Project JDM

Tuning & Builds

JDM engine builds, dyno results, ECU tuning, power mods, and complete build showcases

35 articles0 products

Top Secret: Smokey Nagata's Golden Supra Empire

Smokey Nagata founded Top Secret in 1991 after leaving Veilside. His Gold Supra hit 197 mph on a British motorway, and his V12 Supra remains the wildest engine swap in JDM history.

Updated 1mo ago

Cusco: The Rally and Chassis Reinforcement Specialist

Cusco built their reputation on rally-grade chassis reinforcement. Their 6-point and 8-point roll cages are Japan's most respected. Their LSDs and sway bars appear on championship cars worldwide.

Updated 1mo ago

Blitz: From Boost Controllers to Drift Domination

Blitz started making electronic boost controllers in 1980. They pivoted into a full tuning catalog and a dominant D1 Grand Prix drift program with drivers like Nomura Ken and Tsuchiya.

Updated 1mo ago

JUN Auto Mechanic: The Big Power 2JZ Specialist

JUN Auto Mechanic in Tsuchiura has built 2JZ engines since 1990. Their Stroker 3.4 kit, valvetrain components, and hand-balanced rotating assemblies set the global 2JZ tuning standard.

Updated 1mo ago

RE Amemiya: The Rotary Whisperer

Isami Amemiya has tuned nothing but rotary engines since 1974. His RX-7 FD3S demo cars remain the global benchmarks for peripherally-ported, street-driven rotary tuning.

Updated 1mo ago

Spoon Sports: Ichishima's Honda Obsession

Tatsuru Ichishima's Spoon Sports has only ever tuned Hondas. Since 1988, the blue-valve-cover workshop has won Japanese N1 championships and built the Honda aftermarket.

Updated 1mo ago

Tomei Powered: The Engine Internals Specialist

Tomei has been making JDM engine internals since 1969. Every serious RB26, 2JZ, or SR20 build eventually uses a Tomei oil pump, cam set, or Expreme Ti exhaust.

Updated 1mo ago

Powerhouse Amuse: Titanium Art and the S2000 GT1

Powerhouse Amuse's S2000 GT1 is the definitive tuned S2000 — a Tsukuba time attack legend. Their R1 titanium exhausts are the most copied exhaust design in JDM history.

Updated 1mo ago

Nismo: Factory Motorsport Division Become Tuning Legend

Nismo started as Nissan's racing department in 1984. The Omori Factory became the tuning arm, producing the S-Tune/R-Tune/Z-Tune program and the legendary 400R and Z-Tune R34 GT-Rs.

Updated 1mo ago

Mugen: Hirotoshi Honda's Works Honda Tuner

Mugen was founded by Hirotoshi Honda, son of Honda's founder, in 1973. The company built Formula Junior cars, Formula 1 engines, and the 240-ps Mugen RR Civic Type R — the fastest factory Civic ever.

Updated 1mo ago

HKS: Japan's First and Largest Tuner, Founded 1973

Hiroyuki Hasegawa founded HKS in 1973 making aftermarket turbo kits out of his Shizuoka garage. Today it's Japan's biggest tuning house, with 800+ employees and benchmark drag and time-attack cars.

Updated 1mo ago

Mine's Motor Sport: The GT-R Whisperers of Yokohama

Michizo Niikura's Mine's Motor Sport in Yokohama refined rather than rebuilt. Every Mine's GT-R is balanced to 1000-km rally reliability before making a single extra horsepower.

Updated 1mo ago

Greddy / Trust: The Intercooler Giant That Redefined Japanese Tuning

Greddy (スタートラスト Trust Co., Ltd. in Japan) is, next to HKS, the most commercially successful Japanese aftermarket tuning company in history. Founded in 1977 as "Trust" (トラスト), the company later adopted the **Greddy** brand name for international markets. Greddy's specialty is forc

Updated 2w ago

How to Build a JDM Project Car on a Budget: Complete Guide

Budget JDM platforms from Honda, Mazda and Nissan compared, followed by where to find an affordable car, first mods, parts sourcing, tools, and the insurance and storage that protect a project car.

Updated 2w ago

JDM Engine Swap Guide: Tools and Parts You Will Need

The tools and parts for a JDM engine swap: lifting, wrenching, electrical and gasket tools, then the donor engine, mounts, wiring harness and ECU, cooling, and intake and exhaust parts, plus engine sourcing, costs by swap tier and common mistakes.

Updated 1w ago

ECU Tuning for JDM Cars: Standalone vs Piggyback vs Reflash

Haltech, Link, AEM, or a simple ECU reflash? Understanding the pros, cons, and costs of different ECU tuning approaches.

Updated 1w ago

ECU Tuning for JDM Cars: Standalone vs Piggyback

A guide to ECU tuning options for JDM cars comparing piggyback controllers to standalone engine management. Covers Haltech, Link, HKS, and more.

Updated 1mo ago

Roll Cage Installation Guide for JDM Track Cars

Bolt-in vs welded, mild steel vs chromoly, 4-point vs 6-point — everything about roll cages for JDM cars that see track time.

Updated 1mo ago

Turbo Upgrade Guide for JDM Cars: Choosing the Right Setup

Single turbo, twin turbo, or compound? How to choose the right turbo setup for your power goals, response preferences, and budget.

Updated 1mo ago

LSD (Limited Slip Differential) Guide for Drift and Grip Cars

Helical, clutch-type, or welded diff? Understanding limited slip differentials and choosing the right one for your driving style.

Updated 1mo ago

JDM Oil Guide: What Weight and Brand for Your Engine

From Motul to Castrol, 5W-30 to 10W-40 — the right oil for popular JDM engines including the RB26, 2JZ, SR20, 4G63, and EJ257.

Updated 1w ago

Forced Induction 101: Turbo vs Supercharger for JDM Builds

A detailed comparison of turbocharging vs supercharging for JDM builds. Covers how each works, advantages, platform considerations, and costs.

Updated 1mo ago

Fuel System Upgrades for JDM Turbo Cars

Higher boost needs more fuel. A complete guide to injectors, fuel pumps, regulators, and E85 conversions for turbocharged JDM platforms.

Updated 1w ago

Boost Controllers Compared: Manual vs Electronic for JDM Turbos

Manual boost controllers are simple and cheap. Electronic ones are precise and programmable. Which one is right for your build?

Updated 1w ago

Intercooler Upgrade Guide: Front Mount vs Top Mount

Bigger intercooler = cooler charge air = more power. But there are trade-offs. How to choose the right intercooler for your build.

Updated 1mo ago

Sequential Gearbox Guide: Dog Box, Paddle Shift, and Alternatives

Sequential transmissions offer lightning-fast shifts but at a cost. Understanding dog engagement, paddle shift, and when they make sense.

Updated 1mo ago

SR20DET: The Perfect Starter Turbo Engine

Lightweight, responsive, and endlessly tuneable. Why the SR20DET remains the go-to engine for budget builds and drift missiles.

Updated 1mo ago

JDM Engine Swap Legal Guide: What's Street Legal?

A comprehensive guide to engine swap legality in the US for JDM cars. Covers EPA rules, state emissions, OBD-II challenges, and documentation tips.

Updated 1mo ago

Manual Transmission Rebuilding Basics for JDM Cars

Aging JDM transmissions need attention. Learn to diagnose issues, understand the rebuild process, and choose upgrade options for your gearbox.

Updated 3w ago

Best Fuel System Upgrades for JDM Turbo Cars

Upgrading the fuel system is critical for any JDM turbo build. Covers pumps, injectors, regulators, lines, and E85 considerations.

Updated 1mo ago

JDM Parts Sourcing Guide: Where to Buy in the US and Japan

Where to source JDM parts in the US and Japan: trusted importers, Yahoo Japan Auctions, proxy services, recyclers, and how to avoid counterfeit HKS and GReddy parts.

Updated 1mo ago

JDM Tuning Guide: Where to Start Modifying Your Import

JDM tuning guide from bolt-ons to full builds: intake, exhaust, ECU tune, coilovers, intercooler, turbo upgrades, and platform-specific power targets for popular JDM cars.

Updated 1w ago

DIY ECU Tuning Comparison: Haltech vs AEM vs Link vs MoTeC - Which System is Right for Your Build?

Complete comparison of DIY ECU tuning systems for JDM builds. Haltech, AEM Infinity, Link G4X, MoTeC, EcuTek, and COBB Accessport compared: features, pricing, ease of use, and which system is best for your project.

Updated 1mo ago

JDM Electric Conversions: Ultimate Guide to Converting Classic Japanese Cars to Electric

Electrify your classic JDM car! Complete guide to EV conversions for AE86, S13, RX-7, and more. Costs, kits, performance, legal considerations, and real-world builds.

Updated 1mo ago

JDM Engine Swaps 101: Everything Beginners Need to Know

Dreaming of an RB26 swap or a 2JZ in your 240SX? This beginner-friendly guide covers planning, legal considerations, and the most popular swap combinations.

Next: plan the move

Found the car. Understand the handover.

Before making promises about collection, coordinate the inspection, paperwork, seller release and transport. Give each part of the purchase its own check.

Plan an out-of-state purchase Build your shipping brief See the whole journey