The”Unmentionable” TEIN Equipped SEMA Cars

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Paul P.

That’s messed up! We can’t even get any credit for some vehicles that were on TEIN suspension!!! Lol, we’re just kidding. But, only partly.

There were a few projects we helped out on for this year’s SEMA show that went unnoticed. And that’s because the springs we custom made were paid for by Toyota’s Motorsports division, who were in charge of prepping their booth cars. In total, we made custom springs for 3 vehicles- 2015 Corolla, 2015 Avalon, and 2015 Highlander. Remember the post we made about custom made springs through our Specialized Damper Program? Those springs that were powdercoated red? Yeah, that one was specifically for the Highlander.

The red color was due to the fact that these cars were to have Toyota related parts, and that meant TRD red for the suspension bits. Since these cars were to be “TRD” modified, that means they are void of any other brand affiliation. So no TEIN decals for these show cars :'(

That was a fun little project for us. HOWEVER, these cars, and most of the Toyota Motorsport projects, tend to run a bit to the last minute. We were in such a time pinch to get the springs made by TEIN Japan. If that wasn’t already a problem, maybe the fact that TEIN Japan was closed for a week-long holiday, pushing our order request back even further!

Fortunately, after air freighting the springs over, we’re glad to have been a part of these project cars. Actually, I really like how those cars turned out, especially that Highlander!

TEIN Black Friday Sale

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Paul P.

We completely agree that Thanksgiving is a time to be spent with family and friends. It’s the one time out of the year (other than Christmas, maybe) where you get to do that. Afterall, there’s a lot to be thankful for! So why not share that with friends and family!

Here at TEIN, we’re very thankful! Each and every year, we have found good fortune, and each year we’re doing our best to bring the latest and greatest to the customer! Black Friday for us is a great way to bring our customers some great deals.

For the record, TEIN USA, Inc. will be closed November 26 & 27 in observation of Thanksgiving.

Since we know there are still plenty of people looking for the best deals on TEIN suspension, we will be bringing our Black Friday sale back to eBay where, if you’ve got the time, we appreciate you looking into!

So again, please take this holiday to give thanks to the ones you love. And if you have the spare time and are looking for TEIN suspension at great prices, please check out our TEIN USA eBay Page

All items will start going on sale at 12pm November 27th. TEIN USA staff will process all orders upon our return from the holiday on Monday, November 30th.

From everyone at TEIN USA, thank you for your continued support and happy holidays!

Below is our list of items to be listed on our eBay page on November 27th (click on the list to enlarge):

All product descriptions list vehicle by chassis code.

SS-P = Super Street Coilovers with Pillowball Mounts

SS = Super Street Coilovers

BS = Basic Coilovers

STBN = Street Basis Coilovers

STAA = Street Advance Coilovers

STFA = Street Flex Coilovers

MNSA = Mono Sport Coilovers

FLZ = Flex Z Coilovers

CST = Comfort Sport Coilovers

S.Tech = Lowering Springs (green)

H-Tech = High Tech Lowering Springs (gold)

MotoIQ’s Top 13 Tuner Cars of SEMA

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Paul P.

Once again we’re proud to see some TEIN equipped vehicles to make MotoIQ’s list of top tuner cars of SEMA 2015! One of them, Evasive Motorsports’ Nissan GT-R, happened to be our booth car for the show (OH, DID YOU KNOW THAT ALREADY?! ;)). That’s definitely something for us to be proud of! Evasive’s GT-R uses our Super Racing dampers (which also has our 3-way unit for low-speed and high-speed compression adjustment) and EDFC ACTIVE PRO.

Another vehicle to make the list was Whiteline USA’s Scion FR-S owned by Jonathan Polidano, Technical Sales Manager for Whiteline USA. He’s using our MONOSPORT dampers and EDFC ACTIVE PRO.

While we took no part in physically building these two cars, we are honored to have our engineered suspension grace these builds. Evasive Motorsports plans to use the car for local Time Attack events in California (and possible out of state events), while Jonathan Polidano plans to use his FR-S for NASA series events. Make no mistake, neither of these cars were meant to be show cars!

Congrats to Evasive Motorsports and Whiteline USA! We’re certainly glad to be a part of your beautiful cars!!!

Jay Leno’s Garage with Special Guest Ryan Millen

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Paul P.

Ryan Millen, who is campaigning in his TEIN equipped Toyota RAV4 had a guest spot on Jay Leno’s Garage!

Leave it to Jay Leno to take you on a tour through Los Angeles! Looks like a lot of fun, especially taking a rally prepped front-wheel drive car with automatic transmission through the streets!

Ryan Millen comes from a family born in racing. His father is famed driver Rod Millen. The same Rod Millen that drove the Pikes Peak Toyota Celica up that mountain in record time.

Ryan’s brother, Rhys Millen, has also made a name for himself as a drift, hill climb, and rally racer! He’s also a stunt driver for movies on the big screen!

Ryan’s uncle is Steve Millen. Yep, the same Steve Millen that drove the IMSA 300ZX most of you had on posters plastered on your wall.

I guess it was inevitable for Ryan to start piloting some race cars of his own. Except Ryan chose off-road racing has his forte.

For 2015, Ryan started working with Toyota and took a new RAV4 and converted it for rally racing duties.

Ryan stumbled upon a set of our Group N dampers, obtained through Global Rally Cross driver Stephan Verdier. We originally sponsored Mr. Verdier when he was campaigning his GDF Subaru. So, the suspension wasn’t necessarily a direct bolt on into the RAV4.

Ryan got a hold of us about servicing the dampers, which we thought to be an interesting use of our dampers in the first place. We figured if he was going to be putting these dampers through the same abuse as Mr. Verdier, we should give him some more support! So started our sponsorship with Mr. Millen!

He’s had great successes so far, clinching several spots atop the podium. That’s impressive, considering the RAV4 has the most minimal of modifications- fully caged, TEIN Group N suspension, minor brake upgrades, but no power adders (unless you count a loud exhaust as one).

We hope this only means more rally racing for Ryan Millen for 2016, and we hope you be his suspension supplier for the New Year!

Some of the photos, and this awesome in-car footage of the RAV-4 through bustedwallet.com:

TEIN Equipped Cars of SEMA 2015

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Paul P.

Each year we are very fortunate to be able to attend SEMA (either as an exhibitor or a visitor). We always look forward to seeing all the great aftermarket parts so many manufacturers are putting out, and we also always look forward to the vehicle builds that manufacturers and individuals bring to Las Vegas. Each and every year we attend we get to see some of these cars using TEIN, and that makes us very proud. It is truly an honor to have our suspensions grace some of the most beautiful builds!!!

This year, we had the opportunity to assist with several builds. Starting with:

Evasive Motorsports’ Nissan GT-R:

This is actually a vehicle we have had on TEIN Super Racing since last year (it was in the Volk Racing/Rays Wheels booth for 2014 SEMA). This year, we wanted to showcase our Super Racing dampers with the new 3-way Unit (for low and high-speed compression adjustment). However, for 2016, we will convert back to 2-way as Evasive rebuilds the car for Time Attack Duties (as part of their class requirement).

Mackin Industries/ Project Mu Nissan 204SX:
Brian and Julia Duong of Mackin Industries built their 240SX for Project Mu. Unlike other 240SX’s, this one is not all hacked up and fitted with some crazy widebody. That is a large part of this car’s appeal- just how clean the body looks and with just some simple modifications! Looks great with our STREET FLEX damper kit.

Evasive Motorsports’ 997 Porsche GT3:

This vehicle is using our custom Specialized Dampers made through TEIN Japan. We hope to do more testing on this platform soon and bring the kit to market!

Nissan GT-R Nismo:

This was in Mackin Industries/Rays Wheels booth for SEMA. Very tastefully done and using our MONO SPORT suspension.

Whiteline’s Toyota FR-S:

Owner Jonathan Polidano took his personal FR-S and made it into Whiteline’s occassional track car. Using our MONO SPORT dampers with EDFC Active Pro.

X-Force Exhausts Ford Mustang GT:

This 2015 Mustang GT is currently on our prototype set of S.Tech lowering springs. Sitting on 20″ Volk G25’s, this has the perfect stance!

Lexus GS-F:

Built by Gordon Ting, this brand new Lexus GS-F is on a prototype set of our STREET ADVANCE coilovers. Another tastefully modded car still incorporating most the the car’s natural body lines.

Evasive Motorsports’ Evasive-Spec S2000 Ver.3:

A customer car that was just freshly built from the ground up and using Evasive Motorsports’ very own Evasive-Spec Super Racing dampers. Such a beautifully executed build. Nothing spared, everything to the highest quality!

DC Sports Subaru WRX:

Using our newest FLEX Z dampers and paired to our EDFC ACTIVE PRO setup, this simply prepared WRX looks good and has the performance to match its appearance!

Toyota RAV-4 Rally Car:

And let’s not forget the Rally RAV-4 of Ryan Millen! This was sitting across from the TEIN booth. We love it in all its dirt and splendor! Using a customized set of our Group N dampers.

It was a great SEMA for us, and one that had TEIN’s presence wherever we walked! Glad to be a part of so many great cars!!! We hope to be just as prevalent for next year’s SEMA, if not more so!!!

Super Street Magazine’s Top Ten Nissans of SEMA 2015

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Paul P.

Super Street Magazine (or Online, for that matter) has put out a list of some of their favorites from SEMA! One segment, favorite Nissan’s, shows two of our sponsored vehicles:

The S14 240SX of Brian and Julia Duong made the list, as well as Evasive Motorsports’ R35 GT-R which happened to be our booth car for the show!

Congrats to both! I mean, it’s quite obvious that both cars look great, so it should have been easy enough to both be favorites!

SEMA 2015

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Paul P.

Geeeez. 2015 is already closing out??? We can typically feel this when SEMA starts to come around, and we’re getting to work on our displays.

This year marked the launch of the new FLEX Z coilovers. A bit later than expected, but nonetheless it is now available! It’s done really well, too! In fact, a bit too well, and we’re now running into an issue with backorders. Whoops!!!

We were also planning on the launch of the new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z for 2015. These two new products are to come from our new TEIN China factory, which is still doing preliminary manufacturing runs. However, due to an increase in orders for the FLEX Z, along with a year-long sale we had on STREET FLEX kits (and a reduced price for current STREET BASIS & STREET ADVANCE kits), TEIN Japan has been backed up with orders from each of their branches.

We mentioned several times that we have a new manufacturing plant in China. However, everything isn’t up and running 100% just yet. Again, we’re focused on maintaining that well-known TEIN quality, and that trickles down to our STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z lineup, which the TEIN China factory will be producing for us. So, until it is perfected, we will hold off on releasing this product line. Expect to see the new “Z” lines to hit the U.S. shore by Spring 2016!!!

Anyway, back to SEMA. That is our biggest show for the year. Typically we’ll take a year off (skip a year). But this year we return to get the word out to vendors and distributors that some new products are soon to arrive. Afterall, that is what SEMA is- a place for manufacturers to showcase the latest and greatest. And, in our case, showcase a well built Evasive Motorsports Nissan GT-R on our Super Racing dampers w/ 3-way. Yowza, that’s a mouthful to say.

We hope to see many of you there. We know that the show is technically not open to the public, but from what we understand, the SEMA group opens up the last day (Friday the 6th) to consumers. So why not try to make it anyway!!!

A look back at TEIN’s SEMA past.

We like American cars. So what?

If you can make it, stop by our booth in Central Hall (Racing & Performance; booth # 24817), right next to Toyota!!!

Lexus GS-F Testing

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Paul P.

SEMA is fast approaching. That means it’s crunch time for a lot of manufacturers and car builders as they get their projects completed. HOWEVER, some people are just starting on their projects. Yep, better late than never, I suppose.

We were contacted by one of our good friends who has a track record for building some really nice Lexus, Toyota, and Scion projects. Not just for show, either. Still, many of them find their way to Las Vegas for the SEMA show. Or just to party in Vegas. I dunno.

We had the opportunity to get our hands on the upcoming Lexus GS-F, well in advance of its official release to the public. Obviously, we want to test this car since we plan to make some suspension kits for this platform (at least see how close to the current GS line as possible).

Fortunately we have found something that works! Although technically not an off-the-shelf kit (we had to change out a few components), that simplifies it for us since we can now get to work on producing some kits for the GS-F.

If you’d really like to know what we used, it is a STREET ADVANCE coilover kit for the 2014+ Lexus IS250 and IS350 (part# GSQ74-21AS2). As mentioned, we had to modify some components, such as the eye ring bushings for the lower damper mount to control arm. We also increased the front spring rate to account for the extra weight up front from the mighty five liter v8 of the GS-F. So,,, if you get a GS-F and can’t wait for the application specific part number, we can essentially do the same for you. We’d advise you to wait for the correct kit and not spend the extra money to modify an IS coilover kit.

Here are a few pics of the lowered GS-F:

Anyway, keep in touch with this project on Instagram (@lexustuned)!!!

Formula Drift Rd. 7 (Irwindale Speedway)

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Paul P.

We’ve been attending all the California Formula Drift events for the past few years now. This year we decided to attend all U.S. events. While quiet on our blog about this, we’ve kept followers up to date on our Facebook and Instagram feed (@teinusa). So of course we’re looking to go to the final event for the 2015 season!

An old-school picture of the Irwindale Speedway, probably in its prime and definitely well before drifting ever became a thought.

As we understand it, and as it has been a threat looming over this particular event, this may be the last Formula Drift event at Irwindale Speedway, as the current owners/investors have plans to bulldoze the facility and track and make way for a,,,,,,,,, shopping center?

Kinda BS if you ask me. Anyway, if this is true, we hope the race will truly be a memorable one. This season’s Formula Drift was full of unexpected turns (semi-pun intended??), and almost every event has had its own controversial matter. We’re almost guaranteed a big bang finale.

In terms of exposure in the drifting scene, TEIN has been relatively quiet. There are two cars out there using our suspension, but we’re not inclined to say who. Last season, we had Geoff Stoneback on board with TEIN, but for 2015, being his first year full-time in the Pro class (was Pro 2 last year), he was picked up by another sponsor. To be honest, we’re quite proud of that. It goes to show that Geoff is truly a talented driver, and now he has the backing of quite a few sponsors! We know he’ll only be doing bigger and better things for years to come! Fortunately we keep in touch with him, and he’s kind enough to pay us a visit at the TEIN booth for every event so far! Truly a great friend of ours!

Go Geoff!!!

Anyway, like always, we’ll be there and will have TEIN goods on hand. So stop by and say hi! We’ll also have our good friend Reginald Cunanan and his beautiful Mitsubishi Evo X on hand.

Rd. 7 for Formula Drift is on October 9-10, 2015! Get your tickets at the Formula Drift Webpage

Phil Sohn’s Defi Equipped RX7

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Paul P.

Probably one of the most well-built FD3S RX7’s around, Phil Sohn has sought to build one of the best looking cars around. And it ain’t no trailer queen either!

Earlier in the year, we ran into Phil at Formula Drift at Road Atlanta in Georgia. He brought his RX7 to be in Exedy’s booth. He visited our booth to ask about Defi gauges, as he had already installed the Link BF series of gauges in his car.

He caught a glimpse of the Defi Smart Adapter setup we had on display and immediately wanted to jump on that. According to Phil, he wanted something to simplify his gauge cluster. The Smart Adapter seemed like the perfect solution since he had an extra iPad Mini he thought would be nice to incorporate into a custom gauge cluster.

In case you’re not aware, the Smart Adapter turns a smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android compatible) into a completely customizable gauge cluster. You can get speedometer, tachometer, boost, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, exhaust temperature, voltage, intake manifold pressure, and you can set the peaks and warnings for each of those readings. Two of the gauges will be dial type, while oter readings will be numerical. You can change from kPa to PSI for pressure readings. Temperatures are either Celsius or Fahrenheit. Tachometer can be set to maximum 5,000 rpm or 11,000 rpm. You can also change the color of the gauges. If that wasn’t enough, there is a timer setting that lets you set up the smartphone or tablet to do standing start times.

This is probably the most unique Smart Adapter setup using an iPad Mini. Phil really knows how to utilize the latest technology and incorporate it in a useful and beautiful package!

Now available is a separate application, Defi Logger. This lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a datalogger while driving and it will record all vitals of your vehicle. Using your phone or tablets accelerometer, you can also monitor vehicle dynamics such as g-force under acceleration, braking, and turning. The Defi Logger also can be used as a track transponder and you can set sector timing and mapping, as well as start-stop points.

Obvious is Phil’s passion for his RX7, so much so that he’s trying to get his car to SEMA through PAS Magazine’s Tuner Battlegrounds competition! Please give Phil your vote so we can get to see his lovely RX7 in Las Vegas!!!!

http://tunerbattlegrounds.com/competitors/909-philip-sohn

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