ENDURAPRO Shock Absorber Testing on S550 Mustang GT (w/ Performance Package)

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Paul P.

This past week we had a 2018 Ford Mustang GT (S550 chassis) come in for testing. This particular one has the Performance Package. This package looks to include “heavy-duty” front springs and a thicker rear sway bar. Our guess is that the factory shock absorbers and rear springs have also changed from earlier S550’s Performance Package, with the shocks being a tad big more aggressive in valving, and so far we can say that we feel these differences.

ENDURAPRO PLUS (damping adjustable) for S550 Mustang shown

You can say it is a much sportier ride now. However, for some of us older fellows at TEIN USA, it was a bit too uncomfortable, whether it was street or highway driving. Personally I don’t really like how overly sensitive the steering was. Felt like I could accidentally loose control should my reflexes overreact. It just felt very twitchy and unstable.

Anyway, we wanted to test our upcoming STREET BASIS Z coilovers for this vehicle. BUT, it was also an opportunity to test our ENDURAPRO shock absorbers on this car, and it was definitely an improvement from our point of view!

As mentioned, the new GT Performance Package offers factory upgraded suspension. It was a far cry from how the first S550 GT we tested felt (when we were developing our FLEX Z coilover kit).

With the ENDURAPRO shock absorbers, ride quality was much more bearable for a daily drive. Much of the harshness we feel from the factory suspension is gone (however we can feel a difference with the stiffer front spring). Turn-in hasn’t changed dramatically, which we can possibly attribute to both the front springs and the larger rear sway bar.

Front ENDURAPRO strut compared to OEM strut.

Rear ENDURAPRO shock absorber compared to OEM shock.

How this compares to earlier S550 GT suspension is quite different, however. Again, with the current Performance Package suspension being more aggressive, the ENDURAPRO shock absorbers now make the car feel more compliant (not soft, not boaty, just better comfort). On an earlier S550 much of the sportiness is still there. But in both cases, the included Hydraulic Bump Stopper of our ENDURAPRO shock absorbers adds a much smoother ride quality under heavy loading. Over very large bumps, like expansion joints or overpasses on a freeway, this Hydraulic Bump Stopper really helps suppress upward jolts and smooths out the rebound. Given that the Mustang has relatively short suspension stroke, this pays huge dividends to providing comfort!

ENDURAPRO shock absorbers for the S550 Mustang are in stock and ready to ship!

Part numbers:
Front- VSGC0-A1MS2-L (left side)
VSGC0-A1MS2-R (right side)
Rear- VSGC1-A1MS2

Also available in ENDURAPRO PLUS (16-click damping adjustable)!

Front- VSGC0-B1MS2-L (left side)
VSGC0-B1MS2-R (right side)
Rear- VSGC1-B1MS2

EnduraPro/EnduraPro Plus Shock Absorbers for S197 Ford Mustangs Now Available!

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Paul P.

More and more applications of our EnduraPro line of premium replacement shock absorbers will be introduced this year! And with that said, we’re also working on applications for American vehicles!

The S197 Mustang is a platform we’re already familiar with, previously launching our Type FLEX coilover system a few years back. However, this new EnduraPro/EnduraPro Plus line isn’t necessarily aimed towards the same kind of customer as with our coilover line.

Pairing well with one of our lowering spring options like our S.TECH line, the EnduraPro/EnduraPro Plus shock absorbers are actually a great improvement when paired with the factory supplied coil springs. We’ve optimized valving of the shocks to add better handling performance without subtracting from the comfortable suspension most OEM suspensions were designed for. Add to that our Hydraulic Bump Stopper (H.B.S.) and you have a very versatile suspension setup whether the road conditions are super smooth or incredibly bumpy, or if the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers or luggage (or groceries).

We tested our EnduraPro Plus (16-level damping adjustable) shock absorbers on a co-workers V6 Mustang. With around 125,000 miles on the odometer, the original shock absorbers were ready for refreshing. Quite honestly, the EnduraPro Plus shocks were a drastic improvement in ride feel and comfort. When set to the softest setting (16-click) front and rear, we were able to maintain a very comfy ride on the street, but left a bit to be desired at highway speeds. At stiff settings (0-click) front and rear, everything changed in the handling characteristics. The ride was definitely firmer, but steering felt incredibly crisp, even with the wheel/tire package (fairly tall sidewalls) this Mustang has. Even at a middle setting (8-click) front and rear, the ride was still very sporty (a bit less firm). I personally found that 8-click front and 13-click rear was a great balance for both street and highway.

While we didn’t get to test these with S.TECH lowering springs (our co-worker doesn’t want to lower his Mustang), I feel that the EnduraPro Plus shocks at a slightly stiffer damping setting would pair up very well.

Anyway, these shock absorbers are now available! Compatible for both V6 and V8 models.

Formula Drift 2016

Posted on April 28, 2016 by Paul P.

The drift season got off to a start earlier this month, and what an event it was! The city of Long Beach, CA. hosts the season opener for Formula Drift, and around this time, the city prepares for the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Celebrity Grand Prix, the later of which had the final race for the series.

Weather seemed to be the only detriment to the Formula Drift season opener, and an apparent downpour was the biggest threat to what is essentially always an outdoor event. We figured the wet weather was enough to keep spectators out of the stands and staying at home instead.

But, we were proved wrong! Fortunately for us, we came prepared with our typical TEIN merchandise. However, missing for nearly two years was a full-size parasol (umbrella) from the TEIN Goods lineup. This time around, we were prepared with a new design. This bad weather proved to be one of the biggest favors we could have asked from mother nature, as we had a flock of customers NEEDING our parasol!!! We also had our smaller fold-up umbrella, which also sold well!

At any rate, the racing action also proved to be very eventful. As you can imagine, quite a few accidents occured on track, and any type of contact in drifting is usually met with cheers from the crowd.

We’re glad to see the 2016 race season off to a great start! Next weekend is Formula Drift at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA! We look forward to being there and seeing all of you race fans!!! So stop by the TEIN booth to say hi, and check out our booth car (and FD3S owned built by Phil Sohn)!!! And yes, we’ll have parasols with us 😉 !!!

Pics from: Speedhunters (by Larry Chen), Formula Drift, Phil Sohn

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!!!

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

Formula Drift Brings The Heat to Miami!

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Paul P.

A huge congrats to two of the hardest working guys in the Formula Drift series- Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Geoff Stoneback! Both took first place wins in their respective class!

Vaughn Gittin Jr. just came back from a win at Road Atlanta a little over two weeks ago. It’s great to see his Monster Energy/Nitto Tire Ford Mustang in top form and getting podiums once again! He certainly knows how to please the crowd!

Our good friend Geoff Stoneback took part in the Pro 2 battle, which is a new addition to the Pro Championship series. Since this is Geoff’s rookie year running with some of these seasoned FD vets, this new Pro 2 series is a great way in showcasing his talents while working towards racing against the Pro Championship guys. And he didn’t disappoint!

Pics sourced from the following links:

Formula Drift Homepage

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Facebook

Geoff Stoneback Drifting Facebook

Vaughn Gittin Jr’s Formula D Ride for 2013

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Paul P.

Once again, we are glad to be a part of the Formula Drift series supplying Vaughn Gittin Jr. in the Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR. Whew…. quite a mouthful of words.

It sports a great livery for this season, even more popping to the eye than his 2012 season ride.

In case the sponsor names didn’t catch your attention, you’ll notice he’s got a new tire sponsor- Nitto Tire. For years, Falken has been backing Vaughn. But now, Vaughn has decided to venture out on his own and prove his worth.

Other than that, he’s paired with the engineers at Autosport Dynamics once again to create a truly competitive Mustang, using much of what has worked for them in the past, and combining some new ideas to keep them podium worthy. We’re definitely excited for this new season.

To date, Vaughn has placed 2nd at the inaugural event in Long Beach, CA. Great finish for what is essentially a completely new team.

Get some more information on the driver and the team on his site vaughngittin.com

We grabbed these photos from his page for your viewing pleasure

Getting ready for some practice runs

Seriously loving the new livery.

While you may think Vaughn’s hands are full with just the 2013 Formula D series, he’s also going overseas to compete in the World Drift Series. So be sure to follow him as he lays his patch of rubber all around the globe on his quest for multiple podium finishes!

2013 Formula Drift

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Sergio M.

If you didn’t get a chance to be at the Long Beach Formula Drift event this past weekend, then wow you missed a great start to the season.

As most of you know, we will try to make an appearance to all the local events. This was the first one of the season, and let’s say it was a good turn out and a good start as shown in the pictures below.

Although it was a drifting event, I like the fact that they have a Car Show for the slammed vehicles.

For those who attended our booth and purchased some of our discounted item, such as shirts, key chains, and other goods, thank you for all your support!

Majority of the Vehicles on display were the New BRZ and FR-S models, but they all have there unique styles.

Check out this awesome 240Sx showing off their TEIN Flex!

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Doing What He Does Best

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Paul P.

Hahaha!

This guy doesn’t cease to amaze us all at any point. The Formula Drift veteran is out in a new video once again, this time at the Ford factory taking a spin in one of his Monster Mustangs. Pretty awesome shenanigans, as expected!

China Touring Car Championship

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Paul P.

While watching Speed TV one day, I caught a glimpse of their segment from Mobil 1 The Grid and they featured the China Touring Car Championship (CTCC).

As a kid, I remember watching the short-lived North American Touring Car Championship on ESPN, with racers such as Randy Pobst and Peter Cunningham as contenders. The high strung 4 cylinder engines, super low ride heights, 19″ wheels, and subtle but quite functional body kits looked and sounded awesome.

There were also the cars of the Japanese Touring Car Championships! They looked even better!

Needless to say, the CTCC quickly drew my interests. And I know that TEIN supports a few vehicles in both of their categories (1600cc and 2000cc).

Check out this link from www.grid1.tv

As for cars we sponsor, the Ford Focus looks to be one of the most competitive platforms. But we also sponsor a Honda Accord and Hyundai i30 and KIA Forte.

Overall, this looks to be a very exciting series of motorsports. I’m actually a fan of Touring Cars as they best represent production vehicles available to the public. Some of these setups are quite unique. But again, since they bare a strong resemblance to what we drive, it’s much more interesting to me. Not that I don’t appreciate open wheel race cars and such. It’s just that the Touring Car series has a different appeal.

It may not have the following like Formula 1, WRC (also production car based, but with a super high budget), or even Nascar, but it sure has a special place for people like some of us who appreciate seeing production vehicles on the racetrack. Fortunately in North America, we still get to watch Touring Cars. Speed TV shows the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and there’s still a U.S. Touring Car series.

Now, if only they can bring back Touring Estate race cars…

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