Lets all take a step back and look at things

[TSiFTW]

To begin let me say this is in no way an attempt to bash anyone in anyway. I think that everyone in our scene should take a few steps back and ponder the thoughts of what made this scene so big in its hey day. Why are the big shows going under? Why is the scene dwindling down right in front of us?

I have to say it is because people have lost perspective on what is important. Everything will evolve. Sometimes bad and sometimes good. Think of it as Major League Baseball. Several years back the home runs got totally out of hand. Steroid use was helping to set records that are likely now to never be broken. For baseball it was great for a while, then they started realizing that if they didn't do something the grass roots of the sport would be lost forever. That is exactly what is happening to our hobby/scene/lifestyle. We are losing site of our roots, what made it in the first place. Car modification was nothing new, but doing it to the more modern, compact imports was. It didn't matter if you wanted to go fast, make it show worthy, whatever your goal was whether it be mild or all out wild, we had to work hard to get it there.

Then remember the day when you discovered that all of a sudden companies were making aftermarket parts for our cars? Holy Shit. We made it. Then the only thing we had to do was pull up to shows that were dominated by hotrods and minitrucks and try to not be laughed out. Guess what we didn't care if they laughed. We were driving what we wanted. You remember the first time you seen, or even heard about a Civic outrunning a Mustang. Everyone called BS. It could not happen. We had huge meets of like minded people who didn't give a shit what other people thought about what they drove. Then soon we had HUGE shows dedicated to the scene.

Now all that is slowly disappearing. If you are an OG to the scene then take a step back. Hell even go as far as taking some noobies under your wing and show them the way. Help them understand you don't have to do everything just like everyone else. After all is that not how we got started in this? Doing things that everyone else thought was just ridiculous. Parts companies are suffering. Honestly does it matter that someone wants to go wild with their build. Not to me. Look at the Hot Rod scene. They are still around cause they build their cars for themselves. Not for everyone else. Hell the whole car modification scene in general was built on going farther, pushing the limits of your capabilities.

One of the most overused terms I hate to hear is " different is not always better". Well to each his own. Different to you may look like shit, but to the person that did it it may be bad ass. Every old schooler here has went to a show and gotten beat by a car that you thought did not look as good as yours. Now at a show it would be hard to make a decision as a judge because they all look so similar.

Point to all of this is whether you build your car to race, show, whatever do not be scared to think out of the box a little. That is the foundation of our whole scene. If you buy parts from the parts companies, they can afford research and development to make new better stuff. They can afford to set up vendor booths at the shows. Then we may have our big shows. There will always be trends, but it using our creativeness that sets you apart. One more thing. Everyone wants to have a fast car, but lets be real, the majority admit it or not build your car to impress. You don't go out racing all the time, you drive it around town and sit in parking lots showing it off. If you try to be creative and innovative you will get praise. Even if you don't who cares it is your car. On that note I will end by saying that it is what it is, but it will not grow unless we make it grow. It's not dead in other parts of the country but out here on the east coast it is slipping away.

[PURP]

JDM fo lyfe nukka.

lulz

[TSiFTW]

JDM fo lyfe nukka.

lulz

LULZ. I know. I just felt like saying what I feel. Started typing and couldn't stop. I don't give a shit what style anyone likes, just wish more thought was put into it. Like a bunch of damn JDM zombies.

[PURP]

LULZ. I know. I just felt like saying what I feel. Started typing and couldn't stop. I don't give a shit what style anyone likes, just wish more thought was put into it. Like a bunch of damn JDM zombies.

People are just scared to step out of the box. They are afraid of what people on import atlanta will say about their car. That's life tho.

[RL...]

My car is more jdm than yours. WORD

[TSiFTW]

My car is more jdm than yours. WORD

My car was made in Normal Illinois. It has no JDM counterpart.

[speedminded]

To begin let me say this is in no way an attempt to bash anyone in anyway. I think that everyone in our scene should take a few steps back and ponder the thoughts of what made this scene so big in its hey day. Why are the big shows going under? Why is the scene dwindling down right in front of us?

I have to say it is because people have lost perspective on what is important. Everything will evolve. Sometimes bad and sometimes good. Think of it as Major League Baseball. Several years back the home runs got totally out of hand. Steroid use was helping to set records that are likely now to never be broken. For baseball it was great for a while, then they started realizing that if they didn't do something the grass roots of the sport would be lost forever. That is exactly what is happening to our hobby/scene/lifestyle. We are losing site of our roots, what made it in the first place. Car modification was nothing new, but doing it to the more modern, compact imports was. It didn't matter if you wanted to go fast, make it show worthy, whatever your goal was whether it be mild or all out wild, we had to work hard to get it there.

Then remember the day when you discovered that all of a sudden companies were making aftermarket parts for our cars? Holy Shit. We made it. Then the only thing we had to do was pull up to shows that were dominated by hotrods and minitrucks and try to not be laughed out. Guess what we didn't care if they laughed. We were driving what we wanted. You remember the first time you seen, or even heard about a Civic outrunning a Mustang. Everyone called BS. It could not happen. We had huge meets of like minded people who didn't give a shit what other people thought about what they drove. Then soon we had HUGE shows dedicated to the scene.

Now all that is slowly disappearing. If you are an OG to the scene then take a step back. Hell even go as far as taking some noobies under your wing and show them the way. Help them understand you don't have to do everything just like everyone else. After all is that not how we got started in this? Doing things that everyone else thought was just ridiculous. Parts companies are suffering. Honestly does it matter that someone wants to go wild with their build. Not to me. Look at the Hot Rod scene. They are still around cause they build their cars for themselves. Not for everyone else. Hell the whole car modification scene in general was built on going farther, pushing the limits of your capabilities.

One of the most overused terms I hate to hear is " different is not always better". Well to each his own. Different to you may look like shit, but to the person that did it it may be bad ass. Every old schooler here has went to a show and gotten beat by a car that you thought did not look as good as yours. Now at a show it would be hard to make a decision as a judge because they all look so similar.

Point to all of this is whether you build your car to race, show, whatever do not be scared to think out of the box a little. That is the foundation of our whole scene. If you buy parts from the parts companies, they can afford research and development to make new better stuff. They can afford to set up vendor booths at the shows. Then we may have our big shows. There will always be trends, but it using our creativeness that sets you apart. One more thing. Everyone wants to have a fast car, but lets be real, the majority admit it or not build your car to impress. You don't go out racing all the time, you drive it around town and sit in parking lots showing it off. If you try to be creative and innovative you will get praise. Even if you don't who cares it is your car. On that note I will end by saying that it is what it is, but it will not grow unless we make it grow. It's not dead in other parts of the country but out here on the east coast it is slipping away.

I think this is why everyone should get involved with the "old school" scene. Doesn't mean they have to go out and buy and maintain a car, simply show up or help with the shows to see the roots of the cars they own today and how far they have come...

[PURP]

The quote in your sig Jason, made me lol, after looking at the pic

[speedminded]

The quote in your sig Jason, made me lol, after looking at the pic

Glad I could entertain you. The author claimed it wouldn't be amusing to anyone but me yet I've received quite a few reps on it lol! Not to mention all the comments on it got deleted

[DeeAOne]

agreed.

[mkiv_gli]

Bump

[marcos713]

Agreed!, s3 magazine talks about the scene slipping away as well. Im pretty much a noob considering im 18, only bn in the scene for a lil under 2yrs so idk much about the history. I would hate for the scene to fade here in ATL b4 i even get to enjoy it properly.

[TSiFTW]

Agreed!, s3 magazine talks about the scene slipping away as well. Im pretty much a noob considering im 18, only bn in the scene for a lil under 2yrs so idk much about the history. I would hate for the scene to fade here in ATL b4 i even get to enjoy it properly.

I should subscribe to them then. Also it is up to you guys, to keep it going. Try new things, step outta the box. You never know when something you decide to do starts ending up on other cars. We just need more leaders. Right now there are only a select few and everyone else follows.

[PURP]

Agreed!, s3 magazine talks about the scene slipping away as well. Im pretty much a noob considering im 18, only bn in the scene for a lil under 2yrs so idk much about the history. I would hate for the scene to fade here in ATL b4 i even get to enjoy it properly.

I understand you're young and not been in the scene long. But your car is a prime example of what's wrong with the scene. I know it's not your fault, being as you've been in the scene for very lil. But honestly, modding a car is not adding a jdm tyte lip and putting rotas on it. Again, that's not directed at you in any way.

[Mr.Ek9]

I understand you're young and not been in the scene long. But your car is a prime example of what's wrong with the scene. I know it's not your fault, being as you've been in the scene for very lil. But honestly, modding a car is not adding a jdm tyte lip and putting rotas on it. Again, that's not directed at you in any way.

Exactly, one of the main reasons that the scene as a whole is dying, is because of all of the people buying Rotas, sportmax, JDM STYLE products, and all of the other ebay-esque knock-off products. Buying these products only hurts the industry as a whole by not allowing the companies that helped found it the funds to continue R&D on new products.(TRUST, HKS, etc.)

[TSiFTW]

Exactly, one of the main reasons that the scene as a whole is dying, is because of all of the people buying Rotas, sportmax, JDM STYLE products, and all of the other ebay-esque knock-off products. Buying these products only hurts the industry as a whole by not allowing the companies that helped found it the funds to continue R&D on new products.(TRUST, HKS, etc.)

Well put. +for you.

[speedminded]

Exactly, one of the main reasons that the scene as a whole is dying, is because of all of the people buying Rotas, sportmax, JDM STYLE products, and all of the other ebay-esque knock-off products. Buying these products only hurts the industry as a whole by not allowing the companies that helped found it the funds to continue R&D on new products.(TRUST, HKS, etc.)

lololol! So HKS coming out with a new blow-off valve is going to promote the car scene? If Endyne creates a new carbon fiber intake manifold then we'll have meets with 86,000 people and 6,500 cars at Atlanta Motor Speedway again like we did in 2001? Whether its Rota or Work, a booth at a venue costs the same for a vendor. No matter the company advertising space is going to cost the same in a car magazine. So please explain...

[TSiFTW]

lololol! So HKS coming out with a new blow-off valve is going to promote the car scene? If Endyne creates a new carbon fiber intake manifold then we'll have meets with 86,000 people and 6,500 cars at Atlanta Motor Speedway again like we did in 2001? Whether its Rota or Work, a booth at a venue costs the same for a vendor. No matter the company advertising space is going to cost the same in a car magazine. So please explain...

I think what he means in general is no one hardly actually buys real parts and truly modifies their cars. I mean come on knock off companies aren't gonna rent a booth at a big show or magazine space. They are in it for the money not the scene.

[marcos713]

I understand you're young and not been in the scene long. But your car is a prime example of what's wrong with the scene. I know it's not your fault, being as you've been in the scene for very lil. But honestly, modding a car is not adding a jdm tyte lip and putting rotas on it. Again, that's not directed at you in any way.

not taken personaly, but yes i do knw that is not modding a car, i think my car looks practicaly stock on the outside. and about the rotas, i understand that buying from them is not helping out the scene at all thats y i dont lol. my wheels are buddy clubs and jus saying , they had a booth this year at IA selling my same wheels.

[Just_lookin]

not taken personaly, but yes i do knw that is not modding a car, i think my car looks practicaly stock on the outside. and about the rotas, i understand that buying from them is not helping out the scene at all thats y i dont lol. my wheels are buddy clubs and jus saying , they had a booth this year at IA selling my same wheels.

car is still clean... i just hate seeing over done hondas that stick out worse than an orange hat w/ a lime green bill.....

[zspeed24]

Feeling the same way after being gone for so long i came back wondering WTF happened to the custom type cars... there really aren't that many anymore guess i'm just getting old. Tryin to decide on resurrecting the ol cavi or building the wifes mazda.

[Kevykev]

I will read this thread soon

[batlbrandon]

I agree and disagree. The Big companies are dying because they too have not evolved. The Big companies are also having a hard time because the Car manufacture is now making a "better" product. Just think about it. 6 years ago: name one easily available/affordable 300hp 6 cylinder car from the factory? Name 1 200 hp 4 cylinder under 25k? The whole industry is changing. The technology is accelerating so fast aftermarket can't keep up. It won't die, but it may be that we don't recognize it anymore. Just think in 10 more years we will be seeing more Supras and Skylines on Barrett Jackson. Well maybe not 10 but you get the point right? Fast and Furious editions and NOPI cars or Formula Drift restorations.

[TSiFTW]

I agree and disagree. The Big companies are dying because they too have not evolved. The Big companies are also having a hard time because the Car manufacture is now making a "better" product. Just think about it. 6 years ago: name one easily available/affordable 300hp 6 cylinder car from the factory? Name 1 200 hp 4 cylinder under 25k? The whole industry is changing. The technology is accelerating so fast aftermarket can't keep up. It won't die, but it may be that we don't recognize it anymore. Just think in 10 more years we will be seeing more Supras and Skylines on Barrett Jackson. Well maybe not 10 but you get the point right? Fast and Furious editions and NOPI cars or Formula Drift restorations.

You are right but what is the percentage of people, just on this site who drive newer factory 300hp cars. Most still have older Hondas, 240's, DSM's, etc. To the ones that do drive the newer more modern cars, they are suffering from lack of research and development on theirs. How long did it take for good parts to start coming out for the Evo X. !0 years ago the parts would have been there soon as the first ones were hitting peoples driveways. Look at the 99si coupe, people were stopping by the aftermarket parts stores on the way home from the dealership.

[Seun]

6 years ago: name one easily available/affordable 300hp 6 cylinder car from the factory? Name 1 200 hp 4 cylinder under 25k?

I got my 03 Rsx-S back in late 02 for 22k OTD.

[1SICKLEX]

I agree and disagree. The Big companies are dying because they too have not evolved. The Big companies are also having a hard time because the Car manufacture is now making a "better" product. Just think about it. 6 years ago: name one easily available/affordable 300hp 6 cylinder car from the factory? Name 1 200 hp 4 cylinder under 25k? The whole industry is changing. The technology is accelerating so fast aftermarket can't keep up. It won't die, but it may be that we don't recognize it anymore. Just think in 10 more years we will be seeing more Supras and Skylines on Barrett Jackson. Well maybe not 10 but you get the point right? Fast and Furious editions and NOPI cars or Formula Drift restorations.

I disagree somewhat. In America, its about money and not quality or safety which is fine, I am a capitalist. Thus ANYTHING from ANYBODY can be sold, thus big companies have to compete with some shoddy "look a like" things. In the "must have it now" generation, instead of saving and waiting to buy the real thing, well its fine to buy knock-offs. We live in a culture where "Do what you want" is fine, even if its not safe or logical. THINGS HAVE CHANGED and while I welcome and evolve with it, I am not going to say its always better.

In GERMANY for instance, they see cars completely differently and respect the consumer. You have to go through great pains to be able to sell modifications in Germany. THEY DON'T MESS AROUND. If the product is not up to snuff, it won't pass or be sold. Hell just look at THEIR license test and OURS. Completely different ends of the spectrum.

[EP3sAreFun]

When people talk about the "scene" and "trends" and "leaders" it just makes me cringe. You guys make it sounds like high school.

People don't do anything different? I think the import scene is finally evolving to be like other car groups. Motorcycles for example. If i'm on a 2007 CBR RR and i pass a 1980 harley davidson, chances are he will wave and i'll wave back. When i had my 99 GSX-R i would pull up to a light next to people on any bike, and they would say "a damn fine day for riding inst it?" I think alot of the car people in "the scene" are WAY too competitive. they have to be prettier, more original, faster, better, cooler. more everything than the next guy. Don't get me wrong, its good to a point. You need some competition to make people push themselves. but there's just no positive atmosphere i guess is what i'm trying to say.

I guess what I'm getting that is the scene is the people, not the cars. and when you have a bunch of super-competitive DICKS, your gonna have a shit group of people who are dicks and what-not.

Thats why the only car people i tend to hang out with is other Starion/Conquests. We have an understanding that we are more of a family and we stick up for each other. Sure we have arguments and what not, it can't be hugs and kisses all the time. But, over all there just seems to be a sense in camaraderie that i don't see throughout the rest of the import scene. I guess the same goes for alot of the old school fellas. We, the old school guys, know that if we need something for our cars we have to make something work or make a complete one-off part! we can't call a company and order a motor swap or body kit or suspension package.

I'm sorry if this came off as ramblings but i do hope i got my point across. thank you to whoever actualy reads and understands this.

[speedminded]

When people talk about the "scene" and "trends" and "leaders" it just makes me cringe. You guys make it sounds like high school.

People don't do anything different? I think the import scene is finally evolving to be like other car groups. Motorcycles for example. If i'm on a 2007 CBR RR and i pass a 1980 harley davidson, chances are he will wave and i'll wave back. When i had my 99 GSX-R i would pull up to a light next to people on any bike, and they would say "a damn fine day for riding inst it?" I think alot of the car people in "the scene" are WAY too competitive. they have to be prettier, more original, faster, better, cooler. more everything than the next guy. Don't get me wrong, its good to a point. You need some competition to make people push themselves. but there's just no positive atmosphere i guess is what i'm trying to say.

I guess what I'm getting that is the scene is the people, not the cars. and when you have a bunch of super-competitive DICKS, your gonna have a shit group of people who are dicks and what-not.

Thats why the only car people i tend to hang out with is other Starion/Conquests. We have an understanding that we are more of a family and we stick up for each other. Sure we have arguments and what not, it can't be hugs and kisses all the time. But, over all there just seems to be a sense in camaraderie that i don't see throughout the rest of the import scene. I guess the same goes for alot of the old school fellas. We, the old school guys, know that if we need something for our cars we have to make something work or make a complete one-off part! we can't call a company and order a motor swap or body kit or suspension package.

I'm sorry if this came off as ramblings but i do hope i got my point across. thank you to whoever actualy reads and understands this.

It completely makes sense. When I was driving both my Z32 300zx and Land Rover other owners would always wave or nod or stop and chat if I was parked. In my Integra I'd just have a moron mean mugging and revving his engine next to me lol!

That's the main reason I like being in older cars...young, or old, people seem to appreciate them more. They're happy to see something like that running and they'll tell you they had one as a kid, as their first car, or maybe their parents drove one when they were younger.

That's another reason why I like older BMW's. Nobody really wants to race you because it looks slow. It's old, it's boxy, and doesn't look like it will get anywhere in a decent amount of time...and most of them won't lol! But if I was broken down on the side of the road I would safely bet another [older] BMW owner would stop to lend a hand and I'd do the same. I'm sure the same goes with the Starion/Conquests...or they'd just want to buy it for parts

Speaking of Starions, I need a pair of seat sliders from an '87 or whatever other model is applicable.

[Just_lookin]

It completely makes sense. When I was driving both my Z32 300zx and Land Rover other owners would always wave or nod or stop and chat if I was parked. In my Integra I'd just have a moron mean mugging and revving his engine next to me lol!

That's the main reason I like being in older cars...young, or old, people seem to appreciate them more. They're happy to see something like that running and they'll tell you they had one as a kid, as their first car, or maybe their parents drove one when they were younger.

That's another reason why I like older BMW's. Nobody really wants to race you because it looks slow. It's old, it's boxy, and doesn't look like it will get anywhere in a decent amount of time...and most of them won't lol! But if I was broken down on the side of the road I would safely bet another [older] BMW owner would stop to lend a hand and I'd do the same. I'm sure the same goes with the Starion/Conquests...or they'd just want to buy it for parts

Speaking of Starions, I need a pair of seat sliders from an '87 or whatever
other model is applicable.

got thte same thing when i had my 280zx... i had older people always telling me how they had one back in the day... it just makes you feel good that your doing somethng diff... i got my 2nd 240 not cuz every one has them and not cuz i wanna drift it... i love the cars.. how they ride how you feel sitting in it the stance of the cars everything....

[batlbrandon]

It completely makes sense. When I was driving both my Z32 300zx and Land Rover other owners would always wave or nod or stop and chat if I was parked. In my Integra I'd just have a moron mean mugging and revving his engine next to me lol!

But see thats just it the current scene is looked down upon on by most old school hot rodders and the general masses because of the huge amount of ricers and dumbasses. There is no distinction between quality and garbage in those peoples eyes. That goes for the majority of people buying parts and doing work on the current cars too, no distintion between quality and garbage. Slap on some shit and run it into the ground. We that are "pouring our hearts out" are the minority unfortunately. I think the biggest difference in the old school hot rodders and the current scene is pure numbers. They had their "ricers" and we have ours but we have 100 times as many. In time the posers will fade and the die hard will remain, then the next crop will take over. We will look at their hybrids/plug-ins making 400 whp and shake our heads and say "what a turd" or "my dinosaur oil burning REAL car will blow the doors off that spark-o-matic"

[Kevykev]

I see people pouring their heart into this thread.

I commend you all.

[TSiFTW]

I see people pouring their heart into this thread.

I commend you all.

Passion is what it is all about. Regardless of what you like or how you wanna do it if you dont have the passion then it means nothing. If you are doing what everyone else is doing just to be cool you are not helping the scene. I don't care if anyone thinks my car is cool. If I am passionate about building it it will show through into my car.

[marcos713]

Passion is what it is all about. Regardless of what you like or how you wanna do it if you dont have the passion then it means nothing. If you are doing what everyone else is doing just to be cool you are not helping the scene. I don't care if anyone thinks my car is cool. If I am passionate about building it it will show through into my car.

totaly agree! u have to have passion for the scene and wat ur doing to ur ride not just follow a trend and do things to ur car bcuz you see other pple doing them. its about just loving the scene and ur ride regardless of wat it is and being proud of wat u have accomplished with all ur hard work and help from friends. its great being a part of such a big scene, meeting new pple whether it be at meets, shows, or here on IA. 2yrs ago i got into the scene and along the way have learnd alot and met alot of new pple and friends.

like the saying goes "eat sleep jdm". u eat u sleep u wake up and ur already thinking about riding out or for example me for instance, got off work at 11pm, left marietta at 330am to go to IA in tenessee, tryd to get a lil power nap in but was to excited so cudnt sleep. i knw many other on here did the same as well. from wat i saw up there our scene is getting bigger and every1 i met there was friendly and loved their cars and didnt mind giving u a run down of their mods, ect. more than 6500 freakin carz!!! yes companies are going bankrupt like greddy and nopi but the scene is still pushing 4ward. our scene may slow down but it will never die!

[speedminded]

totaly agree! u have to have passion for the scene and wat ur doing to ur ride not just follow a trend and do things to ur car bcuz you see other pple doing them. its about just loving the scene and ur ride regardless of wat it is and being proud of wat u have accomplished with all ur hard work and help from friends. its great being a part of such a big scene, meeting new pple whether it be at meets, shows, or here on IA. 2yrs ago i got into the scene and along the way have learnd alot and met alot of new pple and friends.

like the saying goes "eat sleep jdm". u eat u sleep u wake up and ur already thinking about riding out or for example me for instance, got off work at 11pm, left marietta at 330am to go to IA in tenessee, tryd to get a lil power nap in but was to excited so cudnt sleep. i knw many other on here did the same as well. from wat i saw up there our scene is getting bigger and every1 i met there was friendly and loved their cars and didnt mind giving u a run down of their mods, ect. more than 6500 freakin carz!!! yes companies are going bankrupt like greddy and nopi but the scene is still pushing 4ward. our scene may slow down but it will never die!

not taken personaly, but yes i do knw that is not modding a car, i think my car looks practicaly stock on the outside. and about the rotas, i understand that buying from them is not helping out the scene at all thats y i dont lol. my wheels are buddy clubs and jus saying , they had a booth this year at IA selling my same wheels.

quoted to translate later!

[RL...]

I think if we all adorned ourselves in head to toe with NOPI attire and tried just a little harder to be JDM the scene would be much better. True stuff.

[marcos713]

quoted to translate later!

Lol sry I was just trying 2 condence a lot of thots. But its stil understable

[JITB]

The Vip scene will never die!

[HypnoToad]

The Vip scene will never die!

idk,but iim gonna say

domestic scene > import scene

u dont see all the trends and fads,just sticks to the roots.

[THEONE]

this is good stuff. im impressed,ive always been the i build my car for me not you i follow no trends type of guy.if you like it i dont care,if you dont like it i dont care .so im diggin this thread.

[Deke]

Edit: ^LOL, QFT

idk,but iim gonna say

domestic scene > import scene

u dont see all the trends and fads,just sticks to the roots.

I agree 100%

I've got so many negative thoughts towards the "scene" and current trends that I don't even have the motivation to type them out.

I used to wonder what was up a lot of the old-timers' asses, but now I'm starting to feel like one of them.