Why does it matter?
Genuine Mugen covers are flame retardant (aka "fire proof"). This is a safety feature that the fakes do not have.
How do I spot fakes?
1. Photo shows no packaging, but seller says they are new. And seller also offers unpackaged, brand new reservoir covers from other manufacturers.
2. Picture shows packaging, but item is being sold by a store that is not known to sell other genuine Mugen items. Fakes can have basic packaging, but can be missing the rubber retaining ring or the printed instructions on the back of the card.
3. Price seems too low to be true.
4. Mugen part number is missing from the package.
5. Seller has many reservoir covers for sale, but this is one of the only Mugen products they sell. Beware of sellers that only sell some combination of reservoir covers, pedals, oil caps, shift knobs and radiator caps -- the most commonly produced fakes.
How do I buy genuine?
Obviously we recommend that you to buy from King Motorsports, where you can rest assured that your Mugen products are genuine and made with the correct materials and quality control that Mugen intended. If you are buying an item second hard, follow the same caution you would with any other purchase. Ask to see photos of packaging, if they have it. Ask if they have an original invoice -- many private sellers of second-hand items within the USA often have boxes (applies to larger parts boxed up in cardboard with original Mugen stickers) and invoices that are printed with KING MOTORSPORTS on them.
Pics of genuine Mugen reservoir covers courtesy of H-T member EFcivicJDM:
First released in 1990, the NSX pretty much fell into the "unobtainable" territory. Some 30-odd years later, this stunning model of Honda's racing heritage is enjoying a resurgence in interest and a climb from the relatively bargain second-hand prices that have reached as low as the mid-20-large category. Fully loaded 2014 Civic or used NSX?-- decisions, decisions!
We found a wonderful catalog for the Mugen NSX, circa 1992. Enjoy!
Front Winker Lens Cover Set, Front Bumper Kit, Door Panel Kit, Spring Set, Sports Damper Kit, Exhaust Manifold Kit, Sports Exhaust System. Right-click for a larger version.
Rear Hatch & Duct Kit, Rear Wing Kit, Rear Bumper Spoiler & Under Wing Kit, LSD, Bushings Set, M-7 Road Wheel, Stainless Mesh Brake Hoses, DOT5.1 Brake Fluid. Right-click for a larger version.
From the NSX Parts Brochure: Exhaust Manifold & ECU:
Check out this GT-NSX Racing Exhaust! Right-click for a larger version.
From the NSX Parts Brochure: Interior Goodies!
The FG-360 & Sports Steering Wheels, Steering Boss Kit, Sports Pedal Kit, and Special Tool Set complete the NSX interior! Right-click for a larger version.
http://www.kingmotorsports.com/advsearch.aspx?SearchTerm=nsx
Back in the 80's, a Mugen limited slip diff turned any CRX/Civic or Integra into an auto-x or road race terror. It simply revolutionized what we thought possible in a FWD setup! This basic design is still winning championships worldwide....
Right click to see the full size image.
http://www.kingmotorsports.com/p-1464-mugen-limited-slip-differential.aspx
It's 1984 and first Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Police Academy and Beverly Hills Cop are in theaters. And these amazing exhausts are in Mugen's lineup for Prelude, CRX and Civic!
Right click to see the full size image.
Check out this radical design on the City exhaust: