FAQ

The following is a list of many questions that we are asked time and again. Please read these BEFORE you email us.

Q. I have just been checking out your site looking for engines/half cuts, whats the difference between the engine/gbox/electrics package and a half cut?

A. By definition....

HALF CUT: Full front half of the car, cut half way through the "A" (windscreen) pillars and along the floor in front of the seats. The prices quoted are always "undressed" , that is, without panels, seats, or headlamps and the like, but usually (not always) have the brakes and suspension, dash and instruments etc. Sometimes the radiator and a/c condensor etc are damaged in an accident and are not always salvagable, but the engine package is always tested before the car is cut in Japan.

IMPORTANT: Note that with a half cut, the only thing that the warranty covers is the engine- anything else that comes with the front cut is sold as an extra that you arent paying for and hence carries no warranty. In regards to warranty, please email us and ask for a current copy of the Terms and Conditions of Sale. By placing an order you are deemed to have read, and agreed to our conditions of sale

ENGINE PACKAGE: Includes engine, gearbox, full UNCUT wiring loom with all sensors, and airflow/MAP sensor. Intercoolers are NOT included in package price but are usually available at an extra cost upon request.

AS A RULE WE ONLY SUPPLY PACKAGES AS A HALF CUT SO THAT YOU ARE VIRTUALLY GUARANTEED EVERYTHING IS COMPLETE AND UNBROKEN.

Q. I am looking for a new bonnet and front bumper for my 91' GT LTD Soarer but I only want silver-coloured panels.

A. Sure, we can supply almost any panel that you need, but it is a mindless pursuit searching around trying to find a panel for your car in the same colour as yours. Chances are that while it will be straight when you get it, it is almost certain to be scratched in transit, or at best, will have a SIGNIFICANTcolour variation to your car depending on the age of the car etc. As such, always bank on having to paint the panel after fitment.

Q. I need a 4A-GE 20V but the thing is that I live in Pakistan/USA/Guam/ New Zealand etc and want to know do you ship the engine internationally, and what is the freight rate for shipping it to me?

A. We are happy to ship any parts overseas to your nearest airport or shipping port. However, we regret that we must confirm the order, subject to satisfactory shipping quote, with our international customers prior to arranging the shipping quotes due to the time involved in obtaining accurate estimates. However, as a guide, we have sent engines as far away as the West Indies (about $1700AUD air freight or $700 by sea), to the USA (approx $450AUD per cubic meter by air), 4 x engines to Guam via sea at $810, or a set of coil over struts to Britain at $200AUD, and some Soarer parts (small) to Ireland at $150AUD. These prices are all guides only, but it gives you an idea. Please contact a customs broker/agent in your area to advise on relevant local tax/customs duty and other applicable charges.

Q. Are your prices quoted in $USD r $AUD? How much in my currency?

All prices are quoted in $AUD. Shipping is obviously an added cost to you. If you need to convert to your currecy please go to:

http://www.xe.com/

Q. Can you chase up new parts for my import car?

A. Once upon a time, new parts were a pain to source, with most dealerships having their spare parts people preach doom and gloom regarding the availability of import spares. Thankfully, Toyota and Nissan have seen the light and have an array of import parts for your car on their system. As such, we recommend you chase new parts yourself, and regret that we are unable to help on most occasions.

However, an even better solution: why not try us first? Heed the old adage- Why buy new, when used will do?! Check out the parts database elsewhere on this website.

Q. I'm living in the US but will be traveling in Japan in a few weeks. Can I get parts directly from your Japan office while I'm there? I'm looking for 2001+ WRX parts such as a turbo, intercooler and exhaust. Please let me know.

A. No, this is not possible. Parts like this are not laying about everywhere, and we gather out stock from far and wide. Further, we just arent set up for any customer involvement/sales in Japan.

Q. Can you locate me a 2 door Datsun 1600 or an old Mazda RX3 in Japan?

A. In short, no. While you may see some websites in Japan selling these cars, they are very expensive!! We recently saw a good Datsun 1600 2 door for sale- but it would have owed us $17500AUD landed!! And an old RX3 Savanna with 11000 miles, as new, but sold for a crazy $35000AUD! Pretty expensive.... and why? Simply a lack of supply and high demand!

Q. Can you get me a bodyshell for a JZA80 Supra/R33 GTR or other car?

A. No. Just as you wouldnt expect to find an undamaged bodyshell in Australia for a new Holden Monaro, you wouldnt expect to find a clean bodyshell for a sports car in Japan. Except on very rare occasions where you find a stolen and recovered stripped car (EXTREMELY RARE) there is no way you can find an undamaged bodyshell. Even if we could the freight in a container would make it non-viable in most cases.

Q. What cars are available for importation and registration?

A. As you are no doubt aware, the Specialist Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme (SEVS) covers importation of cars into Australia.

The rule of thumb is as follows:

"If the vehicle, or a variant of it, has already been sold here by the major manufacturer, it can not be imported for registration and use on the road".

We get at least one inquiry every week from a customer asking if we can import and SEVS compliance a Series 6 Mazda RX7, Honda Civic Type R, EVO Lancer, or any other countless numbers of vehicles like this. The answer is NO! Even if the vehicle is offered overseas with a turbocharged engine and 4WD system (eg Lancer EVO), or in slightly different guise, it does NOT mean that the car can be imported and complianced. Sorry, sad but true!

A number of cars that were previously eligible under the low volume scheme are no longer available. The main category affected are all turbo diesel 4WD variants (eg Hilux Surf, Landcruiser Prado, Nissan Terrano), but also cars like the MR2 turbo, Nissan 300ZX 4 seater twin turbo just to name a few that are no longer be available. But on a positive note, there are a number of new models now eligible that are quite exciting to say the least, such as the Nissan Stagea, Lancer EVO 6, 7 and 8and the Toyota Chaser/MKII turbo.

You might want to keep an eye on the following web site for a guide to all eligible vehicles under the new scheme:

http://www.dotrs.gov.au (go to the land transport section)

SEVS rulings on vehicle eligibility are being made all the time- you should check out the details at

http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au

Q. I want to import a car for race/rally. What's the story?

A.

Rally Use

Eligible vehicles for rally use are those homologated by the Federation Internationale
de l'Automobile (FIA). These vehicle models can be found listed at

http://www.fia.com/homologations/Voit_Pays.html.

Under normal circumstances applicants will be restricted to importing a single vehicle
and acceptable reasons will need to be provided to import another vehicle for rally
use.

Road vehicles for rally use are imported on the condition that they will only be used in the course of competition, practice associated with competition and transport to and
from a rally location.

The applicant is required to lodge with their application a statement that the vehicle
will only be used for rally purposes together with a copy of a current CAMS R3 or
higher grade licence. Approvals for the importation of rally vehicles will only be
issued to applicants having a demonstrated involvement in rally sport where
supporting evidence may be requested by way of vehicle log books, programs of
events entered, supplementary regulations for those events, results, etc.

Closed Circuit Racing

Eligible road vehicles for closed circuit racing are those homologated by the
Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

Under normal circumstances applicants will be restricted to importing a single vehicle
and acceptable reasons will need to be provided to import another vehicle for closed
circuit racing.

Road vehicles for closed circuit racing usage are imported on the condition that they
will only be used for this purpose and will not be used on public roads or be offered
for sale for use on public roads. The applicant is required to lodge with their application a statement that the vehicle will only be used for closed circuit racing purposes together with a copy of a current CAMS C3 or higher grade licence. Approvals for the importation of closed circuit racing vehicles will only be issued to applicants having a demonstrated involvement in the sport where supporting evidence may be requested by way of vehicle log books, programs of events entered, supplementary regulations for those events, results, etc.

IN ESSENCE, IF YOU CAN'T SUBSTANTIATE ALL THE ABOVE, YOU CAN NOT IMPORT A CAR FOR RACE/RALLY PURPOSES.

Accordingly, we will only be able to source a car for you if you can provide documentation as above, AND are prepared to give us a substantial deposit before the vehicle leaves Japan.

Q. What about cars over 15 years? Can you still import them?

A. The 15 year old rule has changed. The newest vehicle that is not on the SEVS list can only be imported if they were manufactured prior to January 1st, 1989.

In essence this means that there are less and less older imports available and we will rarely, if ever, have these vehicles in stock in the future.

Q. I am stuck without insurance/finance for my import. Can you help?

A. Sorry, no. We regret that we can only arrange insurance/finance for imported vehicles that are purchased through our car yard.

Q. I want to (or have) import(ed) my own car. Can you arrange all the paperwork/compliance etc for me?

A. No. We only sell the cars that we import and comply- a list of current stock is available on our website. Beware of bodgy backyarders who are ready to rip you off- steer clear and always buy a car with a warranty from a reputable licenced motor dealer. We can however import a car to your special requirements- please email or call for details.

Q. I have a late model Lancer/Mirage. What engine can I upgrade to?

A. This is a tricky one.... especially in the later CE shape where the gearbox is on the passenger side of the car. The only turbo option that you have is the 4G93 (1.8 ex Jap GSR Lancer) or the EVO IV/V/VI. Either of these options are VERY expensive (usually prohibitive for now). These are too new to obtain in quantities at the moment, and the MIVEC is the only other option (non-turbo, and equally as hard to get). DO NOT be tempted to try and turbo your existing engine- the expense and engine/driveline breakages are not worth the effort. If you are hell-bent on a turbo Lancer, you must be prepared to wait for one of these engines to become available. And remember, these are NOT cheap- expect upwards of $7000 for a complete half cut, less panels.

The other alternative is a MIVEC FTO V6- these are a good and cheap alternative.

Why so hard to get and expensive? Well, virtually all of the Mitsubishi performance half cuts/engines are sold to Malaysia as that is where Protons are made (with no turbo variant sold there). You can imagine therefore that there are so many guys in Malaysia wanting to upgrade, and as such we (and most of the rest of the world!) are simply priced out of the market in Japan. If and when we get them, on rare occasions, we have to pays heaps for them. Sad but true!

Q. Are your engines new or reconditioned?

A. No. They are good quality, low kilometer, SECOND HAND units.

Q. Does the engine package price include installation?

A. No. This is at your extra cost. However, we are more than happy to put you in touch with competent fitters.

Q. Why are there no 12A Turbo's, 13B 4 ports, FJ20's, and Z18's etc on the engine pricelist?

A. Engines that are older than mid/late-80's are becoming very rare and almost extinct due to the fact that the vehicles these came out in have long since moved on to the big scrap-yard in the sky. These are available on occasion, but are almost impossible to get now. That said, you just never know- keep an eye on the web for details of new stock on the way.

Q. Can you get me a bodykit to suit an XYZ????

A. As a general rule, no. This is due to the fact that new bodykits in Japan are usually very expensive, so much so that most customers will just settle for a locally made copy. Also, the chances of us getting a complete used kit is almost non-existent due to the fact that most of the time they are damaged in one way or another in an accident or shipping.

Q. I am looking for used STi Subaru Parts and also EVO Lancer bits. Why do you rarely have them to wreck out?

A. These cars are VERY rare and popular in Japan, contrary to popular belief in Australia- one customer foolishly told us that they are lying around everywhere- WE WISH!

Accordingly, we occasionally have these items, but when they are available, they are usually quite pricey.

Q. I am looking for a specific part for my car/project. Can you email me when it comes in?

A. While we do our very best to keep abreast of all the email, given the large volume that we have coming in each day, it is just simply impossible to keep tabs on who wanted what. As such, we just cant manage to contact you if and when the parts come in. Always have a look every week or so and see if anything new has arrived. We will be doing our best to regularly update the rest of the site from now on, and if in doubt, drop us an email!. If you want to be added to our FREE mailing list, simply send us an email and you will be sent an email when we get new shipments etc.

Q. Are Japanese Cars from Japan right or left hand drive?

A. Right hand so conversion is not necessary.

Q. What is involved with compliance?

Depending on the car, there are varying levels of required modifications, however, as a guide, the following things must be modified/fitted:

· Anti intrusion bars if they don't have them from factory
· New seat belts
· Filler neck for fuel changed
· New filters and fluids
· New tyres
· Child restraint anchorage points
· Engineers inspection
· Brakes Pads have to have plenty of material

Q. Can I get parts for my import easily?

A. Parts, both new and used, are readily available, and we will not sell any vehicles that we cant provide comprehensive parts back up for. If we don't have it in stock, it is never far away, as we have direct links to new and used parts in Japan and Australia. Rarely you will have to wait more than a few days for the delivery of most parts. We always have in stock the following complete cars to dismantle:

· Toyota UZZ30/31 Soarer, Toyota Supra JZA80
· Nissan Z32 300ZX 2 and 4 seater
· Nissan S13 Silvia/180SX
· Nissan Skyline R33 2 and 4 door

Q. What fuel do the cars run on?

A. All imported turbo cars need to run on premium unleaded. We especially recommend using the new Shell OPTIMAX fuel or BP Ultimate 98.