Japanese Nostalgic Car

Years ago, I had a dream of turning my factory 1997 Lexus SC into a JDM-spec Soarer. The SC and naturally aspirated Supra 5-speeds used Toyota’s W58 transmission, but to get big power to the rear wheels you needed the more robust R154 5-speed transmission found in A70 Supra Turbos. Those were available in the US, as were turbo JZ engines, but what proved impossible to get was the bellhousing to mate the two. The Soarer came from the factory with a 1JZ and R154, so during a trip to Japan I visited a Toyota dealer to buy one, and all the associated bits like the shift linkage and rear extension. Oh, and a Soarer griffin badge for the hood.

I knew about five words in Japanese and the parts guy at the dealer spoke no English. This was long before online translators, but showing epic patience and true Japanese hospitality, he spent 90 minutes with me playing the world’s worst game of Pictionary as I drew each part. By the time I left, it was an hour past closing. A few days later I went back to pick everything up. As I tallied up the parts, I realized the badge was missing. Perhaps an oversight, or something lost in translation. I paid for what I had, the man apologized, and ordered the griffin. I returned a few days later to pick up the badge. As I reached for my wallet the man gestured no, and gave me the approximately $80 part as a gift. I’m sure this is far from the best example, just as there are horror stories.

What’s your craziest story about buying goods from Japan?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “How are high fuel prices affecting your driving?“. Continue reading →

Fuel prices are at an all-time high, and that takes a toll on those who love cars. Fortunately for many JNCers, old Japanese cars get insanely good mileage. If you have a Datsun B210 or Honda CRX you can still enjoy your cars without too much pain at the pump. Not all of us are so lucky. We pretty much parked our Land Cruisers, rotaries, and Lexuses on the day the invasion of Ukraine began, and have been relegated to driving CX-5s and Camrys for daily duty.

How are high fuel prices affecting your driving?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s the worst car buying experience you’ve ever had?“. Continue reading →

A few years ago a friend of JNC finally bought his dream car, a machine that he’d been  talking about and saving up for for years. It had a Toyota engine, but the rest was a bit more British. After a long search he finally found one in the proper color and condition. It appeared to have been well cared for and the seller seemed honest, so he made the deal in a private party sale on the most expensive car he’d ever bought, happy to have finally achieved his long-awaited goal. Within 24 hours of taking possession, the motor exploded due to oil starvation. What should have been a beautiful ownership experience was marred by a $10,000 repair bill.

What’s the worst car buying experience you’ve ever had?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your most memorable rainy day car story?“. Continue reading →

Today is National Wiper Day in Japan, a date to remind drivers to replace their wiper blades in the name of safety. A date with the same month and day numeral was chosen because wipers are replaced in pairs, and June was chosen because it marks the start of the rainy season in Japan. In fact, some of Japan’s most famous races have been held in and decided by the rain, and every time we’ve been to Fuji Speedway it’s been soaked in rain (not that it ever held the drivers back).

What’s your most memorable rainy day car story?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What should the plot of the Gran Turismo TV show be?“. Continue reading →