Project M4: Wheels

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.

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. Yuck.

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!

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.

Oh, and I received these pictures from the dealership yesterday. The car is currently en route! 

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Liberty Walk and SSR - Jon's Evil V36 Coupe

I am quite sure I have shared similar sentiments in the past, but it bears repeating - I think, when one owns a certain vehicle, he becomes a bit more critical and/or discerning when it comes to the modification choices of others who own the same vehicle. I believe, to a certain extent, that is human nature. There are few current Z33 and V36 builds that I would be willing to designate as quality builds. I do not believe that is necessarily because I am a "mod snob" or because I promptly discredit a car that features a replica or knock-off part (however true that may be). Owning the same vehicle or having a history with that vehicle and knowledge of that vehicle and its aftermarket cache allows one to be just a bit more particular.

I have blogged previously that I am not all that crazy about the bolt-on fender craze of the past few years. There are few vehicles, in my humble opinion, that can pull it off. Often the cars end up looking like a hacked-up shadow of themselves with no flow and little harmony, if I can use that word to describe the appearance of an automobile. I am all set with the bulky transformer-esque similarities when it comes to aero. It goes without saying, but the modifications of this G do not have me face-palming. 

This V36 coupe makes me miss my own. I do not know Jon personally, but if I had to guess, I would say he is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to the appearance of his vehicle. Working in the automotive paint business probably does that to you. Some readers may remember a few shots I shared of Jon's beautiful Zele carbon fiber front bumper back in January of 2015 - Done Right. Attention to detail and precision were clearly a point of focus for Jon when he resprayed the car and widened it with Liberty Walk fender flares. I would imagine there is an added amount of pride that goes into a project build when you, as owner, are the one doing the work. Jon has done all the work on this G himself. From the Tricoat Black Crystal custom paint job to the Liberty Walk, Zele, and Burnout aero and gorgeous SSR Professor SP3 rollers, the exterior of this V36 coupe is on point. Additionally, the engine bay of this sleek coupe is riddled with titanium ARC bits and appears to be meticulously maintained. As an auto enthusiast, there is little better than seeing a personal project executed with care, clarity, and vision. I wonder what is next... Keep doing your thing, Jon.

That carbon lip on the Zele front bumper...

Squatting on KW V3 coilovers...

That bay!

 Oh, and of course… Support for JDMphasis. (Thanks, Jon.)

   JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Killing the G game...

Two of the best V36 coupes Stateside...



Sadly enough, this could be one of the only pictures you will ever see of two authentic Zele-clad G's in the US. Props to Nate and Nick for refusing to cut corners with their builds.

Be the funk. Don't fake it.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

"I GET HATED ON!" - JDMEGO

Jay got it right.

The internet is a venue where accountability is scarce. It is a venue that breeds youthful irresponsibility. Yesterday a link to a recent JDMphasis post was shared in a Facebook group of G37 owners. (This post.) There were 65+ comments before the link was removed. I understand that defending authenticity often earns me the misappropriated label of "hater" because I encourage people to support the real innovators of the industry. Some people do not like that. The disdain that follows comes with the territory, I suppose. However, I would argue that the owners of the juvenile, immature comments, slurs, name-calling, and personal verbal attacks on me (and my family!) are the real haters.

It is expected, when posting a picture on the internet, that one is opening the content of that picture up to scrutiny in the form of both praise and ridicule. That is how it works, right? I believe it is fair to suggest that people do not like to be associated with the phrases "corner-cutting" or "faking the funk." They take offense to it and turn the aggression on the person making the accusation, regardless of accuracy. When you cut to the core of it, that is exactly what sporting replica parts is. It is exhibiting a part that is made to look identical to an original.

The fact remains that there is an abundance of corner-cutting cars that we could post up on JDMphasis to ridicule. Logging on to a forum or Facebook is all we need to do. It's that simple. Cars sporting knock-off and replica parts are everywhere! If we wanted to denounce a ride for sporting replica parts, we most certainly could have picked a better one than the G37 in that post (and we probably would have at the very least posted the pictures of the actual replica part). The point of the post was to display the new set of beautiful SSR wheels. The car pictured looks good. The comment about the Zele replica bumper was a footnote to the central message of the post. Just as one is allowed to applaud a car sporting fake parts, I believe I am allowed to have an opinion on the matter, as well, and, for me, adding a fake part to an otherwise sharp-looking ride takes something away from it. That has always been my opinion when it comes to replica parts.

The notion that I have somehow annointed myself as a "JDM God," as one grammatically-challenged comment suggested, is absurd. I have never once proclaimed to be anything but an enthusiast and ardent supporter of the real pioneers of the industry. I have been accused of being arrogant, attention-seeking, and thinking I am "better than everyone else" because I refuse to put fake parts on my car. (Once again, when did choosing quality become a point of criticism? Related Post.) Because I choose to support the talented and skillful companies of the Japanese Domestic Market, that means I somehow believe myself to be superior to those who do not? Really? If I had a completely stock car I would still encourage those people who modify to support the real talent. (Of course, at that point, I have no doubt that I would be at the receiving end of the sophomoric "You drive a stock car. Who are you to suggest how someone should modify?" comments.) It is what it is. I expect it. That said, I thank the people who actually know me and know that I am not a jerk. And I thank the people who support the content of JDMphasis and the central message of the blog: Innovation over Imitation.

As I have stated before, if the parasitic replica companies that steal proven designs are truly the saviors of the aftermarket and do, in fact, make a superior product, as the same commentator suggested, then why do they not enhance the variety in the aftermarket by designing their own aero parts? Why must they ride the coattails of the companies in Japan that have done all the work and taken all the risks? People often wonder why more companies in Japan are not supporting certain platforms by building new parts for them. Is it possible that there may be a direct correlation here?

As for the popular "it's part of life" defense of stealing designs, putting aside for a moment the ethical and moral aspects thievery, ripping off an aero design of a Japanese tuning company is hardly the same as a fake Coach or Gucci purse. It is not the same as a replica Rolex watch. Those companies can and will survive. Many of the tuning shops in Japan are small, for lack of a better phrase, "mom and pop" enterprises, some with barely more than a handful of employees. They are not huge corporations. When their designs are stolen, they really feel the impact. They are then forced to think twice about designing new parts. Insolvency is a very real possibility for many tuning companies in Japan and replicas and knock-offs are a huge contributing factor to that reality. Consider the enthusiast base. People who modify Japanese cars maintain a microscopic percentage of the population as a whole. If people want to say that "having designs stolen and replicated is a part of life," that is fine. I am not debating that statement. I am simply attempting to encourage people to think about the masterminds behind these designs; to think about the consequences of their decisions. I am attempting to encourage people to support authenticity. People do not like to hear it. They are content in defending corner-cutting and labeling me a "hater" for encouraging innovation over imitation. Test it, though. Ask ten random people outside the confines of a car forum if they know who or what Gucci is. Coach. Rolex. Then ask those same ten people if they know who or what Varis, Zele, Do-Luck, and Top Secret are. 

My criticisms of cars that support replica companies are not personal attacks on the owners of those vehicles (In fact, the owner of the car in that particular post acknowledged that by privately reaching out to me after the fact. He noted that he understands and respects my opinions in the knock-off/replica debate.) and I do not make a habit of partaking in the name-calling or reciprocating the personal attacks on the trivial grounds that someone's outlook on Japanese tuning does not align with my own. I know replica companies are not going anywhere. I know people will continue to buy those parts and I know those cars will continue to receive praise and publicity. JDMphasis has and will continue to be a means to encourage support of authenticity and discourage corner-cutting. I know that this blog has made me some enemies, warranted or not, but it has also received a tremendous amount of support from readers, followers, and anti-corner-cutting enthusiasts. For that, I am thankful and appreciative.

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation     

V36 Coupe on SSR CV01

Hardly an emphatic supporter of stretched tires and slammed sports cars, I think this aggressively bagged G coupe holds its own in the stance game, sitting on a fresh set of SSR CV01 rollers.

Unfortunately, it is my opinion that the owner of this car knocked it down a notch when, shortly after the wheels were mounted, the decision was made to install a replica Zele bumper (not pictured). Ugh. Sometimes less is more. Sometimes less is more...

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Fake Wheel Filth...

The only thing worse than blatant copies of proven designs are blatant copies of proven designs that go so far as to copy all the signature elements and characteristics of the real thing for no reason other than to deceive...

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

An Evolving Minnesota G...

Much like the states of New England, Minnesota only allows so many months out of the year for an enthusiast to actually enjoy his project on the road. This disenchanting fact has hardly stunted the modding progress of Tevi Lawson and his 2008 Ivory Pearl V36 coupe. This vehicle is the product of a rather drastic transformation over the past year and a half. Tevi's plans for his pride and joy have shifted slightly to embrace a more JDM-drenched theme. Might I suggest that he is well on his way to an exciting final result.

This car is rolling rather aggressively on a set of black 20" SSR MS1 wheels wrapped in Falken rubber. At 20x9.5" (+25) and 20x10.5" (+27 w/ 3MM spacer), these wheels are an ideal fitment set-up for the G coupe.

TEIN SSP suspension with on-the-fly EDFC damping adjustment capabilities and a set of front and rear Whiteline anti-sway bars only contributed to the thrill as Tevi's G traversed the Tail of the Dragon at ZDayz this past May.

(Photo credit: www.killboy.com)

Those Ti tips belong to an HKS Hi-Power exhaust system.

Borrowing some styling cues from the Amuse Vestito front bumper of the Amuse Z34, Tevi decided to put his own unique twist on the paint job of his authentic Zele Performance front bumper.

Z34 Amuse Vestito

Time, effort, and forethought characterize the progression of this build. Tevi has expressed to me his long term goals for his car and, without ruining any surprises, I can say that he is on a great path. Constantly contemplating ways to improve his evolving project, I do not believe we will see Tevi Lawson cutting any corners with this build any time soon. A sincere enthusiast (and just a really good dude) and his growing regard for quality, originality, and authenticity in parts are the elements that render me anxious and excited to see what Spring 2013 will bring for this beautiful V36 coupe. Keep up the good work, Tevi!

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation 

Sorcery in White

JDMphasis on Facebook

JDMphasis has finally succumbed to the pressures of social networking. You can now find/LIKE us on Facebook. FACEBOOK - JDMphasis: Innovation over Imitation.

Back on topic! 

Some very nice footwork on this Z34.

Endless stoppers framed by some SSR Professor SP3s

JDMphasis... Innovation over Imitation

Disclaimer: Probably the least tech-savvy blogger on the interwebz, the Facebook page was created with the hopes that all the blog posts of JDMphasis.com will automatically publish to Facebook. Please excuse any hiccups encountered along the way.

Random Picture...

C-West-clad FD on shiny SSR SP1s...

Fun car.

SSR Professor MS3

The newest addition to the SSR wheel line-up on a slick Amused Z34...

"The Mod Bug"

Often, one starts out declaring, "I don't have too much planned for this car. I'm just going to do a modest drop with some sport springs and a set of wheels and I'll be done." A few months and many budget allocations later, a full-fledged project is underway. A popular phrase used in describing what happens to an enthusiast, The Mod Bug takes his first bite.


Despite the time, resources, consideration, debate, and deliberation devoted to the modification process, a simple change of heart or succumbing to the allure of something new and/or rare and different is a common occurrence when it comes to choosing parts for my car. I try to take my time, do all necessary research, and make sure I am excited about a modification before making a purchase. However, sometimes, upon completion, I'm not 100% satisfied for any number of different reasons. I think that is part of the challenge of successfully building a car of which one can be proud. It is never done. There is always something that can be improved. It is a constantly evolving project. I believe any true enthusiast suffers from this same, or similar, affliction. This is from where the phrase "money pit" stems, as it has become popular among enthusiasts. The week after a modification stage is completed, I am already thinking of the next stage, or next round of modifications...


In this light, an example... I am always looking at new wheels for the G. I like new and different. I like things I have not seen much, if ever, before. And, of course, I like JDM. I am not taking anything away from other wheel manufacturers out there - there are many quality wheels made in America and Europe, I have no doubt. However, I do not think my car will ever sport anything other than Advan, Volk, Work, SSR... The pioneers. I picture different set-ups. I wonder what will look good. I wonder how I could push the envelope in regards to aggressive sizes, finish/colors, etc...


I am very happy with my current wheel set-up, but that doesn't mean I don't wonder about my next set of wheels. Of course, I want to set myself apart from the rest. I want something bold. And, of course I realize whenever divorcing one's self from the status quo or doing something bold, the reaction is mixed - some will love it and some will hate it. That's the nature of the game. In staying with my current theme, I have considered powdercoating red a set of wheels. Having 20" wheels now and holding my breath every time I hit a bump or pothole on these less-than-perfect New England roads, I am probably going to go with 19" wheels next time around. This way I can go with something a bit more aggressive and add just a bit more sidewall to my rubber. I'm a big fan of the Advan RS (I'm running the RS-D's currently) and the SSR Type-F wheels. As of right now, one of these is the front-runner when the time comes.

Advan

SSR

BUT... Someone beat me to it! About a month ago, I stumbled across this picture of a Fatlace/Hellaflush GT-R outfitted with a set of Advan RS-D's in red. (http://fatlace.com/slammedsociety/hellaflush/gtr-unveiled/?ref=nf)

This is very similar to what I was considering doing. Oh well. We'll see what I'm feeling when the time actually comes to purchase some new rollers...