JDM Parts from Japan: Engines, Panels and Pickup-Only Pieces

For enthusiasts of Japanese cars, Japan is still the source of the parts that matter: factory panels for the Skyline GT-R, Supra and RX-7, period tuning parts from the 1990s, forged wheels, bucket seats and complete engines. The problem is rarely finding them. It is getting them out of the country. Many of the most wanted pieces are too large, too heavy or too hazardous for parcel post, or they are offered only to buyers who can collect in person.

Why ordinary proxy services decline them

A proxy buying service works by receiving an item in Japan and posting it on. That model fails in five common situations:

• Size: Japan Post's EMS accepts parcels up to 1.5 m long and 3 m in length plus girth for most destinations, with tighter limits for some, such as 2.75 m in length plus girth for the United States and 1.05 m in length for Germany. A bonnet, bumper, door, side skirt or full exhaust is longer than that.
• Weight: EMS stops at 30 kg, and less for some countries. An engine, transmission or set of four wheels and tyres is far heavier.
• Dangerous goods: parts that contain fluids, flammable materials or components under pressure, such as gas-charged shock absorbers, are restricted in air transport. Airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners contain pyrotechnic charges.
• Collection only: many shops and owners offer large parts for collection only (引取限定), or ship within Japan only by freight carrier to a depot.
• Japan-only parts programmes: new reproduction parts are sold through Japanese dealers, and some are easiest to order with a Japanese address.

The parts in highest demand

• Engines: the RB26DETT of the Skyline GT-R, the 2JZ-GTE of the Supra, the 13B-REW rotary of the RX-7 and Honda's K20A, sold complete or as long blocks.
• Front clips and half-cuts: the front of a car with engine, gearbox and wiring, prized for engine swaps.
• Body and aero: carbon bonnets, factory bumpers, lips, spoilers and widebody kits.
• Wheels: forged sets such as the RAYS TE37 in period sizes and finishes.
• Seats: Recaro full-bucket seats in Japanese-market fabrics.
• Period tuning parts: 1990s turbochargers, intercoolers and engine parts from Japan's tuning houses, many now out of production.
• New factory parts: unused original parts kept on shop shelves for decades, plus the reproduction programmes below.

Heritage parts programmes

Two manufacturers now remake discontinued parts for their classic performance cars. NISMO's heritage parts programme covers the R32, R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R, adding components in batches. Toyota's GR Heritage Parts programme began selling reproduced parts for the A70 and A80 Supra in July 2021 through Toyota dealers, in Japan and in some overseas markets, with availability varying by region and production limited. Where a part is easier to order in Japan, a buyer in Japan can place the order.

How large and restricted parts travel

• Collection and consolidation: parts are collected or received in Japan, checked against their description and photographed, and several purchases can be combined into one shipment.
• Crating: engines are drained of fluids and strapped to a pallet; panels travel in fitted crates with edge protection; wheels and seats are boxed and palletised.
• Freight: sea freight suits heavy and bulky shipments at lower cost; air freight is faster. Hazardous components are either declared and shipped under the rules for dangerous goods, or excluded.
• Import rules: each country sets its own rules for used engines, emissions parts and safety equipment. Check them before buying.

How we help

Send us the part you want, or the link to a part you have already found in Japan, through the concierge, including collection-only pieces and items too large for post. We confirm the details with the seller, check the part on arrival, and quote crating and freight to your door. Our Hunting Salon™ can also search for a specific part number. The curator desk replies within one to three business days.

Questions enthusiasts ask

Can a complete engine be shipped from Japan?

Yes, by freight. It is drained, crated or palletised and shipped by sea or air. Import rules for used engines vary by country, so check yours first.

Can you ship an airbag steering wheel?

Airbag modules are dangerous goods. In most cases they are removed and the wheel shipped without them.

Is it worth combining several parts?

Usually. Freight is priced by volume and weight, so one consolidated crate costs less than several separate shipments.

Continue reading

• Importing Large and High-Value Items from Japan.
• Concierge or Proxy Service: which one you need.
• Import Duties on Goods from Japan.