A New Breed Of Tuners
Tough economic times have led many of us to cut back on spending, including buying parts for our cars. While the corporate stiffs in our aftermarket industry see the market as a cup that's half empty, I view things with a more positive attitude. Now, before you send those angry emails telling me I'm some optimist who's blowing smoke up his readers' asses, consider how the value of a dollar has become an important factor into what car parts we purchase.
There's a growing trend among enthusiasts. Those who once relied heavily on shops and mechanics to install parts on their cars, have slowly evolved into DIY builders. By turning back the clock and returning to our true automotive roots, many of us are once again learning how to turn a wrench. This is a big plus for our community, as those who wrench on their cars will understand the importance of installing quality products and the benefits they offer-you can only swap out junk parts so many times before you realize enough is enough!
DIY enthusiasts are individuals who are willing to approach modifying cars with their own signature flair-regardless of the outcome-just to prove that one way is not always the right way. Love it or hate it, the automotive vigilantes you see banging away in their garages are the same guys who create new automotive trends, opening up more opportunities for manufactures and shops to provide parts to complement these future trendsetters. Take for example the LS/VTEC engine concept that was introduced years back that not only flourished in the Honda world, but was further motivated by the aftermarket industry to grow and expand with support from cams, head gaskets, oil conversion kit adapters, etc. All you DIY enthusiasts: keep doing what you're doing. There's light at the end of this dark tunnel, and it begins with you.
Senior Editor
Scott Tsuneishi
scott@importtuner.com