Origin Story — A Life Immersed in JDM
At RSE/TOMEIUSA, our story is not just about parts. It’s about people who embody the same passion that drives us.
Today, we want to shine a light on a man who has dedicated his entire life to JDM culture — Steve Rodgers, the founder of Dynasty Motorwerks in Chatsworth, California.
Our friendship goes back almost 20 years, when TOMEIUSA first expanded to the United States in 2006. Steve was one of the very first friends we made in America. Since then, he has proven himself to be a true believer in JDM — not just in the cars, but in the philosophy and spirit behind them.
Why JDM? Why Steve?
Steve’s obsession began with the legendary Nissan SR20DET. Determined to fully understand the Japanese technical manuals written for the engine, he took the extraordinary step of learning Japanese — mastering the language so he could directly read, interpret, and absorb the knowledge.
This relentless pursuit of authenticity mirrors our own philosophy at RSE/TOMEIUSA:
“It’s not about profit, it’s about doing it right.”
Dynasty Motorwerks — The Workshop of Passion
Location: Chatsworth, California
At Dynasty Motorwerks, Steve has built more than just a workshop. It’s a JDM sanctuary where everything from bodywork to engine builds, ECU calibration, and dyno tuning comes together under one roof.
- Dynapack dyno tuning for precision ECU mapping
- Engine builds (SR, RB, and beyond)
- Bodywork and exterior styling with functional design
- Suspension geometry optimization for street and track
- Concierge Tuner Experience (import to full bespoke build)
It’s not just a shop — it’s a craftsman’s studio, where every car gets a blueprint tailored to its owner’s vision.
Two Faces: The Curator and the Builder
Steve frequently travels to Japan to personally hand-pick cars that will define the next chapter of JDM life in the U.S. His eye for rare, culturally significant models is unmatched:
- Nissan Stagea 260RS (RB26DETT) — the perfect mix of utility and Skyline DNA.
- Toyota Century (V12) — understated luxury, a true icon of Japanese craftsmanship.
- Many more rare gems, sourced with fluent Japanese and deep cultural respect.
Back in California, he transforms these cars into rolling works of art — balanced, functional, and true to their spirit.
Tuning Philosophy
Steve’s approach echoes the same engineering principles we believe in at RSE/TOMEIUSA:
- Respect fundamentals — Diagnose bottlenecks in heat, vibration, and flow before adding power.
- Build balance — Engine, drivetrain, suspension, and aero must function as a unified system.
- Trust data — Dyno logs, knock, EGT, backpressure, IAT — measurable truth defines real performance.
This is why Steve trusts and relies on RSE/TOMEIUSA parts: camshafts, valvetrain, forged components, titanium exhaust systems — selected not by name, but by function and integrity.
Relationship with RSE/TOMEIUSA
Steve integrates RSE/TOMEIUSA camshafts, internal engine components, and titanium exhaust systems with precision — understanding each product’s purpose and characteristics, and applying them where they make the greatest impact.
At RSE/TOMEIUSA, our philosophy has always been about performance-driven design, free from regulatory compromises. Steve takes that same philosophy and translates it into real-world solutions, tailored to each vehicle’s individuality, the owner’s goals, and the driving environment.
“Use the right parts, in the right way.”
This simple belief is the shared core between Dynasty Motorwerks and RSE/TOMEIUSA.
Concierge Tuner Experience
Dynasty Motorwerks’ Concierge Tuner Experience is a complete program designed to guide customers from sourcing their dream JDM car in Japan to receiving a fully built and tuned masterpiece in the U.S.
Step 1: Consultation — Define the ideal model, year, purpose, and budget.
Step 2: Selection & Sourcing — In-person inspection and evaluation in Japan.
Step 3: Foundation — Preventive maintenance, cooling, fueling, and ignition reliability upgrades.
Step 4: Tuning & Build — Purpose-driven packages, bespoke menus, and dyno calibration.
Step 5: Aftercare — Break-in, inspections, and staged performance updates.
This is not just about owning a car — it’s about joining the culture, the lifestyle, and the community.
Areas of Expertise
- Nissan platforms: Deep mastery of SR20DET and RB26DETT builds and control optimization.
- Toyota platforms: Harnessing the torque and refinement of large-displacement V engines (e.g., Century V12).
- Street & Circuit balance: Engineering sustained speed through thermal, lubrication, and suspension design.
- Functional Aesthetics: Bodywork aligned with performance, not just aggressive looks.
A Life Worth Honoring
Steve Rogers is a man who learned a language for the sake of cars, studied the theory in depth, and never stopped working with his own hands.
Guided by the belief that “JDM is culture,” he selects, builds, measures, and delivers — one car at a time — while giving back to the community that shares his passion.
At RSE/TOMEIUSA, we deeply respect Steve and look forward to continuing our journey together — always pursuing what’s right in car building.
Contact & Info
- Shop: Dynasty Motorwerks
- Location: 10020 Canoga Ave Chatsworth, CA 91311
- Website: dynastymotorwerks.com
- Instagram: @dynasty_motorwerks
- YouTube: Dynasty Motorwerks – YouTube
- Email: Dynastymotorwerks@gmail.com
Core Services:
- JDM sourcing & import concierge
- Engine builds, cooling & fueling system upgrades
- Dynapack dyno tuning
- ECU calibration (street to circuit)
- Bodywork, suspension & alignment optimization
Keywords/Tags:
#JDM #SR20DET #RB26DETT #NissanStagea #ToyotaCentury #DynoTuning #ConciergeTuner #RSE #TOMEIUSA
From RSE/TOMEIUSA
“JDM cannot be measured in numbers alone. It requires honest parts, honest hands, and honest people. Steve — here’s to building even greater cars together.”
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