Buddy Club is a company that specializes in manufacturing automotive performance and tuning parts for JDM cars. They are well-known for producing aftermarket products designed to enhance the performance and aesthetics of vehicles. They offer a range of products, including exhaust systems, suspension components, racing seats, wheels, and other performance accessories. My first Buddy Club part was the short shifter for my first RSX and was a nice upgrade from the stock OEM shifter box and I’ve recently replaced my torn ball joints on my DC5 project with the Buddy Club P1 Extended Ball Joints.

Buddy Club products are often popular among automotive enthusiasts and individuals who are interested in upgrading their vehicles for better performance and a customized look. Buddy Club has a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable aftermarket parts.

Mr. Mitoshi Kakimoto and the History of Buddy Club Racing

In 1990, the realization of Mr. Mitoshi Kakimoto’s dream marked the birth of a world-class high-performance parts manufacturer. As a former Formula 3 driver, every part of his racecar held significance during his early years. Mr. Kakimoto, driven by the belief that everyday spirited drivers should access race-proven technology, infused these principles into what we now recognize as Buddy Club.

In 1993, the formation of the “First Racing” team thrust Buddy Club into the renowned JGTC (All Japan Grand Touring Car Champtionship) and N1 Super Taiku races, earning accolades and establishing the brand’s prestige. This success catapulted Buddy Club into the forefront of the Japanese Tuner market, fostering confidence and acclaim.

By 1999, Buddy Club sponsored multiple teams in the Japanese Touring Car circuit. In 2001, a monumental step was taken as Buddy Club expanded beyond the Japanese market, entering Taiwan. The brand solidified its presence by creating a race program for the ATCC, achieving remarkable success in its inaugural year – 7 first-place finishes, Team of the Year, and Driver of the Year. This triumph fueled Buddy Club’s rapid growth, leading to the production of high-quality components for new applications.

In 2003, they embraced the US market, and by 2005, distribution extended to Hong Kong, the UK, Thailand, Singapore, and China. The subsequent years witnessed the opening of branches in Australia (2006) and New Zealand (2008), forming a global network capable of meeting the diverse needs of racers. With Buddy Club Japan at the epicenter, this journey embodies a personal commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of high-performance automotive parts.

JDM cars that Buddy Club Supports

Buddy Club manufactures performance and tuning products for a wide range of car makes and models. Their product lineup includes components designed for both domestic and import vehicles. While the availability of specific products may vary, they typically caters to popular car brands such as Honda, Acura, Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and more.

Their products cover various aspects of vehicle customization and performance enhancement, including exhaust systems, suspension components, wheels, racing seats, and other accessories. It’s important to check their product catalog or contact authorized dealers for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the specific car models they support. Car enthusiasts often choose Buddy Club products to enhance the performance, aesthetics, and handling characteristics of their vehicles.

While not extensive, as Buddy Club’s product catalog is constantly evolving and adding more, here are a few cars that they support:

1. Nissan 370x (09+)
2. Nissan GT-R
3. FRS / BRZ / GT 86 / GR86
4. Subaru WRX/STI 2015+
5. Acura RSX (DC5)
6. Acura Integra (DC2)
7. Acura TSX
8. Honda Civic Coupe / Sedan 92-00 (EG6)
9. Honda Accord
10. Honda Civic Si 2002-2005 (Ep3)
11. Honda Civic Type R and Non-Type R – 2016+ (FK2)
12. Honda S2000 (AP1 / AP2)
13. Honda Fit (09-20)
14. Honda CR-Z
15. 2017+ Toyota Camry
16. 2019+ Toyota Corolla / RAV-4

Product Types

Buddy Club offers a range of popular products that are well-received among automotive enthusiasts. Some of their most popular products include:

1. Exhaust Systems: Buddy Club is known for producing high-performance exhaust systems that enhance engine sound and improve overall exhaust flow. These systems are often designed for specific car models and deliver both aesthetic and performance benefits.
2. Suspension Components: Well-known to manufactures suspension parts such as coilovers / damper kits, control arms, shock absorbers, and strut bars, tie rods, and brake system compnents. These components are designed to improve handling, stability, and overall ride performance.
3. Racing Seats: The company produces racing spec seats that are not only designed for enhanced safety and support during high-performance driving but also contribute to the interior aesthetics of the vehicle.
4. Wheels: Variety of aftermarket wheels in different styles and sizes, allowing car enthusiasts to customize the appearance of their vehicles, including lug nuts and accessories.
5. Short Shifters: Short shifters are popular products that can enhance the precision and feel of gear shifting in manual transmission vehicles.
6. Engine Components: Performance-oriented engine components such as camshafts, headers, battery and intake systems designed to improve horsepower and torque.
7. Steering Wheels: Started to provide performance steering wheels that optimize for comfort and grip, more notibly in their 2016+ Civic, and in various materials from leather and carbon fiber.
8. Exterior Components: Body kits that improve aerodyanmic design, but also style. For example, they have made s2000 LED tail lights.

Acura RSX / DC5

Buddy Club offers a variety of products for the DC5, including:

• Sport Spec coilovers: The Buddy Club’s Sport Spec Damper is a Monotube design, easy customization, smooth ride with an inverted design, 20-step adjustability. Teflon-coated spring seats for reduced noise, top hats with rubber bushing for a quiet ride. High-quality steel springs and rigorous quality control ensure top-notch performance. It’s  designed for the 2002-2006 Acura RSX (DC5). Part number is BC02-SSHDC5 and retails around $1330.
• Racing Spec quick shift kit: This kit is designed for the 2002-2006 RSX and comes pre-installed in a black plastic resin shifter box. The Buddy Club’s Racing Spec Shifter has a 40% shorter throw, faster gear shifts, easy drop-in installation, and 1.5″ height reduction for precision. Part number is BUD BC08-RSS-H004.                       
• P1 Racing extended ball joints: These joints are designed for the 2002-2004 RSX Type S and 2001-2005 Civic. This extended ball joint is precision crafted for durability in racing. Strong blue colored boots and castle nuts. One thing to note is there is no snap ring, it’s pressed in like OEM. This is part number: BC02-BJP1-H004.
• Racing Spec bucket seat: This FRP seat is race-inspired ultra-lightweight bucket seat for superior lateral support and competition-ready fit. Weighs approximately 5kg. The price is around $475-$500 each as of 2024.
• Spec II exhaust: This Spec II Exhaust for Acura RSX Type S (02-06) is 100% stainless steel, but lightweight. It’s competition-focused with enhanced low RPM torque. Features spring hook connectors for improved flow, reduced weight, and includes a steel wool-packed silencer for noise reduction in regulated areas. Part number is BC03-SP2EXDC5.

  

• Aero kit: This fiberglass kit at the time of writing is now continued, but did they look great at the DC5 with features a sporty style and dynamic design. Part number is BC06-BKDC5 if you can find it, but I haven’t seen any vender that stocks it anymore.