Made In Japan or China?!

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Paul P.

We’ve recently received several calls or emails from consumers regarding the country of origin for our coilovers. So we wanted to clear up the confusion.

In short, coilovers, and our springs for that matter, are being manufactured in both of our facilities- Japan and China.

It shouldn’t be news by now that we have our own factory in China, and it has been operational for nearly 10 years now. Initially, this factory handled our new-at-the-time ENDURAPRO and ENDURAPRO PLUS shock absorber manufacturing. But within the first few years, we were also able to get our STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z kits made at this factory. It wasn’t that cut and dried of a plan, though. TEIN Japan was still manufacturing a majority of the coilovers. It is just that TEIN China needed to address product manufacturing for their local market and soon demand increased and we found ourselves needing to increase more manufacturing out of this factory to meet global demand.

Then, the pandemic threw all of us a curveball. If anyone can recall, there was a period of incredibly ridiculous costs on freight. Soon, we hit a problem with getting containers and scheduling vessels from our Yokohama facility. From China, however, shipping wasn’t much of a concern. The only exception being regional lockdowns in China due to the fast-spreading virus, as well as some shut downs due to electric power being rationed (kinda strange). Shipping was still more expensive than usual, yes. But at least we were able to have products shipped. But another problem became apparent- not all of our customers want STREET BASIS Z or STREET ADVANCE Z coilovers. Soon our backorder list was growing by the week, but it seemed to revolve around one specific coilover model- FLEX Z.

TEIN China had yet to manufacture any of our FLEX coilover line. But the shipping concern forced us to retool for FLEX production out of this facility, and we started adding new machines necessary for FLEX Z production. Starting in late 2021, we received only a few part numbers of FLEX Z from China. But to date, they are now making a majority of FLEX Z kits.

This isn’t to say that TEIN Japan does not manufacture FLEX Z any longer. It’s just that TEIN Japan can now focus on product manufacturing for their domestic market, and a few other Asian countries, as well as for USA.

We now have springs being manufactured in China too! This is relatively new, about 1 year or so now. Before, we were having springs shipped to China for the assembly of STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z kits. We were hoping to find a suitable spring manufacturer in China, but several tests of locally manufactured springs didn’t meet our requirements. BUT, by importing coil spring wire from Japan we are now able to have springs made to our specifications. Yes it costs us more to do so, but quality is still paramount to our business. Still, there is a savings in doing so, and ultimately we still want to bring a quality product to our customers, so long as we are in control of that quality.

WE’RE TRYING TO KEEP STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z IN STOCK!!!

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Paul P.

As we expected, the release of STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z has taken off extremely well. Applications are still very limited, but we’re working on releasing more and more applications before the end of this year, and we have a few more containers from TEIN China scheduled for 2016.

Still, that hasn’t stopped our authorized dealers and distributors in getting their hands on the new coilover kits and getting them out to their customers!!!

To date, we’ve released the following applications:

STREET BASIS Z

GSA22-8USS2 (2001-2005 Honda Civic EM2 & ES1, 2003-2005 EP3), msrp $530

GSS80-8USS2 (2008-2014 Subaru WRX GEE & GHE), msrp $530

GSHC0-8UAS2 (2012-2013 Honda Civic Si FG4, FB6), msrp $550

GSP92-8UAS2 (2007-2008 Infiniti G35 V35, 2008+ V36), msrp $550

GSM56-81SS2 (2004-2011 Mazda RX8 SE3P), msrp $450

GSS60-8USS2 (2002-2007 Subaru WRX GDA & GGA, 2004 Subaru STI GDF, 2005-2007 Saab 9-2x GGA), msrp $600

GSL52-8USS2 (2005-2010 Scion tC ANT10L), msrp $530

GSM64-8USS2 (1990-1998 Mazda Miata NA6C & NA8C, 1999-2005 Mazda Miata NB8C), msrp $450

GSY20-81SS2 (2000-2005 Lexus IS300 JCE10L), msrp $480

STREET ADVANCE Z

GSB80-91AS2 (2009-2014 Honda Fit GE8), msrp $650

GSQ74-91AS2 (2014+ Lexus IS250 GSE30L & IS350 GSE31L), msrp $650

GSA28-9USS2 (2002-2006 Acura RSX DC5), msrp $630

GSHC0-9UAS2 (2012-2013 Honda Civic FG4 & FB6), msrp $650

GSS60-9USS2 (2002-2007 Subaru WRX GDA & GGA, 2004 Subaru STI GDF, 2005-2007 Saab 9-2X GGA), msrp $700

GSL70-91AS2 (2007-2010 Toyota Yaris NCP91L & NCP93L), msrp $650

and more vehicle applications to come within the next few months!!!!

We’re doing our best to keep these kits on the shelves, but we still recommend you get a hold of an authorized dealer to order to assure you can get a set, assuming you have one of the vehicle applications listed above!

Defi Advance CAN Driver Now Available!!!

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Paul P.

We made mention of this newest offering from Defi a few months ago, and finally they’re here!

Just a quick rundown of what it is and what type of customer this is applicable to:

It’s a plug & play kit for OBDII vehicles. Let’s say you want high precision gauges in your car (which of course Defi makes!!!), but the hassle of having to install each gauges (temperature and/or pressure) is too time consuming, or even costly (especially if you have a technician install them). The Advance CAN Driver is your type of system!!!

By using the included OBDII Harness Kit (comes with part number DF15601), you simply hook up to the On-Board Diagnostic port, then link whichever Advance Series of gauges using the Daisy Chain meter wire from the CAN Driver to the gauge (and each subsequent gauge; up to three gauges can be installed). All that’s left is where you plan on mounting the CAN Driver unit and your gauges!

Installing gauges this way not only simplifies the installation process, but it also takes advantage of pulling all the engine data from the ECU. Afterall, the issue with OE gauges isn’t that their sensors are faulty or too slow. They are, in fact, quite accurate and quick. The real issue lies with how quickly the gauges return this real-time data into something you can see. The response time for OE gauges, as most of us know, is relatively slow. Now, with Advance CAN Driver operating your Advance series gauges, you have a high precision and fast functioning gauge setup, and all it took was a couple of minutes to hook up and get going!

However, some readings aren’t readily accessible from the factory ECU, such as engine speed (RPM). So, in order to use Advance CAN driver for other parameters like engine temperatures or pressures, you can still use Advance CAN Driver. But to get engine speed, you will need to use Defi’s Advance Control Unit in conjunction with the Advance CAN Driver.

So far, we have two available kits:

Defi Advance CAN Driver
part number: DF15601

MSRP: $189

Includes: Advance CAN Driver Unit, OBDII Harness Kit, Adapter Wire, Power Source Wire, Speed & Tachometer Signal Wire, and a few small installation parts.

*does not include gauges faintly visible in the background.

Defi Advance CAN Driver + Advance BF 80mm Tachometer (White)

part number: DF15702

MSRP: $412

Includes: Advance CAN Driver, Advance BF 80mm Tachometer in White (11k rpm), Power Source Wire, and a few small installation parts.

Contact your nearest authorized TEIN dealer to order!

TEIN STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z Has Landed!!!

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Paul P.

We’ve been on a full-fledged effort to bring the consumer affordable, high quality suspensions. After all, this is the reputation that TEIN has built its successes on. At the end of 2015, we introduced the new FLEX Z suspension kits. Never before have we released a full featured coilover kit at under $1000 (FLEX Z starts at $800), and to our surprise, it has taken off better than we have expected. So much so that our biggest problem is keeping enough inventory of these kits on our own shelves, let alone our dealers’ shelves.

With this success, we still felt it necessary to address the demand for even more affordable suspensions, which is where our new STREET BASIS Z and STREET ADVANCE Z suspensions come in. These kits come at a starting price of,,,,, brace yourselves for this,,,,,, $450 for the STREET BASIS Z and $550 for the STREET ADVANCE Z. That’s not for two shocks, or just the coilover springs. These are the starting prices for the complete kit!

You may be asking “HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?”.

Good question! Let us explain:

A couple of years ago, we made mention of our new TEIN China factory. Now fully operational, we’ve been able to get to work on these two new lines of suspensions. Our goal was to maintain the renowned TEIN quality that TEIN Japan has prided themselves with and bring this technology overseas. In doing so, we were also able to meet our goal of offering an even more affordable suspension kit.

How do these two new “Z” line of suspensions differ from existing STREET BASIS & STREET ADVANCE lines?

STREET BASIS Z/STREET ADVANCE Z will still go through our patented surface treatment processes, the very same processes our existing suspension lines go through, providing excellent corrosion resistance and many years of service.

The only major difference is the fact that the new STREET BASIS Z and STREET ADVANCE Z lines use fully sealed dampers (non-rebuildable) and are made in TEIN China’s factory (as previously mentioned). Our new fully sealed dampers may not be able to be rebuilt and revalved since the damper bodies can no longer be fully disassembled. However, in terms of servicing the dampers, should a damper go bad after our 1-year warranty, the customer can simply purchase a replacement damper and swap over their original TEIN spring and factory upper mount assembly and get their car back on the road.

Fully sealed dampers may not be able to be rebuilt/revalved, but it still makes your suspension kit much cheaper to own in the long run when it comes to replacing old damper units. Instead of sending in your dampers, simply purchase replacements and get your car back on the road quickly!

Why is this of any benefit to the customer? Well, now you no longer have to send your dampers in to be rebuilt. That translates to less downtime (typical overhauls take anywhere from 3-4 weeks currently), and actually a much more cost-effective way for a customer to get their car running again (no need to ship dampers to and from TEIN USA, and replacement STREET BASIS Z/STREET ADVANCE Z dampers cost anywhere from $80 – $120).

STREET ADVANCE Z kits starting at $550. Ride height and damping force adjustable.

Although not much else has change with the introduction of our new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z kits, we’ve done our best to give the customers more ride height adjustment range, offering lower ride heights than before. We’ve also reassessed some vehicle applications and revised spring rates and valving to provide even greater performance and comfort.

The first sets that have arrived are limited in vehicle applications, but we’re working on eventually adding more and more applications of STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z as the year progresses. In the meantime, however, we still have some current STREET BASIS & STREET ADVANCE coilovers at new, lower retail prices. So there’s still plenty of chance to get a high quality TEIN coilover at a great price!

Before the new STREET BASIS Z and STREET ADVANCE Z kits start leaving our warehouse, we just wanted to say thank you to all of our authorized dealers, as well as our customers, who have helped TEIN to continue bringing technological innovations in the high performance segment of our market. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to make our living in providing you with pure driving pleasure!

Please visit www.tein.com to see the available applications!

Defi CAN Driver Gauges

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Paul P.

Defi has created a new revolutionary line of gauges! This time, the gauge set is a much more simple installation for OBDII equipped (compatible with ISO-CAN) vehicles.

By using an OBD port harness, the Defi CAN Driver can link up to three gauges, and these gauges do not require the use or installation of sensors/sending units typically supplied with Defi gauges. In other words, you can now display factory engine parameters such as Boost, Intake Manifold Pressure, Tachometer, and/or Water Temperature.

This is the perfect compliment to many newer vehicles that don’t even display such parameters anymore. A lot of cars do away with water temperature readings and simply show you a cold or hot light. And yes, we still manufacture cars without tachometers (for cars that still use internal combustion engines).

CAN Driver was developed on the success of the Smart Adapter series, which is also capable of pulling all engine parameters from an OBDII port. The factory ECU is responsible for all engine function, so it isn’t as if the OE ECU is terrible. It’s the way engine vitals are being displayed on factory gauge clusters that is the biggest problem. As we’ve mentioned in previous Defi related posts, a lot of car manufacturers chose to use as affordable a gauge cluster as possible. That means sacrificing performance (and true readings) for a more aesthetically pleasing gauge display.

The obvious benefit of the CAN Display system is that you no longer have to locate a spot to install aftermarket sensors, or resort to aftermarket adapters like oil filter sandwich adapters, to make them fit properly. The factory sensors are more than adequate. The real problem is either your car doesn’t have these engine readings, or the readings are inaccurate, which many OEM gauge clusters have issues with. To have a properly functioning gauge to provide you with imporant engine vitals can be extremely important, especially to those that have modified their engine for more power. Not being able to monitor items such as pressures and temperatures can lead to detrimental engine failures. Best of all is that this is all plug and play. No need to solder any wiring (unless possibly you’re link the Advance Control Unit- the Control Unit may suggest soldering for power supply), and you can simply unplug all the components within a couple of minutes, if not less.

With the Defi CAN Driver setup, you will have real-time data of your engine’s vitals, and with the reknowned Defi precision and performance they’ve made their name on! Not to mention that Defi gauges give your car a great look!!!

The diagram below shows an Advance ZD (DF09701) unit installed. This is only possible by also installing the Advance Control Unit (DF07703) in conjunction with the CAN Driver. The use of Advance ZD is for customers that also want to obtain speedometer using Defi’s system. However, it is not necessary if you only plan to use CAN Driver to power one of the three gauges (Boost, Intake Manifold Pressure, Water Temperature, and/or Tachometer).

There will be four available part numbers for the CAN Driver series:

DF15601- Defi CAN Driver (msrp $189)

DF15701- Defi CAN Driver + Advance BF 60mm Tachometer set (msrp $377; ***special order part number***)

DF15702- Defi CAN Driver + Advance BF 80mm Tachometer set (msrp $412)

DF15801- Defi CAN Driver + Advance A1 80mm Tachometer set (msrp $447)

From there you can add any of the following gauges: Boost, Intake Manifold Pressure, and/or Water Temperature.

For the upcoming new Advance A1 gauges, the applicable CAN Driver gauge part numbers are:

DF14802 – 2 Bar Boost Gauge (msrp $215)

DF15302- Water Temperature (msrp $215)

The new CAN Driver series is set to be released in the U.S. in limited supply by the beginning of Summer 2016!

Defi Advance A1 Gauges

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Paul P.

In an era of LCD and heads-up type displays that are now included in so many high-end cars, there’s still something about having a dial type gauge to get readings. Whatever it is, we just find it more attractive. Maybe it’s because it is just familiar. Defi has always been at the forefront when it comes to engine metering. Defi’s parent company, Nippon Seiki, is responsible for manufacturing many of the factory car gauge clusters. From simple analog gauges, which most cars still use, or LCD type readouts, or even the aforementioned heads-up displays (which Defi also makes), Defi/Nippon Seiki has been leading the way.

One issue is, as many of you in the performance world already know, factory gauge clusters tend to have quite a bit of lag, and many are not even calibrated properly (false readings). That’s mainly due to the budget constraints that car manufacturers give Nippon Seiki. A simple “good enough” gauge is what gets approved and is what ends up in our cars.

Defi, on the other hand, prides themselves in making highly responsive and accurate metering devices. The Defi marque is aimed towards high performance. And, to the performance world, an accurately reading gauge an absolute necessity. Building your engine to produce more power can potentially produce more problems. You have to keep a much closer eye on your engine’s vitals to make sure everything is running correctly. Precise readings also aids in tuning your car properly. Precision is Defi’s aim, and they’ve consistently made that with every product since their inception.

New from Defi for 2016 is the Advance A1 line of gauges. Taking all the experience that Defi has to make a accurately reading gauge using their stepping motor technology and high quality sensors, the only thing left for Defi to do is make a highly attractive gauge.

Using Defi’s Advance Control Unit, all gauges (up to 7 gauges) are linked using a daisy chain method which has a single meter cable from the control unit, then from one gauge to the next, and so on. This simplifies installation and also reduces the clutter typically associated with aftermarket gauges. All sensors (temperature, pressure, etc.) hook up to Advance Control Unit, which can be mounted anywhere within the car’s dash, further eliminating a clutter of wiring in your car’s interior. The Advance Control Unit is where end users can set all peaks and warnings, as well as illumination and sound settings.

The new Advance A1 line offers an ultra clean and modern look that will complement many late-model vehicles.

Even the glass used to protect the gauge is something not seen before. It has very low reflective and glare properties, making it easy to read the gauge at multiple angles and even in direct sunlight.

Gauge illumination is in white, and even the needle is fully illuminated to provide clear view of engine vitals.

Gauge facing has a machined look with gray outer portion and black center. As with all gauges in the Advance series, peak/warning lights are fitted within the bezel and only visible when programmed peaks and warnings are reached.

Audible warning can also be set for each gauge. For example, if water temp reaches past your programmed peak, the Water Temperature gauge will emit an audible buzz to inform you.

Available in Boost (Bar), Water & Oil Temperature (Celsius), Fuel & Oil Pressure (Bar), Exhaust Gas Temperature (Celsius), and also in a Tachometer.

Part numbers and MSRP as follows:

DF14801- Boost 2 Bar ($304)

DF14901- Boost 3 Bar ($338)

DF15001- Oil Pressure ($349)

DF15101- Fuel Pressure ($349)

DF15201- Oil Temperature ($271)

DF15301- Water Temperature ($271)

DF15401- Exhaust Gas Temperature ($349)

DF15501- Tachometer 11,000 RPM ($282)

The new Advance A1 line will be available in limited quantities by late May/early April!

A Cleverly Mounted Defi Advance ZD!!

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Paul P.

Not too long ago, we were contacted by Mike Bratcher of Riseful. He was really interested in Defi’s Advance ZD unit as a solution for metering his engine without the clutter of gauge dials mounted on and around his dash.

He later followed up with us, wanting to order more Advance ZD units, and it seemed that it was because of his unique mounting solution on his NSX that it generated some buzz.

As mentioned earlier, Mike wanted to eliminate a cluster of gauges on his dash, preferring to keep with his car’s subtle interior design cues. His solution? Mounting the Advance ZD where the stereo screen. This of course meant the removal of his stereo screen, but since his died out, it made a perfect location for his custom mounting idea.

Here are some pictures that Mr. Bratcher shared on NSXprime.com:

A very well excecuted job, Mr. Bratcher!!!

Interested in mouting your Advance ZD in similar fashion? Mr. Bratched seems to have documented this installation pretty well on NSXprime. Check out his post!

Counterfeit DEFI Gauges

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Omar A.

It has been brought to our attention that there are multiple counterfeit Defi gauges circulating the market. Please be extra careful if you come across an unbelievable price for a new set of Defi gauges.

Counterfeit items are not manufactured to FCC standards. They can burn out your electrical system along with other potential problems.

We cannot stress enough to only purchase from TEIN authorized dealers. Visit the link below to locate the nearest dealer to you.

AUTHORIZED TEIN DEALER LIST

There may seem to be subtle differences between a counterfeit and authentic Defi gauge, components, and its packaging. They’re subtle enough to go unnoticed. Again, they may look original. But, under a keen eye, you can notice the differences. Below are some pictures courtesy of Defi. Please take a close look the these pictures. Also below is a link to Defi’s website detailing more counterfeit vs original photos.

DEFI AUTHENTIC VS. COUNTERFEIT

New Defi Gauge Options

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Sergio M.

Attention Defi Fans!! Defi has released two lines of gauges for those looking for something a little outside of the box.

The first of the two is the Defi Advance C2 gauge series. Now I know that most of you are going to say “Why in Pink?,” but give them a chance as they aren’t bad looking! They actually look quite nice! These gauges require the use of the Advance Control Unit similar to the Advance BF and Advance CR series and, as detailed, come in a Pink color or a Blue color for the trim. The needle and bezel are a retro silver color, which accents the gauges really well and work with the numbers which light up a bright white. These gauges are only offered in Boost, Manifold Pressure, Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure, Oil Temperature, Water Temperature, Exhaust Temperature, and Tachometer in 9000 and 11000 RPM.

DEFI C2

DEFI C2 Pricelist.REV

The second gauge is more of a nostalgic throwback with the Defi RS gauges. I’ll be honest with everyone, these gauges are extremely good looking, as some of you may already know, I am partial to old school cars. A lot of older Japanese vehicles have Nippon Seiki’s “NS” logo on the OE cluster to which these gauges also had it placed on the face. The colors offered are the same as many of the old school cars did, in that classic green color and the classic white that is interchangable (one gauge = 2 different color options). These gauges also require the use of the Advance Control Unit and would be offered in Boost, Manifold Pressure, Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure, Oil Temperature, Water Temperature, and Exhaust Temperature. An 80mm Tachometer is currently in development, but also expected to be released in the near future.

DEFI RS

Both gauges are currently on a Special Order type basis and can be purchased through any TEIN Authorized Dealer. However, these gauges may not be around for too long, as Defi decided to have limited production manufacturing of both gauges. The C2 gauge manufacturing would be ending in June of 2014 and the manufacturing of the RS gauges would be ending in February 2015. If any of these gauges do catch your eye, I recommend taking advantage of these gauges while supplies last.

NEW LIMITED OFFER, DEFI TRIPLE METER PACKAGE

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Sergio M.

The Triple Meter Package consists of packages of turbo, oil pressure, oil temperature gauges(ADVANCE CR or ADVANCE BF) and ADVANCE Control Unit.

DF12201	DF ADVANCE CR 60 TRIPLE METER SET WHITE
DF12202	DF ADVANCE CR 60 TRIPLE METER SET BLACK
DF12301	DF ADVANCE BF 60 TRIPLE METER SET WHITE
DF12302	DF ADVANCE BF 60 TRIPLE METER SET RED
DF12303	DF ADVANCE BF 60 TRIPLE METER SET BLUE

There are 5 types of set, CR white, CR black, BF white, BF amber red, and BF blue.

The gauge diameters are 60mm and the turbo gauges are 200kPa models.

Retail Cost for the CR Models is $980

Retail Cost for the BF Models is $1065

If everything were to be purchased separately for the Advance BF models the cost is $1102.

If everything were to be purchased separately for the Advance CR models the cost is $1028.

Remember this is only for a limited time. Limited quantity will be released.

Hurry and order yours today!

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