TEIN MONO RACING Coilovers

While we still sell plenty of our FLEX Z and MONO SPORT coilover kits, and since they fit the bill for most consumer’s needs, we feel and also see the need for more race-oriented suspension setups. To date, we still produce our SUPER RACING coilover line for those needing a setup to match more aggressive chassis and tire setups people use for road racing and the ever-so-popular Time Attack races. However, for some, there is no necessity of 2-way damping adjustability. In fact, for some consumers, having that extra adjustment (separate compression and rebound damping), might be confusing. Again, probably why we still sell plenty of FLEX Z and MONO SPORT coilover. There’s a certain simplicity to these coilovers.

But, in between a MONO SPORT or SUPER RACING coilovers is a bit of a gap. This led to our development and release of the new MONO RACING coilover line.

MONO RACING coilovers take all of the features of the MONO SPORT line- monotube construction (with our proprietary “Strong Upright Tube” setup for strut suspensions), threaded shock body (for separate spring preload and ride height adjustments, and use of our Micro Speed Valve (M.S.V.) for improved low-speed damping control. With that, we add some features of the Super Racing line, mainly items for strut type applications, such as camber/caster adjustable front upper mounts and extra camber adjustment at the lower bracket (camber washer). Along with those features, we valve the MONO RACING dampers far more aggressive and include stiffer springs, making the package a much more race oriented feel. Damping adjustment is rebound only (16-click, like our typical coilovers), and is of course compatible with our EDFC systems. Like all TEIN coilovers, we still treat the MONO RACING coilovers to our proprietary ZT and powdercoating for long-lasting durability. MONO RACING coilovers are also serviceable (rebuild and valving) and customizable.

Camber Washer for Strut Type Suspensio
TEIN developed Micro Speed Valve

Again, the setup is aimed towards consumers who done vehicle modifications that are complimentary to a track setup. Typically a very good summer tire or even R-compound will work well with this suspension package, but also other additions like small aero upgrades can take good advantage of the more aggressive damper and spring setup.

Most importantly, we wanted to bring this user-friendly race coilover kit at a reasonable price point, starting at $1800 and going up to $2220, all depending on the vehicle application (strut type or independent spring/shock type suspensions are more expensive).

Now available for the following applications:

Honda Civic Type R (FK8) *includes Error Canceller Units

Toyota 86 (Scion FRS)/Subaru BRZ

Mazda Miata (NA6C/NA8C/NB8C/NDERC)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions VII/VIII/IX (CT9A) and X (CZ4A)

Subaru WRX/STI (GDBE/GRF/GVF/VA

and more applications to come.

Hub Swappin Brackets

Hey everyone. Ever purchase a set of TEIN full length adjustable coilovers that can be swapped onto other applications but when installing them you find that the lower bracket mount differs from that of the kit? Well, I’m here to put your mind at ease.

With the release of the Specialized Damper Program allowing the consumer create their own custom coilover kit to their specifications, the option of having just a custom lower bracket manufactured is also be available.

We always get consumers and shops inquiring about lower brackets for a hub conversion on any application ranging from the Subaru STI (from 5×100 pcd to 5×114.3 pcd knuckle) conversion to Nissan 240SX/ 300ZX rear end conversion.

 

Although we can have the lower bracket manufactured to your specifications, keep in mind that  it would be done at the consumers own discretion, as the coilover was not originally designed for the modifications. Changes to the original design can create different stresses on the damper body or components causing the damper to fail. Be sure to exercise caution.

With that said, the costs for a set of brackets can range anywhere from $100 and up each from current manufactured kits to custom brackets with desired features. For inquiries, please feel free to contact us for a quote. (562)-861-9161/ tus_sales@tein.com

 

08+ STI/ WRX ATI Gauge Cluster

ATI has released the gauge cluster pod for the 08+ Subaru Sti and WRX models. A previous concept of the pod had been produced but never went into production. This pod mounts the same as the previous concept on the passenger side dash with a proper view of the gauges from the driver’s side.

 

 

The surface of pod has a synthetic rubber material which emulates the texture of the factory dash surface very well, and also helps protect from the suns harmful UV rays. This pod allows for the use of only 60mm (2 3/8 inch) size gauges. Optional grommets to fit 52mm (2 1/16″) gauges are available as well!

 

The gauge pod requires some modifications to allow it to mount to the dash. The pod comes with the mounting hardware and installation instructions. But, it is recommended to be installed professionally for those unsure about the doing it themselves.

 

 

The gauge pod is priced at a reasonable $149.00 MSRP and can be purchase through a TEIN Authorized Dealer near you. For a list of dealers please visit our websites Dealer List ( http://www.tein.com/dealer_list/index.html ) to find a dealer near you.

Patrik Flodin and the Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica Team Gain 1st Win for 2011!

Congratulations to the Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica team and Patrik Flodin on their victory at this year’s Wales Rally GB! As has been proved in past events, it wasn’t an easy victory. But Flodin and co-driver Goran Bergsten pulled through with an amazing race to the finish.

As posted by wrc.com

“Flodin, from Sweden, feared his chances of winning the category were over when his Subaru Impreza suffered a front puncture one kilometre from the finish of the penultimate stage, which he completed with an advantage of 2.3s over Kosciuszko.

Despite the Pole going faster than him on the event-closing Power Stage in his Mitsubishi Lancer, Flodin did just enough to secure victory, albeit by a slender margin of 2.0s.

“We were really struggling yesterday with the driving on Tarmac,” said Flodin. “Last night we reset everything and tried to do our best today and the driving was working better. We tried to go a bit smoother, braking earlier and really focus on the exit of the corner. I saw in the fast sections we were faster than him and we could see that on the split times. Without the puncture it could have been quite safe. We did just enough.””

We’re definitely proud of their victory and for their continued support for TEIN!

Stephan Verdier at X Games 17

This weekend Stephan Verdier will be driving his STi in X Games 17 in Rally and Rallycross competition.

Tune in to ESPN or ESPN3.com on Saturday from 1-3PM PST for Rally and 2-4PM PST on Sunday for RallyCross action.

Stephan’s car has undergone changes in preparation for X Games which includes a brand new Tarmac spec Gr.N damper. Our in-house engineer, Katsuma Nakai, has been on-hand to help setup and tune the suspension for the new X-Games street course. Stephan should be a force to be reckoned with. He has been  considered an underdog all year long as he is one of a few teams/ drivers which is not factory backed (big budget). Yet his Crawford powered STi can compete right alongside the factory Fords, Subarus and Hyundais. Stephan has been competing all year in the Global Rally Cross and currently sits 4th in the overall standings behind Foust, Gronholm and Jernberg.

Root for Stephan this weekend, we will be.

A little over a month ago Stephan drove the Zenkai Motorsports STi at Pikes Peak Hillclimb. He is featured in a video just released by Motul. The Zenkai STI is powered by a Crawford built motor and utilizes Super Racing coilovers.

Stephan unfortunately crashed about 2/3 rds up the hill. The heavy winds and road surface conditions change by the minute making Pikes Peak one of the most dangerous hill climbs in the world. We are glad Stephan walked away unscathed.

Pikes Peak Hillclimb is around the corner

The 2011 Pikes Peak Hillclimb is just a little over a week away. There are a few big teams going out to the 89th running to break the unlimited class record. You might have already seen a bunch of the testing videos of Rhys Millen, Dallenbach Racing, Dancia Duster, etc… if not you might want to search on youtube. Some amazingly fast cars.

I love the unlimited cars for their technology and sheer craziness but I what is really interesting to me are cars that are modified production vehicle. Zenkai Motorsports’ STi is one of those cars. It has previously competed in Time Attack and Gymkhana. For PPHC it will be driven by Stephan Verdier. Stephan will actually be pulling double duty. Competing in Global Rallycross on June 17 and 18th, then attacking the mountain on June 24th.

Check out the serious front splitter. Not unusual for a Hill Climb car.

For the Rallycross Stephan will be behind the wheel of his STi equipped with TEIN Gr.N dampers. The following weekend he will be behind the wheel of the Zenkai STi which is has TEIN Super Racing dampers.

We wish Stephan the best of luck in both events.

Here are some videos from last year.

Tradin paint and fiberglass plus Big Air

Rd. 2 of the Global Rallycross took place this past weekend at the Old Mill Adventure Park in Snoqualmie, WA (also home of the DirtFish rally school). The 2 day event is broken into two style of races. The first, held on Friday is SuperRally. Basically one on one battles with a bracket system finishing with an overall winner. In SuperRally, Stephan finished 3 overall but had an awesome battle with Dave Mirra in one of the rounds. Check out the video.

In case your wondering, Stephan went on to win a third and deciding race against Dave to advance.

In the Saturday RallyCross, Stephan qualified first and finished the AWD final in 4th due to a punctured tire. You can see the recap below.

The mixture of surfaces including wet tarmac, mud and gravel make for exciting racing where all competitors have a chance to take home a win. You can watch a rebroadcast of all the action on ESPN. Check you local listing for exact time and dates or check, www.global-rallycross.com

Image courtesy of Mr. Sean McDonough.

RallyCross or NFS SoCal Meet

Living in Southern California has its perks. This weekend locals have two events they can attend

Global RallyCross Championship at Irwindale Speedway

or

Need for Speed SoCal Meet at the Source Interlink offices in El Segundo

Preparing for GRCC Rd.1

Stephan Verdier is putting the finishing touches on his STi for RallyCross competition. Stephan and his crew have been hard at work preparing his car and it is looking GOOD.

We loaned Stephan a set of our Gr.N dampers which have been proven in Rally competition.

To see more of Stephan’s car visit MotoIQ which has a great writeup by Mike Kojima. Click HERE

Preparing for NFS SoCal Meet

On the other end of the spectrum I am preparing my EVO 9 for display at NFS SoCal meet. My car is in no way a show car but I do like the occasional meet with the relaxed atmosphere. Plus the Source Interlink offices are pimp, fully loaded garage with full bar. If you did not know Source Interlink is the publisher for Super Street, Import Tuner, Modified, Euro Tuner and a bunch of other automotive related magazines.

I have not started my car in over 3 months so a little work needed to be done. Oiled the valvetrain/ head, replaced the spark plugs, had my RC injectors tested and cleaned and installed a C-West hood.

Updated pics of the car coming soon.

Check back here next week for some event coverage.

This Car is HaWt!!!

Really, it is!

Of all the cars I was able to see at this year’s SEMA show, I was able to narrow my favorites down to two- The Munsters Dragula car at Meguiar’s lot outside and RallySport Direct’s STI over at Rays/Volk booth.

I must admit, when I heard that Subaru was bringing back the STI sedan for 2011, I was excited, and I anxiously awaited the renderings/prototype. Then I saw it. Then I changed my mind a little. Then I forgot about it altogether. I guess there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me- I’m still getting used to how the back end looks, and that big wing isn’t all that cool (it is functional, though).

But then,

RallySport Direct got their hands on one, and now I’m taking back those ill feelings I had. Honestly, this is one clean looking, well-modded STI. Tastefully done, and something I’d like to have as a daily driver.

And how about that wheel fitment?

Volk G2’s on driver’s side. Hot.

Volk TE37SL’s on the passenger side. HOTTER!

So anyway, all this to say that this car is hot. We’re very fortunate to have the guys at RallySport rep our brand. They were the first ones Stateside to slap on a set of our MonoFlex Dampers for the STI sedan. Their STI also sport Defi’s new Advance BF gauges. Along with a bevy of JDM parts bolted on, I truly am jealous that they get to drive this car around.

Enough of this eye seks. You can read about it yourself on RallySport’s blog  http://theattack.rallysportdirect.com/

About that Dragula car…

…Disturbingly HaWt?

Zenkai STi wins at RLTA Spring Mountain

Congratulations to Zenkai Motorsports for winning the Street class at this past weekend’s RLTA at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, NV.

Driver, Thomas Smith preparing for battle.

Champagne Shower.

Major supporter and engine supplier Crawford Performance was on hand to support Zenkai’s efforts. It paid off with driver Thomas Smith beating the old street class record by 5 seconds.

Quirt of Crawford Performance on hand for race support.

The Zenkai Motorsports STi features off the shelf Super Racing coilovers. The combination of quality parts has paid off as this STi debuted earlier this season and is already atop the podium after only a handful of events.

Images courtesy of Yujiro Otsuki of Zenkai Motorsports. Go to Zenkai Motorsports to learn more about the car and team.