Seats

As important as your car's suspension and just as influential in its handling, your driving seat is of important to you being able to control your car and maneuvering it the way you want it to. Although some may argue there are better things to spend your money on first, the seat is definitely in the top 10 list of things you must replace if you are serious in being able to drive your car. A big reason for this would be because you won't be able to control your car properly because you keep slipping out of your factory seat while going around turns. The factory seat was designed for comfort and ease of entering/exiting the car, holding you in place while to fly around a turn at over 60kph.

There are two types of bucket seats available as upgrades to your car interior/handling.
-Full Bucket: Holds you firmly in place in the turns. Same style as seen in race cars.
-Reclining Bucket: Holding capability is a lot better than factory seats, but less than the Full Bucket. Much more comfortable and easier to live with than a full bucket. Capable of reclining.

There are a variety of companies specializing better holding sports seats available. In Japan, the two biggest brands are Bride and Recaro. Both brands make seats of the highest quality, and both have large and loyal user/customer bases supporting them.

Bride is most well known for their Zeta line of Full Buckets and the Brix Reclining Bucket. Recaro on the other hand, the SP-G Full Bucket and the SRIII Reclining Bucket.

Commonly heard opinions on the two competing brands is that the Recaro SP-G is more comfortable than the Bride Zeta, however the Bride has much better holding capability than the Recaro.

Being an owner of an older model Bride Zeta II, I like the looks of it and am satisfied by its comfort. I have been able to go on long 3 ~ 4hr drives without getting uncomfortable. I have never owned a Recaro before but have sat in one at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon, and I have to say, the few second sit-down in their newer model Full Bucket made me want to switch over.

Bride and Recaro are highly recommended and before making a purchase I highly suggest trying each out before making a decision.

Check out what we have to offer HERE

LSD Limited Slip Differential

The Limited Slip Differential (LSD) is the device that sends the power from the engine drivetrain to the wheels. Unlike the differentials coming from the factory, these differentials don't limit the amount of power transferred to one tire or the other. Instead, LSD's send power to both left and right side equally, resulting in a sportier ride, and faster acceleration.

In the Aftermarket tuning world, there are three types of LSD's:
1 Way
2 Way
1.5 Way

The 1 Way LSD is commonly recommended for drivers of competing in traditional racing. The LSD is engaged, sending power to both wheels during acceleration, however that power deliver stops when you let off of the gas.

The 2 Way LSD is engaged at all times regardless of whether or not the the throttle is on or off. The type of LSD is recommended for FR platforms and on the rear of 4WD platforms. The 2 Way is favored among drivers into Drifting and those who like to cruise up and down the mountainside with a tail happy car.

The 1.5 Way LSD is designed to have the best of both worlds. It is engaged during acceleration and is mildly engaged (not completely like the 2 Way) when the throttle is off.

Depending upon the type of things you do or wish to do with your car, you will need a specific LSD from the listed and explained types above. Great brands to get your LSD from include but aren't limited to: Kaaz, Cusco, ATS and others.

Check Out a few examples of Limited Slip Differentials HERE

Meters and Gauges

Making changes to your car is what tuning is all about. When switching out exhaust pieces for larger diameter replacements, or switching out injectors for better fuel delivery, you are changing the amount of power your car produces or amount of fuel it is able to drink. To help monitor the vitals of your engine, companies like HKS, Trust, Apex'i make meters/gauges to help you keep track of your temperature, pressure, and boost levels. The necessity and popularity of aftermarket meters/gauges are so high, there are companies that specialize in strictly making gauges. Some examples of these companies include Defi, Pivot, Stri, and others.

The following are the most common meter/gauge types available:
-Boost Pressure
-Oil Pressure
-Fuel Pressure
-Oil Temperature
-Water Temperature
-Exhaust Temperature
-Tachometer

Check out a few examples here: HERE