You might have seen a few television commercial for something called Reinvent the Wheels. If you have not checked out the website it is actually a web based show that premiers tonight at 6PM PST. TEIN is excited to sponsor this new web based show which gives vehicle tuning a different twist. Check out the website for more information and we hope you check out the show.
Monthly Archives: March 2010
Garage Sale Sneak Peek
Alright Ladies and Gents. You kept asking when the next Garage Sale was, and now it’s here. Well, almost. This Sunday (3/28) to be exact.
Instead of building a picture in your mind of what we’ll be selling, I’ve snapped a few pics for you. Only a few. I’ve gotta get back to work.
Anyway, here they are.
Some of the S.Tech and High Tech springs we are preparing.
Some coilover kits, too!
Carbing Tower Bars, Lower Arm Bars, Radiator Cooling Panels!
Carbonetic dropped off some Clutches, Diffs, and Gears!
Mackin Industries dropped off a few pallets. Rays, Advan, MXP, Kics, and much much more…
We’ve got some used wheels and tires, as well.
Don’t forget, we also have tons of TEIN Performance Bars, TEIN Original Goods, and Defi Gauges for sale.
We look forward to seeing all of you this Sunday!!!
Well, back to work…….
*JUST RELEASED* DEFI Advance BF
TEIN USA is the exclusive North America Distributor for the DEFI brand of products. We just received our first shipment of the new DEFI Advance BF line of gauges. These units replace the current Link BF line which has already stopped production.
The Advance BF meters still feature the blacked out lens and come in 60mm Metric readout. Available colors now include blue alongside the popular amber and white. Advance BF feature more LEDs for a brighter and more vibrant display which make them easier to see in daylight. The lens is now flat which improves the visibility at any angle, and DEFI has increased the number of increment markings (ticks). Other features include warning set, peak hold, record, playback, dimmer, and audio-able warning.
The new advance series replaces the popular Link BF series. The new Advance series features a wired remote for the control unit, more durable plugs and a host of features.
DEFI’s Advance series is the evolution of the Link Series. They will be releasing new compatible products in the near future which will now be available for use with the Advance series control unit. If your looking to purchase a set of accurate and reliable gauges to protect the investments made into your power-train, you should definitely consider the DEFI Advance series.
If a blacked out face is not what your looking for. The Advance CR series is also available in 52mm and 60mm Metric readouts which are available in traditional white or black face.
Visit DEFI’s US webpage for more details. Defi products can be purchased through any TEIN Authorized Dealer. You can find a link of all dealers HERE.
Track Shakedown with Evasive Motorsports
TEIN Engineer, R. Takizawa and I went to ButtonWillow raceway last Thursday, March 18th to test with the Evasive Motorsports CT9A. The EVO 9 will be running in this weekend’s Redline Time Attack at Buttonwillow Raceway in Buttonwillow, CA. Normally the Evasive EVO runs in the Limited or Modified class which is on R-Compound tires but for this event they will enter the Super-Modified Class wearing Yokohama slicks.
Mike of Evasive told us of his plans a few months ago so we revalved the dampers and suggested stiffer spring rates to match the grip of the slicks. Without having data on the tires our suggested spring rates and new valving were all calculated guesses. The actual track testing and driver feedback would let us know if the suspension needed minor or major adjustments (minor = damping force adjustments, major = revalving).
Pictured – Mike getting ready to go out for session 1.
In the first lap of the first session we witnessed Mike start a 25MPH parade lap and immediately knew something was wrong after the first few corners. Mike was getting a bad vibration over 25MPH on acceleration.
His support team comprised of Kel, Brad and Hugh quickly went to work to diagnose and fix the problem. The culprit was worn axle tripod housings. Without having spares axles the crew went to work on a fix and the car was vibration free a couple hours later. R. Takizawa did a quick alignment adjustment and the car was back on track.
Pictured – R. Takizawa adjusting front toe while Brad and Kel take a much needed break after a scramble to get rid of the vibration.
After Mike got a feel for the car and a few semi-open laps we were able to gather some suspension feedback. At first there was slight understeer at corner exit so a front damping force adjustment was made. The change worked a little too well and resulted in a slight oversteer. So TEIN Engineer R. Takizawa made another slight change in damping force. Overall the stiffer spring rates, damper revalving and small adjustments resulted in a car that was predictable and easy to control. More suspension tuning is definitely needed but at this point the car is ready to compete for the first time in the 2010 season. During the next testing phase we may try stiffer sway bar or slightly stiffer springs, alignment changes, and of course more damping force adjustments.
Pictured – In the hot pits. Mike driving, R. Takizawa making damping force changes, Brad checking tire pressures, Kel taking tire temps. and Hugh recording data.
A look at the Voltex front aero which keeps this EVO planted.
We wish Evasive Motorsports the best of luck at the Redline Time Attack.
Garage Sale Lists are Up
The Garage Sale lists are up. Each of the three companies have their own set of conditions in regards to the sale. Please read those carefully.
WWW.TEIN.COM/GARAGESALE/2010.HTML
TEIN
After compiling the TEIN list, it ended up being huge. There are lots of great deals on coilovers, lowering springs, DEFI gauges, Fujitsubo exhausts, ATI meter pods …. Come early as I am sure the popular applications will go quick. Some coilovers are marked down as much as 40% off MSRP. There is no way you can find better pricing on a NEW kit anywhere else.
CARBONETIC
For all those people looking for Clutches and LSDs from Carbonetic. A revised list of Garage Sale products will be posted Monday night which will include LSDs. The current list only shows their clutches.
A few of the TEIN cars have used the Carbonetic products and they are awesome. My personal EVO 9 has the Carbon Twin Disc, Carbon Front Differential and Carbon Rear Differential. All three have worked flawlessly for the past 3 yrs. My car is street driven on a weekly basis and sees about 5 track weekends per year. Anyone who has ever driven my car is surprised at how good the clutch pedal feel is – smooth and just a little heavier than stock.The LSDs work great and are a must for any serious car especially Drift and Circuit vehicles. Carbonetic will be selling LSDs and Clutch kits for up to 50% off. Great deals just in time for track season.
MACKIN INDUSTRIES
Everyone knows that Rays wheels are some of the best on the planet. TEIN USA has been using various model Rays wheels on our demo and track vehicles for years. They are light, strong, durable, look great and come in a WIDE variety of sizes including aggressive offsets. Mackin’s sale list contains many RE30 and CE28 models which are Forged Mono Block wheels. Listed for up to 50% off – doesn’t get any better. The exclusive US distributor for RAYS wheels is Mackin Industries who also provides ARC, Yokohama Wheels, Project Mu, Project Kics, and MXP to the US market.
Check back on this blog next Friday to see a sneak peak at the sheer volume of products for sale and a few snaps of the used items which are not listed.
2010 V6 Acura TSX
Testing on the 2010 3.5L Acura TSX has been completed.
Basic Coilovers (Part # DSB90-LUSS2) and Super Street Coilovers (Part # DSB90-KUSS2) are Now Available.
These part numbers will fit both 3.5L V6 and 2.4L I4 models.
The ride height drop for the 3.5L V6: Front -36mm and Rear -35mm
The ride height drop for the 2.4L I4: Front -39mm and Rear -36mm
The actual drop may vary by models due to the weight of different components (ie Transmission, Technology Package, etc.)
You will notice the dampers have been installed without the Springs, Bump Rubbers, and Dust Boots.
During one of our testing phases we check for the best possible ride height and clearance issues with our products and any of the vehicle’s suspension components, by taking measurements at various conditions of damper rebound and compression.
Here the car sits at recommended height with the OEM wheels. The tires tuck nicely giving an aggressive look.
Thanks to Honda Tuning magazine for letting us borrow their latest project vehicle. Be sure to check their website and issues when they hit the newsstand.
SportCar Motion ITR
TEIN Authorized dealer Sportcar Motion was just out testing their newest Time Attack machine, a US Integra Type R. Loi, Renzo, and the guys at SportCar Motion have been posting up pics of the build and TEIN is proud to be a vehicle sponsor. It has been modified to compete in the Redline Time Attack and Super Lap Battle series. SportCar Motion went with the TEIN SRC dampers which have worked well for them in the past. They are the same model used on the competition EG6 which still holds the lap record in SLB Limited FF class competition.
Power comes from a built K24/K20 NA motor and puts out ~300WHP.
Large canards, front splitter and Voltex wing keep the car planted.
Like any good competition team the SportCar Motion crew have been putting in many hours of testing time to dial in the car. We are looking forward to the coming season as we hope to help setup the suspension so drivers Tim Kuo and Renzo Marsano can break records.
Both SportCar Motion FF cars use Super Racing Coilovers straight out of the box. As the vehicle evolves we can change internal components to alter any area of the damping force curve to improve the suspension’s performance. This is a service we offer to all our sponsored teams and anyone using TEIN coilovers but only the sponsored teams get to try our new “secret” parts. 😉
Overhaul Packing Recommendations
Alright future TEIN service customers, just wanted to let everyone know about packing products which are being sent in for services to either TEIN East or West facilities. I’m one of the main staff members that checks in overhaul repairs and have came across some poorly packed packages. I would like to give everyone a few tips which could save you some headaches and money.
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TIP #1 BOX SIZE and PACKING MATERIAL – Be careful with the box size and packing materials used to avoid any damaged product or package refusal. Be wary of the freight companies because once the package leaves your hands to when it arrives in ours we dont know what the package has gone through.
The product received here in this picture was a bit heavier then what the box could handle.
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TIP #2 DO NOT COMPRESS THE DAMPER – Never try to use any type of hard wire cable or custom metal bracket to compress and hold in the piston rod of the damper to fit into a smaller size box as this could break free and tear through the box possibly create damage on the piston rod or any other pieces included in the package. Times are tough but not tough enough that you cant get a bigger box or pay the differnce in costs for using a bigger box.
This package arrived open as shown in the photo. Because it was packed with newspaper it didn’t offer any cushioning or padding which burst through the box. When asked “What happened to the box?” the delivery driver claimed, ” That’s the way we got it.” This is a perfect example of a package that would be refused as we cannot know what was supposed to be in the box.
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TIP #3 PROPER PACKING MATERIALS – Extra cardboard for more cushion or padding on top, bottom and all four sides is recommended. Packing peanuts, bubble wrap and foam packing are always good packing materials that can be used (Note: Newspaper is not a great choice of packing material).
The ends of the box where the piston rod rest is a great area to place extra padding or cardboard
Bubble wrapping is a great way to add some more protection. Sending only what is needed for inspection or service will save money on shipping and reduce the chances for damage or loss during shipping.
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TIP #4 USE A SUITABLE BOX – Be sure prior to packing and sending out the repairs the box can handle the weight of the product being sent in. The boxes usually have a box certification detail marked at the bottom of the box with maximum weight, size limit, bursting test, etc….
Be careful with any boxes that may not provide those specifications as they may not be able to take the weight. Use these packing recommendations and you should be in great shape.
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I hope you use my tips because I would hate to call and tell you that we did not receive all the parts you sent in or worst case that your package was refused.
TEIN Sponsored EVO X
Congratulations to Elliott M., otherwise known as Mr. Super Lap Battle, for getting his EVO X on the cover of the latest issue of Import Tuner magazine (May issue). Elliott’s EVO X GSR shares the cover with Yimi Sports Subaru STI and model, Leianna Kai.
This Octane Blue Pearl EVO X GSR was actually our SEMA booth car in 2008 and we have had a hand in building it over the past 2 years. Avid Import Tuner magazine fans have problem seen this EVO X in various installation articles, parts tests, and coverage from the 2008 and 2009 Super Lap Battle finals as well as Import Tuner EVO vs STI Shootout. Elliott’s EVO X has clocked a best time of 2:00 flat at Button Willow Raceway – Time Attack configuration with Rob Walker behind the wheel. The time is decently quick consider it was running street tires. Pickup the issue to get the full specs on the car and read the detailed coverage of the 2009 EVO vs STI Shootout.
Car parked in the TEIN booth at the 2008 SEMA Show.
Track testing back in 2008 when the car only had Mono FLEX coilovers, Volk RE30, a set of street tires, and a few AMS Performance bolt-ons. While at the track with tried a few different spring rates, adjusted ride height, and alignment settings to obtain optimal performance on the street tires.
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You can also check out a behind the scenes video of the photo shoot at the Import Tuner website.
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Hyundai Genesis Coupe 4 & 6 Cyl Testing
We recently finished testing of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 4 & 6 Cylinder models.
The S.Tech Springs, which are Now Available, will fit both the 2.0L Turbo & 3.8L V6 models.
The ride height drop for the 2.0L Turbo: Front -30mm and Rear -30mm,
The ride height drop for the 3.8L V6: Front -27mm and Rear -36mm,
The actual drop will vary with different Package Models (ie Track, Grand Touring, Base, etc.) due to weight of different components.
BASIC coilovers are also in development at this time. Estimated availability is Summer 2010.
Front stock suspension with S.Tech Springs installed.
Rear stock suspension with S. Tech Springs installed.
Here we have the 2.0L Turbo Track Version lowered on the S. Tech Springs.
This is the 3.8L V6 lowered on S. Tech Springs.