Tag Archives: ZC6

2017+ 86 & BRZ FLEX Z, FLEX A, & MONO SPORT Coilover Testing

Posted on by

We just finished up some testing on the 2017 Subaru BRZ (and which would of course affect the 2017 Toyota 86). While the vehicles aren’t drastically different compared to 2012-2016 model years of the aforementioned vehicles (the 86 previously named the Scion FR-S), there are some small changes in suspension that affect how our existing coilovers feel.

TEIN Japan currently sells part numbers VSTD8-C1SS4 for the FLEX Z line, VSTD-D1SS4 for the FLEX A line, & GSTD8-71SS4 for the MONO SPORT line for their market.

Stateside, we currently sell the VSQ54-C1SS4 for FLEX Z and GSQ54-71SS1 for the MONO SPORT line. For the FLEX A, we previously sold the VSQ54-D1SS4 model number. Now we sell the VSTD8-D1SS4. For the MONO SPORT line, we’re looking to start selling TEIN Japan’s GSTD8-71SS1, since there isn’t much variation between the U.S. and JDM spec.

Phew, that’s a lot of part numbers…..

So, why the change to FLEX A part number VSTD8-D1SS4?

The reason is that there are a lot of similarities between the U.S. part numbers for FLEX A and FLEX Z. If you’re not familiar with either, we’ll just say that the FLEX A includes our proprietary Hydraulic Bump Stop (H.B.S.) and is also a serviceable damper (can be rebuilt/revalved). In terms of cost, the FLEX A is $210 more.

Since the features are really the only noticeable difference, we had to look at damping force between the JDM and US kits to see what would work best for our market. The U.S.-spec FLEX A and FLEX Z both had very similar damping characteristics. Aside from the H.B.S. setup in the FLEX A’s, they feel nearly identical.

With that said, we wanted there to be difference between the two kits. Something that will help differentiate the two when a customer decides what they’ll be using the kit for.

So, we recently started offering the newer part number of FLEX A, the JDM version, part number VSTD8-D1SS4. These actually have a difference in damping, being more aggressive. We feel this may end up being a better option for the more-than-occasional track driven car owner. Being a serviceable damper, this also will allow owners the ability to revalve the dampers for different spring rates, if necessary. Along with being slightly more aggressive, the damping adjustment range is shifted up slightly, giving the end-user a higher range of tuning flexibility at the track.

That’s not to say that the FLEX Z isn’t at all capable of track use. However, we wanted this setup to offer greater compliance for a daily commuter, while still having an available adjustment range that allows for much more sportier handling characteristics. Comfort was just more of our aim for this kit, and it is greatly noticeable on larger bumps as high-speed compression is softer and more forgiving.

 

FLEX Z and FLEX A coilovers will look nearly identical. But, as mentioned in this blog, there are some features that FLEX A has over the Z line: Hydraulic Bump Stop, serviceable dampers (rebuild/revalve), and slightly more aggressive valving out of the box.

 

So, as far as a total breakdown of each suspension offering we have for the FR-S/86/BRZ:

STREET BASIS Z (GSQ54-8USS2)– perfect for daily driver not looking to sacrifice OE ride feel but improve handling performance, while being ride height adjustable.

FLEX Z (VSQ54-C1SS4)– high performance street kit, with 16-click damping adjustment and included upper mounts (camber adjustable for front).

FLEX A (VSTD8-D1SS4)– higher performance street kit/occasional track kit with aggressive damper valving, but with a greater adjustment range for ease of tuning. Included Hydraulic Bump Stop (H.B.S.) providing greater control and damping stability against repulsive compression force. Includes upper mounts as well (camber adjustable for front).

MONO SPORT (GSTD8-71SS1)– entry-level race setup with single adjustable damping. Monotube internal structure with greater oil capacity for better endurance and performance for long track stints. Also utilizes are Micro Speed Valve (M.S.V.) to improve low-speed damping curve. Includes upper mounts as well (camber adjustable for front).

SUPER RACING (DSQ54-81LS1)– 2-way damping adjustable setup for dedicated track cars, suitable for cars with R-compound or softer tires. Lightweight (full aluminum rear damper assembly), and included duralumin upper mounts (camber & caster adjustable for front) and camber washers for front.

Hopefully this info helps. If not, you’re more than welcome to give us a call to discuss your suspension options!

Our In-House Engineer’s personal Scion FR-S

Posted on by

While most of us are pretty much desk jockeys here at TEIN USA (just kidding!), some of our staff enjoy spending their free time at the local race track. Local to us southern Californians is something like a 1 hour drive on average.

One such racing enthusiast is our very own in-house engineer, Shuichiro (a.k.a.- “GQ”). He occasionally takes one of his daily drivers to the track. He’s currently driving his 2013 Scion FR-S. Prior to this, he had a well-prepared Honda S2000. However, there was one occassion where he tried to get all environmentally friendly and drive a Toyota Prius. Dunno what he was trying to do there. He was probably all like “I wanna be like Brad Pitt” or something. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still a true race enthusiast. That hybrid car stuff was just a phase we’re trying to forget about…

He was told to "look natural". This is his idea of "natural". So GQ.

He was told to “look natural”. This is his idea of “natural”. So GQ.

But yes, he’s an enthusiasts. Whenever he has the chance, he’ll prepare his car for track duty. Being that he works at TEIN, that means he has access to any one of our suspension kits.

We are actually making his car our guinea pig for damper development, for both new product and experimental damper valving. Since it is easier to do so with our 2-way adjustable setups, we have him run our Super Racing coilover. Not a bad hookup for making him our crash test dummy! I mean, test driver. In the name of science!!!

The current build sheet for his FR-S is as follows:

*Exterior
Front lip spoiler: Revolution
Side skirt: Downforce Evasive (exclusive model)
GT wing: Voltex Type1S
Duck bill: Five Axis
Fender Spoiler: TRD

*Interior
Seat: Recaro SP-G
Harness: TAKATA Race 4

*Footwork
Coilover: TEIN SRC (Ft9kg/Rr10kg)
Wheel: Advan GT 18×9.5 +40
Brakes: AP Racing front big brake kit w/ 6 piston calipers
Brake pads: Project Mu

*Drive train
LSD: ATS&Across

*Engine
Intake: Revolution
Throttle Body: Revolution
Exhaust manifold: Fujitsubo SuperEX
Front pipe: Berk
Cat back: Fujitsubo Authorize R Type S (w/ burnt tip)
Oil cooler: Greddy
ECU: Ecutek

A very simple build. Nothing too over-the-top, and definitely a good platform for us to continue damper development on. In fact, the FR-S/BRZ has been one of the best selling of new vehicle platforms for us in terms of suspension sales!

shu bw

So, if you see him at events, especially around Buttonwillow, don’t hesitate to say hi to him. Better yet, prepare a bunch of technical questions to ask him in case you run into him! He loves that kind of stuff. Apparently.

J T Motoring’s FR-S Build

Posted on by

One of our good friends, Brian Hung from J T Motoring out in Massachusetts, has made a name for himself bringing JDM tuning to New England. His latest build for 2013 is this beautifully crafted Scion FR-S.

IMG_3349 (Custom)

When Brian, contacted us, you can already guess that he needed a suspension solution. We were fortunate enough to be one of the first coilover manufacturer’s to have something readily available for the new FR-S, and for Brian, it was a no-brainer to step up into the Type Flex coilovers since this build was more than show. He had performance in mind for this project.  Matched to our coilover package is another new offering- EDFC Active. This was, in fact, one of the first cars in New England to sport this setup. But, this car is full of plenty “firsts” for its region.

By the looks of it, you can see that no expenses were spared. No corners cut. Brian wanted to push the emphasis on JDM and he chose the highest quality for parts that he could find, which happen to be the very same brands he sells at J T Motoring.

The spec sheet has more listed than all the ingredients needed for a Thanksgiving dinner. And looks to be more delicious, too.

 

Exterior:
APR Carbon Fiber Fender Insert
APR Carbon Fiber Brake Inlet Ducts
APR Carbon Fiber Trunk Garnish
Rocket Bunny Version 1 Kit
Buddy Club LED Tail Lights
JT Motoring Custom Retrofit Black Housing Head Lights
Nokya Yellow Turn Signal Front Bulbs.
Footwork/Brakes:
TEIN Flex (JDM Version)
TEIN EDFC Active with GPS
Tanabe Front and Rear Tower Bars
Buddy Club 4 piston/ 330mm rotors Front Brake Kit
Buddy Club 2 piston/ 330mm rotor Rear Brake Kit
 
Engine:
HKS Supercharger
ARC Oil Catch Can
Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser Grouding Kit
MXP Front Pipe
MXP Cat-back with adjustable exhaust tip
HKS Oil Cap
Interior:
Bride Euro 2 seats in red buck skin
Bride Type VZ brackets
ATC Carbon/Suede Steering Wheel
MXP Titanium Shift Knob
STRI Club Sport Boost Gauge
STRI Vent Pod Gauge Holder
Kenwood dnn0990hd Double DIN Navi/DVD Receiver
Takata Drift 2 4pt Harnesses
Wheels/Tires:
Volk Racing TE37RT
18×9.5 +23 front
18×11 +17 rear
Wheelmate 5×100 to 5×114.3 conversion front 25mm
Wheelmate 5×100 to 5×114.3 conversion rear 30mm
Project Kics leggdura racing lugs
And they’re not done yet. More parts are being added to this project! We’ll try to get updates on this build!
For those of you out there in New England, give our friend Brian at J T Motoring a call. He can help you get your build to where you want it to be!J T Motoring
1183 Hyde Park Ave.
Boston, MA 02136
Tel: 617-364-6888
Web: www.jtmotoring.com
Also, please be sure to follow them on their Facebook page!