Tag Archives: street basis z

1992-1995 Honda Civic Suspension Testing

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While this car has been out of production for well over 20 years now, we still find that the 1992-1995 Honda Civic is still a good seller in terms of our suspension products. Many older vehicles don’t really fare so well when it comes to aftermarket parts. Many parts being discontinued due to little demand. However, Civics of this generation are still very popular platforms to modify, and there are still plenty of them on the road, whether in sedan, coupe, or hatchback form.

Many of our customers should be well aware that TEIN is adamant of technological innovation in suspension. In fact that is a huge part of the name “TEIN” (TEchnological INnovation). Year after year we always look into ways to improve our suspensions and we try, as much as possible, to offer various kits to make it easier for the customer to choose the correct kit for their needs.

With that said, we’re still working on developing suspension for the ’92-’95 Civic. Currently, we’re working on the specifications for our upcoming STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z applications. While this line has been out for a few years now, we had yet to release it for these model years of Civic.

Why bother with testing, especially if we already have existing STREET BASIS and STREET ADVANCE coilovers? Why not just carry over the same specs of that kit to the newer Z line? That would be the easy way of doing it. However, we rely very heavily on customer feedback when deciding what spring rates and what type of valving we will designate for each application. Over the years, our customers’ mindsets have changed. In the past, we were making suspension kits that were very aggressive in terms of springs and valving, mainly because the customers were expecting a very sporty ride feel. While great for track driving, they proved to be very harsh for the street, especially if it was for a daily driver.

Over the years, we’ve taken the time to revise our tuning philosophy for suspension. Making dedicated street suspensions such as the STREET BASIS and STREET ADVANCE lines, we wanted good performance with uncompromising comfort to be the emphasis.

That, along with other updated suspension components like our Advance Needle (for damping adjustable suspension), and piston valve designs, different shim designs, etc. , means that we must retest certain vehicle platforms to make sure there is no degradation in either performance or comfort. Simply trying to carry over an old specification into a new suspension doesn’t always work out so well.

So, back to testing the ’92-’95 Civic and finding that good balance we’re looking for! Actually, since we’re on the topic of this car, we’re planning to revise the spring rates for the front (from 7kg/mm to 9kg/mm). That may not sound logical, since we’re trying to set up a good street kit with ample comfort. But, with the prototype valving we’re testing on it, it is working perfectly!!

Oh, and I forgot to mention- look for the new STREET BASIS Z to start around $450 and STREET ADVANCE Z at $550 for this platform Civic when it’s released later this year!

TEIN Replacement Single Dampers

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As many of our customers are already aware, we’re able to sell single dampers as replacements. While not as cost-effective as rebuilding your dampers, it is a better time-saving method of getting your vehicle back on the road.  We know that some customers have heard from auto parts stores (probably non-authorized TEIN dealers) that TEIN will only sell complete kits. That isn’t true.

We’ve heard from customers wanting their dampers serviced by us, but concerned about the 2-2.5 week turnaround time. We know that for some customers, they only have one car to use. Being without a car for a 2.5 week minimum can cause havoc to their daily routine. This is why we are able to sell single dampers.

This same service will apply to the upcoming “Z” line of dampers, such as our STREET FLEX Z, STREET ADVANCE Z, & STREET BASIS Z coilover kits. Since they are all fully sealed, non-rebuildable units, it will be much easier to just replace the bare damper (pictured below, middle).

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Mind you, these are not merely damper inserts/cartridges like some other suspension manufacturers use. We mean the actual bare damper- no spring, no upper mount (FLEX Z), no lower bracket (FLEX Z). What’s the difference between an actual damper and a damper insert?

Our dampers are application-specific, meaning that each damper is made specifically for one vehicle model. Of course, there are some vehicles that share similar platforms where we can sell a single coilover kit part number (ex. 1999-2003 Acura TL = 1998-2002 Honda Accord).  In other words, we’re not simply using one design of shock absorber insert and placing them into damper bodies of various lengths just so we can say “Application-Specific”. Each coilover kit has carefully selected spring rates and dampers are valved to match (yes, we actually test each vehicle application before deciding spring rates and damper valving). That means that the internal components of the dampers, such as piston shaft, inner tube (for twin-tube dampers), and a few other components, have to be of a specific length for a given design. It is a timely and costly process, but it makes more sense to do it right. To be honest, we’re not too sure how well damper inserts work, especially if different vehicles require different damper valving and stroke length. It really doesn’t make a lot of sense.

damper and insert

You can see how a damper insert is put into an existing shell case.

Another problem with damper inserts/cartridges is their limited capacity. Because their overall dimensions are smaller than the shell case they’re being put into, that means less volume for damper oil.

oil capacity in a TEIN damper

oil capacity in a TEIN damper

oil in a damper insert/cartridge

oil in a damper insert/cartridge

 

For a performance damper, this limited oil capacity means susceptibility to damper fade and decreased damping force under extended use. That is why we make every coilover application to exacting dimensions for their intended vehicle. Unless it is an absolutely practical application, TEIN dampers will never use cartridges, ever!

Back on topic, this single damper replacement service is available for each and every one of our products, including the upcoming “Z” line, but will be much more affordable compared to the current rebuildable dampers.

For discontinued TEIN items or dampers we no longer have inventory of, we can remanufacture single dampers through TEIN Japan. The only problem is that customers may have to face extended downtime since the remanufactured dampers are made to order.

Our goal is to decrease a customer’s downtime on vehicle repairs. For us, this makes a lot of sense to be able to provide such service.

If you are having problems ordering a single replacement damper, please give us a call at 562-861-9161. We’re glad to assist you in getting your car back on the road!

The New, More Affordable STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z Coilovers!!!

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As we had already mentioned, development has started on our FLEX Z coilovers, a more affordable offering of our popular STREET FLEX coilovers. But, we haven’t stopped there with new products for 2015!

At around the same time we start bringing in our FLEX Z coilovers (mid-Spring), we should also have a few applications of our STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z coilovers! However, we’re not too sure the timing, as the new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z will be coming from our newly established TEIN China plant.

The difference between current STREET BASIS and STREET ADVANCE coilovers from the new “Z” line is that the Z line are non-rebuildable coilovers. Again, this follows in suit to the STREET FLEX -> FLEX Z changes. All other features of the two entry-level coilover lines are the same.

STREET BASIS Z is strictly a ride height adjustable kit. This makes it a perfect setup for the daily driver looking for an increase in handling performance without compromising comfort for everyday use. For many of you considering a lowering spring + performance shock absorber combination, the STREET BASIS Z makes even more sense as we select appropriate spring rates and valve our dampers to match. No guesswork on the end-users part in trying to match one brand of springs to another brand of shock absorbers. The added height adjustment feature allows the end-user the ability to adjust ride height to their preference, something that lowering springs lack. Being that most vehicles are slightly unbalanced from left to right sides, that means you can easily adjust the ride height so that each corner is even from their opposing sides.

STBZ

STREET ADVANCE Z takes the ride height adjustability of the STREET BASIS Z line and adds 16-way damping adjustment. So, not only do you get a matched spring and damper setting, you now have the ability to tune the dampers to meet your driving conditions. Roads seem a bit rough? Soften up the damping. Glass smooth highways? Crank the damping to a stiffer setting. You get all that and everything in between.  STREET ADVANCE Z is also compatible with our EDFC systems (some STREET ADVANCE Z coilover kits may require extension kits for compatibility), giving you a completely adaptable suspension kit based on your driving conditions/characteristics! That’s a feature that not even all sports luxury cars have, and our setup is at a much more affordable price!!!

STAZ

Like the FLEX Z line, these new STREET BASIS Z  & STREET ADVANCE Z coilovers have a very appealing starting price! STREET BASIS Z comes in at $400 while STREET ADVANCE Z comes in at $500!!! Those are unheard of starting prices for a TEIN coilover!

And, just like the FLEX Z coilovers, replacement parts will be made readily available! If your STREET BASIS Z or STREET ADVANCE Z dampers start feeling worn, you can purchase replacement dampers! No need to send them into us for a rebuild since these are fully sealed, non-rebuildable dampers! That will save you some money, and most importantly, extended downtime! We’ll help to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible!

Again, the only major difference is that the new “Z” line of dampers are non-rebuildable.

Internally, we continue to use our ADVANCE NEEDLE for increased per-click damping adjustment. This translates into greater damping change for each click of the 16-way adjuster, making it easier to find the perfect damping setting. Our high performance damper oil, the same kind we use in our race dampers (Gr.N, Super Racing, N1) provides excellent anti-foaming and viscosity characteristics under heavy cyclic rate, giving you repeatable damping feel and performance for the life of the damper.

advance_needle_technology

ADVANCE NEEDLE provides wide-range damping force change per click.

oil

Proprietary damper oil exhibits excellent anti-foaming and viscosity characteristics for stable damping force under extended use.

We will still retain our exclusive damper coatings, too. Our shot blasted, zinc plated high strength STKM13C steel damper bodies are treated to our patented 2-layer/1-bake powdercoating procedure. This gives our dampers excellent protection against corrosion in harsh environments, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. Our patented ZT coating is applied to our threaded adjustment tubes (inside and out), and contribute to smooth height adjustment, and outstanding adhesion to the steel threads. This ZT coating will not peel or flake off even after repeated adjustment. This is due to the ZT coatings’ low friction coefficient. Essentially, it acts as a dry lubricant. That makes every external component of the steel bodied damper completely protected from the unforgiving environments we subject them to, and we expect our dampers to perform at their very best year after year after year…

the bare surface of our dampers are treated to a double shot peening adding surface strength and also prepares it for zinc coating.

the bare surface of our dampers are treated to a double shot peening adding surface strength and also prepares it for zinc coating.

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We’ve also updated our spring seats and seat locks for increased durability under heavy vehicle loads and smooth height adjustment. Instead of using a rubber spring seat, we’ve added a Delrin thrust washer atop the new, wider spring seats.

sp seat w delrin

Coilover springs will continue to be made from cold-wound SAE 9254 Vanadium alloy. After cold winding and setting, we heat treat the springs prior to grinding end coils to proper dimensions. Before powdercoating, we subject every spring to double shot-peening which aids in increased spring life and fatigue strength. Some coilover applications may have application-specific spring windings and shapes, such as our barrel springs or taper springs.

We will also continue to provide our 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Even at this new starting price, we will stand behind our products!

So now you’ve got the highest available quality and performance at an extremely low price, and backed with a manufacturers warranty. Unfortunately, we still haven’t made it easier for you to decide with TEIN suspension system you want. So we ask you to please give our sales staff a call at 562-861-9161 for assistance in getting you into the proper TEIN suspension kit for your needs!