MotoIQ Visits TEIN USA, Inc.!

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Paul P.

Our friends at MotoIQ decided to stop in and have their Type FLEX coilovers for their Project Supra rebuilt! While they were here, we gave them an inside view of our overhaul process. Not necessarily something we allow the public to see first-hand. But, we are talking about MotoIQ here, guys that like to nerd the hell out on car stuff. We couldn’t easily keep the door closed on them! Lol!!!

This Project Supra of theirs is pretty nuts to begin with. So we were glad to see that they wanted to continue the use of their older Type FLEX coilovers. However, we thought it would be a great idea to update the internals to the newer STREET FLEX setup. So, we had our in-house engineers work closely with the MotoIQ staff to get their dampers to the lastest specifications from TEIN!!

We had our R&D staff take them through our overhaul process and show, from start to finish, what goes into our rebuilds.

After a disassemble of external components (lower brackets, seat locks, upper mounts, springs, dust boots, & bump stops), we can start complete teardown of the damper itself. Our dampers require some unique tools for some parts of disassembly, which is why we do not offer rebuild kits to the public. We ask that all customers send their dampers to us for servicing.

Once completely torn down, we can get to work on the internals. The piston shaft is broken down into several components. Once we can loosen the lower nut on the piston shaft, the piston valve assembly, including all shims and washers, can be removed. These components will be replaced with new ones. Whenever possible, we want to keep rebuild costs as low as possible for our customers, so we will try to reuse components that are still in excellent condition.

Once we can completely assess the condition of all components, we can then get to work on rebuilding. In MotoIQ’s case, we had to make some modifications to make the newest STREET FLEX setup work with their coilovers.

After all the necessary modifications are completed, we completely assemble the dampers, fill with nitrogen, then run them on our damper dyno and make sure they meet performance specification.

All other external components can then be reinstalled and the completed dampers sent back to the customer! All that’s left is to install, check/fix alignment, and enjoy!

We look forward to the next installment from MotoIQ on their Project Supra! They also have our EDFC Active to test out, so we’re sure they’re busy nerding away with that!

Please note that our overhaul and revalve service is available to the public. So, if you have any questions on our overhaul services, please give us a call at 562-861-9161 for more info! We’re glad to help!!!

In the meantime, please visit MotoIQ for some great technical information and follow along on their Project Supra build!

Project Supra Hits 800 WHP!:

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3766/Project-MKIV-Supra-Part-10–Dyno-testing–we-hit-800-WHP.aspx

Industry Insider: TEIN’s Shock Service:

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3743/Industry-Insider-Tiens-shock-service.aspx

New for 2015- TEIN FLEX A and FLEX Z Coilovers!!!

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Paul P.

We’re constantly thinking of ways to improve our products. More importantly, we’ve been working towards making our coilover kits more affordable to match a customer’s budget, but also bring new innovations that we’ve pioneered through our involvement in motorsports.

Available in Spring of 2015, we’re reintroducing our STREET FLEX line into two new lines- the FLEX A and FLEX Z.

Starting with the FLEX Z line, we will bring a new affordably priced version of our STREET FLEX coilovers. How affordable? MSRP will start from $800!!!

Features-wise, not much is different from the current STREET FLEX. It will still include full-length ride height adjustment for separate spring preload and height settings, upper mounts (camber adjustable for most MacPherson struts), 16-way damping force adjustment using our ADVANCE NEEDLE technology which provides a much wider range of damping force adjustment per click (~ 200% increase in damping force adjustment range over our previous needle design), EDFC series compatibility, and our proprietary coatings (ZT coated damper bodies, and our 2-layer/1-bake powdercoating for lower brackets and upper mounts). We were able to bring cost down on the new FLEX Z dampers by making them fully sealed units (non-rebuildable).

The biggest benefit to a fully sealed non-rebuildable damper, other than the extremely affordable price, is that the customer will have a maintenance free damper (we still recommend to periodically inspect external components such as seat locks and spring seats, dust boots, and bump stops). Instead of rebuilding their damper, or if they have a blown damper several years down the line, they can purchase a replacement single damper. This translates into less downtime for our customer, who most likely needs to get their car back on the road.

That’s not to say that we’re not proud of our overhaul/revalve service. In fact, we will continue to provide that for older coilover models and for some upcoming, such as the FLEX A.

The FLEX A coilovers will carry the same features as FLEX Z but will be rebuildable, much like the current line of STREET FLEX. We will also include a newly developed feature, our Hydraulic Bump Stop (H.B.S.). Technically it is not a new feature. Instead it is a much more affordable and effective version of the Hydraulic Bump Stop we use on our GROUP N dampers used in rally racing.

How does our HYDRAULIC BUMP STOP work?

As the damper reaches/nears full compression, there is a spring that the piston makes contact with. This helps to build up pressure closer to the base valve. As pressure continues to build around the base valve, a secondary spring will compress, which allows a cup shaped washer to seal most of the orifices around the base valve. This effectively restricts damper fluid flow, increasing this pressure and slowing down the piston’s speed. Finally, as the damper approaches full compression, a third spring will compress allowing a needle washer to open and allow damper fluid to pass through this single orifice. In all, the way our HYDRAULIC BUMP STOP works is by gradually increasing pressure during compression. While mainly based on piston speed (high-speed compression), the unit will work even as the damper nears full compression.

This means that the damper will not fully bottom out. The effect on ride quality is that it will not be as harsh during rebound, much like would be the case with a longer polyurethane bump stop. Why is that? A polyurethane bump stop is compressible. However, it acts as a much stiffer spring, which the damper isn’t necessarily valved properly to control. This means that rebound force is much greater, and that can also translate into uncomfortable oscillation (where the vehicle feels very floaty). With our H.B.S. the rebound rate is not affected, and the vehicle can return to it’s 1g (vehicle weight on the ground) ride height in a smoother fashion.

Without HYDRAULIC BUMP STOP

If you’ve ever watched videos of off-road race prepared trucks with very long stroke suspension, which use another form of hydraulic bump stop (typically mounted externally from the damper), watch what happens after a huge jump. The vehicle lands back down, suspension squatted nearly all the way down. However, when the suspension rebounds and the vehicle returns to it’s 1g ride height, it just settles. No crazy up and down movement. In other words, there is no wasted vehicle body movement. The driver can continue driving full throttle after a jump. Pretty impressive!

That may be a bit of an exaggeration of what our H.B.S. does for a street car (unless you compare it to our aforementioned Group N dampers, which go on production vehicles), however it is the same effect, just in a smaller package and for a shorter damper stroke.

Our HYDRAULIC BUMP STOP works extremely well on suspensions with longer stroke, such as luxury sedans or mini vans. While still effective and beneficial in applications with shorter damper stroke, it isn’t as noticeable in feel.

The new FLEX A coilovers will start at $1350 for a complete set!

Look out for these new products by mid April 2015!!!

New Products for January 2015!

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Paul P.

We’ve finally received our first shipment from TEIN Japan for 2015! Actually, we were expecting these items at the beginning of the year (Jan. 6th, to be exact). However, due to continuing strikes at the Port of Long Beach, we had to delay this shipment for way longer than expected.

But, now these new parts are available!!!

Contact your nearest authorized TEIN Dealer for purchasing!

Toyota Sienna STREET FLEX Dampers

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Sergio M.

Little interest in the past had come for damper kits on minivans in the U.S. If any inquiries, most were for the Honda Odyssey 95-98 RA1 and Toyota Previa (Estima) TCR20/21 90-97.

Many years later and minivan interest has gone up. Why? Utility. Small families need a vehicle with ample room, easy access, and convertibility. However, they need something more economical than the typical Chevy Suburban. The minivan provides that. And these days, minivans are equipped with more than just power windows and am/fm radio. Now, you can find full entertainment systems, passenger HVAC controls, and even individual seats (compared to bench seats). Minivans are starting to look way better than the Conversion Vans of the past (WAY BETTER). So many vehicle manufacturers have learned to grow with the trend, and now there are many minivan offerings.

In Japan, and some other countries in Asia, minivans make a lot of sense, especially for the aforementioned reasons. If you only have room for one vehicle, why not make it a true utility vehicle? As we have been told, minivans are even popular with the younger generation. So, this eventually led to an aftermarket for the minivan crowd. TEIN has been manufacturing damper kits for minivans for years. One of our most popular, but now discontinued, was our HYBRID DAMPER kit, which looked similar to a SUPER STREET/STREET ADVANCE setup but had a hydraulically controlled lower bracket to adjust ride height ~40mm up/down. This gave lowered minivan owners extra ground clearance, especially important for owners who had minivans with body kits (true story; you can see some kitted vans in these pics).

The minivan may not necessarily be badged as the “Soccer Mom” vehicle of choice, with SUV’s, and even crossover SUV’s, having continued to grow in popularity in the U.S., but they’ve been catching on in the U.S. One common inquiry we receive is for the Toyota Sienna. Consumers asked for damper kit availability for this application. Previously, another JDM vehicle model (Toyota Alphard) damper kit had been confirmed to work with the Sienna. However it did have some slight complications with the rear damper mounting assembly angle causing noise issues.

Finally it looks like we may have hit the nail on the head, as damper kits are now being produced for the 2011+ Sienna’s. The product was designed and tested in our TEIN Hong Kong branch. The vehicle was actually an imported U.S. model Sienna, and the current Sienna is also being imported to other countries, including Japan, which gave them a chance to also confirm testing. With these considerations in its favor, we have decided to release a STREET FLEX damper kit.

The STREET FLEX offers a full-length adjustable body, damping force adjustable with EDFC compatibility, and Hardened Rubber Style Uppermount assembly for the front allowing for an increase in steering response and handling compared to the OE mounts, as well as noise dampening for added comfort when compared to coilover systems with the Pillowball Style Uppermount assemblies. As the “STREET FLEX” name implies it was designed for the streets which means a comfortable yet sporty ride for a daily driven minivan.

So now it would be a fight between moms and dads as to who gets to drive low down spec minivan to soccer practice or the grocery store. For further details on this kit please use the weblink below, or contact us direct to 562-861-9161.

http://tein.co.jp/srch/pricelist_e_fromtekigo.php?maker=TOYOTA&carmodel=SIENNA&chassis=GSL30L&skg=TA8&gno=1

TEIN Authorized Dealer Specials on STREET FLEX Coilovers!

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Paul P.

Last December we ran a special through our authorized dealers, which we were happy to see doing really well!. For 2015, we’ve added some new changes, including reduced MSRP on our STREET BASIS & STREET ADVANCE coilovers.

However, we see that there is also a great demand for our STREET FLEX coilovers, and many of our authorized dealers were asking if we could extend the extra discount we were giving them.

So, we are happy to keep our STREET FLEX special going on from now until March 31, 2015!!!

If you are new to our products and interested in knowing more about our STREET FLEX coilovers, we’ve designed them to be a full-featured coilover package giving the customer most of the necessary components for a completely adjustable suspension. These features include:

– Full-length adjustment (ride height is separate of spring preload).

– Twin tube damper structure, providing maximum damper stroke length in a shortened damper body.

– 16-way damping force adjustment (rebound only), using our ADVANCE NEEDLE technology providing wide-range damping force change per click setting.

– Included upper mounts (most macpherson strut type dampers are camber adjustable for fronts).

– ZT coated threaded body providing smooth adjustment for ride height and spring preload, as well as excellent corrosion resistance in all conditions.

– Patented “2 Layer/1 Bake” powdercoating (including shot blasted, zinc coated steel damper bodies and brackets).

– EDFC Series compatible (EDFC II, EDFC ACTIVE, EDFC ACTIVE PRO).

– Fully serviceable (damper overhaul and revalve services available through TEIN USA, Inc.).

– 1 year warranty against any manufacturer’s defects.

While designed for street use, we’ve valved the STREET FLEX dampers aggressively for the best sporty ride feel while still maintaining a great balance in ride comfort and high performance handling. For those looking to eventually take their car to the track, the STREET FLEX coilovers are a great starting point! Combine the features of our STREET FLEX dampers with one of our EDFC ACTIVE PRO setups and you’ll have a completely active suspension kit that adjusts damping according to your driving conditions!! These features, typically found on high-end sport and luxury vehicles can now be had at reasonable prices for your favorite vehicle!

Unfortunately, we cannot disclose the details of the STREET FLEX special directly to our customers. They are, without a doubt, one of the deepest discounts we’ve offered. So we highly recommend getting a hold of one of our authorized dealers to find out pricing for your specific application!

Please check our Dealer List to find the authorized TEIN dealer in your area, or give us a call at 562-861-9161 for assistance in finding a retailer!!!

TEIN STREET BASIS & STREET ADVANCE Coilovers at a New Low Price!

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Paul P.

We’re happy to announce that we’ve reduced the prices on our STREET BASIS and STREET ADVANCE coilover lines for 2015!!!

Our STREET BASIS coilovers are our entry-level coilover custom tuned for each vehicle application. Tested and developed in the U.S., we’ve matched damper valving to our carefully selected spring rates to provide the best ride comfort while giving you the high performance ride and handling you’re expecting. STREET BASIS coilovers are ideal for the daily driver needing the very basics in features, but wanting little compromise in ride quality. One of our best sellers!

STREET ADVANCE coilovers are built on the same platform as STREET BASIS coilovers, but have the added benefit of damping adjustment using our ADVANCE NEEDLE technology. This allows the driver to custom tune damping based on their driving conditions. Harsh road conditions? Set rebound damping to a softer setting. Glass smooth surface? Crank rebound damping to a stiffer setting and get a great feel for handling performance. Some STREET ADVANCE coilovers are compatible with our EDFC series (EDFC II, EDFC ACTIVE, & EDFC ACTIVE PRO).

Built in TEIN Japan’s Yokohama factory, we manufacture our coilovers using the latest in damper coating technology. Our 2 Layer/1 Bake powdercoating applies our famous green color, but prior to that, we treat all steel components to a surface blasting so that the next step, zinc coating, will adhere much better to the steel surface. Zinc coating is the second step to corrosion prevention (first being the green powdercoating).
We also apply our patented ZT coating to all threaded bodies. ZT coating provides a Teflon type material that is impregnated into the steel body. This translates into smooth height adjustment and excellent wear characteristics to threaded components under heavy load.

Like most of our product line, the STREET BASIS and STREET ADVANCE DAMPERS are available for overhaul and revalving at our TEIN USA, Inc. facility. Whether it’s a simple rebuild to factory specification or a custom valving for uprated springs, we can assist you with getting your STREET BASIS or STREET ADVANCE DAMPERS valved to your specifications!

Like all TEIN products, we provide a 1 year warranty against any manufacturer’s defects!

Just to give you an example, starting price for STREET BASIS was $700. For 2015, we’ve cut starting price down to $590!

For STREET ADVANCE coilovers, we’ve reduced starting price to $690! Originally, these started at $940. That’s a huge savings!

Now is definitely the time to buy the coilovers you wanted, and when you’re talking TEIN quality at these kinds of prices, it’s practically a steal!!!

We’re In The Anime Business Now!

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Paul P.

No, not really. I’m just kidding.

But, we did put a short cartoon out regarding our EDFC Active Pro. In the cartoon, it shows the benefits of active damping force while going around a long sweeper.

Although it is a very short video, what it is trying to explain is how our EDFC Active Control Unit will make adjustments based on the vehicle’s dynamics. Within the controller we have an accelerometer that adjusts damping based on g-force loading. There is also an available speed-based damping force setting using either the optional GPS Kit (especially for the EDFC Active) or by obtaining the speed signal from the vehicle’s ECU (this feature is available on the EDFC Active Pro only).

In the video, the driver who starts falling behind complains about roll understeer. Initially, he believes the leading car has their suspension tuned only for low-speed damping (which would mean a compromise in high speed damping force control). However, with EDFC Active/EDFC Active Pro, we’re able to negate the side effects of such one-setting tuning. Now you can have a suspension kit fully adaptable to your driving conditions!

We’ll be putting out more videos to show the other benefits of our system and why a racing enthusiast such as yourself may find our product suitable for you!

In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding our EDFC Active and/or EDFC Active Pro, please give our sales staff a call at 562-861-9161 or email us at tus_sales@tein.com for assistance! We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have!

TEIN USA Blog

The latest news and info from TEIN USA

Monthly Archives: January 2015