Unsafety Equipment
When it comes to tuning a car, there's a right way, a wrong way and a JDM way. Unfortunately, many JDM cars are built to different regulations that aren't deemed safe or legal in the US. Just because they do it, doesn't mean it's the best option. Harnesses mounted to the rear seats, or lower than shoulder-level are not safe. Cages with opposite diagonal bars (for RHD cars), made of materials other than steel or chromoly, and janky connection joints, make for a very unsafe mixture.
Aero Latches
Aero latches have been around for a long time now, but just recently we've noticed a spike in the popularity of these on cars. Perhaps since Top Secret released their version, it's become a JDM trend here.
Who: NRG Innovations
What: Harness Bar
Where: www.getnrg.com
Wallet: $399
Who: Takata
What: Safety Harnesses
Where: www.takataracingproducts.com
Wallet: $400
Who: NRG Innovations
What: Carbon-fiber Aero
Hood Locks
Where: www.getnrg.com
Wallet: $99.99
Who: MOMO
What: Safety Harnesses
Where: www.momousa.com
Wallet: $315-425
Who: Takata
What: Eyebolt Harness Anchor
Where: www.takataracingproducts.com
Wallet: $8.50-10
Who: Corbeau
What: Safety Harnesses
Where: www.corbeau.com
Wallet: Inquire
Badges/Emblems
What's better than an Acura RSX? A Honda Integra of course! It's no secret that many of our cars are sold under a different name in Japan. So to complete your JDM transformation, these could be a must.
Angled Muff
Originally a design for less bends and more of a straight flow exhaust. Now it's just done on any style exhaust, sometimes adding a bend. A JDM must-have these days.
Who: Luxury Mods
What: JDM Toyota/Lexus Emblems
Where: www.luxurymods.com
Wallet: Inquire
Who: JDM Goodie
What: JDM Mazda and Honda Emblems
Where: www.jdmgoodie.com
Wallet: Inquire
Who: Go Tuning Unlimited
What: Titanium Intake Pipe
Where: www.gotuning.com
Wallet: $399.99
Who: Mackin Industries
What: ARC Titanium Shift Knobs
Where: www.mackinindustries.com
Wallet: Inquire
Rainbow Products
Titanium will actually change color when heated carefully. But that doesn't mean you can't have those pretty rainbow colors on all things aluminum, stainless or titanium. Although these are cool, they pale in comparison to the rainbow sticker on the back of Chuck's S14.
Who: Password JDM
What: Anondized Aluminum Tow Hooks
Where: www.passwordjdm.com
Wallet: Starting at $109.99
Carnards And Spoilers
A neat little invention that probably works great at over 100mph on a track, but probably not so great on your daily-driven hoopty. But who really cares, they do look great.
Who: Mackin Industries
What: ARC Carbon lip spoilers
Where: www.mackinindustries.com
Wallet: Inquire
Visors
Got rain? Japan does, and lots of it. We don't so much; (at least in SoCal), regardless we need to act like we do.
Who: Evasive Motorsports
What: Voltex gt Wings
Where: www.evasivemotorsports.com
Wallet: Starting at $1280
Tow Hooks
You see a lot of these on racecars for a specific reason; racecars need to be towed. While most cars come with adequate tow hooks from the factory, many enthusiasts often feel the need to extend their units, which are seldom if ever used. Bling blang.
Who: Password JDM
What: Anondized Aluminum Tow Hooks
Where: www.passwordjdm.com
Wallet: Starting at $109.99
Who: Password jdm
What: OEM JDM Integra
Window Visors
Where: www.passwordjdm.com
Wallet: Starting at $199.99
Who: Password JDM
What: OEM JDM Civic Window Visors
Where: www.passwordjdm.com
Wallet: Starting at $209.99
Brightly-Colored Wheels
Just when you've ordered your wheels in bronze, gunmetal, or black a new trend comes from Japan. Nothing make a car pop like neon-colored rollers. You'll need a pair of stunna shades to rock these. So wild, yet so JDM.
V-Intercoolers
To maximize cooling and air efficiency intercoolers are mounted in a V-shape along with the radiator. This keeps from having one in front of the other, giving a more even airflow. Popularized by rotary cars with cooling problems, but now visible on just about any Japanese turbo make.