Author Archives: Sergio M.

Tie Rod/Tie Rod Ends & Pillowball Tension Rods

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Okay so you are in 240sx at a stop light about to make a left then suddenly realize you need to make a U turn, but your not sure if you have enough space.  Well if you had TEIN Tie Rods and Ends you wouldn’t be doubting yourself.

The Tie Rods and Tie Rod Ends (combined) increase your steering angle, improve turning radius and are a huge improvement from  your OE parts.  These Tie rods and Tie rod ends are 10%-55% stronger than your OE parts (numbers vary depending on vehicle) due to the higher quality material and larger diameter of the components.

The kit comes with hardware for either an OE set up or anyone who wants a more aggressive steering angle or just beefier components.

Tie Rod kits start at $88.00

Tie Rod Ends start at $88.00

Click here to see the line up and MSRP.

(Kits are also available for G35 and 350Z)

As for caster adjustment for your 240sx you can upgrade to TEIN’s Pillowball Tension Rods.  The Pillowball type rods improves your acceleration and deceleration. Reason behind this is it controls the movement of the of the lower arms better than the OE bushings. Your steering response will improve, body roll will decrease and wheel alignment will stay more accurate.  The OE rods have huge rubber bushings which deteriorate badly causing unwanted movement and slop.

The tension rod (which are made of carbon steel, S45C) includes an adjustable turnbuckle with rubber encapsulated NMB pillowball bearing, which allows you to adjust the angle of the caster for a more precise alignment and increased strength.

Starting MSRP $290.oo

Click here for the full line up available.

Gr.N with F.R.S. Spec

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Hey everyone. You guys might be familiar with our Gr. N dampers but we are now taking those dampers to the next level with our Gr.N with F.R.S.

For those who do not know what F.R.S. is, I will explain the basic features and functions.

F.R.S. is an acronym for Fast Rebound System

This Fast Rebound System operates when the mechanical sensor detects a change in load on the tires. FRS is especially effective when going through large gaps or making jumps.

F.R.S. reduces the possibility of the vehicle bottoming out and keeps the tires on the ground for traction. This will in turn mean faster stage times and better grip on rough surfaces.

Two adjustable points of F.R.S.
1)F.R.S. Start Point
The switch mechanism for the F.R.S. is the belleville washer (disc Spring). As the load on tire gets closer to zero, the F.R.S. operates more actively to give you more traction. Different combination of the Belleville washers allow you to control the amount of load transferred, giving you more possibilities in settings.
2) Opening F.R.S.
When the F.R.S. operates, the by-pass valve is opened to allow rebound damping force to instantly decrease. By altering the amount F.R.S. opens the valve, excess rebound movement of the vehicle or downward load can be adjusted accordingly.

For Further Information and Brochure you can click HERE.

TEIN’S Black Box

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In previous blogs we have discussed the difference between the old and new EDFC unit and motors, how to install the EDFC, how to read the error codes on the EDFC and featured vehicles with the EDFC installed.  However we have not discussed what this little black box does.

The EDFC, which stands for Electronic Damping Force Controller, controls the stiffness and softness of your suspension on the fly.  Whether you are on the track or on the street you can change your settings accordingly.  The unit has three presets for quick adjustments.  It has separate control buttons for front and rear adjustments, the ability to switch from 16 way adjustable to 32 way adjustable.  You can even change the brightness and volume of the control.  The EDFC DOES NOT lower or raise the vehicle.

If you have a Super Street (select applications), Super Street kit with Upper Pillow mounts, Flex, Mono Flex, Super Drift, Comfort Sport, Euro Damper and Super Racing Dampers the EDFC is compatible with your kit.

MSRP for Controller (EDK04-K4469)  $253.00

MSRP for Motor Kit (model depending on vehicle) $165.00

MSRP for Strut Kit (Recommended for vehicles with Strut type front only)  $33.00

EDFC Controller in Gordon Ting built Lexus ISF

Finding the right XMAS Present

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With Christmas around the corner, finding the right present for that special someone (more than likely yourselves) is difficult.  Which damper kit should I go with?  Well I’m here to help.  There are many of you that just want to lower the car maybe an inch or two, increase the grip/ stability and maintain a good ride quality on surface streets and freeway.  Tein Basic Damper kit is the way to go.

Basic Damper Kit Starting MSRP $810.00

If you are looking for a damper kit suitable for street and the occasional track day then maybe the Super Streets are the way to go.  You will be able to adjust the height as well as the damping force (16-way front and rear).  You can also go with the Super Street with Pillowball Upper mounts (not available for all makes).  The pillowball upper mounts  will increase steering response, allow you to adjust camber (strut types) as well as make the kit EDFC compatible.

Super Street Damper Kit Starting MSRP $1080.00

Super Street With Pillowball Upper Mounts Starting MSRP $1390.00

Now if you want a more adjustment and tuning capability then the Flex Damper kit is what you are looking for.  It includes pillowball upper mounts (with camber adjustment for strut type), 16-way damping force adjustment, is EDFC compatible and most importantly is full length adjustable.  You can build your track car and still drive it on the streets without compromising the ride quality.

Flex Damper Kit Starting MSRP $1530.00

TEIN 370Z rolling on Flex

Happy Holidays!

NEW ATI PRODUCTS

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HEY EVERYONE!!!

Check out these NEW GAUGE PODS by ATI recently released!!!

This is the New Vent Pod for the 2010 Mustangs, it is angled so that the Owner can see the gauge properly. This owner has the TEIN EDFC as well must be rockin’ the Flex Dampers .

Check out the Dodge Challenger Vent Pod.  It will look great on the Challengers.

Look at this Good looking Vent Pod for the Dodge Charger.

Take a look at the 2009+ Mini Coopers Vent Pods they sure make the Cluster stand out  more.

Check out the Gauge Pod for the Nissan 370z without Navigation System. The Gauges are angled so that the owner can read the gauges properly.

This is how it will be installed on the Nissan 370z.  Check out Dampachi just chilling on the windshield.

Reminder: All Vent Pods are inserts they do not come with the outer housing. The housing is actually the OEM piece an would have to be re-used.

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.

STILL A KID AT HEART

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Hey everyone. I was walking around the office one day and found all these COOL toy cars around.

I was wondering how we got so many toy cars and why we even had them.

It seems that they were all given to us by the manufacturers since we gave them permission to use our company logo as you can see in the bumper and side skirt of this Scion XB.

These two are replicas of the Falken Tire drift cars vehicles that we have sponsored. Oh how Vaughn’s Mustang has changed over the years.

We have all sorts of sizes for these cars. They range from medium size die cast to small Hot Wheels as well.  I had fun shooting these toy/ replica cars as it reminded me of a time when I would just look in my toy box and spend countless hours playing with my toy cars. Even now, if I see a Hot Wheels that I like you, I still buy it.

I wish I could of open the package and play with all of them, HAHAHAHA!!.

We even have some that were given to use with display stand like this one from Jada toys.

It was nice re-living my childhood now back to work. LOL

Defi Advance ZD Sport Package Now Available

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Hey everyone the Defi Advance ZD is now available to purchase in the US.

We currently just received some stock of this Advance ZD bundle. You will receive the Advance ZD $399 plus the Defi Control Unit $192, Advance Oil Pressure Sensor Set $224, Advance Oil Temperature Sensor Set $113 and the Advance Water Temperature Sensor Set $113.  If the items were to be sold separately the cost would be greater than the $859 that this Sport Package retails for.

Features

The display is high-brightness and high-definition OLED

Time of 0-60mph and 0-100mph can be measured

Warm-up mode is equipped to guard the engine

Self-diagnosis system detects disconnection of wire, short circuit and communication error, and indicates error condition.

Warning value can be set(the display is highlighted and buzzer sounds during warning) Buzzer can be set on/off

Display pattern can be selected from 4 display modes. (maximum 6 items can be displayed all together on one GAUGE display.)

And many more Features…

GAUGE1 DISPLAY

As you can see this display will show you the Tacho, Water Temp., Oil Temp., Speed, Oil Press.

GAUGE2 DISPLAY

STREET DISPLAY

TIME ATTACK DISPLAY

Hurry and order yours today. DEFI products can be purchased through any TEIN Authorized Dealer.

HYBRIDS

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Compact Hybrids are a growing trend here in the states especially with the soon to be released CR-Z. In Japan the Prius is the number one selling car and a lot of the famous tuners and manufacturers own CR-Zs.

The automotive industry has been pushing the hybrid models and now you can find many models with a hybrid version. I do not consider these real hybrids as they were not designed to be hybrids from the start. The hybrids that were designed to minimize drag and maximize fuel economy are in my opinion, ugly (with the exception of the Porsche 918 Spyder, drool). I get the reasoning but that does not mean it makes for a good looking car. However browsing through Japanese magazines I have seen some nicely modified hybrids that I have opened my mind (I guess almost anything looks better slammed).

Honda Insight from Nisei Showoff this past weekend. Photo from www.speedhunters.com

Mugen CR-Z in Japan. Photo from www.autoguide.com


Tommy Kaira Prius. Photo taken from www.autoblog.com

However in the US, there are VERY few examples of modified Hybrid cars maybe because owners do not think there are aftermarket parts readily available here. TEIN actually manufactures coilover kits and lowering springs for some of the hybrid vehicles (Prius lowering springs are actually a stocking item). We just finished up test fitment and roads tests for the US version CR-Z as well. S.Tech lowering springs, Super Street and Mono FLEX coilover will be available later this year.

Honda CR-Z with Super Street coilovers.

I got a chance to drive the CR-Z and I immediately compared it to my 1988 CR-X. I have had my HF CR-X for a few years and I love it. Sure it does not have any of the amenities of a newer car like power steering, power windows, power mirrors, CD player, bluetooth, etc… but I get  50 mpg (city) and 56 mpg (highway). My 22 year old car actually gets better gas mileage than the CR-Z and Prius. Admittedly it is not as fast or has as much torque but I really like the styling.


My 22 year old Honda CR-X with BASIC coilovers and aftermarket wheels.

One day I might consider purchasing a hybrid but until then I will enjoy my ’88 CRX.