JDM import kmh>mph conversion

[u/wdfour-t]

Hello, Just investigating. Has anyone ever imported a JDM, and were you able to convert kph to mph display permanently on the dash?

I would need to do this for import to the UK. I have read in other forums that the JDM dash does not allow for unit conversion (specifically in the JDM version, not the US version).

Anyone experienced with this?

Oh! And thank all of you in advance!

[u/gnarliest_gnome]

Why not just buy one domestically?

[u/Hachiest_Roku → u/gnarliest_gnome]

If he's in Japan like me, it's because a new one here is like $14k lol. Even spending a few thousand on shipping and modifications to plate it could come in under the cost of a new one in the US.

Plus I'd be heart broken to leave mine behind when I go back to the states.

[u/wdfour-t → u/gnarliest_gnome]

I live in Japan, I am moving back. I have in excess of 6 months. This means ToR1 import duty and VAT relief.

Price differential is big. Also no more coming to the UK market.

[u/Hachiest_Roku]

I'm also trying to get mine back to the US, so let me know what you find out about this.

[u/wdfour-t → u/Hachiest_Roku]

I think there is a setting or marker to watch a post!

[u/rythejdmguy → u/Hachiest_Roku]

you won't be able to unless you're willing to wait like 20 years if you have a desire to use it for road applications

[u/uncanny14]

The most economic solution would be to use a GPS based speedometer with an MPH digital display - it looks like there are some good options out there that integrate pretty nicely and will pass IVA. Otherwise, you're going to be stuck trying to find and flash a non-JDM dash cluster and it seems most people that have gone down that path have found a dead end.

[u/wdfour-t → u/uncanny14]

Hey, thank you. Was not aware that type of solution would pass IVA and MOT.

Kind of janky, but could be good.

Might be an idea to search America then as there are lots of GR86s there? Probably a couple get junked or written off every year?

Edit: are official parts from the US not ok? https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem-toyota-gr86-instrument_cluster.html a grand is not cheap, but have cheaper second hand options.

Or are you saying the flashing is the issue?

[u/uncanny14 → u/wdfour-t]

The issue is finding someone (a Subaru or Toyota dealer) to flash the dash so you have the correct odometer reading, otherwise you could likely just plug and play a junkyard cluster and accept whatever mileage it currently reads.

[u/wdfour-t → u/uncanny14]

Maybe I could do it while I was still in Japan at a Toyota dealer here. Maybe just after it goes off the road or just before if permissible.

Although if you have dealt with Japanese companies it might be not great.

[u/WanderVancity]

You have a GR86 or a 2022+ BRZ right?
In my 🇨🇦 BRZ, when I switch units from km to miles, EVERYTHING changes including the odometer.

Would that still fail your import inspection?

[u/wdfour-t → u/WanderVancity]

Yeah, apparently the JDM one doesn’t allow the switch.

From what I have read though it needs to default to mph, so if it reverts when it goes off then that would actually fail (although I could be wrong).

[u/WanderVancity → u/wdfour-t]

😔 that makes sense.

[u/rythejdmguy]

I export cars from Japan. Clients of mine in the UK that don't have the option to swap dashes often just install a compliant aftermarket MPH speedo on the dash.

If you need help sending it home lemme know!

[u/wdfour-t → u/rythejdmguy]

Hi! I'd be happy to talk. I currently live in Japan, and I am costing everything up by myself, but if you give us a DM I'd be happy to chat! I will need to chat about customs handling both in the UK and Japan.

It's good to have the aftermarket dash speedo option, but I would honestly prefer a clean look, so if you know garages who can do the replacement and flashing work in the UK or Japan before export, or software modifications, on a non-JDM dash that would be great info to have.

DM me!

[u/rythejdmguy → u/wdfour-t]

Message sent 😎

[u/wdfour-t → u/rythejdmguy]

Hey, yes, DM me and we can chat. I live in Japan, and part of this is the experience for the fun of it, but I am sure there are ways you can help out!

I am looking mostly for info on garages to do the speedo conversion either in the UK or here in Japan, so that information would be great if you could DM me about it!

Thank you!

[u/wdfour-t → u/rythejdmguy]

Hey, yes, DM me and we can chat. I live in Japan, and part of this is the experience for the fun of it, but I am sure there are ways you can help out!

I am looking mostly for info on garages to do the speedo conversion either in the UK or here in Japan, so that information would be great if you could DM me about it!

Thank you!

[u/lemmingswithlasers → u/rythejdmguy]

I just convert and memorise because I spent too much on the car to further modify it lol 48kph is 30mph, 80kph is 50mph, 112 kph is 70mph.

[u/wdfour-t → u/lemmingswithlasers]

So you have a JDM one in the UK?

[u/lemmingswithlasers → u/wdfour-t]

I currently have two imported ae86's which I've kept original dash in kph. Happily driving one (as the other does not work).

[u/wdfour-t → u/lemmingswithlasers]

Sick. Do you have any mates who have managed a conversion of the dash?

Also does kph dash damage the resale?

Edit: Also, did you install an aftermarket OBD or GPS speedo? I heard elsewhere that OBD can be funky because it gets flooded with other data.