Question 1

What are the chassis code differences: GM4, GM5, GM6, and GM9?

Accepted Answer

GM4 is JDM Grace Hybrid FWD; GM5 is JDM Grace Hybrid 4WD; GM6 is ASEAN Honda City 1.5 FWD and JDM Grace Petrol; GM9 is JDM Grace Petrol 4WD.

🇯🇵 Complete Chassis Breakdown

* GM4 (JDM Grace Sport Hybrid FWD): Powered by the Earth Dreams 1.5L Atkinson-cycle DOHC direct-injection L15B engine coupled to an intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) 7-speed transmission with integrated high-output electric motor.
* GM5 (JDM Grace Sport Hybrid 4WD): Same hybrid drivetrain as GM4, paired with Honda's viscous Real Time AWD system for snowy Japanese prefectures.
* GM6 (Philippine/ASEAN Honda City & JDM Grace LX Petrol): Front-wheel-drive with the dependable 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC L15Z1 engine (ASEAN) or DOHC L15B (Japan) mated to Honda's Earth Dreams G-Design Shift CVT.
* GM9 (JDM Grace Petrol 4WD): Non-hybrid 1.5L DOHC petrol engine with mechanical 4WD.

Interior Differences:
* Gear Shifter: Grace Hybrid features an electronic shift-by-wire joystick with Park button (similar to Prius/Insight), while Philippine City GM6 utilizes a traditional PRNDS mechanical floor shifter.
* Instrument Cluster: Grace Hybrid features dual high-resolution full-color multi-information screens showing hybrid power flow, EV motor assist, and regeneration meter.
* Rear Cabin Aircon: JDM Grace models include rear center console air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports.

Question 2

What parts are needed for a full JDM Grace exterior conversion?

Accepted Answer

JDM front bumper, Grace Hybrid chrome/Modulo grille, LED fog assemblies, rear bumper, trunk garnish with illuminated GRACE lettering, and LED taillights.

🛠️ JDM Grace Conversion Checklist (Manila Build Spec)

Converting a Philippine Honda City GM6 to authentic JDM Grace spec is one of the most rewarding community projects:

1. Front Fascia:
* JDM Grace Front Bumper: Direct bolt-on to GM6 front fenders and hood latch.
* Front Grille: JDM Grace Hybrid illuminated chrome blue-bar grille, Modulo sports grille, or Mugen front under-lip.
* Fog Lamps: JDM Grace uses trapezoidal fog lamps with dedicated bumper brackets (different from PH City round fog bezels).

2. Rear Fascia:
* JDM Grace Rear Bumper: Lower aerodynamic valence with flush reflectors.
* Trunk Center Garnish: Authentic Grace trunk bar with clear chrome or ruby LED illumination featuring the signature embossed `GRACE` wordmark.
* LED Tail Lamp Clusters: Grace LED assemblies with clear reversing bands.

3. OEM JDM Details:
* Blue-accented Honda "H" Hybrid emblems (Front OEM # 75700-T9A-J01, Rear # 75701-T9A-J01).
* JDM aerodynamically contoured slim door visors / rain guards.
* Hydroscopic blue-tinted wide-angle heated side mirror glass.

Question 3

How do JDM Grace dual-projector LED headlights install on a Philippine City GM6?

Accepted Answer

Physical bolt-on fit is 100% direct, but the wiring requires repinning because PH City uses an H4 halogen plug while Grace LED uses separate high/low drivers.

💡 JDM Grace LED Headlight Retrofit Guide

Physical Fitment:
* The outer polycarbonate shape and mounting tabs of genuine JDM Grace dual-projector LED headlights match the GM6 front fenders, core support, and bumper cover identically.

Electrical Wiring (The Repin Conversion):
* The Factory City Setup: Philippine City GM6 halogen models use a 3-pin H4 headlight socket (Common Ground, Low Beam Positive, High Beam Positive).
* The JDM Grace Setup: The Grace LED headlight contains internal solid-state LED driver boards, dual optical projectors, and an integrated LED DRL eyebrow strip, using a multi-pin automotive connector.
* The Conversion: You need an H4-to-Grace-LED conversion harness (or professionally repin your existing harness using automotive waterproof connectors). A dedicated 12V relay harness with 15A fuses directly from the battery is strongly recommended so both low-beam projectors remain illuminated when high beams are toggled on.
* Leveling Motor: Genuine Grace headlights feature an internal electronic auto-leveling actuator that can be wired to an OEM Honda manual cabin leveling dial switch.

Question 4

What are the proven wheel and tire fitment setups for 15, 16, and 17-inch rims?

Accepted Answer

15x7.0 ET+35 to +38 with 195/55R15 for maximum daily comfort; 16x7.0 ET+38 to +42 with 205/50R16; 17x7.0 ET+42 to +45 with 205/45R17 for flush stance.

🛞 Proven Wheel Fitment Guide (PCD 4x100)

1. 15-Inch Setup (Enthusiast Favorite - Daily Comfort & Track Stance):
* Wheel Dimensions: 15x7.0 JJ, Offset: ET +35 to +38.
* Recommended Tires:
  * 195/55 R15: Preserves factory speedometer accuracy and absorbs Manila potholes with lush sidewall cushion.
  * 195/50 R15: Aggressive JDM track look with razor-sharp turn-in response.
* Top Wheel Choices: Volk Racing TE37 Sonic, Enkei RPF1, SSR Type C, Spoon SW388, Desmond Regamaster EVO II.

2. 16-Inch Setup (OEM+ Balanced Proportion):
* Wheel Dimensions: 16x7.0 JJ, Offset: ET +38 to +42.
* Recommended Tires: 205/50 R16 or 195/50 R16.
* Result: Excellent balance of sporty aesthetic and decent ride compliance.

3. 17-Inch Setup (Show Flush & Street Stance):
* Wheel Dimensions: 17x7.0 or 17x7.5 JJ, Offset: ET +42 to +45.
* Recommended Tires: 205/45 R17 (or 215/40 R17).
* ⚠️ Rubbing Note: If lowered more than 35mm with an offset lower than +40, you may experience slight fender liner clip rubbing on heavy expressway dips with rear passengers. Rolling the rear inner metal fender lip eliminates this.

Question 5

Lowering Springs vs Full Coilovers: what is recommended for Philippine roads?

Accepted Answer

Lowering springs (Eibach / Tein) provide a tasteful 25–35mm drop with stock-like comfort; Coilovers offer height and damping adjustability for performance builders.

🏎️ Suspension Drop Guide for Manila Roads

Option A: Lowering Springs (Budget-Friendly & Daily Comfort)
* Drop: Typically 25mm to 35mm (approx 1.0 to 1.4 inches).
* Cost: ₱10,000 – ₱16,000.
* Top Brands: Eibach Pro-Kit, Tein S-Tech, Triple S Springs.
* Pros: Retains OEM factory shock absorbers; smooth ride over Manila speed bumps and expansion joints; no rattling noise.
* Cons: Fixed ride height; factory shocks will wear 20% faster due to altered stroke range.

Option B: Full Adjustable Coilovers (Maximum Stance & Handling)
* Adjustment: Independent ride height adjustment via threaded lower shock body bracket (maintains full shock travel), plus 16 to 32 levels of damper rebound firmness.
* Cost: ₱38,000 – ₱65,000.
* Top Brands: BC Racing BR Series, Tein Street Advance Z, Yellow Speed Racing, Silver's Neomax.
* Pros: Completely eliminates body roll, allows exact millimeter-level stance tuning, stiff high-speed highway stability.
* Cons: Stiffer ride quality over potholed roads; requires professional corner balancing and alignment.

JDM Conversions & Fitment

What are the chassis code differences: GM4, GM5, GM6, and GM9?

🇯🇵 Complete Chassis Breakdown

What parts are needed for a full JDM Grace exterior conversion?

🛠️ JDM Grace Conversion Checklist (Manila Build Spec)

How do JDM Grace dual-projector LED headlights install on a Philippine City GM6?

What are the proven wheel and tire fitment setups for 15, 16, and 17-inch rims?

🛞 Proven Wheel Fitment Guide (PCD 4x100)

Lowering Springs vs Full Coilovers: what is recommended for Philippine roads?

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