Author Archives: Sergio M.

Coilover Mixing Headaches

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Hey Everyone! Back again with some more tech tips which hopefully help out with you TEIN coilover systems.

Generally around this time of the year we receive many TEIN dampers sent in for our overhaul service. Most customers are looking to do a base repair and possibly consider some replacement parts for the dampers.

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However, some times the parts they are looking for may not exactly be a TEIN part. Some coilover kits we offer at times may not come with the pillowball uppermount as a feature desired and the customer decided to look elsewhere for a mount that they can adapt to the coilover system. Although some companies do claim that their pillow mounts would work with multiple manufacturers, the possiblilty of a misinstallation is still there, as you can see from the attached photos.

P1070284 (Small) P1070281 (Small) P1070279 (Small)

 

Most pillow mounts offered utilize the following components:

1) A  design-specific lower collar or washer which the bottom of the mount would sit against on the damper piston shaft.

2) A collar or pillow nut (Pillow nuts commonly used on Macpherson strut type dampers) used above the mount to center and maintain the mount bearing to the piston shaft.

3) A top nut (Commonly used on Multi-link type dampers) to secure the mount to the piston shaft.

Even if used on the dampers it may not be the correct type/design for the piston shaft causing the mount to be loose creating noise during normal operation and/or odd wear to the the piston shaft surface which can eventually lead to a break on the shaft, or can even catastrophic internal damages due to a design flaw which would allow the component to bypass the bump stop and max out the damper stroke.

P1070272 (Small) P1070271 (Small) P1070276 (Small)

All of these situations can definitely take a bit out of you wallet and give you a bad headache. With the details and photos shown, I do caution anyone who does consider mix-n-matching coilover system components. Make sure that fitment is solid, and check the fitment if any noises are heard And if multiple collars are required to properly mount, you may want to consider not using the mounts and whether going with another type or just sticking with the coilover manufacturers recommendations. It would save you time, money, and a bad headache.

2013 HONDA ACCORD PRODUCT NOW IN DEVELOPMENT

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To all 2013 Honda Accord owners waiting for TEIN Suspension…

2013-Honda-Accord-Sedan-Rear-Angle

 

We are in the final stages of development for both the Springs and Coil-over applications for the 2013 Accord.

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These suspension components will be available by August of this year. I know it’s still about 5 months away, but you know what they say- “the best things in life are worth waiting for.”

We will update you with part numbers and pricing as we get closer to the release date.

 

New Damper Keychain!

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Introducing the NEW DAMPER KEYCHAIN!.

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TN016-008-GB

Here is a brief description of the keychain. There are no major differences between the  size of the current Damper Key Chain TN016-008 with the new model, as shown on the images below the major differences will be the color of the Shock Body, Upper Mount, Spring, and Seat Locks.

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This damper key chain also comes with the Adjust Wrenches so that the lower bracket and spring seats can be adjusted and locked to the drop height of your choice.

The part number of the new damper keychain is TN016-008-GB and would retail for $13, the same price as the original. This keychain can be purchased from any of our TEIN Authorized Dealers or through our Online Shop.

Below are some more images of the new damper keychain as well as older damper keychain for a better look at the two. Both will be sold side by side which would leave you with the ultimate question of which to choose from or an easier solution would be to pickup both keychains! The choice is yours!

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EDFC Motor Extension Kit?

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That’s right!! TEIN Japan is currently in the works designing an extension component for the EDFC motors and is called the EDFC Motor Extension Kit. This kit would allow the adaptability of  EDFC and EDFC Active to those kits which may not have enough room or space in the engine compartment or rear trunk/ bulk head area.

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Although this extension kit will allow for fitment for those hard to fit areas, keep in mind that some kits even though not EDFC compatible may have other reasons as to why they would not be compatible. The best suggestion would be to either reference my previous blog post “EDFC Fitment Check” to determine  initial compatibility or contact us direct to assist you in determining the compatibility.

This kit seems to be an excellent option even if you have sufficient space in the mounting area. It would tidy up space as well as add a more compact look to the coilover. We will follow up later in the year with an expected release date for the kit, until then you can periodically check both our main website and our blog for any news.

Another Win for the Rally xD Team!!!

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Congratulations to the Rally xD Team for another win. Their victory in the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood makes it two in a row! They took first place in the 2wd class clocking an excellent lead over second place with a commanding 2 mins and 14 second gap. We tip our hats to you and keep up the great work, guys.

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More information on this event can be found at Rally America

As well as on Rally xD’s Facebook page

TEIN TECH CALL ON CANIBEAT

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Hey everyone. This had actually slipped by me a few months back, so I wanted to highlight it. The owner, Cass Farrell, had actually contacted us regarding his coilover kit on his 2010 Acura TL looking for a way to drop the vehicle just a bit more. With that being said and I being a slam head I helped him locate some replacement front springs which may work for him. He called once more asking for me, thanking me for the advise and that the spring worked out awesomely on his car and was now looking to get the rears in a shorter length for more adjustment. Once again, I looked into it for him locating a spring part number he could use, and he thanked me for the helpful assistance.

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A few weeks had gone by when he call up asking for me. He wanted to thank me for the suggestions I had given him for both the front and rear spring changes. His car now sits with just a bit lower of a stance and looks amazing. Even before I could ask for photos he forwarded me over a link to Canibeat with photos of his car. I went ahead and checked the link out and was surprised. The only reason I say surprised is that this particular TL was not exactly the best looking Acura had released (this was also mentioned in the feature), but this one changed my mind. Of course only if modded.

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I tip my hat to Cass Farrell for definitely changing up this TL, bringing together the a bit of boring luxury with the insane aggressive street stance to make a work of art.

For details of Cass’s TL and for more photos check out http://www.canibeat.com/2012/10/deal-with-it-cass-farrells-2010-acura-tl-advance/ .

TEIN Polyurethane Bushings

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TEIN is releasing bushings? That’s right! TEIN has released its own brand of Polyurethane bushings!

Of course, as most folks already know, polyurethane bushings share the characteristics of both plastic and rubber. The TEIN bushings are more durable and superior than standard rubber bushings, able to withstand harsher temperatures (-50 degrees to 120 degress C), have a higher tear strength with a  resistance to oils, solvents, and chemicals sometimes encountered in the automotive industry, and an inner collar which is thicker that OE adding strength along with rust prevention with the zinc-coating.

The TEIN bushing’s design offers a self-lubricating formula in the polyurethane along with full-floating technology which minimizes friction in the control arm’s range of motion, allowing for smooth rotation rather than a firm jerky feel felt with standard bushings. These bushings have been rigorously tested in both simulated and real world conditions use in WRC events through out the world.

Check out the video attached below which demonstrates the difference between a standard bushing and our bushing line. The bushing are unfortunately limited to only three applications, Subaru STI 08+, Subaru BRZ 12+, and Toyota 86/ Scion FR-S. For further info please visit http://tein.co.jp/e/products/bushes/index.html .

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The Rally xD off to a great 2013 start!

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Congratulations to Andrew Comrie-Picard /Jeremy Wimpey and the Rally xD team for their win in the Two-Wheel Drive National Class in their Scion Racing Rally xD!

First Day Result: Andrew Comrie-Picard and Jeremy Wimpey leads the 2WD Class in their Scion xD at the end of the first day 1:18.1

Second Day Result: Andrew Comrie-Picard still leads in the 2WD Class after stage 17 by +3:13.8

Check the Road Coarse conditions video to get a better understanding of how the track and snow conditions that they had to face this past weekend were.

 

 

 

A First Prize Inquiry

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Hi everyone, back again with something a little different. Just wanted to highlight a consumer’s car for this month’s blog post.

Fred Hamilton had originally contacted TEIN with a tech inquiry regarding a set of TEIN Flex coilovers he had purchased. He made the requested changes along with any other suggested adjustments to his system. He then called back thanking us for the assistance. I went ahead and asked for some photos of his vehicle which he had detailed at that time that the vehicle would be both a daily driver and show car. He gladly sent over some photos of the vehicle and let me know that he was going to attend an event that following month and that he would send me photos of the event.

Later that month as mentioned he contacted me informing me that he would be sending over photos of the event and that he had won 1st place for Best Display at the Import Face-Off in Baytown Texas.

 

 I congratulated him on his victory and told him to send me over the complete list of modifications done to the car as I would gladly post a blog entry for his vehicle for being a great guy all around and being a committed and supportive TEIN fan.

Below are some photos and a modification list of his car.

Performance:

Auto to Manual Swap

H23 Vtec Engine Swap w/LSD Transmission

Chipped P28 ECU

Stage 2 Competition Clutch w/Lightweight Flywheel

Skunk2 Pro Series Intake Manifold w/Hondata Intake Manifold Gasket

Megan Racing 4-2-1 Header

JDM Camshaft Seal (Blue)

NGK Spark Plug Wires

Denso Iridium IK20 Spark Plugs

NRG Upper Strut Bar Modified

NRG Radiator Cap

OBX Blue Silicone Radiator Hoses

SRS Turbo Racing Exhaust System

Innovative Motor Mount Kit

 

Suspension and Wheels:

TEIN Flex Coilovers for Japanese Euro R

Megan Front and Rear Camber Kits

17×7.5 Gunmetal w/polished lip Nex-o Wheels

205/45R17 Dunlop Dirrezzas

Black Rays Engineering Lug nuts

 

Cosmetics:

Extreme Dimensions Duraflex Fiberglass Front Bumper, Side skirts, and Rear Lip Kit

Custom GM Graphics Green Metallic Paint

Custom CG Headlights

5300K McCulloch HID Kit

Password JDM Valve Cover Washers

NRG Fender Washers

Interior:

Acura Weighted Shift Knob

LED Gauge and Dash Lights

Alpine CDE-123 Head unit w/ Pioneer Coaxial Speakers

Momo Steering Wheel with NRG Quick Release Hub Kit

 Once again thank you Fred for your continued support and best of luck to you in the 2013 show/event year.

 

Street Flex?

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Now there has been a lot of talk about our New Street Flex coil-over system. TEIN Japan has had a head start on getting the product launch, and it has been generating a lot of inquiries for us stateside. I’m here to share the new specs and information about the system with you.


So, let’s start of with the similarities of the Flex and Street Flex applications.

  1. Full Length adjustable
  2. Twin tube structure
  3. 16 level linear damping force adjustment.
  4. Exclusively designed upper mounts are included for some applications.

And now for the Improvements-

  1. Damping force adjustment with Advance Needle. “ADVANCE Needle”, which is proven effective in STREET ADVANCE, for 16-level damping force adjustment feature (compression & rebound together) widens damping force adjustment range; Nearly 200% compared to existing products! Greater adjustment range gives you more setting capabilities and thus makes it easier than ever to find the desired setting.
  2. Improved Durability. Improved, redesigned oil seal and ring nut with dust-discharge groove on side are used. Such new and advanced parts improve the durability, preventing contamination by foreign matters which can lead to the reduction of product life. Final assembly of shock absorbers is now done in a dedicated clean room, which is almost equivalent to operating room, to thoroughly eliminate the cause of oil leak. Room pressure is kept under control to shut out dust & dirt and all workers entering the room must go through an air shower to make sure all the assembly work is done in completely clean air.
  3. Tough anti-rust treatment. The patented “2-layer/1-bake” treatment using anti-rust powder paint is applied on top of the blast finish to the base surface. On the shell case, TEIN’s self-developed one-of-a-kind “ZT Coating” is applied, for tougher protection against chipping, often caused by deflected pebbles/debris. We are confident that people living in snowfall area or near sea shores will be very satisfied.
  4. Smooth ride height adjustment. STREET FLEX has adopted new wrought aluminum spring seats and low-friction hard-resin thrust washers. These effectively reduce the friction with springs, caused during ride height adjustment, and makes it easier to adjust the ride height with pre-load on the springs.
    The ZT Coating, a super low-friction fluorine resin coating, is tightly baked onto the shell case surface in-house. This special coating provides superior protection against rust and high lubricity, keeping a smooth adjustment for a long period.

High-Quality yet Affordable!

Fundamental structure, persistently being improved and matured over the past 15 years, is now reviewed in terms of VA & VE and 40% of its existing components are re-designed. With this, the durability against oil leaks and/or aged deterioration is well improved and the operating noise is reduced. Also, the introduction of new production processes improves the productive efficiency and hence the overall cost is well reduced. This new product is sure to satisfy wide variety of users; from novice to expert.

We currently have the following applications In Stock and ready to ship. Please contact any our TEIN Authorized Dealers for purchase. http://www.tein.com/dealer_list/index.html

PART #

VEHICLE YEAR/MODEL

CHASSIS

MSRP

GSB48-51SS3

2004-2008 ACURA TSX

CL9

$1,350.00

GSH00-51SS3

1996-2000 HONDA CIVIC

EM1/EJ6,7,8

$1,350.00

GSM40-51SS1

1990-2005 MAZDA MIATA

NA8C/NB8C

$1,350.00

GSQ54-51SS1

2013+ SCION FR-S

ZNA

$1,580.00

GSQ54-51SS1

2013+ SUBARU BRZ

ZCA

$1,580.00

GSQ08-51AS3

2010+ TOYOTA PRIUS

ZVW30

$1,680.00

GST60-51SS3

1993-1998 TOYOTA SUPRA

JZA80L

$1,450.00

GST76-51SS3

1998-2005 LEXUS GS300/400/430

JZS/UZS160L

$1,450.00

GSY20-51SS3

2000-2005 LEXUS IS300

JCE10L

$1,450.00

GST60-51SS3

1992-2000 LEXUS SC300/400

UZZ30L

$1,450.00