Mythbusting replicas, copies, knock-offs

[Kin]

I think my argument didnt really have anything to do with budgets and wank factors etc.

Mine was really about performance and that the Rota/imitation wheels are generally heavier than most Japanese quality wheels and increase unnecessary unsprung weight. From memory, a kg of unsprung weight is equivalent to 4kg of weight - and has quite an effect on overall braking distance required/handling etc of the car.

It is like spending $30,000 on performance and handling modifications on your car and then putting a set of Nankangs on.

Again, i say that on a daily car - i have nothing against it. But for people building race cars/or have spent good money on everything else on their car - then i disagree with it.

This is my opinion only and I understand everyone will see it differently.

[Apu]

I agree in general, but it's all dependent on the situation. On a Evo...won't make a difference. On an MX5, you'd feel the impact because it's a lighter car etc etc.

We're straying a little from the topic but still interesting...again, it would be interesting to see if having lighter wheels (and I'm saying 1 maybe 2 kg difference) makes a difference to your average weekend warrior's lap time.

But at the end of the day, it's the buyers money! What I'm trying to address here is the perception that "JDM is original and better" is not necessarily true.

[tinkerbell]

What I'm trying to address here is the perception that "JDM is original and better" is not necessarily true.

no offence, but you seem to have started this thread due to your experiences in selling a product?

i respectfully suggest you revise your perceptions of OUR perceptions of JDM "whatever" as this forum certainly seems devoid of any biased JDMness/culture that you seem to be implying may exist in Australia...

i am pretty sure this speaks for itself here : http://forum.clubitr.com.au/showthread.php?t=6205 and most threads posted up do not ever show a bias towards form over function, it is usually the other way around...

[tinkerbell]

every person who has posted in this thread has said "it is better because it is better" not "it is better because it is JDM"

[Apu]

Seemed to have touched a nerve?

My statement "What I'm trying to address here..." wasn't directed at the members of the forum, it was if the topic itself. When I was asked where these discussions took place I pointed out MX5CarTalk and other forums...no mention of my perceptions ClubITR members.

I raised it out of curiosity to see what members here thought, and as a question along the lines of "did you know?".

[Apu]

Tinkerbell, just to restate my point - I've seen the discussions in other forums, had discussions with a number of people about this to varying degrees, but chosen to ask the question here and get the views of the members here.

[fr4n]

the fact this shit hasnt been brought up before tells u that this forum is different and most users dont feeel the need to discuss this as we're all well aware and secure of our views on this.

bring that to jdmst or OH or stancenation and u get a shit storm, i guarantee it.

[Apu]

It wasn't my intention to poke a stick at anyone. I just wanted to see what the level of awareness is, and generate some discussion.

[yenvy4]

IMO it's not necessarily about being a brand whore or being naive to who is the original designers.

Although the watanabes may be copies or Enkei having an offshore manufacturer the fact is that the build quality is exceptional which consumers depend on. JDM products are generally track proven and of the highest quality.

I have nothing against Rotas, yes they have make fake copies but the market they are capturing is for those for those with a smaller build budget or those looking to save money. They are fine for the street cruisers.
However, for those that actually track their car or drive hard during their spirited adventures, buying JDM gives you that extra peace of mind. For example, how many sets of TE37s or CE28Ns have been known to fail compared to the Rotas.
Personally I wouldn't feel safe knowing that my cast copy wheels have a significantly higher chance of breaking if I hit a ripple strip or an object at high speeds.
This goes with any modified part that has been shown to fail on people's vehicles, JDM or not.

If there are copies out there of anything, if it has been track proven and shown that it works then yeah why not I have nothing against that but for the cheaper products out that raised concern for people's safety.

[BOMDC5]

yea, well thats imo anyway, think we would see so much more unique results if there was less critisim from people and more open mindedness

I totally agree with you on this Jack.

Less people are willing to do what they feel like because when they see how much hate others get for doing a "rice" mod.
I'd never throw scissor doors on my car, but if someone else were to do it.. it wouldn't bother me either. Their Car. Their Money. Enjoy it.

This example may seem off topic.. but it comes back down to how someone wants to spend their money. I dunno.. I'm just over people hating on others rides just because it doesn't conform with the majority

[Timmy_B]

In my 5 years of owning Honda's and 'building'/Modifying I have learnt that quality products are the way to go.

Now this is just my experience, I can't tell you all what to do, what to buy or not to buy. There are so many people on forums who will have good and bad experience with parts.
I think Skunk2 is a good example. It got the nickname "Junk2" for a reason but in my personal experience I have not had any issue.
Buddyclub on the other hand I had trusted their products but had their rear camber kit fail on me. (also a few other people)

When it comes time to upgrade parts I follow my own steps. research/budget/quote/purchase.
One of the reason I did NOT buy Rota's was I could afford the extra $500 for RFP1s and have some sort of satisfaction in purchasing a 'quality' product.

With so many "fakes,copies & imitations" out there, it's all up to the buyer to purchase what they think will meet their needs.