Monthly Archives: June 2010

Made Specifically for TEIN USA

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TEIN products are developed, tested and produced exclusively for the region in which they are sold. Not every region has different specifications but North America does.

Not every model (BASIC, SS, Super Drift, Super Racing, etc…) has a region specific setup. Product models like Comfort Sport or Super Racing serve niche markets and are therefore universal for the world. A competition car using semi-slicks is similar in the US and in Japan., therefore the same product is sold.

Both Cyber EVO and Evasive use Super Racing coilovers.

HOWEVER, models such as BASIC, SS, SS-P, FLEX and Mono FLEX which are more for street use are made specifically for TEIN USA (North America). Meaning a Mono Flex coilover for a 2008+ Subaru STI sold in the US is different than the kit sold in Japan. Features, materials, basic design, assembly, etc… are all the same but mainly spring rate, valving, and ride height range are different.

TEIN USA Kit:  GSS84-FUSS1

Spring Rates Ft: 10kg, Rr: 8kg

Recommended Ride Height Ft: -1.4″, Rr: -1.2″

TEIN Japan Kit:GSS78-F1SS1

Spring Rates Ft: 7kg, Rr: 5kg

Recommended Ride Height Ft: -0.8″, Rr: -0.6″

The specific differences may include spring rate/length, damping force, piston stroke, shell case length and brackets for brake lines, ABS, etc… Products are setup differently because the cars are NOT the same and more importantly the customers are not the same. Admittedly US consumers follow most trends from Japan especially when it comes to performance. However in Japan, the majority of consumers want more compliant suspension systems (softer setups) and do not want the car to be too low. Additional, vehicle ride height laws differ from country to country and in the US state to state.

You can see the difference in ride height between the US Civic Si with JDM body work and real JDM Civic Type R.

In general, TEIN USA setup products with stiffer spring rates and more drop in comparison to TEIN Japan. This is true for both coilovers and lowering springs. For TEIN USA our coilovers setup has changed over the years to keep in tune with the ever changing consumer demand. Our more recent kits have become a little softer than the products which were developed 6-7 years ago but that information is for another blog entry.

On a side note – if any US or Canadian customer wants a TEIN Japan spec. kit we can special order those upon request.

A Look Back at the TEIN Yaris

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Back in 2006 TEIN modified a Toyota Yaris 3-dr as a track toy. We knew going into it that it would not have a lot of power or handle like a sports car but it was something anybody could have fun in.

Started off with a detailed build plan and an awesome rendering made by Dennis Caco of AutoCannon.

Totally stock Yaris in all its glory. 1.5L 103 Flywheel HP, 92 WHP.

No way to add lots of power so we reduced weight.

Burnout front bumper and side skirts from KS Auto, Japan. Pond Premium rear wing and rear lip also from Japan. Bodywork and paint completed by Autowerks Body & Paint in El Monte, CA.

Stripped interior. Roll cage and custom seat bracket by Rothschild Fabrication in Riverside, CA.

K&N Intake for when the car ran NA (106WHP). Custom modified Greddy SuperCharger with Power Enterprise CamCon II for when it ran with forced induction (119WHP at 5lbs). Other under the hood mods included complete oil cooler system, Koyo radiator, KAAZ 1.5-way differential, ACT clutch, DC Sports Header and custom Vibrant exhaust.

All put together. Using BASIC coilovers which were converted to Super Street with EDFC (option is available to any customer) with 14kg fronts and 12 kg rears. Enkei 17×7 RP03 wheels and 215/40/17 Falken Azenis rubber. Mr. Andy Hope drove the car to a 2:08.091 at Super Lap Battle 2008. Good enough for 3rd in class. Not bad for a car with 119WHP, rear drum brakes, full glass and about 25MPG.

Matching support vehicle. v8 Sequoia equipped with 4 Bride seats, DEFI meters, JBA headers, MagnaFlow exhaust, K&N Intake, 20″ Enkei with Falken rubber and a sliding rear platform housing tools, jack, spare wheels, fuel jugs, etc…

Rally Scion xD Video

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Video from 0-60 Magazine. All footage was taken at the Oregon Trail Rally held on May 14-16.

Rally Scion xD is using TEIN HG coilovers made using our Specialized Damper program. You can see in the video that it easily absorbs the rough conditions and even a jump. Throughout the three day event the suspension worked perfectly and after a little cleaning it will be ready for the next event.

DEFI Advance ZD Coming Soon

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In a few weeks we will have the new DEFI Advance ZD on our shelves. This is a digital multi-meter display which is replacing the DEFI Link Display. Some of the features included are:
Speedometer (0-240MPH)
RPM with Sequential indicator system (0-11,000RPM)
Odometer and Trip meter
0-60MPH timer
0-100MPH timer
Clock

The ZD can display/ monitor: water temp., oil temp., oil press., fuel press., and exhaust gas temp.

*Advance ZD must be used with the Advance Control unit and all sensors are sold separately.


Advance ZD is basically 3.8 inches wide, 1.8 inches tall and 1.1″ inches thick (total 1.7 inches thick including mounting hardware).

The display is an OLED type which creates a vibrant and easy to read display. Up to 6 items can be displayed at once.

MSRP $399. Part Number DF09701. Available at the end of June through any TEIN Authorized Dealer.