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

Tokyo Auto Salon 2013

I was not fortunate enough to attend the mecca of JDM awesomeness, but in browsing the multiple different pages and blogs posting coverage, there was definitely some great stuff popping up at this year's TAS. Of course, this is a drop in the bucket of all the JDM swag at this event, but here are just a few things that caught my eye...

As you might expect, FRS/BRZ/86 craziness...

Varis Arising 2 Widebody and Non-Wide

Top Secret

Rocket Bunny

Zele Performance

And...

Jun R35 on Advan GT rollers

Kansai Service R35. A lot of publicity for the traditional design of the new Advans...

Varis R35 on... wait for it... Advan GT wheels

Tein's new EDFC Active

Intriguing...

Volk Racing TE37 RT "Rigid Type" (Note the etched logo. I love.)

I didn't think the G-Force Evo X could look better, but it does wearing the RTs...

Endless. Enough said.

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

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 

Z34 Damping and Height Adjustability by Access Evolution

Access Evolution just recently installed a sick suspension set-up on a Z34, the main components being a set of TEIN Mono Flex coilovers with EDFC and Roberuta cups. I love this set-up. Function meets convenience without sacrificing the performance for which TEIN is well-known.

Nicely concealed in the center console...

 (Source: Carview Japan)

Project G37S: TEIN USA Feature

Never done. Never satisfied.


Sentiments that surround this project. When plans are in the works, parts in transit, or even when the wheels in my head are just starting to turn in contemplation of what I want to do next, I find myself powerless to simply step back and enjoy what has already been accomplished. Not a particularly admirable quandary in which to find one's self - feeling as though your car is not quite where it should be. However, it is not a stretch to suggest that this mindset of insufficiency, shortcoming, and, perhaps, imperfection is a common posture among enthusiasts. I think that is why we call them projects. A project is constantly-evolving. It is not supposed to ever be "done." The desire to improve overrides any feelings of content or complacency. Discovering that balance where one can enjoy what has been achieved while still striving to improve is where the challenge lies.


 Along those lines... Well over a year ago, my buddy, Brian, related to me that TEIN USA wanted to feature the G on their blog. I was reluctant because, of course, the car was not where I wanted it to be. "Let's wait a couple months until the next stage is complete." Fast forward to today... We are currently in the midst of some very exciting modifications. Ironically (and not surprisingly), I am really looking forward to the next few months, further perpetuating that endless cycle of insatiability...


I executed a Google search today on something completely unrelated and I stumbled upon this:

J.T. Motoring Built G-ya

Notwithstanding my exciting upcoming modifications, I suppose now is as good a time as ever. 


I need to make a better effort to enjoy this project.


Thanks, TEIN.

Thanks, BH...

I enjoy the little things. To that end, a small package containing some cool stuff arrived the other day from my buddy, Brian.

Another sticker for the collection and a Tein coilover keychain