Tuner Definition

[Hoosierfarmboy]

What is the definition of a 'tuner' as far as model car category?

[Danno]

Tough to nail down, as everybody has their own personal interpretation of the norm; however, in general terms, as defined in part by Wikipedia, it can be said,

[Tuners are] "Japanese vehicles, such as a Honda Integra DC5, Mitsubishi GTO, Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline, Mazda RX-7, Subaru Impreza, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series. These cars are most commonly modified with the more expensive mods available. The most popular modifications include suspension upgrades, exhaust systems, and turbos."

The purpose is generally to improve the car's performance, handling, presentation and/or improve and display the owner's style of appearance or driving.

Common modifications include racing-inspired paint, graphics, and appearance accessories such as aero-kits, bumper covers, spoilers, splitters, whaletails, vents, and scoops. Most modifications are in the nature of bolt-on components.

[Scale-Master]

We allow domestic and European vehicles in the Tuner category at our contest. But the base subject has to be in line with the traditional Japanese tuner styling and performance modifications. As Danno said, it is tough to nail down, but it is not too hard to see what fits the spirit and what doesn't for a model car contest.

[Danno]

We allow domestic and European vehicles in the Tuner category at our contest. But the base subject has to be in line with the traditional Japanese tuner styling and performance modifications. As Danno said, it is tough to nail down, but it is not too hard to see what fits the spirit and what doesn't for a model car contest.

Well said, Mark.

You know, I struggled with the domestic vs. foreign thing. But then I remembered that virtually every "domestic" vehicle that I've seen done up 'tuner style' has been what I'd call a "domestic-badged car of foreign origin" in some manner or another.

[TurboKitty]

Generally a "tuner" is an affordable import or domestic 4 cyl or 6 cyl economy car (as a starting point) that has been modified mechanically and cosmetically for increased power, handling, and "sporty" appearance. They can be Front Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive, or All Wheel Drive. Common cars include the Honda Civic, Acura Integra and RSX, Toyota Celica & MR2, Mitsubishi Lancer (Evo), Subaru WRX (and WRX STi), Chevy Cavalier Z24, Ford Escort ZX2, Mazda 3, Dodge Neon, Hyundai Tiburon, Nissan Sentra and 240sx, VW Jetta, VW Golf & GTi, etc. There are also 6 cyl sports cars like the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, Nissan 350Z, Nissan Skyline GTR, Mitsubishi 3000GT, etc that fall into the tuner category as a better starting point for performance with no "grocery getter" origin. A more high end European tuner car can include the BMW M3, Audi S4 or RS4, etc. A tastefully modified tuner is always built with the motto "Less Is More" (clean build style, proper modifications, paint that has no graphics and is not a loud color, etc).

A V8 Muscle car (or anything with a bigger engine LOL) is not generally a tuner, but of course can be modified in the same way. The biggest difference is that most tuners start out as 4 cylinder grocery getters that are affordable for younger drivers to modify. It's like a modern day "hot rod" scene, I guess you could say

Tuner (that has been tastefully done and is not "riced out":

Not a Tuner:

Ricer (any import/domestic car overdone in a loud & gaudy fashion that makes it look like a toy - most ricers haven't been modified for better performance or handling):

Edited May 13, 2011 by MB_ChargerChick

[Boreham]

tun·ernoun /ˈt(y)o͞onər/ 

tuners, plural

1.A person who tunes musical instruments, esp. pianos

2.An electronic device for tuning a guitar or other instrument

3.An electronic device for varying the frequency to which a radio or television is tuned

4.A separate unit for detecting and preamplifying a program signal and supplying it to an audio amplifier

[Harry P.]

All I know is that you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish...

[Eric Stone]

...

There are also 6 cyl sports cars like the Mazda RX7, ...

An RX7 is a 6-cylinder?

[Eric Stone]

Felix Wankel is rotating in his grave right now ....

Rotating, not reciprocating, right?

[TurboKitty]

simple mistake - relax lol.

[whale392]

Now Mike, we know that the RX-7 in Japan got a 3-plate rotary fitted to certain cars....and being that the rotary is somewhat of a 2-chamber per plate design it would be considered a 6 cylinder

[TurboKitty]

LOL

[Hoosierfarmboy]

Thanks for the info.Been thinking about building one. I liked the 'hotrod' for todays youngsters comment. My fav pic is the blue wagon by Wheelman. Enjoyed the puns and tongue-in cheek definitions too. Again - muchos gracious amigos.

[Danno]

What a great thread!

Very punny! Still laughing ...