Monthly Archives: November 2010

Congratulations to P-WRC driver P. Flodin

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Congratulations to TEIN sponsored driver, Patrik Flodin, for his 2nd place overall finish in the 2010 P-WRC.

Patrik Flodin on right with 2010 P-WRC Champion on left.

For those, who are not too familiar with the P-WRC.

PWRC is the Production Car World Rally Championship (P-WRC) is the FIA’s principal series for near showroom spec four-wheel drive, turbocharged cars.

The WRC is regulated and controlled by the Federation International Automobile (FIA), the governing body for worldwide motorsports. Most WRC rallies follow the same basic itinerary: two days of reconnaissance on Tuesday and Wednesday, to enable the driver and co-driver to check the route, and practice “shakedown”, on Thursday, followed by the competition itself on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Some events may also include ‘Super Special’ stages, short and compact sprint test which often feature two cars racing head-to-head.

The roads on the epic motorsport adventure ranges from ice and snow of Scandinavia to the stifling heat of Jordan – over surfaces including packed ice, smooth asphalt and rocks.

Patrik’s vehicle is a URT built Subaru Impreza WRX STi N14 GB, with TEIN Group N. Suspension.

TEIN Group N. dampers are developed through vigorous testing in the P-WRC. TEIN’s extensive background in Rally racing not only as a part supplier but as a former team have culminated into the Gr. N damper. Some of the basic features include  3+1-way dampening fore adjustment, external reservoirs, and inverted mono tube design. TEIN’s latest technologies have also been incorporated which are Micro Speed Valve, Temperature Compensating Valve, and Hydraulic Bump Stop. Gr. N damper has been tested all over the world, and currently used by competitors in P-WRC, China Rally Championship, Asia Pacific Rally, Polish Rally Championship and Africa Rally Championship.

Counterfeit.. Defi & Coilovers!?

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We have recently become aware of counterfeit items going around. In past years we have known of counterfeit lowering springs being distributed, but have not seen much lately. We received a few emails to our general tech and customer service email address from customers questioning if they should purchase a specific product.

The following two pictures were from a customer who searched “Defi” on Ebay and found these gauges as the cheapest listings (under $25 each).

This is not a product of Defi. The seller did not list all the features and did not provide any other detailed pictures.

The next two pictures were from a customer checking out a RX7 forum and were confused if these were real.

The seller was claiming that these were our TEIN Super Drift Coilovers made for the FC RX7 going for $800.00 brand new.

If you have any questions or concerns about purchasing a product that may or may not be an Authentic TEIN product, feel free to email us at tus_sales@tein.com so we can verify. The safest route of purchasing TEIN products is through any of our authorized dealers from our Dealer List.

BLACK SUNDAY SUPER SALE

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TEIN will be participating in the ID AutoFestival on November 28th at Toyota (Irwindale) Speedway. This is a huge manufacturer BLACK SUNDAY sale and car meet. Many big brands will be at the event selling products for low low prices. There will also be prizes for the largest turnout by a forum and best car crew.

TEIN will have some open box and old demo items as well as selected new items for sale. We will also be selling a host of TEIN Goods which make great stocking stuffers.

Open Box coilover kits and lowering springs.




Complete DEFI gauges which were used for display.

TEIN Goods: T-Shirts, Mechanic Gloves, Keychains, Backpack, Dampachi Dolls, Bottle Openers, etc…

Get out of the house. Check out the cars and manufacturer direct deals.

We hope to see you there.

More information can be found at IndustryDay.org

Lexus GS450H Race Car

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You might have seen this car on various online sites from SEMA 2010 coverage.

It is the 0-60 magazine built Lexus GS450H track car. Since nobody really has experience increasing power on a Hybrid, builder Gordon Ting, concentrated on all other aspects of a full blown race car. Overall weight was reduced by removing unneeded components and using composite materials, aerodynamics were greatly improved, suspension was upgraded to full 2-way adjustable coilovers, larger brakes front and rear, light weight forged wheels, competition slick tires and of course all the safety gear.

Here is a little closer look and maybe something few people know about.

1) Using custom application Super Racing Coilovers with dual EDFC (both units not yet installed).

2-way damping force adjustment, compression and rebound separately adjustable. Full length adjustment for setting ride height and spring pre-load independently. External reservoir tank for added oil capacity and cooling. Pillowball upper mounts and racing springs complete the kit.

This kit was produced under our Specialized Damper program in which TEIN can create custom coilovers for applications we do not normally produce and in custom specification to meet the customer’s requests.

2) Has the new DEFI ZD display.

DEFI ZD display, one of the EDFC controllers and a host of vital switches on the carbon center console. The unconventional shift knob was fabricated because the OE shifter was way too far forward.

3) The aero was made by TEIN dealer Evasive Motorsports

Dual canards, CF lip and custom CF front splitter from Evasive Motorsports. Forged TE37-SL from Rays and 6-piston neon green calipers from Brembo.

4) The car has a fully function air jack system.

Fully functional air jack system gets this car up in 3 seconds and back down even faster. The ultra aggressive aero and race ride height make the air jacks a necessity for service (imagine trying to get a floor jack under there without them).

You can see this car in the Lexus Booth at the LA Auto Show from 11/19 – 11/28.

Select photos courtesy of Gordon T. of 0-60.

To all the DIY guys out there…

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Hi Folks!

A friend posted this up and it got my attention. What a great idea!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I definitely support local shops, whether it be automotive related, or bicycle related, etc. And definitely electronics related- I dare not attempt to disassemble/assemble electronic components.

However, there is also the side of me that takes great pride in fixing the things I own by myself. I don’t know, it’s just self-rewarding knowing that I not only completely took apart something and put it back together just so I can give myself a high-five.  But really, are we all that capable to fix complex items? I mean, I can understand changing batteries in a remote control (or can I?) or fixing a squeaking door hinge. But sometimes self repairs can go,,,,,

DUN DUN DUNNNNNNN!!!!!! All this disassembly junk to remove/replace the crummy stock fuel line.  And yes, I enjoyed doing this. But at times it left me half-guessing and questioning my work.  In the end, I gave myself two high-fives for this job! This left me to tackle other challenges normally labeled as “advanced” tasks. Whatever. I’m still no “pro” but I’m sure I saved myself a nice wad of cash.

However, there are a few things that I’d rather leave alone and have it professionally fixed, whatever that means. These days, it seems that everyone is a pro (mechanic, photographer, model, you name it) so do your research in finding a well established shop. Seriously, though, I’m not one to take apart my computer and I most likely never will. So I’ll have the Nerd Herd or Geek Dudes, whatever they’re called, fix my stuff.

Sometimes at work we get consumers looking for rebuild kits for their dampers, and my reply is normally, “That sir/ma’am is a good-looking question.” Really, that sounds like it can be fun! Then again, after being able to see what is involved with a damper rebuild, and getting to work on a few myself, I start shying away from such an idea of providing a rebuild kit. Honestly, with the way I drive,,, sometimes,  leaving that kind of liability into my own hands scares me. I’d have no one to blame but myself if a part I attempted to fix broke while driving. I know this just sounds like a ploy to put some cash in TEIN’s pocket, but I’d rather the customer put their mind at ease knowing that an experienced engineer is going to fix their suspension.  So, take this post for what you think it’s worth. I’m not here to bash the shadetree mechanic. Otherwise, I’d be bashing myself.

BTW- we’re not against offering technical support or repair walk-through at TEIN. So for small repairs and advice, feel free to give us a call!

Again, I’m no different than many of you out there. We’ve all put some hard eared cash into everything we own. I’m all about saving money. If I can fix something myself, then why bother paying someone else to do it?  And, being such an enterprising guy myself (SHAHHHH RIIIGHTT!!!!), I will end up taking on the repairs personally. But hey, I know my limits. I’d rather have something fixed by a reputable shop and then learn how to do it myself than stand knee deep in parts that I don’t remember disassembling.

Anyway, if you are looking for some self motivation, check out http://www.ifixit.com/Manifesto

I’ma go work on my VW Bug now.

Take care now, bye bye then!

Super Lap Battle Finals 2010

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So SLB 2010 is over. TEIN engineer, R&D assistant and myself spent 2 days at Buttonwillow Raceway helping our sponsored vehicles. This year there was a smaller field but I think the level of competition and caliber of car was high.

Now on to the cars that we sponsor.

EVASIVE MOTORSPORTS

EVO 9 – Limited AWD
Driven by Mike C. co-owner of Evasive. Mike and the Evasive crew chased down minor gremlins throughout the event and never really got a chance to set a clean hot lap. Super Racing coilover with special 3-way rears. Best Time 1:51

Civic Si – Street FF
Also driven by Mike C. Testing out his newly modded engine and some aggressive suspension settings on his customized Mono FLEX dampers. Look for this next year after Evasive gets more testing done. We think it is capable of sub 2 min. lap times in the Street class. This year Best Lap 2:02

S2000 – Street FR (Evasive Sponsored)
Owned and driven by Tim Kuo. Very quick lap times considering the amount of modifications (almost stock NA motor) and no crazy body mods. Super Racing suspension and specifically chosen menu of mods. Best Time 2:02

CR-Z – Hybrid Class (Honda Tuning Magazine)
Also driven by Tim K. Very light mods since the car is so new to the US. Running our US spec. Mono FLEX coilovers and Falken 615K. Best Time 2:18.

Crawford Performance


2011 Scion tC – Limited FF
Driven by new up and comer, Michelle A. Quirt put this car together in just 2 weeks. Right now the car sports only a few light modifications. Running our proto-type Super Street coilovers. Best Time 2:14.

DC Sports


S2000 – Street FR
Owned by Mr. Will Law and driven by Tarzan. This project vehicle (see the build in Import Tuner magazine) needs more testing. This was the first time the car has seen the track since being modded. Modified Mono FLEX coilovers which Tarzan praised for making the car easy to control. Ran 2:02 – 2:03 in practice but had some gremlins come race day.

GMR Racing


S2000 – Unlimited FR (bumped from Limited due to mods)
Driven by Casey Dennis. GMR just recently installed the Super Racing coilovers. I am sure this car will go faster as they get it dialed in. Best Time 1:58

Have to mention that Sierra Sierra Enterprises broke the all time record with a 1:41.046. Watching the EVO carry speed and accelerate out of each corner was amazing.

Tim’s S2000 photo from Speedhunters.com

SEMA 2010

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TEIN returned to SEMA this year after a one-year hiatus. Our booth was more focused on TEIN and SuperPro products.

A gamut of TEIN products were on display which included our new STREET BASIS damper (more info. on this in a future post).

TEIN coilovers were used on some high profile booth vehicles and on a few feature vehicles.

TEIN FEATURE VEHICLE

Abe Ko’s LS430 sitting on FLEX Sedan coilovers, special order from Japan. These coilovers feature a maximum drop of 4.5 inches. Coupled with the Platinum VIP Cup Kit this LS is literally on the ground. Full feature on this car and suspension system in a future post.

LEXUS BOOTH

0-60 Magazine GS450H Racer featuring custom Super Racing Coilovers and dual EDFC.

SCION BOOTH

Scion booth. 0-60 Magazine built Scion xD Rally v.3 using Specialized Damper.

Crawford 2011 Scion tC with Super Street coilovers. More on this car later as it will be running at Super Lap Battle on 11.10.10.

HONDA BOOTH

Honda Tuning Magazine built Honda CR-Z sitting on Mono FLEX coilovers.

Wraptivo Honda CR-Z with Super Street coilovers.

MACKIN BOOTH (RAYS WHEELS)




TEIN authorized dealer RallySport Direct built Subaru STI Sedan. One of the first modified STI sedans in the US. Featuring Mono FLEX coilovers and some aggressive TE37 SLs.

DC SPORTS BOOTH

DC Sports collaboration with Import Tuner Magazine. More on this car later as it will be at Super Lap Battle Finals with Tarzan Yamada behind the wheel.

There is no stop this week as we prepare to go to Super Lap Battle Finals at Buttonwillow Raceway. One of our engineers and a couple staff members will be out there supporting TEIN users.