Why are JDM parts so popular these days? [Archive]

Keyshawn

03-24-2002, 08:38 AM

I was just curious why JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) parts are so popular these days. JDM parts are cool, but I don't seem to be as interested in them as most other people. I wonder what the Japanese think of our fascination for their car parts? The ironic thing is that in Japan, UDSM (United States Domestic Market) parts are lusted after. I've heard of guys over there converting their Integras to have the US-spec front end, and guys changing their Honda emblems to Acura emblems (Acura exists in the US, and not Japan). Just curious.

baNanA_ryCe

03-24-2002, 08:47 AM

ur rite..me niether...

M SPEC

03-24-2002, 09:25 AM

-Japanese racing heritage in the company. (TRD, 5Zigen etc)
-Generally high product quality. (Blitz, Trust etc)
-Most products have extensive R&D and testing. (Tein, JUN, etc)
-Electronics expertise and design flair. (Apex'i, Delfi etc)
-Innovative bodykit design ( Bomex, Veilside etc)
-Street credibilty. (Greddy, Mugen, HKS and Volk wheels etc)

I like JDM because i respect how they believe Japanese cars should be hotted up.

Clean looking, light weight rims wrapped in just street legal tyres, track derived coil over suspension and the rest of the other stuff that gives it the JDM trademark. I just think Japanese aftermarket companies understand how to improve Japanese cars best.

Jason

kuruptgt

03-24-2002, 09:53 AM

whats the differance between JDM and redgular stuff. is it made in japan? is that what the japan cars have stock? how do you know whats JDM?

cool2miketlu

03-24-2002, 10:09 AM

easiest way to tell whats JDM usually is the price difference compared to domestic manufactured of same parts. Well for people who wants to compete in shows JDM parts gets more points just because it is harder to get and cost more, judges gotta give more points for that... I do not buy stuff just because it is JDM but I like higher quality stuff, and stuff that actually fit my driving personality. Just so happens Veilside, C-One, Cusco, Apex, Tanabe these stuff fits me like a glove...

kuruptgt

03-24-2002, 10:16 AM

so where do i find JDM parts?? do the parts say JDM on it. and say you were lookin at someones car how do u tell if it has JDM stuff??

QWKsilvr808

03-24-2002, 11:58 AM

I'm looking into bringing in JDM parts for my car to keep it from being the same as everyone else's cars. Plus the fit on JDM kits is amazing, mine fit right up as if they were stock pieces.

Anyone can afford a WW kit, but not many ppl are willing to dish out the dough and stand the wait to bring in something from Japan. The best rewards are gained by obtaining the near unobtainable.

BRAK

03-24-2002, 12:31 PM

Its like finding a rare pokemon!! LMAO .. im gonna smack myself for sayin that.
Talkin about JDM stuff i shure would like that Trial Body kit .... oooooo .. the looks would be just mind blowing.
I might get that front bumper if this lip i have now get road knicks everywhere.

03-24-2002, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by QWKsilvr808
I'm looking into bringing in JDM parts for my car to keep it from being the same as everyone else's cars. Plus the fit on JDM kits is amazing, mine fit right up as if they were stock pieces.

Anyone can afford a WW kit, but not many ppl are willing to dish out the dough and stand the wait to bring in something from Japan. The best rewards are gained by obtaining the near unobtainable.

QWK said it best.

racinjason

03-24-2002, 03:26 PM

Keyshawn: where have you been! JDM parts have always been popular in Sport Compact since the mid 90's bud. Hell I was fitting GT4 parts on my All-trac in 96.

Keyshawn

03-24-2002, 03:33 PM

racinjason,
Yeah, I know JDM parts have been used to mod cars here in the US for a while, but it seems more recent that people seem to be more obsessed with those parts and that term "JDM" than ever before.

DaksGT

03-24-2002, 04:12 PM

A JDM done up car is the greatest way of doing up a car IMHO, nice light weight rims, keeping it clean, function over fashion. It is the greatest, no 18"-19" rims (unless on a supra etc...) no ridiculous useless tailights, I can go on forever.
Thats why when I see an eg6 with vision amber corners, a c/f hood, some sick ass flat black or gun metal 15" Rota Slipstream rims I go nuts.

ringthree

03-24-2002, 05:50 PM

Jealousy kills discretion.

I love the look of the JDM OEM Toyota parts. As for performance I will go with whatever suits me best.

Another example of the Japanese doing it like us is how they convert the Toyota Cavalier back into a Chevy.

kuruptgt

03-24-2002, 06:00 PM

i still don't get it. where do i find JDM parts and how do you tell the differance. do they have to come from japan? is my exhaust JDM its japanese 5zigen??? i want JDM oarts what do i do??

ringthree

03-24-2002, 06:11 PM

Ok to clarify, JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) are parts only available in Japan and have to be specially imported. If you can buy them from a US distributor then they are not technically JDM. For OEM parts Japanese companies offer many parts that they dont offer in the US, just like US comapnies offer many parts that aren't available in other countries.

oldster

03-24-2002, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by ringthree
Ok to clarify, JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) are parts only available in Japan and have to be specially imported. If you can buy them from a US distributor then they are not technically JDM. For OEM parts Japanese companies offer many parts that they dont offer in the US, just like US comapnies offer many parts that aren't available in other countries.

So if David Draper could get JDM parts, which I believe he is trying to do, then as soon as he does they will not be JDM since he is a distributor? :confused:

coOOlcelica

03-24-2002, 06:52 PM

hmmm interesting..........

come on clarify this for us jake

M SPEC

03-24-2002, 09:02 PM

JDM parts are anything aftermarket from Japanese companies on the market in Japan. I don't agree with ringthrees comment about purcahsing JDM product from a local distributor not being a JDM product. Some stuff are popular so its easy to purchase from your local speed shop. Some stuff is rare on unheard of in some shops and has t be sourced then customed odered from Japan. In the end its a Japanese product for a Japanese car.

Jason

kuruptgt

03-24-2002, 09:08 PM

so whatever i order form japan is JDM??

M SPEC

03-24-2002, 09:23 PM

Yes

Kenshi

03-24-2002, 09:57 PM

I agree with a lot of the comments made above. JDM parts are rarer (and more expensive) than USDM parts. JDM companies that make aftermarket parts for Japanese cars are usually larger and have more experience with these cars. I'm not bashing USDM companies, but for the most part, most big US companies usually only concentrate on domestic cars, leaving the market for smaller companies (although this is slowly changing). So generally, when I purchase a JDM part from a reputable company (A'pexi, Blitz, HKS etc.) I feel confident that the part will fit perfectly and has been tested.

Also, for some cars that were more popular in Japan than the US (like mine), finding a decent selection of USDM parts is pretty difficult.

Keyshawn

03-24-2002, 10:24 PM

Originally posted by Platinum Panda
JDM: because the rice boys love it.

Seriously, tho, some of these JDM-obsessed guys go too far, IMO. Seen the new Stupid Street with the gold "Altezza" on the cover? Some dude featured in that ish has a "JDM Civic HB," and my God, his car has some of the stupidest mods made in the name of JDM. A new dash just to have the JDM utility box (which, just recently, sold for $42 on eBay)? JDM rear hatchback glass, complete with charcoal tint and Japanese smog legal sticker? WTH!!!

Hehe, that's the exact article I was reading when I started this thread. I also thought some of those mods were hilarious.

MilinGTS

03-24-2002, 10:48 PM

jdm parts are more popular because of quality

not to say anything bad, but APC is my impression of the US spec parts availiable.

there are many good companies here too fiberimages etc...
but some of the best parts are still in japan as far as function.

i think JDM "STYLE" is nicer too. no stickers, no ridiculous aluminum wings that dont match the car...no stupid looking things basically.

i like the subtle looks of some jdm kits too. (not all of em)
but i want a car that looks like its stock until you look at it for a few seconds....well cept for a few things (cf hood)

im keeping my car as stock as possible on the outside.
hell i might even just remove my spoiler to make it more sleek (with a nice rear valence of course)

has anyone seen the trial kit? i like the rear...its clean.

"clean" is jdm.
most of the time anyway

BlaqCelica

03-25-2002, 12:08 AM

Tanabe, Apexi, Spoon, Mugen, Volk Racing, TRD, HKS, 5Zigen, etc = JDM (more expensive, funciton over form, more props, more quality, made in Japan)

APC, AroSpeed, AC Autotechnic, OBX, = USDM (cheaper, form over function, made in USA)

jotan82

03-25-2002, 05:50 AM

i hate waiting for japanese parts!!! 3 months shipping! unless you wanna pay for air freight which is basically rape!!!

i love JDM parts!!! :wiggle:

ringthree

03-25-2002, 06:37 AM

Originally posted by oldster

So if David Draper could get JDM parts, which I believe he is trying to do, then as soon as he does they will not be JDM since he is a distributor? :confused:

Please use your head. The point is if the company has distribution here then it wouldn't really be JDM. I think of it as two different groups. OEM parts and aftermarket parts. For OEM JDM parts the parts are not offered in US Toyota dealerships. FOr aftermarket parts the manufacturer doesn't have it's own distribution here. Like Tien just opened up a US division. Thus the parts wouldn't be considered solely JDM anymore.

ringthree

03-25-2002, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by M SPEC
JDM parts are anything aftermarket from Japanese companies on the market in Japan. I don't agree with ringthrees comment about purcahsing JDM product from a local distributor not being a JDM product. Some stuff are popular so its easy to purchase from your local speed shop. Some stuff is rare on unheard of in some shops and has t be sourced then customed odered from Japan. In the end its a Japanese product for a Japanese car.

Jason

Distribution is a term of art. Meaning that the company that makes the part has no base in the US for itself. I think for OEM parts the illustration is even clearer. If you can walk into a dealership and get the part then it is not JDM.

We basically agree, I just think you misunderstood my terminology.

ringthree

03-25-2002, 06:51 AM

Another problem is that the fact that several "JDM-only" companies (companies where parts may have been available here but the companies had no self-representation in the US) are now expanding into the US. Tien is one. A'pexi and Greddy are ones that have already done so. With the expanding aftermarket for import cars in the US the JDM distinction for aftermarket parts will become less and less clear. At some point only OEM parts will be considered to be true JDM parts, if they are not sold in the US, because many Japanese companies are going to want a piece of the US aftermarket pie.

Just to clarify my definitions (which I think is a good one)

JDM = Japanese Domestic Market, only sold in Japan and must be specifically imported though another company that will a) bring the parts over here for you (ie David Draper) or b) acts as a middle man (ie eToyota's, Bottle).

JDM-style parts=high quality parts made by Japanese comapnies that are available in the US, ie Greddy, APex'i, Tanabe.

Just my opinion.

Takeoff

03-25-2002, 07:23 AM

I personally think JDM parts slightly nicer but people get stupid w/ the JDM trend. I understand if the part helps w/ performance better than USDM parts but a lot of parts don't and are overpriced. It all comes down to what you like. I would never buy a part just because it was JDM. Some day soon there won't be any JDM parts. The market is so big over in the U.S. all the companies are trying to come out here.

celica gte racing

03-25-2002, 07:28 AM

JDM parts are usually more expensive but better quality and more innovative since most japanese tuners are involved in motorsports themselves. I'd say the best tuning for japanese cars come from japan. they've been at it for a long time.

Most car enthusiasts in japan don't even know about the US import phenomenon, but for the some that are aware, they might buy some american parts to be "different". but mostly for cars that are considered with less racing potential such as civic, celica, corollas, for which parts for it are less available there, while parts for civics, delsols, eclipses are much more available in the US. lets face it in japan people buy performance cars to go to the circuit, thus they spend much more money on performance than looks. for example, its very difficult to see a celica with 18inch rims, because they think its overspec, too heavy etc. yet they spend over $2000 for lightweight 17'. The irony is that in the US they buy japanese performance mods nothing but for looks, for example, people in north america with GT wings, i doubt that they go circuit racing and therefor they only buy it for the esthetics (looks fast, need downforce).

JDM parts are any parts made by a japanese company. since "jdm style" is abit pointless since they sell the exact same thing in japan then here. they are most of teh time manufactured in japan and exported.

Keyshawn

03-25-2002, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by Takeoff
I personally think JDM parts slightly nicer but people get stupid w/ the JDM trend. I understand if the part helps w/ performance better than USDM parts but a lot of parts don't and are overpriced. It all comes down to what you like. I would never buy a part just because it was JDM. Some day soon there won't be any JDM parts. The market is so big over in the U.S. all the companies are trying to come out here.

I totally agree, especially with this comment:"I personally think JDM parts slightly nicer but people get stupid w/ the JDM trend." Some of the stuff I've seen people do to be JDM cracks me up. Personally, I just look for parts that are high quality, regardless of where they are from.

racinjason

03-25-2002, 08:18 AM

JDM usually only refers to products from the car manufacturer. But can also be extended to aftermarket parts not intended for US release or for use with Jap spec cars. JDM Toyota parts for the Celica include (Spec M parts), Honda guys do it alot. We import Jap Spec Honda Integra bumpers for the US spec Acura Integra. But the Japanese do the same thing with us which they import US spec parts that aren't available in Japan. It not a quality issue. As Apexi, HKS, Greddy, Mugen, Spoon, Blitz parts sold in the US are as high of quality as the one sold in Japan. Most american companies aren't into the electronics yet like HKS, Blitz, and Greddy. But there are quite a few good quality performance companies in America as well. DC Sports, Jackson Racing, Turbonetics, Jet, NOS, Crower, AEM, Skunk2 to name a few. These companies might do different things than Japanese companies do. But their quailty is just as good. In Japan Greddy is to them as APC is to us. Where thier products are cheaper and has less features than the HKS brands. My Greddy products never lasted as long as my HKS ones did on my all-trac either.

ringthree

03-25-2002, 08:29 AM

I agree with Jason.

Keyshawn

03-25-2002, 10:46 AM

Actually in Japan, GReddy is called TRUST, and TRUST is quite a well-regarded tuner company over there. Much more highly regarded there than those trinket-makers at APC are here.

kuruptgt

03-25-2002, 04:47 PM

so where do i got to get jdm stuff. websites??

celica gte racing

03-25-2002, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by Keyshawn
Actually in Japan, GReddy is called TRUST, and TRUST is quite a well-regarded tuner company over there. Much more highly regarded there than those trinket-makers at APC are here.

greddy is greddy in japan. but its true that greddy is a division of trust.

QWKsilvr808

03-25-2002, 06:21 PM

here's a good starting point: www.takakaira.com

But it helps to work with a shop who has a good connection in Japan and is experienced with importing parts to avoid any hassles and keep the experience as stress free as possible. Personally I wouldn't want to order JDM parts online, I'd rather go thru a shop where I can go down and yell at someone when things get screwed up.

ZIGGY GTS

03-25-2002, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by DaksGT
A JDM done up car is the greatest way of doing up a car IMHO, nice light weight rims, keeping it clean, function over fashion. It is the greatest, no 18"-19" rims (unless on a supra etc...) no ridiculous useless tailights, I can go on forever.
Thats why when I see an eg6 with vision amber corners, a c/f hood, some sick ass flat black or gun metal 15" Rota Slipstream rims I go nuts.

Yup, good words form a fellow honda fan....!

ZIGGY GTS

03-25-2002, 07:19 PM

Keyshawn and Panda:

actually i know the owner of that hatchback....Jay is a hard-core JDM fanatic and has been doing up Hondas for a very very long time...And he knows how to do it well. Some people talk trash on people like us who love JDM honda goodies, but the way i see it, "if u are gonna do something, go the extra mile and do it right" its like how some people in here like to brag about their "JDM TRD Doorsills" but have gay stuff like altezza lights and chrome wheels on the outside....If u wanna go "JDM" do it right....When it comes to doing it right, Jay's Hatchback has the looks and the balls to back it up!

Keyshawn

03-25-2002, 08:15 PM

Ziggy,
That's cool. To each his own. I just think it's over the top silly, but that's just my opinion. The one JDM item I had on my old Civic was a functional one: a JDM Prelude VTEC engine. I'm just not into all those little JDM appearance knick-knacks.

ZIGGY GTS

03-25-2002, 08:25 PM

Originally posted by Keyshawn
Ziggy,
That's cool. To each his own. I just think it's over the top silly, but that's just my opinion. The one JDM item I had on my old Civic was a functional one: a JDM Prelude VTEC engine. I'm just not into all those little JDM appearance knick-knacks.

cool, point well taken...but since that panda guy wanted to state his opinion about Jay's hatch, i just wanted to show the flipside to it.....u had an H22 in a civic? i bet that was a handfull!

Keyshawn

03-25-2002, 08:29 PM

Yeah, my Civic/Prelude hybrid was quick. I had it installed by Steph Papadakis before he became famous, back when he had a shop in Santa Ana. Damn, I miss that car.

silverceli2k

03-25-2002, 08:31 PM

It's probably been stated above, I just skimmed through, but it has a lot to do with the fact that that it is harder to get. People want to be unique.

ZIGGY GTS

03-25-2002, 08:37 PM

Originally posted by Keyshawn
Yeah, my Civic/Prelude hybrid was quick. I had it installed by Steph Papadakis before he became famous, back when he had a shop in Santa Ana. Damn, I miss that car.

steph's shop in santa ana? damn, Honda Pros...that was a really long time ago.....

Keyshawn

03-25-2002, 08:41 PM

Originally posted by ZIGGY GTS

steph's shop in santa ana? damn, Honda Pros...that was a really long time ago.....

Hell, yeah. You used to go to HondaPro off Harbor Blvd back in the day? Yeah, it was a while back. I remember when I got it done, he said I was one of the first.

ZIGGY GTS

03-25-2002, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by Keyshawn

Hell, yeah. You used to go to HondaPro off Harbor Blvd back in the day? Yeah, it was a while back. I remember when I got it done, he said I was one of the first.

yup, i used to go there sometime with my friend Marc, who was a friend of steph and viet...Actually, i didnt have a honda at the time...They used to do sum crazy **** over there at that shop...I remember going to their one year aniversary BBQ and seeing a bunch of clean sleeper looking hondas...those were good and simpler days.

Keyshawn

03-25-2002, 08:51 PM

Originally posted by ZIGGY GTS

yup, i used to go there sometime with my friend Marc, who was a friend of steph and viet...Actually, i didnt have a honda at the time...They used to do sum crazy **** over there at that shop...I remember going to their one year aniversary BBQ and seeing a bunch of clean sleeper looking hondas...those were good and simpler days.

Viet Lam...wow, that's a name I haven't heard in a long time. Good 'ol Wicked Racing crew.

Orion Pax

03-25-2002, 08:52 PM

celica gte racing

03-26-2002, 03:48 AM

Originally posted by ZIGGY GTS
its like how some people in here like to brag about their "JDM TRD Doorsills" !

those door sills are not TRD but standard on any celica outside northamerica. thats what makes it so silly.

chameleon

03-26-2002, 07:55 AM

Keyshawn, I don't pay much attention to whether or not my parts are US or JDM and the vast majority of parts on my Celica still ended up being JDM. This is due to my goal of making my Celica the aboslute best it can possably be. I think that it's true that Japan is making better parts for imports right now than the US. If crower ever makes a good set of cams I'll be all over them, but for now, all my performance upgrades have come from Japan with the exception of my TRD USA exhaust.