If you have any JDM parts on your car, there's a good chance that Ronald Wu is the man responsible for bringing them to you. He's a supplier for a number of "JDM specialty" stores-bringing in parts from the Motherland (Japan, that is) for sale and use on cars here in the Homeland. We recently paid a visit to Ron and his eclectic collection of JDM goodies; once there, we distracted him with a few questions and a photo shoot. We stuck entire JDM engines and headlights in our back pockets as Ronald continually answered his cell phone and uttered the phrase, "Lamont, you big dummy!" Read all about it here.
2NR: How long have you been bringing in parts from Japan?RW: I've been collecting parts and bringing them over since I was in high school, usually for my private collection (toys, stickers, emblems, rare parts) or for my personal cars.
2NR: So, the importing business you have now actually started as a hobby?RW: Well, actually I was importing parts for myself and every once in a while I would get some stuff for my good friends. Then I started AeroDuo (body kits, etc.) about four years ago and things started growing bigger when all the motor swaps and JDM conversions became popular.
2NR: Tell us about some of the parts that you have here that are extremely rare or very hard to find.RW: Since I'm a huge fan of Mugen parts, I'm proud to have some of its rarest stuff. I have a late-model Mugen EF8 muffler with full pipe; the muffler is shaped like a teardrop for maximum aerodynamics and sound control. I also have an extremely rare electronically adjustable suspension kit made by Mugen for the '87 Prelude; these have never been used before. I have a very rare Mugen CRX aero kit-the one that's been copied a thousand times over. And outside, I have that right-hand-drive Datsun Blue Bird SSS sedan that I'm going to start working on.
2NR: That's right, you also bring in entire front and rear vehicle clips and complete automobiles. Are these for sale or do you get them to part them out?RW: They are for sale as parts cars, or you can use them for off-road or show vehicles. I won't take the time to try to get them registered to be street legal here in the States.
2NR: In a few words, tell us about the differences between the Prelude and Civic del Sol that you have outside and the same models that are sold here in the U.S.-aside from the fact that they're right-hand drive, of course.RW: The JDM Prelude I have has a factory limited-slip differential, one-piece headlights, no bumper reflector lamps, power folding mirrors, a different center armrest and, of course, the rear window wiper. The JDM Civic del Sol also has one-piece headlights, a door-panel-mounted map light, and the optional TransTop-that's the completely electronic removal and repositioning of the targa top, all at the push of a button inside the car.
2NR: Sounds cool. I remember seeing one of those at the Tokyo Auto Salon a few years ago. We've heard that you're willing to do the TransTop conversion to USDM del Sols; how difficult is the conversion and how long does it take to complete?RW: Well, you need to get everything from the JDM del Sol from the windshield frame to the targa top to the doors (with sensors) and the rear clip with the top B-frame. It's very important that you get a B-frame that isn't damaged, or nothing will line up in your conversion. It's a pretty difficult process I would say, but I don't want to reveal too much about it. If anyone is interested, send me an e-mail and we'll talk.
2NR: Let's talk about non-Honda stuff. The Nissan SR20DET motor is a pretty popular swap; tell us what you're doing with those.RW: I've been selling the SR20DETs for the Sentras and 200SXs as far as front-wheel drive applications. For the rear-wheel drive apps, it's mostly the 240s and people that are doing Silvia conversions.