An explanation of "JDM" for newcomers

In light of all the incorrectly-placed posts made in this area I thought I would try and clear things up for newcomers. "JDM" stands for Japanese Domestic Manufacture, meaning the car/part/engine was actually built in JAPAN. A Honda made in America like your Civic Si, Dx, LX, HX, or EX is a USDM (United States Domestic Manufacture) Honda. A Civic Type R (often called ctr) is a JDM car because it was made in Japan. A ctr engine is JDM because it was made in Japan. If a ctr engine is swapped into a USDM Civic, it doesn't make it a Civic Type R, just like if you swapped with an Integra engine it wouldn't make it an Integra. It's still a USDM Honda with a ctr swap, and a real ctr is right hand drive.

JDM parts are generally pretty rare, cost more partly because of shipping, they're of higher quality, are less restrictive, and the engines have a bit more horsepower than our USDM ones, adding cool points to your ride if you've got them installed. An example of how rare/popular they are, a JDM clock for a 92-95 Civic went on Ebay and bids skyrocketted within a matter of hours. The only physical difference is the numbers are orange. Big car shows are even integrating JDM classes into the hordes of body-kitted, big-winged, neon-equipped etc. cars because it's becoming so popular. The JDM-fitted cars are usually clean, stock-looking but only the one with a knowledgable eye can spot the parts and truly appreciate them. Other types of JDM parts include companies like Spoon, JUN, Mugen (moo-gen), and Toda. These companies are like the big-named AEM, Greddy, Apexi etc. in Japan, making them somewhat JDM, and appropriate for this forum. These quality parts are very expensive, and very respectable to have on your ride. They can be bought on Ebay like the clock, and if you search around you can find them on internet sites too, like www.inlinefour.com which is where I bought my ctr engine, and an abundance of other JDM parts can be found.

Hopefully this information will help guide some of you to the correct area to make your post about USDM Honda questions.

this thread needs to be bumped and bumped and bumped again and again and again. hopefully this will prompt people to keep the b/s out of the JDM forum. thanks ricochet.

this thread needs to be bumped and bumped and bumped again and again and again. hopefully this will prompt people to keep the b/s out of the JDM forum. thanks ricochet.

I agree and thanks Ricochet.

Since school is just about done for the semester, I'll put together some guidelines for posting in this forum area. I mean it's getting out of hand between the "what motor should I swap?" and then the eons of classifids threads. So some guideline rules are in order I fell. I shall put these together very shortly, stay tuned. :)

and basically, for example, a JDM civic is just a stock civic......don't be fooled by all the JDM this JDM that on ebay because a lot of that stuff isn't....be sure to do your research first b4 u buy and thing that's advertised as a JDM product because chances are it may not be

Before anyone asks, it'd be cheaper to buy a CTR and import it than it would to try and make an all JDM Civic out of yours. Just wanted to clear that up before anyone had to be banned for asking stupid qestions. :sly: ...and to bump this post again. :smokin:

Before anyone asks, it'd be cheaper to buy a CTR and import it than it would to try and make an all JDM Civic out of yours. Just wanted to clear that up before anyone had to be banned for asking stupid qestions. :sly: ...and to bump this post again. :smokin:
No, not really, importing a car is VERY expensive, cutting out a firewall, and installing the parts one by one, would be very time consuming, but could be done way cheaper.

And There are LHD EK4's (CTR's), Mugen, Spoon, Blitz, Cusco, Bride, HKS, etc...., are all very JDM, since they are Japanese companies. Clean does not define JDM, as you can easily see in a copy of Hyper Rev where there is a fair share of kitted cars that would be called "rice" here. And people who say turbo is not JDM, FUCK YOU, you don't have a clue what you're talking about. It isn't OEM, but there are TONS of turbo companies, and shops/companies that run, tune, sell turbos on the Japanese markets.

I'll rant more later on.

I would just like to add that if you want t complete the JDM look, you really need cheek lights. I've seen pics of USDM cars converted to JDM, but the cheek lights are missing. This is especially true of 92-95 Civic pics, partly because mine is a 1993 Civic. You really have to put those flat, amber cheek lights, and put them in the proper place.

They're called sidemarkers

They're called sidemarkers

Over here we call them cheek lights. :smile:

C'mon peopl, no flames on this. Not yet at least. Let me draft up something, and then let me know what you think of it, or if I left anything out. What's JDM to one may not be considred so to another. But it's a lot more definable than the definition of "rice." My A'PEXi WS exhaust is theoretically JDM since A'PEXi is a Japanese company (and very highly reguarded in the JDM realm) but since their products are so widely available, I wouldn't consider them in this forum like I would with genuine Honda of Japan JDM parts that your local Honda dealership doesn't sell nor stock, nor even be able to get in most cases. There's not many shops that carry genuine JDM Honda of Japan parts.

Mugen and Spoon are of course JDM. Tein is neglegable unlessd your taking about say parts they DON'T market in the US such as the Tein HE system (only applicable to 240SX's and RX7's) or other suspension stuff they carry or list on their Japanese website. HKS I'd also put in the same boat as A'PEXi because of their marketability.

In terms or motors, if it's from an Acura, it's NOT JDM be any means whatsoever since Acura is not marketed in Japan. Nothing more can be said about that. ;) If it's from a JDM or EDM ITR, CTR, Accord Type-R, NSX-R then of course it would go in this forum.

Actually, importing a car isn't very expensive at all. Especially considering how much money you save buying direct from Japan or Europe. Making the vehicle pass Cali Emissions, that's expensive...or at least can be depending on the vehicle you bring over. All in all, shipping charges to boat a car over is about 3-5 grand. Trust me on this one, I've been looking into importing a 97 Mitsubishi FTO for about a year now.

Thanks for clearing this up. I can understand better now. However, it seems to me that JDM stuff Is for ball swinging fags who don't/won't like USDM stuff. Now for engines, that's another story. If it makes more hp, then it makes sense, but JDM "cheek lights?" Tha's just big gay hurting. Someone should build a show car if it's all for show. I mean, who gives a fuck what you think about my car anyways? You'll never drive it, so why would I care to add parts that only attract attention from swine and thieves? Flash is for Liberace. I want low key speed.

oooook :uhoh:

JDM is all about preference and IMO about how hard it is to get parts from other countries just to personalize ur car.....same as with getting a lip or a bodykit....now if JDM was for people who do not like USDM stuff....then it would be fair to assume that they'd import the whole car rather that parts :sly:

However, it seems to me that JDM stuff Is for ball swinging fags who don't/won't like USDM stuff.
Yeah it is kind of artsy fartsy, but I'd rather have jdm parts (for their stock Hondas) than outrageous body kits and neon APC crap from domestic companies.

Actually, importing a car isn't very expensive at all. Especially considering how much money you save buying direct from Japan or Europe. Making the vehicle pass Cali Emissions, that's expensive...
Well part of importing a car is being able to drive it right? And in order to drive it legally it has to be up to US standard right? So by the logic of 1+1=2, then importing a car is expensive. You can believe me when I say this since I spent about three months researching, by calling and talking to people who have imported, do import for a living, the EPA, DOT, registered importers and shipping companies. No, the cost of the container isn't that high. you're right, but getting it legal and once again, that's the point, is.

:sly: ...you win...but on the other hand, illegal is more fun! :pimp:

JDM is really a choice, just like some want to have their car look faster. Some people here in our country also go for the Euro look, and quite a few are trying to get the USDM look. FYI cheek lights here in the Philippines is standard in all Civics, so we really don't need to put holes on our fenders the way it is done for those who want to go JDM there in the U.S. The only difference between the stock cheek lights here and JDM one is that the stock is orange and bumpy, as seen here:

http://rayesroom1.homestead.com/files/dsc02263.jpg

Those are the stock Philippine cheek lights for the 92-95 (EG) Civic. Stock corner lights in the Philippines is JDM, which is clear-with-orange inside, much like USDM except there's no orange reflector outside.

It is indeed artsy fartsy. It's not as bad as APC shit or unpainted 2f2f body kits, but it IS for people who don't like USDM stuff. If not, why do it? And no, you can't import a car like a ctr for what you do the swap for.

Well what looks better, a stock front bumper or one with a JDM lip? Anybody would agree the one with the lip. Also a black shiftknob with 12345R etched on top, or a titanium ctr one with 12345R painted in red (Granted they cost upwards of $250 though.. :()? People don't generally dislike USDM, but JDM almost always looks/performs better. Just like a B16A2 (or any other engine), the JDM one has bumped compression and 10 more hp... of course that one will be favored. See what I'm saying? For the most part their parts are just plain better.

or a titanium ctr one with 12345R painted in red (Granted they cost upwards of $250 though.. :()
Abou $180 from Honda. But you can get the Type R Accord for $80, titanium w/black numbers, looks real nice.

this thread needs to be bumped and bumped and bumped again and again and again. hopefully this will prompt people to keep the b/s out of the JDM forum. thanks ricochet.

I know this is random, but what exactly does "bump" mean? I see it all the time on this site, but none of my friends use it and this is the first place that I've heard it. Again, I know this is random, but I'm just curious.

I know this is random, but what exactly does "bump" mean? I see it all the time on this site, but none of my friends use it and this is the first place that I've heard it. Again, I know this is random, but I'm just curious.

Just means the thread is being moved to the top by posting in it. ;) You say "bump" or whatever other word, and it goes to the top.

As for JDM, it could be for people that don't like JDM. For me it's just something different. No hate for USDM from me, I just like the look of JDM better. It's still modding, but it's more clean and unique, though everyone in LA is on the JDM bandwagon now. :rolleyes: I'd really love to get a hold of a JDM front bumper for my Civic, but I've been informed they only made them for '96-'98 models. :crying:

Thanks for the info. That makes sense.

Isn't it funny how people think their opinion is final and everyone has to agree? I mean, not pointing out names, but really guys..isn't the point of tuning your car not only for "go" or "show" but to show your personality? I mean, all the "real racers" don't agree with JDM lip, front conversion, or simple JDM seats merely because of the "it doesn't help you go faster" statement. As for those people..did it ever occur to you that people may ENJOY the looks of it? I am a JDM fan, some people say it's a trend but hey, almost every car mod is a trend. It doesn't mean we JDM fans dislike USDM gear, it's just we are fond of other shiet. In addition, I think what is rare and harder to get your hands onto, is more fun. YOu may see everyone flying around with a Black Widow body kit, but how many people have JDM DC2 front lips? Before you hate on someone elses car, you gotta think, "HEY, I may think it's gay but I guess it's just not my style." Rather than "What a flippen poser, who the hell puts stripes down their car??" I guess it's kind of hard to write what I'm trying to say...but hopefully you get the point. :screwy:

:2cents:

Hey, I think this is gay, but I guess it's just not my style:

http://www.jaron95.com/ot/fnfpos.jpg

:thefinger :iceslolan

Two minutes ago........."Oooh big wings and body kits were in TFATF so that's what I need". Next minute......"Ooooh JDM is the new thing so now my car is JDM".

Hey, I think this is gay, but I guess it's just not my style:

http://www.jaron95.com/ot/fnfpos.jpg

:thefinger :iceslolan



:disappoin
ever thought of

"Under Construction" ?

I wouldn't expect that ass comment from you.

ever thought of played out piece of shit?

im not trying to be an ass but half of these people that make their cars look like this arent doing it because it reflects their personality...theyre doing it because: a) its the only thing for their car that they found at autozone/ebay or b) its 'popular' please dont use that arguement. when i see altezzas/led lights everywhere/lowering springs on a car i just think dumbass. its a discrace. you can go around looking for JDM/rare parts im just gonna keep spending money to make my car go faster...have fun, see you at the finish line.

for now im just gonna sit back and appreciate ricochets humor...

I've seen a lot of cars around here "under construction" then. Like this one guy is currently working on removing his altezzas, washer lights, and chrome rims. He just hasn't gotten around to it yet.

ever thought of played out piece of shit?

im not trying to be an ass but half of these people that make their cars look like this arent doing it because it reflects their personality...theyre doing it because: a) its the only thing for their car that they found at autozone/ebay or b) its 'popular' please dont use that arguement. when i see altezzas/led lights everywhere/lowering springs on a car i just think dumbass. its a discrace. you can go around looking for JDM/rare parts im just gonna keep spending money to make my car go faster...have fun, see you at the finish line.

for now im just gonna sit back and appreciate ricochets humor...


Totally agree with you on the fact that I wouldn't see eye to eye level with them as well. I mean, a lot of the times, I'm thinkin, that shit is ugly. But, I also realize that THEY think it's cool. Like Body kits..and under neon lights...I, and you probably think it's gay, but for some people they like it. Also, some JDM stuff does make your car faster :) Not everything "popular" is cool okay, I didn't use that as my arguement. IE-> Altezzas. My point IS, people like different things, GET OVER IT! :loser:

Another thing, who said aftermarket modifications were all about speed? :rolleyes:

yeah...

but i like my stock look :thumbsup:

People don't spend huge bills for JDM parts just to fit in though, like most people do with led's, neons, etc.. They do it because it's rare, they're made better, looks cleaner, and it's relatively unique to all the body kit whores out there.

JDM is different....an expensive route that not too many people are will to take in order to stand out frim the crowd.......i would love to have the optional mugen body kit that was factory installed as an option for my car....that wouldn't be different....that would be unique ;)

I like what someone sadi here--it's a preference, so those who don't like it, get over it. I like what another here was posted, that it reflects our personality. That's true. A car, especially one that we've moulded after our own fashion, reflects our style. Just because one goes the JDM route doesn't mean there isn't a personal style placed into it. Personal preferences still go into it, like for instance one might put in exterior JDM looks but has a different interior, or another mixes things up with JDM and USDM or any other thing. There are many possibilities and combinations to go around, so always one's personality can be seen in how one makes his car.

Interestingly, the OEM cheek lights for the EG Civic here in the Philippines seem to be the same as that of the JDM 90-93 Integra cheek lights. Hhmm...so, if anyone needs cheek lights for their 90-93 Integra, I have 2 pairs here.