-B82144C077FC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4oc5VjcKe8/XVyezM3QfxI/AAAAAAAAGUM/HHvd_INVi2M-bArLqNOCU3PBzFW2ugilQCLcBGAs/s640/FF16F73E-A1D2-45BE-BE97-B82144C077FC.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NvNYp2AGlE/XVye1zpo6uI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/Bf5jFBdWc9EDX_0aQywKGaPFNceW6FlDgCLcBGAs/s1600/CAAAFC18-BA26-4F86-AC99-AEB0FF452D6A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NvNYp2AGlE/XVye1zpo6uI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/Bf5jFBdWc9EDX_0aQywKGaPFNceW6FlDgCLcBGAs/s640/CAAAFC18-BA26-4F86-AC99-AEB0FF452D6A.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">[<i>Temporary</i>] Front Lip Splitter installed.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcCyj34jKFk/XVye3eUminI/AAAAAAAAGUU/XMFa-j2KmSQKk9SxEhvwP7uYALG9wmNtQCLcBGAs/s1600/781F33EF-5B1A-4C88-9533-934C182A6A14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcCyj34jKFk/XVye3eUminI/AAAAAAAAGUU/XMFa-j2KmSQKk9SxEhvwP7uYALG9wmNtQCLcBGAs/s640/781F33EF-5B1A-4C88-9533-934C182A6A14.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">20" Advan GT Premium wrapped in Falken rubber. Note the stud kit and the first set of Burnt Ti Muteki lugs in the US.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_7hoy1sj9E/XVyfI4_7ZuI/AAAAAAAAGU0/DNaXhbTmsz44HlPNJBDwNWeuX5mlIN1dgCLcBGAs/s1600/A9EE3356-1D7B-4ACE-90CD-1913DB1ADBF7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_7hoy1sj9E/XVyfI4_7ZuI/AAAAAAAAGU0/DNaXhbTmsz44HlPNJBDwNWeuX5mlIN1dgCLcBGAs/s640/A9EE3356-1D7B-4ACE-90CD-1913DB1ADBF7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When I first bought the car everyone asked me why I chose this color. No one seemed to like it. One friend of mine remarked, "I like everything about it, except the color." Thus, the new tags... UGLYM4, which also happens to be my IG handle: <b>Ugly_M4</b>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r66j5KIKXWM/XVyfKvs6ZlI/AAAAAAAAGVA/HeyzdZjWF3MwqIo0hRnlZMcgOcGTBT4NQCLcBGAs/s1600/7F10FCCD-82A1-40CA-9969-18D1E9FAACB1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r66j5KIKXWM/XVyfKvs6ZlI/AAAAAAAAGVA/HeyzdZjWF3MwqIo0hRnlZMcgOcGTBT4NQCLcBGAs/s640/7F10FCCD-82A1-40CA-9969-18D1E9FAACB1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I swapped out the plain carbon fiber license plate frame for a carbon fiber BMW M Performance frame. It is growing on me. Also, notice the bolts and washers. I created my own kit using burnt titanium hardware from DressUpBolts.com. Came out nice, if you ask me. A nice complement to the Muteki burnt ti lugs. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you for following. Stay tuned for more...</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-20768947256130361092019-06-23T00:00:00.000-04:002019-06-23T23:47:32.872-04:00Project M4: Highs and Lows<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A couple weeks ago I loaded my fresh Mag Blue Volk Racing ZE40's in the M and began my trip to Eastside Motoring in Waltham, MA. As the loyal followers of <i><b><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis</span></b></i> may know, my buddy Brian has worked on all of my cars for the past 10+ years. I trust Brian with the care of the cars, but I also trust his knowledge and I respect his opinions. On top of that, I know he will never take advantage of me when it comes to pricing. He will give me the best price he possibly can and when he cannot match a price, he is upfront and honest about it. I have followed Brian around from shop to shop over the years. He started working at Eastside about 6 months ago. Thus, I made my first trip over there with the M.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gKv0jFTRes/XPcyPExZ2UI/AAAAAAAAGK0/R23-OFv-6mseqWpHATC7qVb8QtsOZCo2wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gKv0jFTRes/XPcyPExZ2UI/AAAAAAAAGK0/R23-OFv-6mseqWpHATC7qVb8QtsOZCo2wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1993.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I arrived and received the grand tour. I saw everything from BMW's and Mercedes to Porsches, Lotuses, a Rolls, a McLaren, etc. They work on everything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My exhaust system had arrived that day, so opening up those boxes was, of course, on the top of my list of things to do.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYnuwqoPgEI/XPcyFPiftcI/AAAAAAAAGLc/CKK9moolcKInRpoMIT0Iwye8WUqa86bkgCEwYBhgL/s1600/1AFF318F-5BEA-4E3E-AAA7-8D6219DA7A1A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYnuwqoPgEI/XPcyFPiftcI/AAAAAAAAGLc/CKK9moolcKInRpoMIT0Iwye8WUqa86bkgCEwYBhgL/s640/1AFF318F-5BEA-4E3E-AAA7-8D6219DA7A1A.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ5dHdVHwGw/XPcyRF1jH5I/AAAAAAAAGLc/RHMeirUj8J8P1ZasMjdum3i7vUPLn7GkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ5dHdVHwGw/XPcyRF1jH5I/AAAAAAAAGLc/RHMeirUj8J8P1ZasMjdum3i7vUPLn7GkwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2003.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZYwYqdjxYI/XPcyGrxKYvI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/oAIUPLzAW8QFQ2E0XHLC1g8TrA3a6GIqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/9DD66A52-6C4C-43AE-B4CC-172C834AFC52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZYwYqdjxYI/XPcyGrxKYvI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/oAIUPLzAW8QFQ2E0XHLC1g8TrA3a6GIqgCEwYBhgL/s640/9DD66A52-6C4C-43AE-B4CC-172C834AFC52.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UshbYifYos/XPcyNIotIYI/AAAAAAAAGLM/OY5VYUxoSggU3CGIJRv3dnU_WOyi7AwIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/C9319270-F369-4BEF-AB22-EE9BE87940E2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UshbYifYos/XPcyNIotIYI/AAAAAAAAGLM/OY5VYUxoSggU3CGIJRv3dnU_WOyi7AwIQCEwYBhgL/s640/C9319270-F369-4BEF-AB22-EE9BE87940E2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remus cat-back with 102MM tips. I was stoked to get this system installed. It works with the OEM valve control and I opted for the 102MM tips (carbon fiber) because I believe the OEM tips are just a bit too small. I feel like these tips fill up the rear bumper cut-outs perfectly.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM-E9_nrmsk/XPcyNxOhYxI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/XMRgAXERe_4EjEMujSPRTF0GcA-ERjK9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/9123E6FC-9F31-4AB5-A007-BBE2A819EBAC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OM-E9_nrmsk/XPcyNxOhYxI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/XMRgAXERe_4EjEMujSPRTF0GcA-ERjK9ACEwYBhgL/s640/9123E6FC-9F31-4AB5-A007-BBE2A819EBAC.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Tips are fire. (<i>Yes, that is the plate from the SRT. It will be gone soon.</i>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Brian and I then went over everything that we had planned for the car. The car was set to get the new springs installed. I opted for Swift Sport Spec-R springs because of their stellar reputation, as well as my positive experience with them. I have used them on one of my Z's as well as on the SRT. I have had no complaints. Of course, the wheels and tires were on the list, too, as well as an alignment. Installing the IND painted rear reflector set and tinting the rear taillights were two smaller yet quite noticeable modifications on our list, as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LsmR6GycIo/XRBHanVfRMI/AAAAAAAAGMw/9cnuAr-nEjMD9yfPqg4KFI8UQeZ2S0owACLcBGAs/s1600/662F86C7-6B7B-4EC5-9878-B07302A6DDA5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="725" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LsmR6GycIo/XRBHanVfRMI/AAAAAAAAGMw/9cnuAr-nEjMD9yfPqg4KFI8UQeZ2S0owACLcBGAs/s640/662F86C7-6B7B-4EC5-9878-B07302A6DDA5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YC9-GJLCtGA/XQ7i2Cl-43I/AAAAAAAAGMU/TU9DdCzvlk07b8zUeqEP-LmHb1xI9_t5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YC9-GJLCtGA/XQ7i2Cl-43I/AAAAAAAAGMU/TU9DdCzvlk07b8zUeqEP-LmHb1xI9_t5wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think the taillights came out nice. If they were any darker, I would not like them. I think the completely blacked-out look is a little tacky and makes the project look cheap. I might have preferred them just a bit lighter, but I cannot complain. They look good. You can see the exhaust tips in this shot, as well. I love them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The stance. The stance is perfect. The car is not slammed, but it is clearly lower than stock. Aggressive, but not ridiculous and undriveable. (The photo below was taken the day the springs were installed. I believe they have settled just a bit more than shown here.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvx5nA3Wy34/XQ7irJxQ0YI/AAAAAAAAGMA/9BTBLqutKtwCDCvcAyrs9yQHZQSu5i8lgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvx5nA3Wy34/XQ7irJxQ0YI/AAAAAAAAGMA/9BTBLqutKtwCDCvcAyrs9yQHZQSu5i8lgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of course, the wheels were the biggest part of this phase of modification. I was really excited to see these wheels mounted on this car. Ultimately I decided on this set of 19" Volk Racing ZE40's, in part, because they actually had them in stock in my preferred fitment specifications.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7DU3e5OPiu0/XQ7jEwov6lI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/K3nXIcBvjyEb3oug0EgTU6Z8iyXIZ2p3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7DU3e5OPiu0/XQ7jEwov6lI/AAAAAAAAGMQ/K3nXIcBvjyEb3oug0EgTU6Z8iyXIZ2p3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1609.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, upon test-fitting the wheels, it was discovered that these wheels would not clear the monstrous carbon ceramic brakes. Apparently there was a misunderstanding when I inquired about these wheels and it was confirmed that I would not have any clearance issues. Needless to say, I was not happy. I reached back out to Vivid and explained the situation. They were able to track down a set of 20" Advan GT rollers for me in the Titanium Blue finish that I had initially inquired about. They are in Japan, but I was told I could get them within 2 weeks (as opposed to the standard 6-8 weeks).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sytRbkdPSpg/XQ7j9pL_kOI/AAAAAAAAGMg/X07pwIVr9CYIzXMivSpjg5oM1BHZ-v8agCEwYBhgL/s1600/ADVAN-GT-PREMIUM_tiBlue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sytRbkdPSpg/XQ7j9pL_kOI/AAAAAAAAGMg/X07pwIVr9CYIzXMivSpjg5oM1BHZ-v8agCEwYBhgL/s640/ADVAN-GT-PREMIUM_tiBlue.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The GT is actually the wheel I had inquired about initially, but, when I was told it would take a few months to get them from Japan, I decided to go with the Volk Racing ZE40's.Perhaps the fitment mishap is a blessing in disguise? The GT's <i>should</i> be arriving this week. I cannot wait...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the new rollers arrive, I will make a decision on tires and get the M back over to Eastside to get them mounted. Pictures will follow. <i><b>Stay tuned...</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span> </i>Innovation over Imitation</b></span></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-88332068587289564192019-05-02T11:00:00.000-04:002019-05-02T11:05:54.409-04:00Project M4: Finally Registered!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It has taken me a couple weeks, but the M4 is finally legal to drive! I had a few issues with the Registry of Motor Vehicles in getting the vehicle registered because I had every piece of paperwork from the sale of the Jeep and the purchase of the BMW except the Bill of Sale. Because I purchased the vehicle out-of-state, I had not paid sales tax in my home state. Thus, I had to make multiple trips to the Registry to get everything squared away Now, Uncle Sam has been paid and the M4 is on the road...</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Headaches out of the way, I took the car out for the first time today. I could not have picked a worse time to go for a ride, however, as it was during rush hour traffic. I did not care. I just wanted to take it out. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First impressions - Plain and simple, I have to learn the car. Without even putting the car in gear, the technology, at first brush, can be overwhelming. There are a lot of settings and options and personalizations with which I need to become comfortable. Once I gain some confidence and learn what every light and button means, I will feel more at home behind the wheel.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57iuWOOapRc/XMpEEPFKuYI/AAAAAAAAGJM/zvIyH9cjesoAdgaQJCXsBwuHDsYLZCE9gCLcBGAs/s1600/123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1125" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57iuWOOapRc/XMpEEPFKuYI/AAAAAAAAGJM/zvIyH9cjesoAdgaQJCXsBwuHDsYLZCE9gCLcBGAs/s640/123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iT1QGPzxbj4/XMpEEdEwJPI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/dsSvkYiX7ZYRdeoVzAQVlaM4cO_ZyyL0wCLcBGAs/s1600/124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1125" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iT1QGPzxbj4/XMpEEdEwJPI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/dsSvkYiX7ZYRdeoVzAQVlaM4cO_ZyyL0wCLcBGAs/s640/124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some of these buttons, knobs, settings, and personalizations will be relatively easy to figure out. It is just a matter of spending some time in the car, even just sitting in park and playing with everything. Others, however, will take some more time and effort.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Having the car sitting for a couple weeks without being able to legally drive it, my only desire today was to take it for a spin. I was not too concerned with the technology and 'becoming one' with my new project. I just wanted to drive it. So, I did. I drove about 50 miles on both backroads and highway. I did play around a little bit with the sport settings for steering, suspension, and throttle, but other than that, I just drove. I did not mess with the DCT (dual clutch) or paddles, but I promise I will.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With limited drive time under my belt and less-than-ideal driving conditions (time of day), I do not feel as though I can comment too thoroughly on the driving characteristics of the car, but I can say that I enjoyed the few times that I was able to accelerate. The handling feels tight and stable, though I am transitioning from a 5,100-pound SUV, so a Lincoln Towncar might feel taut to me right now. The braking is fantastic. Granted, I was not doing any 100 to 0 runs, but I did definitely underestimate the distance when coming to a stop at a few red lights, akin to gliding on ice then hitting a patch of rubber. (Again, I am coming from a 5,100-pound SUV.) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One further opinion I have is that the exhaust note needs to be meaner. Perhaps this opinion is due to my own personal preferences and experiences, but, sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic with the windows down, I want to hear the car bit when I hit the gas pedal. I did not get to "open it up" at all, but when I do, I want the car to growl. This "concern" will be addressed in due time...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I look forward to learning this car. And I look forward to driving this car. I also look forward to sharing more...</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-21252563292620611222019-05-01T23:30:00.000-04:002019-05-01T23:30:00.910-04:00Project M4: Small Bits<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last week I received a couple small pieces from IND Distribution. Nothing crazy, but still pretty stoked. I am sure this will not be my last purchase from these guys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>BMW M Performance Alcantara Key Case.</b> (<i>Because who doesn't need a really cool key case for their M key?</i>) </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hId3IJ-taeM/XMpgEs2ZpVI/AAAAAAAAGJk/8KenPcP_A_kNTZf_4h7fmHFBUI3E7gdWQCLcBGAs/s1600/296E1B63-ECDF-4D6B-9174-8535F07B0A02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="985" height="524" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hId3IJ-taeM/XMpgEs2ZpVI/AAAAAAAAGJk/8KenPcP_A_kNTZf_4h7fmHFBUI3E7gdWQCLcBGAs/s640/296E1B63-ECDF-4D6B-9174-8535F07B0A02.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">IND Painted Rear Reflector Set</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTlRzRuZvys/XMpgEtcEZrI/AAAAAAAAGJg/QeWv3798QU0YHG3pq7G15sYKdDEAHfuPQCLcBGAs/s1600/DC20C258-A3E0-48BC-B96B-C0C6AB278309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="985" height="524" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTlRzRuZvys/XMpgEtcEZrI/AAAAAAAAGJg/QeWv3798QU0YHG3pq7G15sYKdDEAHfuPQCLcBGAs/s640/DC20C258-A3E0-48BC-B96B-C0C6AB278309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</b></span></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-12176920567513005152019-05-01T20:30:00.000-04:002019-05-01T20:30:04.330-04:00Will never get old...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Top Secret R34</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXLFz1e5M0w/XMo0tz1lp7I/AAAAAAAAGJA/LaHWh3d1LTkTK4ggc-B4TxLRuVnU7mDogCLcBGAs/s1600/TopSecretR34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1080" height="624" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXLFz1e5M0w/XMo0tz1lp7I/AAAAAAAAGJA/LaHWh3d1LTkTK4ggc-B4TxLRuVnU7mDogCLcBGAs/s640/TopSecretR34.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>JDMphasis...</i> </span>Innovation over Imitation</b></span></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-1856586765901234332019-04-15T00:00:00.000-04:002019-04-15T00:00:04.921-04:00Project M4: Wheels<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BMW offers some nice-looking wheels for the M cars. The set of wheels on the M4 I purchased is not one of those sets. Not that I would not be swapping out OEM wheels for aftermarket wheels regardless of what came on it from the factory, but I knew, as soon as I saw this car, that footwork would be priority #1 with this project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked around quite a bit before deciding on wheels. I did not have one wheel that had that "Have to have!" feel for me in regards to this project. I was open to multiple different possibilities. Advan, BBS, Volk, Enkei, SSR, and WORK were all wheels that I looked into before making my decision. I reached out to multiple sources for wheels and I was told many of the styles in my specs are out of stock in the US and the wait would be anywhere between 3 to 6 months. <i>Yuck.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I reached out to a source from whom I have never purchased anything: Vivid Racing. The customer service was great. I had a response to my email inquiry within minutes. My questions were answered promptly and I was sent pictures upon request. Not only that, they had two sets of wheels IN STOCK with M4 fitment in the exact specifications for which I was looking!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I decided on a set of 19" Volk ZE40 wheels in Magnesium Blue. Mag Blue has been one of my favorite finishes from the time I first saw it probably 15 years ago. (I owned a set of Mag Blue CE28's years ago, but I ended up selling them before I ever had them mounted.) I am really looking forward to seeing how these wheels look against the Austin Yellow of the M4. Enjoy the pictures.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhNOPHNqpRE/XLP9iQJ4o3I/AAAAAAAAGIA/IGhSLt5vtLAWJa9Gfi2K2Qvok7WjzFn_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhNOPHNqpRE/XLP9iQJ4o3I/AAAAAAAAGIA/IGhSLt5vtLAWJa9Gfi2K2Qvok7WjzFn_wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1609.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVxLLHfjDw0/XLP9ipf87nI/AAAAAAAAGIE/AT_3zZF-HFsXZeiJkDFhzpp3UJHZAzejgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVxLLHfjDw0/XLP9ipf87nI/AAAAAAAAGIE/AT_3zZF-HFsXZeiJkDFhzpp3UJHZAzejgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1610.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc0FFbz9ngg/XLP9iu0-r8I/AAAAAAAAGII/GGWIglLQFIsvVAaxvshDv-gJbRDhTA88ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="764" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc0FFbz9ngg/XLP9iu0-r8I/AAAAAAAAGII/GGWIglLQFIsvVAaxvshDv-gJbRDhTA88ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1611.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVfqccxd5aM/XLP9i59qxxI/AAAAAAAAGIM/uC7T66T3uPAwIK6AEXZDr367Onc74OQGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="744" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVfqccxd5aM/XLP9i59qxxI/AAAAAAAAGIM/uC7T66T3uPAwIK6AEXZDr367Onc74OQGwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1612.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vaHf6YVjv8/XLP9jNPtQiI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/DP1nr61gAWwNfw2yNY8F2TDOasG_qSTPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="760" height="610" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vaHf6YVjv8/XLP9jNPtQiI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/DP1nr61gAWwNfw2yNY8F2TDOasG_qSTPACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bY1l3azVQcU/XLP9juCiNbI/AAAAAAAAGIU/TzGCLAobIZgFVFdeArVSiZD4x14Gx92VQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="766" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bY1l3azVQcU/XLP9juCiNbI/AAAAAAAAGIU/TzGCLAobIZgFVFdeArVSiZD4x14Gx92VQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1614.jpg" width="620" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, and I received these pictures from the dealership yesterday. <i>The car is currently en route! </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNLZY8NPXlI/XLP97alNmZI/AAAAAAAAGIk/eZP9RyXq6GAkKB4HlK-myeOYmNsRHAMgQCLcBGAs/s1600/LeavingTX1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNLZY8NPXlI/XLP97alNmZI/AAAAAAAAGIk/eZP9RyXq6GAkKB4HlK-myeOYmNsRHAMgQCLcBGAs/s640/LeavingTX1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Mq6V8_aHPs/XLP97sWCMaI/AAAAAAAAGIo/QBcT-6sObGcfBgvtqbJ-0TGyxgwMOBs0wCLcBGAs/s1600/LeavingTX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Mq6V8_aHPs/XLP97sWCMaI/AAAAAAAAGIo/QBcT-6sObGcfBgvtqbJ-0TGyxgwMOBs0wCLcBGAs/s640/LeavingTX.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-16641716180658183472019-04-07T23:30:00.000-04:002019-04-07T23:30:01.076-04:00I did a thing.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been quite some time since I have posted anything worthwhile here on <b><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis</span></i></b>. I have been busy and preoccupied and whatnot, but I do hope to start blogging a bit more regularly in the future. I am not making any promises, but I actually do miss it. That said, I, admittedly, feel a bit out of the loop on much that occurs nowadays in the Japanese parts industry. Additionally, forums are no longer the resource and community they once were. Social media has taken over. I have mixed feelings about this... But before I digress too much and go too far off-topic, this is a rant for another post.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway... I believe now is as good a time as any to post about my new project. I have moved on from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (WK2). Now that I am writing about it, I do not believe I ever blogged about this project. A few weeks ago, I sold it to a very nice gentleman who made the trip to Boston from Pennsylvania. I loved that truck. Somewhat surprising, but yes - I loved it. For an SUV, it was a joy to drive. The power of the 6.4L V8, the mean exhaust note (enhanced by a Kooks cat-back), and the comfort of the interior are all things that I know I will miss. However, I also missed the handling of a sports car. Though my Jeep had an aggressive stance (assisted by some Swift Sport springs), I missed sitting lower to the ground. I missed the tighter interior of a car.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meet my new project. 2017 BMW M4.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJD1tFVo2Ms/XKgkEf2N1cI/AAAAAAAAGHE/qRdBmyBcRJseRvN5DuUB5CeRtNNVld-uQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1021" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJD1tFVo2Ms/XKgkEf2N1cI/AAAAAAAAGHE/qRdBmyBcRJseRvN5DuUB5CeRtNNVld-uQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxloygz-A0M/XKgkHg6RluI/AAAAAAAAGHI/bXV4lr-IGigAGngpi-5mBqm4Poal-A65ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1024" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxloygz-A0M/XKgkHg6RluI/AAAAAAAAGHI/bXV4lr-IGigAGngpi-5mBqm4Poal-A65ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_V9CPRV-cH4/XKgkI_fzYHI/AAAAAAAAGHM/S5SlKYYrefUDiYQbq7EYkWATdQUHPPo-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1024" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_V9CPRV-cH4/XKgkI_fzYHI/AAAAAAAAGHM/S5SlKYYrefUDiYQbq7EYkWATdQUHPPo-gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYdeYKBZB9Q/XKgkPTaiSSI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/lbRY5XPNFQEDyYu6NeTWHQuS6-5Ebt49gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gYdeYKBZB9Q/XKgkPTaiSSI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/lbRY5XPNFQEDyYu6NeTWHQuS6-5Ebt49gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhrE_QqaMGc/XKgkTnX-qzI/AAAAAAAAGHU/bxbHMbAr9rkd2XBuMmb1vIXhD6ZqC_3NwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhrE_QqaMGc/XKgkTnX-qzI/AAAAAAAAGHU/bxbHMbAr9rkd2XBuMmb1vIXhD6ZqC_3NwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ElnTYYBd8/XKgkV4aSSyI/AAAAAAAAGHY/45qKY8rb3ZMqB4OCzVPK_1OvjoUai16-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1023" height="416" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ElnTYYBd8/XKgkV4aSSyI/AAAAAAAAGHY/45qKY8rb3ZMqB4OCzVPK_1OvjoUai16-ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOiDo1t8PWo/XKgkbGNcfOI/AAAAAAAAGHg/laOewGdMoWIsl7WPzR0NrFgU9uBzrg1-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1012" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOiDo1t8PWo/XKgkbGNcfOI/AAAAAAAAGHg/laOewGdMoWIsl7WPzR0NrFgU9uBzrg1-ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALVuvBumUYo/XKgkcS9NwII/AAAAAAAAGHk/Kktg5uf-9oUXfJG6kCvDUGIhKs9hCxOxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1019" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALVuvBumUYo/XKgkcS9NwII/AAAAAAAAGHk/Kktg5uf-9oUXfJG6kCvDUGIhKs9hCxOxgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have not taken delivery of the vehicle yet, as it is coming from a dealership in Texas. Everything was finalized towards the end of last week. I am in the process of arranging transport now. I researched for quite some time before I decided on this car. I had actually placed a deposit on two different cars before pulling the trigger on this one. I looked at a few different vehicle models and ultimately decided the M4 is what I wanted in terms of looks, performance, aftermarket support, and, of course, budget. No, it is not Japanese. No, to the dismay of <i>some</i> BMW fanatics, it does not have 8 cylinders. However, it is still rather impressive and I am pretty stoked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Among the few demands I had, I knew I wanted the Competition Package from BMW. The Competition Package adds a bit more power (425HP up to 444HP), beefed up suspension, and a few minor styling changes. The carbon ceramic brakes were not on the "Must Have" list. They are just an added bonus, I suppose. (<i>Or are they?</i>) Other than that, I knew I wanted either this color (Austin Yellow) or the pasty blue color offered for the M (Yas Marina Blue). Finding these colors on an M car that had the Competition Package and relatively low miles was not as easy as one might think. But I was able to track down a clean one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Without divulging too much, I have some plans for this car. I have been combing the web tirelessly for weeks formulating ideas of what I would like to do. Needless to say, there will most definitely be some Japanese influence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stay tuned...</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
</div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-52846791300688190402019-03-16T00:00:00.000-04:002019-03-16T00:00:03.047-04:00Yup.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Advan, Amuse, and Project Mu... <i>Enough said.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN9zzO0fdr0/XIxtmGou3DI/AAAAAAAAGGk/tvV1McDrTWI9LyzoXJFFcVJsXoj6ba8EgCLcBGAs/s1600/Pmu%252C%2BAmuse%252C%2BAdvan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN9zzO0fdr0/XIxtmGou3DI/AAAAAAAAGGk/tvV1McDrTWI9LyzoXJFFcVJsXoj6ba8EgCLcBGAs/s640/Pmu%252C%2BAmuse%252C%2BAdvan.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-20915824703837364172019-02-13T22:00:00.001-05:002019-02-13T22:01:31.142-05:00Artisan Spirits LC500<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beautiful.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Xnx93uwJE/XGTZV2KukgI/AAAAAAAAGGU/g5brbR4w_tgkfS1Dr8BxJhiEnVFrXowRwCLcBGAs/s1600/ArtisanSpiritsLC500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Xnx93uwJE/XGTZV2KukgI/AAAAAAAAGGU/g5brbR4w_tgkfS1Dr8BxJhiEnVFrXowRwCLcBGAs/s640/ArtisanSpiritsLC500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDBL1sPZe8/XGTZV8UuTcI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/RyACVZEl0Lw-VVqqz7wu2JIXhGeFan-FQCLcBGAs/s1600/ArtisanSpiritsLC500a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDBL1sPZe8/XGTZV8UuTcI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/RyACVZEl0Lw-VVqqz7wu2JIXhGeFan-FQCLcBGAs/s640/ArtisanSpiritsLC500a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis...</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-76570264907956483352018-11-30T16:30:00.000-05:002018-11-30T16:30:00.199-05:00Project FD: RE-Amemiya Facer N1 VS Facer N1 (2002)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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 <i>nothing</i> that compares. In fact, I actually want to like something else, as some argue RE-Amemiya is "played out," <i>as abstract a claim as that may be, </i>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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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 <i>undersweep</i>.) 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.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>OLDER - <i>Facer N1</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoThf2F7KWg/U1htloTkNQI/AAAAAAAAEDc/x-wwNi57K7w/s1600/WhiteRE-AmemiyaN1Facer1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoThf2F7KWg/U1htloTkNQI/AAAAAAAAEDc/x-wwNi57K7w/s1600/WhiteRE-AmemiyaN1Facer1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5AxB0lerFI/U1htln3t2tI/AAAAAAAAEDg/_qT-V-ZpDCc/s1600/WhiteRE-AmemiyaN1Facer2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5AxB0lerFI/U1htln3t2tI/AAAAAAAAEDg/_qT-V-ZpDCc/s1600/WhiteRE-AmemiyaN1Facer2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrriB-z6t9o/U1htqbX9f6I/AAAAAAAAEDs/DxSOLwHW27M/s1600/YellowRE-AmemiyaN1Facer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrriB-z6t9o/U1htqbX9f6I/AAAAAAAAEDs/DxSOLwHW27M/s1600/YellowRE-AmemiyaN1Facer3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">NEWER - <i>Facer N1 (2002)</i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTTkHql7ZI0/U1huqRckL8I/AAAAAAAAED0/Mjm4fnk5GE8/s1600/RE-AmemiyaFacerN1(2002).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTTkHql7ZI0/U1huqRckL8I/AAAAAAAAED0/Mjm4fnk5GE8/s1600/RE-AmemiyaFacerN1(2002).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BulEpMfyMTc/U1huu7TxUMI/AAAAAAAAED8/MvOtT-bwVBE/s1600/RE-AmemiyaFacerN1(2002)2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BulEpMfyMTc/U1huu7TxUMI/AAAAAAAAED8/MvOtT-bwVBE/s1600/RE-AmemiyaFacerN1(2002)2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56jDBCwr9gA/U1huu6-tiJI/AAAAAAAAEEA/1cWgLBeqL9Q/s1600/RE-AmemiyaFacerN1(2002)3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56jDBCwr9gA/U1huu6-tiJI/AAAAAAAAEEA/1cWgLBeqL9Q/s1600/RE-AmemiyaFacerN1(2002)3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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, <i>who knows?</i> I have plenty of time to wrestle with this prospect.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Nonetheless,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> Stay tuned...</i></span></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-35619919193048423652018-05-17T08:30:00.000-04:002018-05-17T08:30:04.428-04:00Brotherhood.<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Garage Mak fire!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UKlDCedNMA/Wvid2m6fLBI/AAAAAAAAGFA/szcSuf01CSEsb1CY3PPPaa2bkoFcnEnyACLcBGAs/s1600/GarageMakbros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1483" height="354" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UKlDCedNMA/Wvid2m6fLBI/AAAAAAAAGFA/szcSuf01CSEsb1CY3PPPaa2bkoFcnEnyACLcBGAs/s640/GarageMakbros.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis…</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-30670988846993924692018-05-13T20:30:00.000-04:002018-05-13T21:08:39.542-04:00More replica hypocrisy...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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 href="http://jdmphasis.blogspot.com/2017/12/i-was-burned-recently-on-interwebz.html">a post</a> 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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KTn9WbQ9Z8/WviWtHT4SlI/AAAAAAAAGEo/HKBRFqKM_BgHPLCvw7E_XtL0h-H6ZZtWACLcBGAs/s1600/Vicrezcrap1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KTn9WbQ9Z8/WviWtHT4SlI/AAAAAAAAGEo/HKBRFqKM_BgHPLCvw7E_XtL0h-H6ZZtWACLcBGAs/s640/Vicrezcrap1.PNG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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. (<i>No, inspired by the Japanese companies whose designs you ripped off.</i>) 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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, does this patriotic company <i>REALLY</i> want you to be American and buy American? <i>Nahhh… </i>If you did, what would happen to them?</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just another fly-by-night replica company looking to make a dollar by ripping off the real talent of the Japanese tuning industry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Plus, </i>if you choose not to buy from these parasites, you will not have to receive a bumper that looks like a Frito.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWDMZBM4TrM/WviaCe_yYhI/AAAAAAAAGE0/gDB2PZK2mM8d8hZv7w84S32UnB5arU8oACLcBGAs/s1600/Vicrezcrap2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWDMZBM4TrM/WviaCe_yYhI/AAAAAAAAGE0/gDB2PZK2mM8d8hZv7w84S32UnB5arU8oACLcBGAs/s640/Vicrezcrap2.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Be Real. Buy Real.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis…</span> </i>Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-24469946582108815622018-03-27T01:00:00.000-04:002018-03-27T01:00:33.715-04:00Business End.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgFjUGsM2eY/WrmoD_X9a_I/AAAAAAAAGEU/lcsXQiWWKOEM0n7ZPVFyuIermX0ofFHywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="960" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgFjUGsM2eY/WrmoD_X9a_I/AAAAAAAAGEU/lcsXQiWWKOEM0n7ZPVFyuIermX0ofFHywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis…</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-12640764305417106132018-03-07T23:00:00.000-05:002018-03-07T23:00:05.278-05:00Happy 3/7!<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few sets of TE37s I have owned</span></i></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>…</i></b></span><div>
<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2pcdAppjdU/WqCyUsemNEI/AAAAAAAAGD0/xHdFYqyMAwAl5PDz4QHJiw42iYor996ogCLcBGAs/s1600/Mercury%2BSilver%2BTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2pcdAppjdU/WqCyUsemNEI/AAAAAAAAGD0/xHdFYqyMAwAl5PDz4QHJiw42iYor996ogCLcBGAs/s640/Mercury%2BSilver%2BTE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be Real. Buy Real.</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSCgmgNvXnE/WqCy0xAkVjI/AAAAAAAAGD8/CArTd17n6BknAuVf2z2BhzphfHGwG147gCLcBGAs/s1600/TE37SLnolugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSCgmgNvXnE/WqCy0xAkVjI/AAAAAAAAGD8/CArTd17n6BknAuVf2z2BhzphfHGwG147gCLcBGAs/s640/TE37SLnolugs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> Repeal and Replace Replicas.</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTCO9ljhEyo/WqCzBXCbYOI/AAAAAAAAGEA/wvRF1dSEYqY6XLf5w0HKw6BA2KkudnGNACLcBGAs/s1600/TE37SLstickerson2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTCO9ljhEyo/WqCzBXCbYOI/AAAAAAAAGEA/wvRF1dSEYqY6XLf5w0HKw6BA2KkudnGNACLcBGAs/s640/TE37SLstickerson2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be the Funk. Don't Fake It.</span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">JDMphasis…</span> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-22101009251539123412018-02-14T03:00:00.000-05:002018-02-14T03:00:14.701-05:00Happy Valentine's Day from JDMphasis...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy this day of grossly over-commercialized love.</span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></i></b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYeVVKXnhPs/WoPITNf8mwI/AAAAAAAAGDc/rkE1vyqt_DkIoWJbL6PBrQbL7B7D8_hFgCLcBGAs/s1600/Valentine%2527sDaytails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="736" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYeVVKXnhPs/WoPITNf8mwI/AAAAAAAAGDc/rkE1vyqt_DkIoWJbL6PBrQbL7B7D8_hFgCLcBGAs/s640/Valentine%2527sDaytails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis…</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</b></span></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4414755034933914575.post-1818498018096658492018-02-14T00:30:00.000-05:002018-02-14T00:30:33.182-05:00Random Picture<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sick Set-Up.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Z34 sporting some BBS rollers and a Central20 big brake kit.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUy_JK5Oiig/WoPFbaPoncI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/EfUOYerzALUUQMMm0tSFb4_qHl2q2YnEgCLcBGAs/s1600/BBS%2526Central20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUy_JK5Oiig/WoPFbaPoncI/AAAAAAAAGDQ/EfUOYerzALUUQMMm0tSFb4_qHl2q2YnEgCLcBGAs/s640/BBS%2526Central20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: red;">JDMphasis…</span></i> Innovation over Imitation</span></b></div>
BPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02936437399571407763noreply@blogger.com0