Between Drift Tax, Social Media Influencers, and the great import apocalypse, reasonably priced JDM legend cars have become a thing of the past. This leaves prospective enthusiasts to look into less praised platforms to try to find their diamond-in-the-rough, and ultimately the car they will use to cultivate their entire automotive persona, but fret not, the JDM market is full of underrated underdogs that have the potential to catapult you into the illusive 10’s, look tasty on bags, or induce oversteer so snappy that spiral parking ramps will tremble at the very sound of your $100 welded diff. Today we will explore 5 Underrated JDM Platforms to modify… in reverse order.
5. Subaru Forester
The Subaru community has earned the distinction of being one of the most loyal to their platform. Despite headgasket failures, equal-length debates, and industry leading depreciation, Subaru’s bang for its buck can not be overlooked. Often equipped with turbochargers, all-wheel drive, and manual transmissions Subaru is an obvious choice for many, but when we look past the veil of the STi, one model stands above the rest. The Subaru Forester, specifically the SF, SG, and SJ chassis, offers practicality and modularity in a way that has escaped modern commuters. In terms of practicality, this Forester is the ultimate budget camper, friend hauler, and parts hauler thanks largely to it’s wagon. However, where the magic happens… or could happen is right between the headlights. From the factory, these cars came with quite a few engine options, most notably the EJ20T for the SF and SG and the gangster EE20T in the SJ. When paired with one of Subaru’s many 5 speed manual transmissions, this translates to roughly 170 to 230 horsepower making it’s way to the pavement by way of all four tires, and with the right inputs and modifications, that’s fun. Personally, My SG would feature the EJ20T and I’d match it with the full CUSCO Chassis Reinforcement suite and sway bars and bring it down to my level on a set of KSport Kontrol Pro Coilovers. To get the most induction noise possible, I would add a Perrin Cold Air Intake, a Perrin Equal Length header, and an Invidia G200 cat back. To ensure we get the power to the wheels, I would run a McLeod Street Elite Clutch Kit and call it a build, but there’s so much more to do to make your Forester yours.
4. Mazda RX-8
What’s an Iori blog without mentioning Mazda. While I could easily mention one of the 4 generations of Miata, it’s been done. Most of the generations of the RX-7 are quickly becoming unobtanium, so that’s not fair. And despite their development of their new Turbo Inline 6 cylinder engine, Mazda has fallen out of automotive performance grace. However, before the tomb was sealed, Mazda gave us the controversial RX8. While the Renesis didn’t do much in terms of elevating the rotary design, it did serve as both the RX8’s gift and it’s curse. Industry leading engine failures has catapulted the RX8 to Maserati levels of depreciation, meaning a solid running example could be purchased and road worthy for under $5,000. However, the power plant isn’t as important as the RX8 versatility as a high performance motorsport chassis. Truly a car that can be built for any discipline, while boasting the engine bay real estate for JZ, LS, and REW swaps, the RX-8 will forever be tuner car royalty and it’s flexibility is the key of that claim. All swaps aside, my series II RX-8 would breath in through a TAKEDA Retain Stage-2 Pro Dry Intake and out through the A’PEXi Hybrid Mega Evo Catback for maximum flames, but no drone. I would ditch the factory bumpers for the Vertex Lang Full Body Kit, lower it on Tanabe Sustec Pro CR Coilovers, and having performing as well as it looks with a VR Tuned ECU Flash to give my FD3S a run for it’s money. Of course it would be painted Phantom Blue Mica. What about yours?
3. Lexus IS-300
Known by it’s JDM surname, the Altezza, when debuted in Japan October 1998 and announced for release the following year in the United States, was destined to be a low key classic. Picked up by the development team of Need For Speed Underground 2, we got a first glimpse into what the Altezza was capable of. As the 2JZ-GTE dominated the import scene, it’s milder sibling, the 2JZ-GE which powered the IS-300 was vibing in the background waiting for its day in the limelight. Well, that day is finally here. Easily one of the most underrated drift chassis in rotation today, the 1st Gen IS-300 (XE-10) produces enough torque to slide the rear around most grassroots corners and is easily improved upon without breaking the bank. Often called the Honda Civic of the Toyota realm, its simple lines and mass production numbers makes the IS-300 an easy choice for any list of underrated performers. Obviously, my Altezza’s 2JZ-GE would get the full Turbosmart treatment with a splash of Deatschwerks to put me at about 300ftlbs of torque, Endless SS-M Sport brake pads to slow me down, APEXi N1 Type EVX Coilovers to keep me down, and an APEXi WS2 Cat-back to keep the neighbors happy. Before you ask, yes, I would cut the knuckles and retrofit a AgencyPower Handbrake for science.
2. Lexus SC300/SC400
No car fits the monicker of budget Supra better than the SC300/SC400. Similar chassis to the MK-4 Supra, the SC features two very capable power plant options, a luxurious interior, and a resale value so low it’s disrespectful. However, that works in our favor. Available with a big torque V8, but handicapped by its slush box automatic transmission, the SC400 and it’s 1UZ produce an engine note like no other and makes enough power to do just about whatever you would need the car to do. On the other hand, the SC300 is arguably one of the most versatile of the SC platform as it is powered by a 2JZ-GE inline 6 engine that’s begging for forced induction and features manual transmission options. Pair this with the leather interior, digital cluster, and menacing factory stance, you have a car that do VIP or Stance, Drag or Drift, and do it all very well. As for me, I can think of no better use for the budget Supra than holding angle in drift form. That’s why I’d do a body roll delete utilizing Revel Touring Sport Damper Coilovers, support a degree or two of positive rear camber with the Powerhouse Racing Adjustable Rear Control Arms, and keep it classy with he Revel Medallion Touring S Catback Exhaust System. And yes, I would definitely be running a Borg-Warner Pre-Catalytic Converter Muffler (Turbocharger).
1. 1992-2000 Honda Civic
I couldn’t think of a more controversial underrated number one than the 5th and 6th Generation Honda Civic. I know it’s hard to call something underrated when it has the distinction of being one of the most widely modified platforms in history, but hear me out. The late 80’s to 2000 was the Honda Civic’s golden era. Accompanied by the Acura Integra, once these cars hit the used market, the term Lego cars was coined and we began seeing swaps that utilize almost every letter of the alphabet. From B-Series to H2B to Frankenstein D’s to super uncommon ZC swap, you can put almost any Honda power plant in the EG and EK civics without much modification. You can even make them All-Wheel Drive with minimal effort. This and the classic look of the EG and EK Honda Civics, earn my top vote for most underrated Tuner Car. While I don’t have one myself, an EM1 with a H2B (H series Engine, B series transmission), a Garrett G-Series, and a Single Bride GIAS III KING pilot seat, propelled by all 4 wheels is what it would look like if I did. Now, obviously you disagree with me, but let me know what your most underrated JDM cars to modify are. Once you get it, hit us up at Vivid Racing so we can turn your underdog into top dog.
