Unbiased Information about JDM Cars/Japanese Imports
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The inspiration for our community grew since 2004 since the rise of imports of amazing Japanese cars from Japan's domestic market (JDM), most of which were previously unavailable in markets outside Japan.
Examples of why people find jdmvip.com so useful:
- Researching JDM Cars, Ask Us Anything and We Can Help
- Car Specifications
- Reviews of JDM Cars
- Importing/Exporting Japanese Used Cars
- Parts and Suggestions
- Engine Information
- Car Maintenance
- Common and Problems and Solutions for
Most concerning of all are communities sponsored by different JDM import companies that ensure negative opinions and information cannot be circulated about their dealings, many hiding under the guise of being an enthusiast site and trying to claim they are unbiased. There are certainly many great communities and importers to serve the needs of the import community but there are perhaps just as many that are waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting JDM Japanese Used car buyers.
Unlike many other communities and sites, we have absolutely no involvement or ties to anyone in this industry. We are individuals who want to get the most out of Japan's finest offerings of JDM Cars and help others do the same.
This site was created first and foremost with the consumer in mind. Our goal is to provide real exciting, unbiased and factual information about the excellent variety of JDM cars available for import.
We hope you enjoy our growing community and the wealth of information it will continue to be for as long as the JDM scene is alive.
If you have any questions about JDM cars visit our Japanese Import Car forums by clicking here.
We'd also like to remind everyone that JDMVip.com welcomes all its members from around the world including government officials and import/export companies to be a part of our site.
-- JDMVip.com Team
Other Information About The JDM Car Market
- Imported Vehicles from Japan are common around the world, not just the UK (United Kingdom), Australia, but Africa, Europe and the Caribbean.
- Canada Imported Vehicles from Japanese Used Car Auctions. Importing JDM cars from Japan has become very commonplace in Canada.
- Most cars from Japan are sold through "Japanese Used Car Auction" such as USS Nagoya and other auction houses around Japan from Tokyo to Hokaido.
- Japanese Cars for Sale are usually originally purchased from auction houses in Japan such as USS or JU.
- JDM Used Cars are in high demand around the world.
- Enthusiasts and casual owners import japanese cars
- JDM Imports are known for their reliability and value
- You can find JDM cars for sale on jdmvip.com
- We have lists of Japanese Car Importers & Exporters
Most Popular JDM Cars/Japanese Imports:
- Nissan Skyline Cars (R32,R33,R34 GTS-T,GTS-4 and GTR)
- JDM Toyota Supra (MKIII JZA70/MKIV JZA80)
- JDM Mazda RX7 (FD3S)
- JDM Subaru Impreza WRX STi,Type RA,STi Type RA (GC8,GDA,GDB)
- JDM Toyota Celica (ST185 and ST205 GT-Four WRC)
- JDM Honda CRX, Civic, Accord, Prelude, Integra
- JDM Toyota Aristo 3.0V/V300 Vertex (same thing as USDM Lexus GS 300+ series)
- JDM Mitsubishi Delica/Pajero
Hot Regions for JDM Cars
- Canada: BC (British Columbia), AB (Alberta), SK (Saskatchewan), MB (Manitoba), ON (Ontario), QC (Quebec), NS (Nova Scotia), NB (New Brunswick), NL (Newfoundland and Labrador), PE (Prince Edward Island), NT (Northwest Territories), YT (Yukon), NU (Nunavat).
- Canadian Cities: Vancouver, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Brandon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Markham, London, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, St. John's, Charlotteown, Yellowknife, Iqaluit.
- Caribbean: Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
- Africa: South Africa
- Europe: UK (United Kingdom), London, Ireland, Scotland
- Australia/New Zealand: Perth, Sydney.
Latest 10 Forum Posts
UrbKlr's 97 WRX STi Type R Thanks Photobucket for ruining my entire thread. http://img.techpowerup.org/170913/img-201708....Rhdgc8's 2001 Bugeye STI WRB Awesome! I haven't been on the forums much recently but I am stoked to see the results. Should make ....
best walk in garages / osaka for GTR I can't name any but I'd really recommend just buying through auction way less issues and more prote....
Tradecarreview Definitely on those sites buyer beware just like eBay there are many horror stories I've personally ....
The Introduction Thread Welcome jono I don't live in Japan but lots of us on here can give you buying advice for sure! What....
Subaru Impreza WRX/STi General Timing Belt Warning and Recommendation Against Gates Hey reet very interesting read since I've never seen or experienced myself who knows for sure ! Ther....
V1 GC8 EJ20G Timing Belt parts Yes it looks like anyone who bought before the time in 2016 is good to go. I would think if your pa....
UCF31 Celsior Failed Steering Column Motor I've read this is a common issue, my steering wheel can go in and out but not up and down. I read i....
Kuma's WRX Type RA WRC LTD +1 nice progress Kuma and yes pics required :)....
[NEED HELP] Removing the stock intercooler Yea, I finally got it off hahaha. I propped a breaker bar and some spare blocks of wood I had lying ....
Latest from the JDM Car Discussion Forums
Latest Posts
UCF31 Celsior Failed Steering Column Motor - Toyota -> Celsior
I've read this is a common issue, my steering wheel can go in and out but not up and down. I read it is the automatic retracting feature that causes it, some people even pull the fuse to prolong the motor life.Does anyone know if this motor is a single one or are there multiple (eg. one for telescopic and one for tilt?). Do the USDM Lexus LS430 parts fit or is there a RHD/Celsior difference?
Is the EJ208/EJ206 Twin Turbo Legacy Motor Unreliable in the 1998-2003 Legacy B4s? - Subaru -> Legacy
I started this thread back in 2008: https://jdmvip.com/forum/EJ20K_discussion_of_reliability_Subaru_Impreza-670-t because there was rampant info on the Subaru forums that EJ20K is unreliable. It actually appears to be a myth at least based on our members, we had relatively few failures considering how many people had these motors compared to even EJ20G based on memory.However, with EJ206 and EJ208 twin turbo setups in the Legacy B4 models from 1998-2003 I have personally known a number of members who've had failures and have seen countless for sale with blown engines. Since there are so many known failures I tend to think there is an issue with these engines for some reason and it's weird that the EJ20K gets the bad rap.
I do wonder if it is a bad OEM belt, pulley or tensioner? We had someone get a low mileage one in good condition apparently and a timing component failed shortly after as within a few days. I cannot remember which part failed though. We also do not know for sure if the mileage was correct but it sounds like it was.
What do you guys think? Do you know anyone who's had one of these engines and had a failure early on or do you know someone who's been driving one of these models for many years?
Subaru Impreza WRX/STi General Timing Belt Warning and Recommendation Against Gates - Subaru -> Impreza
Hey guys so I'm in the market for a new timing kit and see our members here and on NASIOC etc.. were all using Gates with good success but no longer. I was almost going to buy the Gates kit but did some last second research fortunately. Timing is nothing you want to play with or cheap out on!Be careful of kits and sellers who mention the belt is made in Japan usually the rest of the parts will be from China.
Possible contenders for kits:
If the parts are real and really from the manufacturers pictured I think this kit is a safe and best value:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MITSUBOSHI-Timing-Belt-Idler-Bearings-Tensioner-Kit-921-82010-WRX-2-0L-EJ205-02-/362001946550
"http://jdmvip.com/forum/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=3072"Image:
#1.) Gates is now made in China (mostly or possibly entirely).
Sometime in 2016 they went with Chinese parts and people have reported all kinds of issues and failures with Gates. Supposedly kits for example TCK328N are from Japan still whereas ones like TCK328 and TCK328A TCK328RB are all China made now. Personally I wouldn't trust anything Gates who knows if old or new stock is from where with them?
#2) Gates blue Kevlar racing belts are prone to skipping and stretching more so than a typical rubber belt.
There are lots of reports about these belts fraying, stretching and causing timing issues and famous people in the Subaru forums like "Unabomber" don't recommend them. Ignore/skip these "performance/racing belts". I suspect the same is likely of any other branded Kevlar racing belts and have seen similar general warnings in the past.
#3) The water pumps and tensioners,idlers,pulleys are also bad from Gates
People have reported failures shortly after install or less than 20K miles.
What is the solution for a high quality belt/timing kit?
[UTry to get Japan only parts[/U
OEM Subaru but there are cheaper ways to get the same parts (eg. everyknows Subaru OEM parts are often made by Aisin, NTN/NSK, Mitsubishi, Koyo). If you buy those parts branded as the original in a kit you could save (just make sure they are real and really from Japan!)
GMB Japan is probably not safe based on this post (not sure where the parts are made it is possible they were from China):
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/148937-gmb-timing-kit-is-it-safe/
Just a note that the V1 GC8 uses a different hydraulic tensioner than the later models, it looks like this. The kits you find for WRX/STI seem to be for later models and include the tensioner shown above.
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I'm actually surprised at reports about the blue belts stretching, since they're specifically designed to stretch less than a standard belt. I would suspect a failed tensioner is more likely, and there's thousands upon thousands of people using them, yet I only found a couple rare cases of people reporting problems.
Thanks reet for the info. I've read that the new style is still compatible with our EJ20G's is this true?
I'm not 100% on that, I think you have to do a bit of maguivering with it to make it work. I remember looking into it in the past, maybe the bolt needs to be longer than what is supplied. I didn't take any chances with mine and just ordered the part shown above. If I recall there wasn't much of a price difference to get the parts individually, just convenience.
Regarding the Gates Racing belt, I found some good info about them over at a porshe forum:
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/755853-gates-timing-belt-comparions-regular-vs-racing-2.html
I'll stand by my statement that in the cases where the racing belt "stretched", that it is more likely that the tensioner failed. Fraying? Well its rubbing on something, simple as that. I find there's often a lot left to the imagination through reading forum posts, you don't get the whole picture of exactly what a person has done or their level of expertise. People are quick to dismiss the product when a much more common problem than a timing belt failure is a DIY installation failure.
Should we all go out and get the racing belt? No, the stock type is just fine and costs less.
Hey reet very interesting read since I've never seen or experienced myself who knows for sure ! There are some educated guys on the Subaru forums adamant that they've seen issues with the kevlar belts themselves but I definitely agree the biggest source of failure is often the tensioner (will try and resource where I've read all of this and update my OP)!
I will make another thread or update yours but I found for the EJ20G or any tensioner they can be used BUT you must have the matching tensioner bracket. So in the EJ20G you can't plug and play say an EJ205 tensioner because the bracket won't fit but you can buy the matching EJ205 tensioner bracket and then use that kit.
For Sale: 1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth - Sponsors -> Brave Auto Japan Intl -> Brave Auto - Stock
1987 Ford Sierra RS500 CosworthSelling one of my personal vehicles I have owned for awhile, please click on the links below.
Details - 'https://www.facebook.com/braveautointernational/?hc_ref=ARTAs_WYOUOdY3HxPc7jB858xmjEa_nScejOIgvHYIRuANCnABdQrOxsW62eO348S7o&fref=nf'Click Here
Video - 'https://youtu.be/0XlH6tNYPlc'Click Here
[NEED HELP] Removing the stock intercooler - Subaru -> Impreza
Hey guys,I figured I'd ask the knowledgeable people here. How would I remove the stock intercooler?
I removed the 2 12mm bolts holding down the intercooler to its mount. The hose clamps for the intercooler to intake manifold and intercooler to turbo are loosened. I can pull up on the intercooler and it wiggles, but the tubing connecting to the turbo won't budge. And when it seems like it's coming out, I hit the firewall and I'm back to square one since it can't move any further.
Thanks!
Kuma
On my v1 GC8 the plastic "tubing" from the turbo to the intercooler is somewhat corrugated like an accordian. It is quite rigid, especially when cold, so use some muscle to compress it and get it off the turbo outlet. Maybe try heating it up a bit to soften it. It will budge.
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Yea, I finally got it off hahaha. I propped a breaker bar and some spare blocks of wood I had lying around against the turbo, then I pivoted the breaker bar to push against the tube connecting to the turbo. Plopped out and finally was able to work on my pitch stop mount. Thanks for the help :)
best walk in garages / osaka for GTR - Import Discussion -> General Discussion
where is the better know garages to pick up a skyline r32 gtr, around Osaka?I can't name any but I'd really recommend just buying through auction way less issues and more protection IMHO right off the bat just from reading the auction sheet and specing a higher grade vehicle.
2002 Toyota Crown Majesta - JDM Buy & Sell Section -> Private Sales
2002 Toyota Crown Majesta4.0L V8 - 1UZ engine
89,000 KMs
Fully loaded
Power windows, seats, doors, mirrors, etc
Leather Interior - very, very well maintained
Sunroof
Rear reclining seats
HID Headlights
JDM yellow fog lights
Air Ride Suspension w/ Aftermarket controller - sitting low in the pictures FYI
19" 2-piece aftermarket wheels
Tires are near new - 90% tread
Full Aero kit - front back and sides
Heads Up display - shows speed on the front windshield
Touchscreen and Navigation - will need a North American disk
Dual Climate controls
Tinted Windows
think I got it all covered, if you have any questions just ask
*no, I do not want any trades*
$8300
text or call 778-863-7611
Hey Vassilly GLWS and nice example of Crown Majesta you have there!
Car Dyno'd Finally Yesterday - Subaru -> Impreza
1999 RHD VERSION 616.8PSI 293HP ON A MUSTANG DYNO IN CONNECTICUT.
VF48 STI TURBO
PERRIN TURBO INLET
2012 STI TOP MOUNT INTERCOOLER
COBB CATTED DOWNPIPE
GRIMMSPEED BOOST CONTROLLER
TOMEI UP-PIPE
TOMEI EQUAL LENGTH HEADER
MOROSO OIL PICK UP TUBE
STI OIL PAN
90mm FULL TITANIUM CATBACK EXHAUST
NGK IRIDUM ONE STEP COLDER PLUGS GAPPED A .022
DW300 FUEL PUMP
CUSTOM PERRIN INTAKE
Wow congrats and is this on stock ECU/ROM?
99 Gc8 Externally Gated Up-pipe - Subaru -> Impreza
Does anyone know of a company that makes a bolt on application for a RHD GC8 externally gated up-pipe? rather buy one than try to fabricate one.Are you talking about the EWG or the uppipe?
For EWG: Tial
For uppipe: Grimmspeed
FS: Rare Zero Sports Exhaust/Downpipe - JDM Buy & Sell Section -> Private Sales
Selling my Zero Sport Jasma catback exhaust and catted downpipe. These are both very rare and are in good condition.Only reason I am selling is because I upgraded to a 3".
This setup is 2" 3/4
Removed from my Version 7 STI GDB
$1000obo
Thanks
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I will have it all cleaned up for the buyer
If only you had this up when I was buying my exhaust parts! :(
GLWS! I hope someone gives this fine Japanese tail a good home.
Aww shoot!
Thanks, I haven't had much interest, but I am hoping someone will appreciate the rarity and buy it.
FS: Fabulous Emblem, RARE mint condition! - JDM Buy & Sell Section -> Private Sales
Hi guys,Up for sale is a rare Fabulous Emblem, purchased new from Japan and used only for few months and still in very good condition, still looks new with no scratches or scuffs on the face whatsoever. Since it is used, the adhesive that came with it is not as sticky anymore, so I will provide with brand new strips of 3M tape used for emblems. The emblem measures 3 & 3/8" inches.
The Fabulous emblem is yours for $110 shipped anywhere within the US.
You can reach me by private message.
I am a verified and trustworthy member and seller on S2ki.com with 100% positive feedback. Since this is my first post here, I can't insert a link to my feedback, so if your interested PM me I can link you to my feedback and answer with any questions you have.
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Welcome to the forum, please make a introduction.
https://jdmvip.com/forum/The_Introduction_Thread_Import_Discussion_Welcome_Announcements_amp_Suggestions-318-t-129
Very cool item you have for sale
Ecu Swap For Better Tuning - Subaru -> Impreza
Looking for a better tuning option for my 1999 Version 6 STI.I have seen the Apexi Power FC setups and heard from several tuning sources its a 50/50 shot if it works right or not. I just put in another version 6 motor last week due to the timing jumping, so while it was out I did a few upgrades. Car is getting tuned on Monday 24 July 17 on ECUTEK hopefully the flashes take to my ecu and they don't brick it. I have a spare ecu the ill have on stand by just incase it does. looking for a more reliable tuning solution plus maybe have the capability. I will be hopefully running E85 in a month or so but will be swapping out to bigger injectors.
VF48 STI TURBO
PERRIN TURBO INLET
PERRIN INTAKE
TOMEI UP-PIPE
TOMEI EQUAL LENGTH HEADER
90MM FUL TITANIUM CATBACK
2012 STI TMIC
DW FUEL PUMP
STI OIL PAN
MOROSO OIL PICK UP TUBE
HKS BLOW OFF VALVE
CUSTOM 2 GAUGE DASH CLUSTER
TURBO SMART 50MM BOOST GAUGE
AEM WIDEBAND O2 GAUGE
ENKEI 17X7.5 WHEELS
BC COILOVERS
If you have the money, I'd highly recommend the Haltech ecu for this kind of job.
Another option would be to throw in a USDM ECU in there, adjust all appropriate parts and wiring to the USDM STi, and open source the ECU.
In all honesty, the Haltech PS1000 is a good unit that some of my friends use and it's probably going to the best option for future mapping.
2001 Toyota Celsior - 6900 - JDM Buy & Sell Section -> Private Sales
2001 Toyota Celsior118,000 KMs
Black Leather interior
Heated seats
Power windows, locks, seats, mirrors, sunroof etc
Touch screen display + Navigation - needs a disk though
Cruise Control
19" Weds Kranze JDM wheels (staggered)
90% tread on tires
Air Ride Suspension - with aftermarket controller (all 4 wheels adjust) - *sitting low in the pictures*
HID Headlights
JDM yellow fog lights
Rear tint
Soft-close doors - door closes itself when half closed
All fluids + timing belt done - however, it could probably use an oil change
I have an oil filter or 2 kicking around, will give it with the car (since I won't need it)
NO TRADES
$6900
Call or text 778-863-7611
Exotic Carshow Video - Import Discussion -> Videos & Photos Of JDM Cars
Hey guys wife did a quick edit of some video I shot of some non-JDM but exotic and cool rides :cool:https://youtu.be/dZ-OzjK-Fv8
[youtubedZ-OzjK-Fv8[/youtube
Hope you guys like it and please subscribe and like our growing Youtube channel!
Importing a big 3 conversion van from Japan? - Import Discussion -> General Discussion
Due to cost of insurance and the difficulty of sourcing spare, I have decided to import a GMC or Dodge conversion van from Japan. I saw a 2005 Dodge Ram van with 35.000km for auction! Since the vehicle was made in N.A., is the 15yrs old rule still apply? Has anyone here done it?2017-07-15 > HAA Kobe > № 80503
2017-07-14 > USS Nagoya > № 20101
I want to learn about cars ! - Import Discussion -> Welcome, Announcements & Suggestions
Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and jdm. I recently got into the car world by getting recommended a video by a youtube channel called 'kings must rise' and loved it ever since. I never grew up around anyone who was into cars, and my parents only have auto transmission cars (i live in the us and really want to learn how to drive a manual car). I'm 15, and after watching videos from people like kings must rise, tj hunt, haggard garage, theslaptrain etc. i want to learn more. I've even started watching initial d. My question is, how/where do i start to learn about these cars and their significance ? Thanks :D:D (i also love video games, so are there any pc games worth getting based on cars?)Welcome to the forums!
1. "I never grew up around anyone who was into cars, and my parents only have auto transmission cars (i live in the us and really want to learn how to drive a manual car)."
A: That's fine. Maybe a bit of a limiter to who you can access in person, but definitely not a deal-breaker. I'd recommend getting into forums/like-minded peers (perhaps at school) who want to learn about cars/know about cars for you to learn. If your school has an auto shop class, then you could access that as well. As for learning to drive a standard, I'd probably wait until you find a friend who's willing to teach you or your first car (assuming standard). I can't say that you can learn standard without ever getting into a standard car so I'd recommend finding access to one first.
2. "I'm 15"
A: I'm not much older than you, but I started learning about cars when I was young. However, I did wait until I got my license to really start getting into it myself. After I got my Subaru, I started going crazy in learning different things on it. Nothing better than owning a car and fiddling with it (to a point... don't go crazy and break the car).
3. "I want to learn more"
A: Very good mindset. Just look through forums/DIY's and you'd be surprised on what you learn by researching the little details you don't understand. This is pretty much how I ended up researching how to operate different tools/their mechanisms. Also, learning more means you can be more independent in repairs on even the minor things. This saves a lot of money, but it does take away time (maximize benefit:cost ratio).
4. "Their significance"
This is probably the most practical definition, but they take us from point A to point B using a petroleum product with terrible efficiency. I'm talking about really poor efficiency. Combustion engines have around a 20% efficiency in converting the chemical energy to mechanical energy (resulting in work).
NOTE: [GasolineCombustion engines are modeled around the air-standard Otto cycle. The cycle uses a set of reversible adiabatic compression-expansion operations with heat addition-removal in between. It assumes perfect conditions, where energy loss does not occur. Similarly, diesel engines are modeled around the air-standard diesel cycle. More efficient than the Otto cycle, but not as much as we'd like.
I was 18 when i got into cars, second car was a turbo starlet ep82 the turbo went on it and after needing a new radiator and manifold the mechanic charged me 400euro after feeling like a got screwed over i went off and bought myself a socket set and went from there, by no means am I a mechanic but i havent brought my car to a garage in years
WTB: Tactrix 2.0 - JDM Buy & Sell Section -> Where To Buy
Looking for a used Tactrix 2.0 Openport cableCash in hand
Thanks
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What happened to IVOAC? - Import Discussion -> General Discussion
I was looking at a RHD a few years ago and had their site bookmarked, when I finally had money to do it I see the site redirects here. Did IVOAC disband?I think that site has been gone for quite some time now. Prior to this site and a few others that was always my go to when looking for information on imports and importing. I think it was back in 2008 when I first started looking at that site :)
I seem to remember it having a lot of relevant info in one spot, oh well I guess it's all still out there to find.
Roadtrip from Edmonton to Victoria! Need advice - Import Discussion -> General Discussion
New to the forum but I have had my GC8 for a year now.I have a 2000 Version 6 STI and i'm finally going for a roadtrip through the mountains and now I need advice. Has anyone done a trip from edmonton to victoria in a jdm?
I'm worried mostly about gas. I've been using Petro 94 with octane booster for about two months now and i have no idea how often i'll be able to use the same gas. I don't wanna be have to change brands too often during the trip.
Also, I'll be taking the car in for inspection to get it ready for the trip in my buddie's shop but im not sure of fluids to replace and stuff. I was thinking of rotating the tires since I havent done it for 14000km. Alignment on it is ok but ive never done a proper one and he'll charge me just 80. Do an oil change check all the fluids and brake pads and minor things.
What else am I missing here to prepare for the trip? I don't wanna end up stranded and its the first time im doing a trip this long in 7 years. Thanks guys.
V3 STI Front End Links? - Subaru -> Impreza
Trying to figure out which end links fit my GC8 chassis?Looking for which car to order the part for... so I can try and get a set from the local parts shop, instead of ordering online.
Found a ton of conflicting info online, can you guys help please?
For anyone wondering...
Part number should be: Subaru# 20420FA020
~$40 CAD each.
I'll report back Wednesday if I remember and let everyone know if that's the right part.
Thanks for the update!
Just got home, they are indeed the correct part.