Monthly Archives: February 2015

TEIN USA, Inc. Experiencing Significant Shipping Delays

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If you’ve been following the news, especially for Southern California and anything related to the West coast, you may be familiar with the strike at the ports. The strike, which has been going on since late last year, have caused extended delays for us and has created an increasing backlog of shipments out to our customers.

ships parked

Currently, there are quite a number of vessels anchored out near the port awaiting their turn to be unloaded, while at the port there are containers just sitting, stacked one atop another.

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This port congestion has caused major problems, not only for TEIN USA, Inc., but for many more industries.

It seems dock workers and shipping companies have reached a tentative agreement and work will resume. However, the damage has been done, and we still continue to expect major delays.

In total, we have three containers awaiting arrival. One is expected to arrive at the end of this month. Another to arrive a few weeks after. Please note that we will do everything within our ability to try to fulfill our customers’ orders once our shipments have arrived.

On behalf of all of us at TEIN USA, Inc., we thank you for your continued patience.

If any questions on your pending TEIN orders, please do not hesitate to reach our sales team at 562-861-9161. We’ll happily give you updates and address your concerns.

The New, More Affordable STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z Coilovers!!!

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As we had already mentioned, development has started on our FLEX Z coilovers, a more affordable offering of our popular STREET FLEX coilovers. But, we haven’t stopped there with new products for 2015!

At around the same time we start bringing in our FLEX Z coilovers (mid-Spring), we should also have a few applications of our STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z coilovers! However, we’re not too sure the timing, as the new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z will be coming from our newly established TEIN China plant.

The difference between current STREET BASIS and STREET ADVANCE coilovers from the new “Z” line is that the Z line are non-rebuildable coilovers. Again, this follows in suit to the STREET FLEX -> FLEX Z changes. All other features of the two entry-level coilover lines are the same.

STREET BASIS Z is strictly a ride height adjustable kit. This makes it a perfect setup for the daily driver looking for an increase in handling performance without compromising comfort for everyday use. For many of you considering a lowering spring + performance shock absorber combination, the STREET BASIS Z makes even more sense as we select appropriate spring rates and valve our dampers to match. No guesswork on the end-users part in trying to match one brand of springs to another brand of shock absorbers. The added height adjustment feature allows the end-user the ability to adjust ride height to their preference, something that lowering springs lack. Being that most vehicles are slightly unbalanced from left to right sides, that means you can easily adjust the ride height so that each corner is even from their opposing sides.

STBZ

STREET ADVANCE Z takes the ride height adjustability of the STREET BASIS Z line and adds 16-way damping adjustment. So, not only do you get a matched spring and damper setting, you now have the ability to tune the dampers to meet your driving conditions. Roads seem a bit rough? Soften up the damping. Glass smooth highways? Crank the damping to a stiffer setting. You get all that and everything in between.  STREET ADVANCE Z is also compatible with our EDFC systems (some STREET ADVANCE Z coilover kits may require extension kits for compatibility), giving you a completely adaptable suspension kit based on your driving conditions/characteristics! That’s a feature that not even all sports luxury cars have, and our setup is at a much more affordable price!!!

STAZ

Like the FLEX Z line, these new STREET BASIS Z  & STREET ADVANCE Z coilovers have a very appealing starting price! STREET BASIS Z comes in at $400 while STREET ADVANCE Z comes in at $500!!! Those are unheard of starting prices for a TEIN coilover!

And, just like the FLEX Z coilovers, replacement parts will be made readily available! If your STREET BASIS Z or STREET ADVANCE Z dampers start feeling worn, you can purchase replacement dampers! No need to send them into us for a rebuild since these are fully sealed, non-rebuildable dampers! That will save you some money, and most importantly, extended downtime! We’ll help to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible!

Again, the only major difference is that the new “Z” line of dampers are non-rebuildable.

Internally, we continue to use our ADVANCE NEEDLE for increased per-click damping adjustment. This translates into greater damping change for each click of the 16-way adjuster, making it easier to find the perfect damping setting. Our high performance damper oil, the same kind we use in our race dampers (Gr.N, Super Racing, N1) provides excellent anti-foaming and viscosity characteristics under heavy cyclic rate, giving you repeatable damping feel and performance for the life of the damper.

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ADVANCE NEEDLE provides wide-range damping force change per click.

oil

Proprietary damper oil exhibits excellent anti-foaming and viscosity characteristics for stable damping force under extended use.

We will still retain our exclusive damper coatings, too. Our shot blasted, zinc plated high strength STKM13C steel damper bodies are treated to our patented 2-layer/1-bake powdercoating procedure. This gives our dampers excellent protection against corrosion in harsh environments, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. Our patented ZT coating is applied to our threaded adjustment tubes (inside and out), and contribute to smooth height adjustment, and outstanding adhesion to the steel threads. This ZT coating will not peel or flake off even after repeated adjustment. This is due to the ZT coatings’ low friction coefficient. Essentially, it acts as a dry lubricant. That makes every external component of the steel bodied damper completely protected from the unforgiving environments we subject them to, and we expect our dampers to perform at their very best year after year after year…

the bare surface of our dampers are treated to a double shot peening adding surface strength and also prepares it for zinc coating.

the bare surface of our dampers are treated to a double shot peening adding surface strength and also prepares it for zinc coating.

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We’ve also updated our spring seats and seat locks for increased durability under heavy vehicle loads and smooth height adjustment. Instead of using a rubber spring seat, we’ve added a Delrin thrust washer atop the new, wider spring seats.

sp seat w delrin

Coilover springs will continue to be made from cold-wound SAE 9254 Vanadium alloy. After cold winding and setting, we heat treat the springs prior to grinding end coils to proper dimensions. Before powdercoating, we subject every spring to double shot-peening which aids in increased spring life and fatigue strength. Some coilover applications may have application-specific spring windings and shapes, such as our barrel springs or taper springs.

We will also continue to provide our 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Even at this new starting price, we will stand behind our products!

So now you’ve got the highest available quality and performance at an extremely low price, and backed with a manufacturers warranty. Unfortunately, we still haven’t made it easier for you to decide with TEIN suspension system you want. So we ask you to please give our sales staff a call at 562-861-9161 for assistance in getting you into the proper TEIN suspension kit for your needs!

 

FLEX Z Coilover Testing Has Commenced!

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Oscar_Flores_CZ4A_FLEXZYou’ve probably already read our posts about upcoming new products. One, in particular is the new FLEX Z coilover kits which will be here by Spring of this year. We’ve already had a head-start in developing FLEX Z dampers, testing on some of the more popular vehicle applications and working our way down the list, including new vehicles.

FLEX Z

I’m sure many of you have questions regarding these dampers, wondering what is so different about it and why we probably have to test.

Well, in short, we’re always testing. Just because a new product may be similar to the items they’re superseding doesn’t mean we should simply copy and remanufacture from an older design. Our products are always evolving. We develop products based on customer feedback and work towards making an even better product.

Here are a few FAQ’s:

How does this FLEX Z coilover kit differ from the current STREET FLEX?

-The only difference is that the new FLEX Z dampers are fully sealed units, rather than the rebuildable setups we make. All other components and features have remained.

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Why has TEIN gone with a fully sealed unit?

-The biggest benefit of a fully sealed unit is that we are able to change out a few components that add the the production cost of the coilover kit. We understand that our customers are looking for a more affordable coilover without sacrificing features such as damping force adjustment, height adjustment, and exclusive upper mounts (camber adjustable in some applications).

So, with our fully sealed units, we’re able to cut MSRP down from current iterations of STREET FLEX dampers by nearly $500!!! That’s a massive savings! Starting price for our FLEX Z dampers is $800!!!

FLEX Z Sealed

Any downsides to a fully sealed unit?

-Obviously that is a great concern for a lot of our customers, especially ones that are already familiar with our overhaul service.

As all of our current coilovers are rebuildable, the customer can send any damper that may have blown a seal, or just needs to be refreshed, and we can do that in-house. We also have the ability to revalve the dampers for different spring rates, should the customer want to match for a specific spring rate in mind. Our engineers have motorsports experience too, so we can work with a customer who has very detailed concerns with damping for specific tracks or driving conditions.

We’re very proud to be able to offer this unique service to our customers, as many suspension manufacturers do not have a damper service option. However, it is not as common a request from our customers. In fact, a majority of the dampers we receive are really for damper revalving and customization, and not just rebuilds. If anything, that serves as a great testament to the durability of our products.

With a fully sealed unit, we cannot open them up again. So, overhaul service will not be available for the FLEX Z line.

So, what happens if one of my FLEX Z dampers blow out? Can I get a replacement?

-You can absolutely get replacement FLEX Z dampers! Contact us for pricing on individual dampers (damper sub assembly), should you ever need one! While we cannot sell direct to the public, we can at least give you this information and even help you find a nearby authorized TEIN dealer that you can purchase replacement parts from. All we will need from you is the part number and lot number from the damper, which is placed on a silver label on the damper itself (label may be placed on lower bracket).

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But I was hoping to be able to get a customized set, one with my own valving. Is that still possible?

-Actually yes, it is still possible! You can special order a custom setup for the FLEX Z dampers. It may take some time, since it is coming from Japan (eta is 3-4 months).  Since we cannot open the dampers, it will have to be manufactured with another lot. Time frame is dependent on current order/manufacturing schedule. And yes, this does mean that the FLEX Z, as well as FLEX A, coilovers will continue to be made in TEIN Japan’s Yokohama factory.

In fact, if you already have a FLEX Z coilover kit, but are really considering purchasing a specially valved set of dampers, you can just order those specially valved damper sub assemblies separately. Of course, that means you end up with two sets of damper sub assemblies (one out-of-the-box valving, one custom valved). However, that saves you from having to order a complete coilover kit and essentially means you have a back up set of dampers. Mind you, there is still an average ETA of 3-4 months for the custom valved damper units.

Does this all translate to FLEX Z being an inferior product?

-Not at all! In fact, the quality of our dampers has to be even better if we’re going to make a fully sealed unit. That’s our challenge, but we’re very confident in our technology, and we feel that we can provide the same warranty against any manufacturer’s defects with these new FLEX Z dampers! Should you experience any problems with your dampers within the first year of the purchase, send it in to us along with a copy of your receipt from an authorized TEIN dealer and we can take of replacement parts for you, once our claims department has handled all necessary paperwork and questionnaire.

Is the current STREET FLEX better than the FLEX Z?

That isn’t necessarily the case. What we’ve done here is now offer a product to match a customer’s price point. In fact, all of our products are listed in terms of customer budget, as well as features.

Prior to deciding what coilover you want to use, we typically want to find out more information from the customer:

-What is the kit being used for?

-Is this car mainly a street car, occasional track (how often), track only?

-What kind of tracks do you drive on, and can you describe the course and road surface?

-If you are already experiencing any concerns with your current ride quality, please tell us what they are.

-What suspension features do you need?

-What is your budget for new suspension?

Those are just some of the questions we ask. Again, ultimately it is about how much you can spend to get the features you need.

We’re very proud to bring this new product for 2015, and most of all, we’re excited to receive such great responses from customers, especially knowing that TEIN quality and technology can be had at a much more affordable price!

Got questions? Give our sales staff a call at 562-861-9161 for more information!

 

A GoPro View of the TEIN Japan Factory!

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We’re obviously a very proud group of employees. Some of us have had the privilege of being able to see TEIN Japan’s manufacturing processes first-hand. In fact, a couple of our employees were part of TEIN Japan’s staff prior to them coming to the U.S. to work at TEIN USA, Inc.’s Operations.

We’ve never claimed to invent the shock absorber (which is not aptly named, mind you; “damper” is more appropriate). Instead, we’re proud to say that we’ve manufactured high performance suspensions using our own engineering, using some of the best manufacturing equipment and materials, and even pioneering our own manufacturing techniques and features unique to TEIN products. We’ve come from very humble beginnings since 1985. Now, 30 years later, we’re looking to make our presence known!

In the beginning of 2014, our factory in Yokohama moved to a new facility, still within Yokohama. This newly built and very advanced facility was an undertaking made specifically to meet the production demands our products have gained over the years.

But, it goes beyond just having a new facility that allows us to ramp up production. We’re a green company! That’s obvious by color, but we’re referring to our operational procedures. Like many manufacturers, we’re faced with certain dilemmas that affect our environment. So, we addressed this matter when the new Yokohama factory was being built. We now utilize solar energy to help power our equipment, we use special paint/coating procedures (even developing our own equipment) to reduce air pollution, and we also recycle our scrap steel and aluminum post manufacturing. We feel these are only a small steps, but  steps in the right direction into maintaining and protecting the world we so love to drive on.

Check out the video!

Now, for 2015, we’ve got another new manufacturing facility already set up in China! TEIN IS GROWING, and it is all thanks to you, our customers, our friends, who demand the best products their money can buy!

Look forward for more updates from us! 2015 will be a great year with so many new products!