Japan2LA
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 698
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
Japan2LA
Bought a set of hardly used Coilovers from Japan2LA and was incredibly impressed. He was incredibly prompt on shipping and the product was as good as advertised. The coilovers were very well packaged and I had a tracking number right away.
I would definitely do business with him again!
I would definitely do business with him again!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 502
From: The Elysian Fields (Texas)
Absolutely concur!! I've had about a half dozen transactions with Japan2LA and I've been delights every time. His response to inquiries is prompt. Small to large, all of his part are METICULLOUSLY packages and shipped immediately. And perhaps best of all, his pricing is always competitive.
He has become my default whenever I'm looking for used parts of ANY kinds.
Need I say more... if so, just PM. He has my unconditional highest recommendations.
He has become my default whenever I'm looking for used parts of ANY kinds.
Need I say more... if so, just PM. He has my unconditional highest recommendations.
I bought a used 13BREW longblock from Brian / Japan2LA this summer, to replace my car's original engine that finally gave up after limping around with a bad coolant seal for a few thousand miles.
I spent some time reading old buyer feedback posts; some were good and others were bad so I was on the fence for a while, even after getting a price quote and arranging to meet up and inspect the engine in person. It turns out a local friend of mine had done business with him in the past. I contacted my friend and he recommended Japan2LA highly; he had bought used engines as well so that put my concerns to rest.
Some of the accessories and external components attached to the engine were in rough shape; the alternator looked grungy and there was surface corrosion on the turbo heat shields and many of the brackets and bolts on the rats nest. One of the aftermarket spark plug wires tested bad (I tested them with a multimeter before deciding to try them or trash them). The turbochargers themselves were in great shape, and the engine made good compression on all 6 working chambers (I double-checked this myself before installing the engine). It has been installed and running well for a few months now.
The only hitch was a substantial oil leak which was fixed by replacing the rear main seal and the rear stationary gear o-ring (both were replaced at the same time since they are inexpensive parts). If I had known more about rotary engines and mechanics in general I would have probably replaced those parts before installing the engine. I had already replaced a few gaskets, many of the coolant hoses, and swapped the used pilot bearing with a new one.
Communication with Brian was good, although not perfect. Sometimes responses to PM's would arrive the same day, other times responses took nearly a week. In all fairness, I waited a few days before sending some of my responses too.
There are definitely ups and downs to buying a used engine vs DIY rebuilding vs professional rebuilding and installation, but I'm happy with my decision so far.
I spent some time reading old buyer feedback posts; some were good and others were bad so I was on the fence for a while, even after getting a price quote and arranging to meet up and inspect the engine in person. It turns out a local friend of mine had done business with him in the past. I contacted my friend and he recommended Japan2LA highly; he had bought used engines as well so that put my concerns to rest.
Some of the accessories and external components attached to the engine were in rough shape; the alternator looked grungy and there was surface corrosion on the turbo heat shields and many of the brackets and bolts on the rats nest. One of the aftermarket spark plug wires tested bad (I tested them with a multimeter before deciding to try them or trash them). The turbochargers themselves were in great shape, and the engine made good compression on all 6 working chambers (I double-checked this myself before installing the engine). It has been installed and running well for a few months now.
The only hitch was a substantial oil leak which was fixed by replacing the rear main seal and the rear stationary gear o-ring (both were replaced at the same time since they are inexpensive parts). If I had known more about rotary engines and mechanics in general I would have probably replaced those parts before installing the engine. I had already replaced a few gaskets, many of the coolant hoses, and swapped the used pilot bearing with a new one.
Communication with Brian was good, although not perfect. Sometimes responses to PM's would arrive the same day, other times responses took nearly a week. In all fairness, I waited a few days before sending some of my responses too.
There are definitely ups and downs to buying a used engine vs DIY rebuilding vs professional rebuilding and installation, but I'm happy with my decision so far.
Last edited by scotty305; Jan 23, 2011 at 04:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 698
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
Just bumping my thread. Recently bought a set of 99 Spec tails from Brian. As he stated they weren't perfect, but no major scratches etc. received them quickly. I am now 50% of the way done buffing the lenses and they look new. Great price, great products. Will continue to go to J2LA for parts
BTW, I will be doing a "how to" on polishing your lenses in the 3rd gen section when I am done with befores and afters.
BTW, I will be doing a "how to" on polishing your lenses in the 3rd gen section when I am done with befores and afters.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post