Tag Archives: FR-S

Toyota FT-86 aka Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ

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TEIN Japan has been hard at work testing and developing the following items for the Toyota FT-86 aka the Scion FR-S, which will share a similar suspension platform as the Subaru BRZ, since both companies had full development with the vehicle.

Currently TEIN Japan will not be offering any S-Tech lowering springs due to the reason below.

**For vehicles manufactured on or after January 1st, 2006 in JAPAN, if the lower edge of the fog light is less than 250mm from the ground when lowered, it may not comply with Japan’s vehicle safety regulations.
Please adjust the ride height to secure the minimum 250mm clearance. For details on inspection standards, please contact the nearest National Agency of Vehicle Inspection.**
 
Of course we have regulations here in the States as well, but they vary from state to state. Please look up the regulations in your state before lowering your vehicle.
 
We will be developing the S-Tech lowering springs for the U.S. models but will begin testing on the vehicles in June. We will also develop the  Street Advance coil-over specific to the U.S. market as the kit offered in Japan will not give much of a ride height adjustment range due to the aforementioned reason.
 
 
If you would like to purchase a suspension kit from Japan as a Special Order for the Scion FR-S or the Subaru BRZ for the U.S. market,  we recommend going with either the Flex, Mono Flex, or Super Racing coil-over kits as these coil-overs are full length adjustable and will be able to lower the ride height without affecting spring preload.
 
 
Please visit the following links for an online catalog of the products offered for the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota FT-86 in Japan.
 
Toyota FT-86 http://issuu.com/teinglobal-fanclub/docs/86_leaflet
 
Subaru BRZ http://issuu.com/teinglobal-fanclub/docs/brz_leaflet
 

Scion FR-S

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So it seems that the upcoming Scion FR-S (and Subaru BRZ, for that matter) are expected to be the most in-demand of sport compacts for next year. And you can bet with a front engine, rear wheel drive layout over a coupe body, it will be tons of fun. So much hype has been generated on the internet through various web magazines and blogs. Scion, in general, does very well in promoting their cars and tuners are quite eager to get their hands on it.

Check out this video from Speedhunters

Seems like Ken Gushi is already getting comfortable with this car! I look forward to seeing this at Formula D events!

Here’s a link to the vehicle specs

http://www.frs-scion.com/specs/?gclid=CJHAr4DS_6wCFWNLpgodiB7oSg

Will TEIN be making any suspension for this car? You bet! Well, once we get our hands on an FR-S, or BRZ, at least.

Subaru BRZ

If any of you readers get your hands on one and are close to our Downey, CA facility, feel free to contact us for R&D testing.

RedBull Soapbox Racer

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Over the past few weeks I have been helping to build a soapbox cart chassis. The project all started about 5 weeks ago when Import Tuner magazine decided it would be cool to enter into the 2011 Redbull Soapbox race in Downtown LA. Import Tuner mag wanted something that represented the import aftermarket car/parts industry and still be appealing to the masses. After some debate, it was decided, a Choro-Q or penny racer. It would be fun, not too serious and the dimensions fit the rules. I made the initial drawing to get the ball rolling.

Other than the Import Tuner mag and Source Interlink staff. Gary from Design Craft fabrication jumped on board to build a chassis and Troy of Five Axis was in to build a body.  Import Tuner convinced Dai Yoshihara to pilot the cart and I volunteered to help do whatever.

Most of the team members. From Left. Scott  of Import Tuner, Dai the Pro Driver, Me, Troy of Five Axis, Elliott of Source Interlink and Gary of Design Craft. There were a lot more people who helped and they are greatly appreciated.

The end result is a cool double A-arm chassis with push rod suspension, disc brakes and many man hours. The body is just as ridiculous. Scion FR-S concept turned cartoon racer.

The real Scion FR-S concept car at the New York auto show.

Choro-Q inspired FR-S next to chassis at Five Axis.

With everyone having CRAZY schedules we were able to test the chassis 2 nights before the event. Dai got to get behind the wheel 2 hrs before the event registration.

Testing right before the event. Dai had just flown in from Japan. He went from LAX straight to our test hill.

The event is more than a race. It compasses a 10’x10′ display at the event, a 30-second skit performed by the team members and of course the downhill race. The combined scores produce a winner. In case you did not already know – we did not win BUT I think we had the best looking soapbox racer ever built.

Our 10’x10′ booth display was comprised of stereotypical Japanese items.

Dai taking the banked turn right under the judges.

Right after the race all the people involved in this cart were talking about what improvements would be needed to win and what theme would be fun. The Redbull event was definitely a blast. Our cart probably had more money in it than any other but we worked just as hard to build it. In the end, it was fun and we would all definitely do it again.

Special thanks to Troy S., Elliott M., Carter J., Gary C. and Joey L. for the images.