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| Signature Top Secret Gold Volk Racing GT-Cs |
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Monday, August 8, 2016
Top Secret R32 GT-R
I saw this beauty on eBay last week. Absolutely stunning. I would love a Smoky Nagata Top Secret GT-R. If money were no object, I would have done my best to be in the running to take delivery on this masterpiece…
Friday, August 5, 2016
Outgoing mail...
JDMphasis stickers going out this morning…
Thank you for the support.
Thank you for the support.
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Sunday, July 24, 2016
How a Volk Racing TE37 is Made. In short, BUY REAL.
If you follow JDMphasis, you know that I believe in saving money and buying authentic parts. There are a number of reasons I believe in doing this. I believe the end result is worth the wait. I believe that a sense of pride in your ride is conjunct in buying authentic parts; as opposed to buying the replicated version. Quite simply, you feel more satisfied, content, and/or gratified about your project when you know you have not cut corners. (Of course, the replica part buyers will argue with this statement, but I stand by it regardless.) I believe in supporting the true innovators and pioneers of the industry - those companies that put the time, research, money, and effort into designing, building, and testing the authentic parts. I believe in quality.
On the short list of the most popular Japanese wheels of all time, the Volk Racing TE37 is timeless. Having owned a few sets myself (including the current sets on each of my respective projects), it is easily my favorite wheel. The popularity and enduring, classic nature of this wheel make the design ripe for the leeching replica companies to copy. Something they have not copied (and will not copy), however, is the construction process.
I recently came across a great article in Super Street detailing the process by which the iconic Volk Racing TE37 wheel is made. The article is most definitely worth a read. It sums up all the reasons that the authentic is far superior to any replica on the market.
Be the Funk. Don't Fake It.
Because this post is lacking photographic content, I will throw in a few shots of my TE37 wheels, past and present.
On the short list of the most popular Japanese wheels of all time, the Volk Racing TE37 is timeless. Having owned a few sets myself (including the current sets on each of my respective projects), it is easily my favorite wheel. The popularity and enduring, classic nature of this wheel make the design ripe for the leeching replica companies to copy. Something they have not copied (and will not copy), however, is the construction process.
I recently came across a great article in Super Street detailing the process by which the iconic Volk Racing TE37 wheel is made. The article is most definitely worth a read. It sums up all the reasons that the authentic is far superior to any replica on the market.
…Japanese Samurai swords and Space Shuttle parts are typically forged from aluminum. Ice cream scoopers and yard tools are often cast.
Be the Funk. Don't Fake It.
Because this post is lacking photographic content, I will throw in a few shots of my TE37 wheels, past and present.
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| 19" TE37 in Mercury Silver |
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| 19" TE37SL |
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| 18" TE37SL |
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| 18" TE37 Large PCD |
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Project FJ: Progress and Plight
I am quite happy with the FJ's new stance and aggressive demeanor. As I stated in my last update post, I would like to do a few more things to the truck, mainly a rear bumper as, in my mind, the truck looks "unbalanced," so to speak, with an aggressive aluminum front bumper and the factory plastic rear bumper. So, I believe that is my next modification to this vehicle. I will not even attempt to put a timeframe on that stage of the project, as it could end up being next week or six months from now. Who knows?
Anyway, I have done a couple things to the truck since my last update. Namely, the exhaust and an interior addition that required significantly more work than, I believe, the modification is worth.
I came home from work one day this week and found the package from Springtail Solutions. I had ordered their Straddle Combo package. It is basically a bracket that mounts over the center console. To this bracket, there are a couple small "saddle" bags that mount on each side to provide additional storage. I was pretty excited to install this, as it is a functional modification that is actually useful. I did not expect the headache that ensued as I did the install over the course of the next two days.
In progress…
Some finished shots…
Prior to this install, my iPod would rest in the 4WD shift boot. Now, I have it in the passenger side bag along with the phone charging cord. (I think I should try to track down some black cords.) As I mentioned above, this is a convenient storage solution for the FJ. However, I think if I were to do this again, I would not necessarily follow the provided instructions. I would develop my own mounting method, which would, no question, be easier and less infuriating. That said, I do really like this modification.
Now, another issue arose with the exhaust. I had ordered the stainless steel version of the MBRP system and the distributor shipped the aluminum version. Not the end of the world, I suppose. We decided to install it and I was refunded a few bucks for the cost difference of the stainless over the aluminum. I am not too concerned with the appearance of the aluminum system, as you can barely see the tip. The rest of the system is tucked up close to the chassis. I am also debating applying some high-temperature black paint to it now, as well. The note is perfect. It is not obnoxiously loud, but loud enough to know that it is not the OEM exhaust system. It growls nicely when that gas pedal is mashed. So, although I did not receive the exact product I ordered, I am happy with the exhaust.
Now, I need to force myself to focus some attention on Project Z33.
Anyway, I have done a couple things to the truck since my last update. Namely, the exhaust and an interior addition that required significantly more work than, I believe, the modification is worth.
I came home from work one day this week and found the package from Springtail Solutions. I had ordered their Straddle Combo package. It is basically a bracket that mounts over the center console. To this bracket, there are a couple small "saddle" bags that mount on each side to provide additional storage. I was pretty excited to install this, as it is a functional modification that is actually useful. I did not expect the headache that ensued as I did the install over the course of the next two days.
In progress…
Some finished shots…
Prior to this install, my iPod would rest in the 4WD shift boot. Now, I have it in the passenger side bag along with the phone charging cord. (I think I should try to track down some black cords.) As I mentioned above, this is a convenient storage solution for the FJ. However, I think if I were to do this again, I would not necessarily follow the provided instructions. I would develop my own mounting method, which would, no question, be easier and less infuriating. That said, I do really like this modification.
Now, another issue arose with the exhaust. I had ordered the stainless steel version of the MBRP system and the distributor shipped the aluminum version. Not the end of the world, I suppose. We decided to install it and I was refunded a few bucks for the cost difference of the stainless over the aluminum. I am not too concerned with the appearance of the aluminum system, as you can barely see the tip. The rest of the system is tucked up close to the chassis. I am also debating applying some high-temperature black paint to it now, as well. The note is perfect. It is not obnoxiously loud, but loud enough to know that it is not the OEM exhaust system. It growls nicely when that gas pedal is mashed. So, although I did not receive the exact product I ordered, I am happy with the exhaust.
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| OEM |
Now, I need to force myself to focus some attention on Project Z33.
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Project FJ: Stage One Completed.
Brian at Pro-Spec facilitated receipt of the FJ this past Friday before the holiday weekend. I am very happy with the final product. I have used every excuse to get out and drive it this weekend and I am left smiling each time. The truck is not nearly as sluggish as I had anticipated and prepared myself for and there is no rubbing with the unproven/untested tire size selection. Thus, the risk and labored research and contemplation paid off, as the final look is exactly what I had hoped for. My only "complaint," if it can even be referred to as such, is that it appears as though the front sits slightly higher than the rear. I am not making any hasty decisions as of yet, because I do anticipated some suspension settling over the next few days. However, I may end up remedying the situation with a small spacer for the rear, especially because my future plans for the truck entail a heavier rear bumper.
To recap all the work that was completed in this stage of the project, here is a list:
- Pro-Comp 3" Lift Kit
- Volk TE37 Large PCD Wheels (18x8") w/ matching spare.
- BF Goodrich T/A KO2 (34x12.5R18)
- Demello Offroad Single Hoop Aluminum Front Bumper
- Schrockworks Washer Fluid Relocation Reservoir Kit
- Baja Designs 3.5" Squadron Sport Lights
- Bushwacker Extenda Fender Flares
- N-Fab Nerf Bars
- Hella Sharptone Horn (link to hear it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKOdNCv9UwE)
- Tint (2 front windows to match the rear and a small windshield banner)
- Interior LEDs
- Rear license plate LEDs
- LED headlight bulbs
The MBRP exhaust system was supposed to be installed in this stage, but it was backordered across the country from the manufacturer, so it should be arriving this week. That is one thing I noticed - with the more aggressive look, it needs a more aggressive growl. I am really looking forward to having this installed.
I have not had a chance to take many good pictures of the truck, but I will post what I have.
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| Demello Single Hoop Aluminum Front Bumper |
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| If you look closely, you can see the Hella horns behind the grille... |
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| Pig on gas... |
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| JDMphasis: Innovation over Imitation (Message me for JDMphasis decals.) |
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| Matching spare... |
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| Poor neglected/stock Z in the background… |
The mod bug has certainly hit in regards to Project FJ. I can honestly say that this truck ranks as the favorite daily driven vehicle I have ever owned. Some of my future plans for this truck include, as mentioned above, possibly adding a small spacer to the rear suspension, as well as a rear bumper - I am thinking Warrior at the moment. I would also like to do a light bar across the roof rack - both front and back. Also, one of the things I notice when I now look at the truck is the side mirrors. I feel like I need to black them out to match the rest of the truck. Performance-wise, I think the truck could benefit from a cold air intake system. There are a few other smaller things I would like to do, as well, but I would really like to concentrate some attention on the Z at this point. We will see if that happens… Stay tuned.
JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation
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