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

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

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

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


OLDER - Facer N1

NEWER - Facer N1 (2002)

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

Nonetheless, Stay tuned...

How about a few shots of the CSG FD?

Are there many/any rivals to the RE-Amemiya clad FD by Car Shop Glow?

(Capture Credit: Dino Dalle Carbonare, Speedhunters)

(Capture Credit: Aaron Mai Media)

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Timeless.

I love this FD sporting RE-Amemiya aero and Volk Racing shoes.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Loaded.

CSG FD safe and secure.

The fecal-flavored FD is fresh as ever with some radically enhanced RE-Amemiya aero and a set of Volk Racing ZE40s...

Panda FD killin' the game...

I apologize for the lack of posts and slow blog activity lately… I have been consumed with, well, life, I suppose. I will be writing an update on the FJ within the next few days, but, until then, enjoy the on-point FD of this Bulletproof Automotive customer, featuring RE-Amemiya aero and Volk rollers.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Sluggish Progression

The blog posts on Project FJ are slow because the progress on Project FJ is slow. Wheels were ordered within the first week of ownership, but there had not been any further purchases until this past week. 

The odometer currently sits at 3,300+ miles. I drive this truck every day, so I have a good feel for it. I am confident and feel as though I know of what it is capable, as well as what it is not. No, this is not a sports car, but that is irrelevant. That awareness and intimacy was something a bit foreign to me with my other projects. Do not get me wrong, I knew them quite well (especially the Z33), but there is a certain familiarity that comes with driving the same vehicle day in and day out that quite simply is not there when the vehicle scarcely logs double-digit mileage each month. It is a simple certainty: knowing a vehicle is driving that vehicle.

When I look at the FJ in its current state I am not blown away. One of the universal sentiments of car enthusiasts states that when you park the car, get out, and walk away, there is something wrong if you do not, at the very least, turn around to take a quick glance at it. This snap by SlowNSerious Photography sums up that notion quite accurately. (It also makes me hate myself for selling the FD!)

I do not turn and glance at the FJ. Perhaps that is because it presently looks like every other FJ on the road. Perhaps it is because the FJ, by nature, is not an exceptionally "sexy" vehicle. Perhaps it is because there are certain aesthetic elements about the truck that I do not particularly like. The good thing about this? It can be remedied. It will be remedied. One of the initial draws to this vehicle for me is the aftermarket support. These trucks can look great with the proper modifications. Not great in the same way a GT-R, NSX, or Supra look great, but great in its own realm. I have had the truck for a couple months and I have been researching suspension components from the day I took delivery of it... 

Two inches or three inches? Three inch suspension lift with a one inch body lift? Six inch lift? Shocks? Coils? Spacers? 

The possibilities are endless. I have researched on forums and different websites and I have had quite a few lengthy e-mail exchanges with representatives from different companies. That said, I have finally made my decision and will be placing an order for a 3" lift kit within the next few days. I opted to go for the ToyTec Boss Suspension System.

It is a bit out of the price range in which I was hoping to stay, but I do not believe I will have any regrets. After spending this much time reading and researching, I believe this kit will be ideal for me. I am okay with spending a few extra dollars for quality. From the ToyTec website:

Designed for the best overall ride comfort and performance in mind, this complete lift kit is the best lift on the market. 

ToyTec’s new BOSS front coilover is designed with a larger 5/8” Nitro steel shock shaft which is much more corrosion resistant than chrome plating and is valved specific to your Toyota. This improves overall handling and performance. The threaded Clear-Blue Chromate zinc plated steel shock body is adjustable from 0-3” of front lift height and can be fine tuned to level your truck side to side and front to back. The shocks have a 200 psi gas charge and each shock is dyno’d before it is shipped.

Upper mounts and adjustment rings are machined from 6061-T6 Billet aluminum and are then anodized black to prevent corrosion. Long handled TIG welded spanner wrenches are included for easy adjustment.

We only use Eibach springs for our coilovers which means you have the best name and quality in the business supporting your vehicle.

I opted for the Heavy Duty rear springs as I ordered a rear bumper with spare tire carrier that will add some weight to the rear of the truck. I also opted to upgrade the upper control arms at this time. ToyTec offers a package deal with Light Racing UCA's to save a few dollars. In doing some research, I learned that Light Racing is actually SPC. I have never really been a fan of SPC products, so I am going with the uniball upper control arms from ICON Vehicle Dynamics.

Wheels and suspension components sorted out, tires are next! I have spent hours on the tire size conversion calculators and tire websites trying to see who offers what in what sizes. Tedious. However, I have figured out what I am going to be running for tires. I am going with the new all-terrain rubber from BF Goodrich - All-Terrain T/A KO2.

Quite similar in appearance to the T/A KO, this new tire boasts of tougher sidewalls and longer tread life. We shall see. I had a set of the originals on an older Chevy Tahoe a few years back and I had no complaints. The aggressive tread pattern and street drivability are the aspects of this tire that appeal most to me. I also like the fact that the newer model seems a bit less "squared" than the original. Here are a few comparison shots of the KO and the KO2. (Credit: Discount Tire)

I have purchased a few other parts for the FJ over the last week, but nothing too crazy. I think suspension and tires is where I will leave off for now. I will be sure to post another update once some further progress is made. 

I will close this post by saying that I have not seen one particular FJ that has made me say, "Yes! That is exactly how I want mine to look!" There are certain aspects of different FJ's out there that appeal to me, but no single truck has stuck out as sole aspiration. I believe that to be a good thing. Originality is a big part of modifying. I am hoping this project turns out to be a completely original work of [rugged] art. It will be different. Sadly, I am not modifying a sports car at this time, but nonetheless, I do look forward to sharing this project with the readers of JDMphasis. Thank you and stay tuned…

Shots like these...

…are what will make me regret selling the FD. Not a glamorous photo by any means, but there is just so much awesome in this shot by Car Shop Glow.

Some assembly required...

Just add paint…

 Some carbon…

And a good chunk of cash.



The final product should look something like this…

(Capture Credit: Kevin Yong Photography)

(The stares from onlookers will likely resembles those, as well.)

FD Inspiration...

There are probably hundreds of thousands of FD pictures floating around the web from professional and artsy to action shots and cellphone pictures. I am not exactly certain why - I venture to guess it may have something to do with the subject and the legend and heritage of these cars and their parts, but, of all the pictures of RX-7's that I have come across on the internet, these rather "boring" trailer shots have to be among the favorites.

Car Shop GLOW FD…

Green RE-Amemiya FD on bronze Volk TE37's…

And, if forced to pick a more traditional/professional "favorite" FD snap, it might be this Pro Shop Fukuoh FD shot by Rob Shaw of Back From Leave Photography. (I actually purchased this print from Rob a couple months back…  Post here.)

Back From Leave

Rob Shaw's stuff is pretty awesome. Epic, really. Check it out at BACKFROMLEAVE.COM.

A few of my favorites...