The JDM Connection

The JDM Connection

Our society is one of fads; today’s en vogue is tomorrow’s mediocrity. The same status quo finds itself into the automotive universe via trends such as oversized exhaust tips, exaggerated wings, and spinning wheels. Some fall as meteorically as they had risen, others flame out in a blaze of glory. In either case, at one point; tomorrow’s punch line is today’s desire.

Once in a while a trend comes along and it transcends our collective view of cars, racing, and the automotive lifestyle. One such trend is the JDM craze that struck the United States in the early 2000s. What used to be body kits and clear corners gave way to lips and ambers. That’s right, thousands were being spent to make cars look like, well; the way the same car looks in Japan right off the show room floor. Purists went to extremes to convert their rides into JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) replicas with right hand drive conversions (Japanese cars have drivers sitting on the opposite side from American drivers), wheels, headlights, taillights, even windows.

So why the obsession you may ask; it boils down to homage. For those who pledge allegiance to their cars, may wish to honor its pure roots. Spending large amounts of money and time to track down, purchase, and install parts otherwise deemed normal in the vehicle’s country of origin. For others, it’s a “This is how much I know about this car” statement. Not many people know that a 1997 Honda Del Sol is available in Japan with a robotic arm that rises from the trunk to remove the car’s top. But the person who does know is the one who’s spent a small fortune sourcing the parts and converting the car here in the US. Or the 2003 Subaru WRX STi, who’s Japanese counterpart has different headlights which concentrates its beam of light to the driver’s side of the car illuminating the side of the car that one would drive closest to the curb with, since in Japan cars are driven on the opposite side.

This trend, if you can call it that. Has lasted through the years and has proven itself to be a viable sub culture to automotive enthusiasm from coast to coast. It is individualistic, and expressionistic; the makings of which are artistic in nature and not easily dismissed. And though our fiduciary commitments may not be JDM in nature, we salute the efforts and patronage of those whose homage was found deserving of a few words of homage itself. 

Cold Air Intakes, Ram air Hoods, Body Kits

In any typical magazine, web search, post, or tweet; catch phrases are thrown about and because these words are common place. Most readers see the word and associate what marketing suggests they associate. Words like Cold Air, Intake, Ram Air, and Induction. Take a second to realize that you’re probably thinking of air filters and pipes. Most fail to see the other attributes that are associated with these phrases. To those I ask: What good is a filter that’s hidden under the hood, or behind a bumper? Sure, there would be no other place to put it but mind you there are indeed options.

The ram air induction hood, for those who aren’t in the know are hoods designed with inlets to accept oncoming cooler air. This cooler “ram” air is then funneled through a series of channels located within the skeleton of the hood and ends up being distributed directly into the area of the air filter, thus allowing the vehicle’s engine access to cooler, oxygen rich air which increases efficiency and power. Good examples of these hoods would be Vision Autodynamics VFiber FRP hoods available for most late model muscle cars such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, and Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am.

A Cold Air Intake system; extended pipes used to relocate the filter to an area further from the engine, usually behind the bumper. Indeed, increases in power and efficiency can be realized. But to maximize the effect, the filter needs to be placed in direct contact with oncoming air. This may not be possible with most stock or OEM bumpers which weren’t designed with performance intakes in mind. Once again, Vision Autodynamics comes to our rescue with their VFiber line of body kits, available in FRP and Polyurethane. Styles such as Invader, Spyder, BC2, and Showoff all share a common aesthetic characteristic: enlarged openings. These body kit bumpers can go a long way in the aid of ramming cooler air to your intake system. Without restriction, oncoming air is easily reached. Once again producing more power.

So the next time you see words like, cold air intakes, or ram air induction; remember there’s more than just a filter and pipes. Do your car a favor, and go the extra mile with a ram air hood, or a body kit. Your car will perform better, and look better as well.