Category Archives: New Products

3-Way Adjustable Dampers

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While not known for having 3-Way adjustable dampers on our shelves available for customers, we do have the technology to add that to our 2-Way adjustable kits, such as our Super Racing dampers.

For those not familiar with 3-way adjustable suspension, it adds a high-speed compression adjustment. That’s the third extra “way” you can tune your suspension.

What’s the benefit?

Well, for one, there is no one setup that is ideal for all parts of the race track. Some portions of track may be relatively smooth, while other portions may have a rumble strip that you have to attack to put or keep you on the correct side of the racing line. So, with having both low-speed and high-speed compression adjustment, the end-user can have a setting that maintains vehicle posture through low-speed bumps where weight transferring isn’t too much of a concern, and on the high-speed bump, the wheel/tire for that specific corner can absorb a much larger impact and deflect quickly, reducing weight transfer and unloading on that wheel/tire. Maintaining tire traction is paramount, and having a low and high-speed compression setting is a huge benefit, providing a form of  “digressive” valving and a sense of duality for your suspension.

Smooth circuits may not seem to take much advantage of having a low and high-speed compression adjustment. In reality, it still makes plenty of sense to have such tuning ability. Again, maximizing tire grip by maintaining tire contact with the pavement means more time for the driver to hold their driving line and stay accelerating.

Smooth circuits may not seem to take much advantage of having a low and high-speed compression adjustment. In reality, it still makes plenty of sense to have such tuning ability. Again, maximizing tire grip by maintaining tire contact with the pavement means more time for the driver to hold their driving line and stay accelerating as long as possible.

This type of tuning is super critical in the world of rally racing, where TEIN engineers have been able to develop our 3+1 tuning (includes hydraulic bump stop) on gravel/dirt courses. Maintaining tire traction is even more important here as any wheel not on the ground translate into having no acceleration. Having such long stroke suspension for rally alone isn’t enough to maintain that traction. Superior ability to tune the suspension for such rough terrain will allow the driver to keep their foot on the gas pedal as long as they can.

Rally is a great example of how critical it is to maintain traction. Suspension tuning for both low and high-speed compression makes a vast difference in how well the tire stays planted while doing much to dissipate weight transfer.

Rally is a great example of how critical it is to maintain traction. Suspension tuning for both low and high-speed compression makes a vast difference in how well the tire stays planted while doing much to dissipate weight transfer.

Tuning can be a little tricky for 3-way adjustable dampers, which is why it isn’t something readily offered as a kit. Not all customers need the extra feature, let alone know how to tune it. But, once you have a few track sessions and get the suspension dialed in for both low and high-speed compression, it can make your driving experience feel rather seamless.

Stateside, Evasive Motorsports has applied our 3-way adjustable dampers for the rear of their Time Attack Mitsubishi Evo IX. We’ve been able to help them dial in their suspension for the somewhat harsh Buttonwillow Raceway (here’s a link to some in-car footage to show you what it is like).

If you have a set of our 2-way adjustable dampers and want to make it a 3-way, give us a call and we can help you with that!

Street Basis for the Honda Element

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We recently went forward with testing of the Street Basis coilover which will replace the Basic. The Basic kit had some consumer concerns when it came down to the kits valving and also spring rates. Many consumers sent in the dampers to have the rears revalved to both a more aggressive spring rate and valving to match the spring rates. This time around further testing had been made to find the optimal ride quality for this kit, and being that another TEIN Staff member (Andres) and I already had the vehicles with an excessive modification to the dampers and the other in its stock form, we had a chance to throw in our own 2 cents.

The initial valving of the Basic was softer than expected for the rear. We both felt that the spring rate and valving should be changed to be more aggressive possible matching our past experiences. The first new spec was not to most of our expectations, not just coming from me but other staff who had a change to test drive the vehicle. They changed it many more times even asking to use my vehicle for the testing as it differed in ride feel from the SC models. Finally they came to a damping spec which, to my surprise, was extremely smooth and balanced for the spring rates used. Let’s just put it this way, the rear would actually still be carrying the same spring rate as the Basic but the fronts were change.

The Street Basis is expected to be released around mid to late February and would be priced around $900.00 MSRP but not confirmed yet. For future updates on the kits release date and pricing, please check back with us on the TEIN websites “New Applications” tab or follow us on Facebook.

Discontinued TEIN Shocks can still be manufactured?

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Do you have a TEIN Suspension on your vehicle that might have been discontinued not too long ago, or even recently, or just have just one shock absorber from a discontinued model that incurred some damaged on the shock body making it unable to be repaired?

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If so, then TEIN now has a solution for you. Through our Specialized Damper Program we will be able to make a just one shock body, or multiple if needed. This is helpful for all those that do not want to spend a large amount of money on a full suspension set up for the vehicle.  We have had a few of our dealers and some customers have this done in the past for their suspension needs.

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If  you should be interested in having this done please contact any of our TEIN Authorized Dealers or send us an email and we will assist you the best as possible.  If possible, please have a part number ready or provide us images of the shock absorber if you are not sure of the model.

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FINALLY THE LONG WAIT IS OVER 2013 HONDA ACCORD SPRINGS

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The wait is finally over for the Honda Accord 4 door 4 Cylinder models.

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The testing and development of our S-Tech springs has been completed for he Honda Accord 4 Cylinder models only, we are still looking for the coupe models and v6 models as well. If you should have one or know of some one that might be interested in letting us borrow their Accord, please follow this link http://www.tein.com/test_vehicle/index.html for all the information you will need to lend us your vehicle for testing.

If you are one of the lucky ones that has a 4 door 4 cylinder models then no need to wait any further.

Part number SKHD6-AUBOO MSRP $335

SPRINGS WILL DIFFER FROM IMAGE

With the S-Tech springs the vehicle will lower a -1.4 inch drop in the front and a -0.6 inch drop in the rear.

 

CARABINER KEY CHAIN

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You might notice a small difference on our New Carabiner Key Chain.

The difference between this NEW model and the OLD model is the new darker green color of the key chain and carabiner, it also comes with an additional key ring.

We currently have the New Carabiner Key Chains available, you can order them from any of our TEIN Authorized Dealers or through our Online Shop.

The new part number is TN016-011 MSRP $9.00

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NEW CARABINER KEY CHAIN

The previous Carabiner Key Chain was a bit lighter in color and only came with key ring holder.

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OLD CARABINER KEY CHAIN

 

Insight – EDFC Active

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With introduction of our new EDFC Active, a system which automatically changes dampening according to speed and G-forces is a leap in technical innovation in which we are known for.  It’s in our name, TEIN (short for TEchnical INnovation).  However I always get asked numerous questions on the track and at car gatherings about what “advantages the new system provides?” and “is it worth it?”  Well having the system installed in my Miata for the past 2 months has allowed me to fully and completely understand the system and help shed a little bit of light on the matter.

Continue reading →

CARBING OIL CATCH TANK VEHICLE SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

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A few weeks back, another TEIN USA employee had done a Blog Post about the Carbing Oil Catch Tanks that we distribute for Okuyama Co., I would like to let you know that they now have Oil Catch Tanks for vehicle-specific applications. This will guarantee a easy set up for the product to be bolted into your vehicle.

Below are just a few of the vehicle application that they have out now, but it is always best to keep a look out on their website for any new products or vehicle-specific products.

http://carbing.co.jp/international/index.shtml 

They have different products for all types of vehicles. Most of these items are a Special Order only but it is a product that we can get into the States. Please verify that the item will work properly for your vehicle as they test and manufacture some of the items for Japanese domestic vehicles.

carbing oil atch can 1

Mitsubishi Evolution (CT9A)

Mitsubishi Evolution (CZ4A)

Subaru Impreza (GVB/GRB)

Toyota (86/FR-S)
Subaru (BRZ)

 

New Defi Gauge Options

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Attention Defi Fans!! Defi has released two lines of gauges for those looking for something a little outside of the box.

DEFI RS.C2 (Small)

The first of the two is the Defi Advance C2 gauge series. Now I know that most of you are going to  say “Why in Pink?,” but give them a chance as they aren’t bad looking! They actually look quite nice! These gauges require the use of the Advance Control Unit similar to the Advance BF and Advance CR series and,  as detailed,  come in a Pink color or a Blue color for the trim. The needle and bezel are a retro silver color, which accents the gauges really well and work with the numbers which light up a bright white. These gauges are only offered in Boost, Manifold Pressure, Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure, Oil Temperature, Water Temperature, Exhaust Temperature, and Tachometer in 9000 and 11000 RPM.

DEFI C2

DEFI C2 Pricelist.REV

 The second gauge is more of a nostalgic throwback with the Defi RS gauges. I’ll be honest with everyone, these gauges are extremely good looking, as some of you may already know, I am partial to old school cars. A lot of older Japanese vehicles have Nippon Seiki’s “NS” logo on the OE cluster to which these gauges also had it placed on the face. The colors offered are the same as many of the old school cars did, in that classic green color and the classic white that is interchangable (one gauge = 2 different color options). These gauges also require the use of the Advance Control Unit and would be offered in  Boost, Manifold Pressure, Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure, Oil Temperature, Water Temperature, and Exhaust Temperature. An 80mm Tachometer is currently in development, but also expected to be released in the near future.

DEFI RS

DEFI RS Pricelist.REV

 

Both gauges are currently on a Special Order type basis and can be purchased through any TEIN Authorized Dealer. However, these gauges may not be around for too long, as Defi decided to have limited production manufacturing of both gauges. The C2 gauge manufacturing would be ending in June of 2014 and the manufacturing of the RS gauges would be ending in February 2015. If any of these gauges do catch your eye, I recommend taking advantage of these gauges while supplies last.

NEW TAKATA ACCESSORY PRODUCTS

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If you have not heard yet TAKATA now has street legal seat belt harness and racing series belts as well. I believe another member of TEIN USA will give further details of this on another post.

I’m here to mention the accessory items that can be used with the new belts and some that are available to use on the vehicles.

First of all, TAKATA has developed 3 different type of Seats, yes that is correct TAKATA now has seats for your vehicle.

They offer the Street Pro LE Seat. Built around tubular steel frame, this reclining seat is designed for comfort and support for spirited driving. Covered in black Spacer fabric with Carbon Fiber look vinyl patches to protect the heavy wear areas it has the TAKATA Logo embroidered on front and back of the headrest. For more features and specifications click this TAKATA link.

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Another Seat that they offer is the Limited Edition TAKATA Drift Pro LE seat this is a masterpiece of automotive seat engineering, creating an amazing light-weight, hybrid composite recliner, with a stunning pure carbon backrest with a TAKATA green diamond stitch pattern, high-density molded polyurethane foam, polished stainless steel chassis work. This seat redefines the category of light weight sport seats. The seat comes standard with an integrated seat heater for street-driven cars for modern comfort. For more Features and Specifications click this TAKATA link.

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They also carry the limited edition TAKATA Race LE Seat, which is an incredibly safe, deep-sided and extremely rigid seat that still allows freedom of movement for all disciplines. The black Spacer Fabric, stitched in subtle TAKATA Green, keeps you cool. High backed, fully HANS® compatible with increased kidney protection, but relieved below the shoulders for lateral arm movement, this seat allows you to really get over the wheel and take control without any compromise on what is known as one of the most comfortable seats in the industry. Comes in two sizes, Standard and Wide (+30mm) to ensure a perfect fit for every driver.  For more Features and Specifications click this TAKATA link.

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Other then seat and seat belts, they also just released the Tow Strap for your race car with Tow Hook.  Available in green and black, with TAKATA Logo embroidered. With bendable stainless steel bolt-on hardware for up to 7/16″ or max 12 mm bolt; capable of pulling over 1800 kg (4000 lbs). For more specifications follow this link TAKATA tow strap.

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For those that enjoy the comfort of the TAKATA shoulder pads they now offer them in a 2 inch or 3 inch width.  Click on the size for more information.

 

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