Takata had actually released a new line of belts at the beginning of this year. The new lines have some more options available from the color types of the original green color to the new black colors. The belts would also offer either a two and three inch wide belt in the choice of a standard snap on clip or a new bolt on style which can just be bolted into the existing seat belt bolts.
The belt application will vary from the tuner who’s looking to add some bling to his daily driven project but still be street legal who can use the Drift Series belts, to the professional/dedicated racer looking for something to allow the adaptability of the HANS device available in the Race 4 and Race 6 Series belts. Regardless of what you may be looking the new Takata lines would be a little more budget friendly and customizable. For further details of the new belts available please be sure to visit the weblink provided below. Also please be sure to visit Takata’s website for any Takata installation tech info as well as other new Takata products releases.
With the release of the Street Basis and Street Advance for the 2012+ Civic’s, we found a change in the design of the knuckle assembly from the Si models to the standard Non-Si models. This change in design is new to the civic this year as previous model years shared the same knuckle assemblies between models only changing out the brake systems to a larger size for the Si models.
This conversion kit consists of two pairs of 14mm bolts and eight collar washer. When installed properly this kit will convert the 16mm bolt hole on the TEIN damper to allow fitment to the 14mm knuckle assembly. Part number for the kit is SPS12-P9043. This kit is price at $146.00 and is readily available. This kit is a little on the pricey side but would be required if the kit is to be used on a Non-Si model.
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.
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!
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.
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.
We’re glad to see the production units of EDFC Active hit our TEIN USA warehouse! Well, actually, it is a production kit we will be using for a test car so we can try it out for ourselves. In any case, glad to finally get our hands on it and play around with different settings and stuff.
Below are some pics that we took of what comes inside the box.
EDFC Active Controller Kit:
The Controller Kit will be packaged with the Control Unit, Power Supply Filter, Two Driver Units, EDFC Motor Cable, Power Cables for the Front and Rear Driver Units. It will also include some necessary installation pieces like Double-sided tape, Zip ties, Branch Connectors, EDFC Hex Screws, and a few other parts.
After getting past the outer box, which is how we ship it out, you’ll find the actual box for the EDFC Active Controller Kit
This package contains the Front and Rear Driver Unit Power Cables, Zip ties, EDFC Hex Screws, Branch Connectors (T-taps, as it may be referred to), and a few other install items.
This is the Front and Rear Driver Unit (which the EDFC Motors plug in to), EDFC Active Control Unit, and Power Supply Filter.
As you can see, the Driver Unit has the plugs for its own power source to power the EDFC Motors as well as connectors to each EDFC Motor (2 motors per Driver Unit).
This is the Power Supply Filter
This is the EDFC Controller which features all the functions for setting damping to your preference for incremental G-force load. With the optional GPS kit, you will be able to set damping setting increase/decrease based on the vehicles rate of travel (speed). It has a host of other features in such a tiny package.
The Backside of the EDFC Active Controller has a relief to place the cable, should you need to mount it in a specific fashion that needs the cable to run from either side or below the controller.
The optional GPS Kit will come as a small package, too. Basically, it is the sensor and cable as a unit, along with some double-sided tape and serial number.
The GPS Unit is physically small. In all, we’ve tried to make the EDFC Active as discrete and unobtrusive a package, so as not to detract from the vehicle’s interior and create excess bulk.
We will do a follow-up post once we get this on a test car to give you our evaluation!
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 .
As exciting as the launch has been for the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, we were all expecting the aftermarket to blow up with many great parts for these two cars (that share the same platform, in case you didn’t know!). And while that may hold true, what has also become apparent is the lack of information available to the public regarding these parts.
CounterSpace Garage has stepped into this vehicle segment to provide fans of the FR-S and BRZ the most up-to-date information, as well as unbiased product reviews as the parts become available.
CounterSpace Garage comprises of two guys, David Leung and Mike Kang. Both are avid track enthusiasts and operate their own shop catering to the Honda S2000 market, and of course the FR-S/BRZ market. Check out their site when you have a chance.
They approached us last year regarding suspension for their Subaru BRZ. As it sits, it is a relatively stock vehicle. The only aftermarket parts they had on the car at the time were a Berk Technologies Axle-Back Exhaust and Enkei RPF1’s sized 17×8 +45 offset with Hankook Ventus RS3’s sized 224/45. They later added an AP Racing front Big Brake Kit. But that was it.
As luck would have it, we had just received some TEIN Super Racing dampers directly from TEIN Japan. It was a great opportunity to get feedback directly from the BRZ owners.
They had recently put up a post on ft86club.com on their review of our suspension.
We must say that we are quite impressed in how their review went, and we really appreciate their praise for our product! And, to be fair, they’re no slouches when it comes to track driving duties.
They weren’t able to complete all their testing, however. They still have a set of Maxxis Victra RC1’s on Wedsport TC105N’s sized 17×9 +35 to try out, as well as some optional spring rates for the Super Racing dampers. We definitely look forward to that review.
Below are some pictures taken from their ft86club.com post
Below is a video of their lap record for Streets of Willow
Here’s some information regarding our Super Racing dampers for the FR-S/BRZ
-Pillowball Upper Mounts (2 front camber/caster adjustable; 2 rear offset)
-Camber adjustable front lower brackets
-Helper Springs for rear
These are 2-way adjustable dampers. Front struts are inverted with compression adjustment on top and rebound adjustment on the underside. Rears include external reservoir with adjustment knob for compression, while rebound is on the top of the piston shaft. 16×16 way damping resolution for compression and rebound. Compatible with our EDFC (and soon-to-be-released EDFC Active).
Springs are sold separately, giving the end-user the opportunity to tune the suspension to their preference. Recommended is our 10kg/mm front and 12kg/mm rear.
msrp for springs is $140/pair
Spring part numbers (recommended rates)-
RS100-F1140 (10kg ft springs)
RS120-E1150 (12kg rr springs)
Optional springs (special order from Japan)-
RS090-F1140 (9kg ft springs)
RS100-E1150 (10kg rr springs)
RS120-F1135 (12kg ft springs)
RS140-E1150 (14kg rr springs)
These Super Racing dampers are now available through any of our authorized TEIN dealers! In fact, I believe CounterSpace Garage has a special going on for these…..
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.
Full Length adjustable
Twin tube structure
16 level linear damping force adjustment.
Exclusively designed upper mounts are included for some applications.
And now for the Improvements-
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.
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.
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.
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’ve received a lot of requests on the upcoming EDFC Active. Mainly- When will it be released?; What will price be?; What coilovers are they compatible with?
All good questions. So…
When will it be released?
TEIN USA is expecting to receive its first shipments before the end of January. Nothing confirmed yet. But even so, we’re still looking at possibly a mid-February delivery, with several more shipments received from late-February and mid-March. Many of our authorized dealers are taking preorders now to help and secure some sets for their customers.
What will price be?
EDFC Active Controller kit (part number EDK04-P8021) will retail for $433.
EDFC Active GPS Kit (part number EDK07-P8022) will retail for $80.
*Current EDFC Motor Kits (part numbers EDK05-10100, EDK05-10120, EDK05-10140, EDK05-12120, EDK05-12140, EDK05-14140) will work with these new EDFC Active components. Retail for EDFC Motor Kits is $165.
What coilovers are they compatible with?
Some Super Street and Street Advance, as well as all SS-P, Flex, Mono Flex, Super Drift, Comfort Sport, and Super Racing dampers can use the new EDFC Active.
*Super Racing dampers will require, two EDFC Motor Kits (one set for compression and one set for rebound adjustment), as well as two additional Motor Driver Units (1 unit for 2 EDFC Motors).
Please check our website for information on EDFC compatibility
http://www.tein.com/price/index.html
And now, TEIN Japan has released a new video demonstrating EDFC Active and its functions
We are definitely excited to have this new addition to our product lineup. As we had mentioned, this, along with the new Street Flex dampers are sure to make 2013 a great year!
We’re bound to receive more frequently asked questions, so keep posted with us as details become available!
As previously mentioned in a post last month, we are glad to announce our new EDFC ACTIVE. I know, I know, you’re all excited as much as we are. So to ease the anxiety we are detailing all the features on the new product. Feel free to visit our Facebook page, our website, or take a look at last month’s post by Paul to get the full details.
Besides the new EDFC having wireless capabilities and all those extra bells and whistles, did you know that the actual display color can be adjusted to your liking? If not, then as I once heard in a song “If you don’t know, now you know” lol. You can choose from white, green, amber, & blue. In addition to those colors, fine-tunable custom colors are also available.
This is a great feature that was not available in the previous model. So to all who’s pet peeve is not being able to coordinate the color of your controller unit to your gauges or interior. It’s safe to say that you can now see the colors of the rainbow by tapping a button as if you where sending a text on your phone.
