I'm having my VIII bumper nose chopped off, until that project is completed. I bought IX bumper replica and thought to share insight on fitment on the IX replica bumper thats currently offered in the market. This thread is a review and intended to share my experience with the bumper for however long I keep it. And also help, guide and provide understanding for those looking for a replacement bumper. The bumper was somewhat a plug and play unit-meaning my shop only preped it for painting and minor trimming was needed. Your bumper might or might not need additional modifications to fit, however from what seen most replicas are spot on.
Reason why I wasn't scared to use fiberglass is because manufactures in the past 5-8 years have greatly improved quality and strength in their products. FRP or fiberglass are more easily repairable, the bumper might be good for somebody looking to change the look of their car for a short period, or somebody who doesn't want to scuff up their OEM bumper and want a backup, or a winter bumper. Their are also weaknesses, but you make the decision.
KEY FACTS:

>The car is 05 Wicked White: W37 color
>4" IC installed without trimming the bottom of the replica bumper where IC meets bumper or the bottom pillers the IX replica bumper.
>Oil cooler deflector guide is installed. As well as the other driver side
>Stock mesh from Evo 8 was used. The mesh as well as the oil cooler deflector guide in the bumper is held by metallic clips
imbeded with-in layers of the fiberglass behind the bumper.
>Stock crash beam installed
>Trimming on the replica bumper near the headlight was needed for me because aftermarket LICP bulged by near the column of the
bumper.
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-I retained my wheel liners(2 holes drilled to replica bumper per corner and stock rivets were used to hold liner like stock)
-The two main 10mm bolts on top of the replica bumper will need to be slightly drilled larger.
-In addition to the 10mm bolts, there are 2 rivet holes on either side of the replica bumper that need to be drilled.
-And finally one hole per corner need to be drilled for the replica bumper to be mounted to the fender.
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*I would absolutely recommend a bodyshop to do this professionally. I am not a professional, I just had friend who happens to own a bodyshop and got the work done for chips and pack of beer. Luck me.
I can't give any professional advice except have a friend with steady hands to hold the replica bumper in place while you drill.

 

Looks like the fit is pretty good. It's good to know since I bought a VIS Voltex style bumper/fenders. They were already pre-drilled, so I'm hoping the body work will be minor.

 

The fit is good. I thought of of buying the voltex bumper. Did you get the street version?

 

yes

 

Nice! Thanks for the review. VIS looks like a good alternative.

 

Seems like this is a bit easier to fit then their JDM rear. I have the VIS JDM rear and it was a pain in the shops rear to get to fit properly.. but the guy said it was "good compared to the others he has seen"

Thanks for the good review!

 

You're right another alternative is baysonr. theirs has a removable lip, but I'm not sure of fitment.



You got

 

looks good!

 

Looks good!

 

Good write up Ash!!

-Craig (Kuruma)

 

Thanks fellas...^

 

Looks good

 

looks great how much did you pay for it

 

Looking Good

 

Where and who did you buy it from? It looks good !