Project G37S: Searching for the 'GOOD' in Goodbye...

I apologize that JDMphasis has been relatively slow as of late. One reason for the lack of posts is that I have been contemplating the future of my project. This mental struggle came about as a result of the accident that occurred a few months ago (post here: Project G37S: Unamused). After the accident I started pondering the future of the car and came to the conclusion that I wanted to get some of my life priorities in order before continuing to modify the G. An extremely difficult decision, especially given the fact that I had some big plans in the works (and even some parts en route) at the time I decided to part out and sell, but I know it is the responsible one.

Over the course of the last couple years I have heard the "You could have purchased a GT-R with the amount of money you have spent on that car," more than once. My contention is that a substantial part of the fun of modifying is planning the build. Thinking of the next move and working towards that end is part of the process. That is what ultimately supplies that rewarding satisfaction and feeling of content accomplishment. Once that rare or elusive part finally becomes a part of the whole, one can then, at that point, step back and admire that which they worked so hard to achieve. Anyone with the means can go buy a GT-R and be happy with the off-the-shelf supercar performance. I certainly would be. However, there is also something significant to be said for building something unique; something your own. I have no regrets.

I know I am going to miss this car. I am going to miss planning the different project stages and, surprisingly, I am going to miss pinching my pennies saving for the next part. I am even going to miss the frustrating JDM shipping delays. I had a lot of fun with this build and I know I will look back, when the car is no longer at my immediate disposal, and wish I had done more. However, I know I will start another project in the future and I will take the experiences of this one, both good and bad, and use them to help me build a better car next time around, refusing to cut corners and using nothing but quality parts from legitimate companies.

The car is currently in the process of being parted out. I have sold many of the parts, but there are still a few left. Please shoot me an e-mail (JDMphasis@gmail.com) if you are interested in anything. Below is a final modification list (not including the parts I did not install or had on order at the time of the accident), as well as a collection of my favorite pictures of the car acquired over the last couple years. I am hugely disappointed that, as a result of the accident, I do not have any pictures reflecting the very final state the car was in before the front end was destroyed, but life goes on... At the same time, I am already contemplating my next project and I am very excited. I do want to express a big 'Thank You' to the loyal readers of JDMphasis for following and supporting the JDMphasis Project G37S build.


SUSPENSION/FOOTWORK

* Advan RZ-DF Wheels in Flat Black [20x9.0" (+27) Front; 20x10.5" (+25) Rear]
* FIC 10MM Spacers (Front)
* Project Kics R40 REVO Composite Extended Lugs (w/ Red Caps)
* Falken FK-452 Rubber (285/30/20 Rear; 255/35/20 Front)
* One-Off Project Mu Forged Slim Big Brake Kit (6-Piston Front; 4-Piston Rear)
* TEIN Flex Coilovers w/ EDFC
* Cusco Front Strut Tower Bar
* Cusco Front & Rear Anti-Sway Bars
* SPC Front Camber Arms
* SPC Rear Camber Arms
* GT-Spec 2 Points Subframe Reinforcement Brace
* GT-Spec 4 Point Ladder Brace
* GT-Spec 6 Points Rear Subframe Brace
* GT-Spec Rear Lower Lateral Reinforcement Brace
* GT-Spec Rear Lower Tie Brace

ENGINE/PERFORMANCE

* One-Off Powerhouse Amuse R1-Titan Quad-Tipped Exhaust
* Powerhouse Amuse R1-Silent Front Pipe
* Fast Intentions Catalytic Converters
* HKS Racing Suction Reloaded Intakes
* HKS Limited Edition Radiator Cap
* Top Secret Limited Edition Ti Oil Filler Cap
* Samco Hose Kit (Red)
* Dress-Up Bolts Engine Bay Dress-Up Kit
* Dress-Up Bolts Engine Dress-Up Kit
* Stillen Short Shifter
* Clutch-Assist Helper Spring
* UpRev Custom Tune

EXTERIOR

* Zele Performance Front Bumper
* Zele Performance Side Skirts
* Zele Performance Rear Bumper (modified to fit custom quad-tipped exhaust)
* First Molding Japan Carbon Fiber Front Plates
* Top Secret Titanium Tow Hook
* Custom-Painted Headlights
* Painted Front Grille
* HID D2S 6K Super White Bulbs
* Rear License Plate LED Lighting
* 35% Tint
* De-Badged Trunk
* Custom License Plate Bolts

INTERIOR

* BRIDE XAX II Seats (Red Leather w/ Gradation)
* BRIDE Rails and Sliders
* Personal Neo Grinta Steering Wheel (330MM)
* Personal Top Secret Limited Edition Steering Wheel (350MM)
* Works Bell Splash Hub
* Works Bell Quick Release
* Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob
* Zele Performance Titanium Shift Knob
* ARC Titanium Shift Knob
* Nardi e-Brake Lever
* Redline Goods Leather Boots (Shift & e-Brake)
* Nissan GT-R Start Button
* LED Lighting

"There is nothing like a dream to create the future." - Victor Hugo, (1862) Les Miserables.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Project G37S: Spring is here!

Aside from a few short single-digit mile expeditions around town over the winter just to give it some exercise, today was the first time the G has been driven since November. I had an appointment with my friends over at JT Motoring to have a few small things done. This Saturday is the Foxwoods Cruise & Meet that has been in the works since January. I have a couple parts on order that I knew would not be in here in time for this meet, but I have had a few things waiting to be installed for a few months now that I wanted to have done before the weekend. FIC 10MM hub centric spacers for the front wheels, Project Mu B-Force pads, and the swapping of one set of Kics lugs for another made up today's 'To-Do' List. Nothing crazy. No heavy lifting.

I am very happy with the results. The spacers push the wheels out just enough to look flush with no major poke and the new pads are a bit softer than the race pads that have been on there since we installed these brakes. I believe, given my driving tendencies, these pads are perfect.

FIC: Made in Japan

Hub-centric with built-in studs

Spacers and new pads installed.

Advan RZDF mounted with Kics REVO lugs

Part II of the day's events will be included in a follow-up Project G37S post... Stay tuned.

Project G37S: Minor Details

With the biggest modification plan of the past 16 months (the exhaust, of course) complete, I have had a chance to take a step back and look at this project as a whole. I am happy with the car. One-off Project Mu brakes, a one-off exhaust system by Power House Amuse, multiple other quality parts from legitimate JDM companies including Zele Performance, Advan, Cusco, Top Secret, Bride, Tein, HKS, Works Bell, First Molding, etc... There are a few small details I want to address before making a final decision on what will constitute the next phase of this project.

First, I have never been an advocate for installing spacers on wheels. The whole concept of them does not sit well with me. I guess, to be blunt, they just scare me. That said, I am not in love with the ever-so-slight tuck of my front wheels [Specs: 20x9.0" (+27) on 255/35/20 Falken FK452]. After talking with my buddy, Brian of JT Motoring, about my reluctance to install spacers, he assured me that installing a set of hub-specific/hub centric spacers is safe. Trusting Brian's word, I agreed. Skimping on parts is not something I have ever considered with this project, so why would I start when it comes to something that could affect safety? We decided on a set of FIC Japan 10MM spacers. I think these will give my front wheels the exact look for which I am going. (And, rest assured, the first piddling vibration I feel will result in the immediate removal of these spacers.)

FIC Japan 10MM Spacer

Next, we have decided now is a good time to change out the front brake pads. As I have mentioned before, I believe a good set of anti-sway bars and upgraded brakes are the two best modifications one can do to a car. I cannot wait to feel the bite of these Project Mu Street pads.

Project Mu Street Sports pads for PMu Forged Slim 6POT BBK

 These have been sitting for a few months. Ordered when we mounted the Advan RZ-DFs last April, they arrived in June, I believe. We held off putting them on until the car went in the shop for the exhaust overhaul. Only then, six months later, did we discover that we were sent the wrong thread pitch. Not the end of the world, as the current Kics lugs are perfectly fine. I just have a habit of picking up new lugs every time a new set of wheels is ordered. It seems only natural... Right?

Kics REVO R40 w/ red Closed End Caps

After the above-mentioned areas are addressed, there are a couple other minor details that I will tackle before the Spring, but I am in serious debate as to the road this project will take next. Please bear with us... I am excited.

Stay tuned...

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation