Category Archives: News

Overhaul Packing Recommendations

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Alright future TEIN service customers,  just wanted to let everyone know about packing products which are being sent in for services to either TEIN East or West facilities. I’m one of the main staff members that checks in overhaul repairs and have came across some poorly packed packages.  I would like to give everyone a few tips which could save you some headaches and money.

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TIP #1 BOX SIZE and PACKING MATERIAL – Be careful with the box size and packing materials used to avoid any damaged product or package refusal. Be wary of the freight companies because once the package leaves your hands to when it arrives in ours we dont know what the package has gone through.

The product received here in this picture was a bit heavier then what the box could handle.

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TIP #2 DO NOT COMPRESS THE DAMPER – Never try to use any type of hard wire cable or custom metal bracket to compress and hold in the piston rod of the damper to fit into a smaller size box as this could break  free and tear through the box possibly create damage on the piston rod or any other pieces included in the package. Times are tough but not tough enough that you cant get a bigger box or pay the differnce in costs for using a bigger box.

This package arrived open as shown in the photo. Because it was packed with newspaper it didn’t offer any cushioning or padding which burst through the box.  When asked “What happened to the box?” the delivery driver claimed, ” That’s the way we got it.”  This is a perfect example of a package that would be refused as we cannot know what was supposed to be in the box.

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TIP #3 PROPER PACKING MATERIALS – Extra cardboard for more cushion or padding on top, bottom and all four sides is recommended. Packing peanuts, bubble wrap and foam packing are always good packing materials that can be used (Note: Newspaper is not a great choice of packing material).

The ends of the box where the piston rod rest is a great area to place extra padding or cardboard

Bubble wrapping is a great way to add some more protection. Sending only what is needed for inspection or service will save money on shipping and reduce the chances for damage or loss during shipping.

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TIP #4 USE A SUITABLE BOX – Be sure prior to packing and sending out the repairs the box can handle the weight of the product being sent in. The boxes usually have a box certification detail marked at the bottom of the box with maximum weight, size limit, bursting test, etc….

Be careful with any boxes that may not provide those specifications as they may not be able to take the weight. Use these packing recommendations and you should be in great shape.

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I hope you use my tips because I would hate to call and tell you that we did not receive all the parts you sent in or worst case that your package was refused.

TEIN Sponsored EVO X

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Congratulations to Elliott M., otherwise known as Mr. Super Lap Battle, for getting his EVO X on the cover of the latest issue of Import Tuner magazine (May issue). Elliott’s EVO X GSR shares the cover with Yimi Sports Subaru STI and model, Leianna Kai.

This Octane Blue Pearl EVO X GSR was actually our SEMA booth car in 2008 and we have had a hand in building it over the past 2 years. Avid Import Tuner magazine fans have problem seen this EVO X in various installation articles, parts tests,  and coverage from the 2008 and 2009 Super Lap Battle finals as well as Import Tuner EVO vs STI Shootout. Elliott’s EVO X has clocked a best time of 2:00 flat at Button Willow Raceway – Time Attack configuration with Rob Walker behind the wheel. The time is decently quick consider it was running street tires. Pickup the issue to get the full specs on the car and read the detailed coverage of the 2009 EVO vs STI Shootout.

Car parked in the TEIN booth at the 2008 SEMA Show.

Track testing back in 2008 when the car only had Mono FLEX coilovers, Volk RE30, a set of street tires, and a few AMS Performance bolt-ons. While at the track with tried a few different spring rates, adjusted ride height, and alignment settings to obtain optimal performance on the street tires.

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You can also check out a behind the scenes video of the photo shoot at the Import Tuner website.

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GARAGE SALE 3.28.2010

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We are having our second ever Garage Sale on Sunday, March 28th. Event will be held at TEIN USA Headquarters in Downey, CA. Mackin Industries and Carbonetic will also be in attendance and selling selected items at heavy discount.

TEIN will be selling selected applications and quantities of:

TEIN – coilovers, lowering springs, performance bar and of course TEIN novelty goods.

DEFI – select gauges

Fujitsubo – select Legalis R and RM01A exhaust systems

Carbing – select products

AutoTech Interiors – gauge pods

Certain items are marked off up to 50%. We will be selling limited quantities of select “popular” application coilovers and lowering springs.

A complete list of Garage Sale items from TEIN, Mackin, and Carbonetic will be released on March 19th. You can see the list by visiting www.tein.com/garagesale/2010.html or click HERE.


Come early as quantities are limited. Check back on this blog for updates all the way up to and during the Garage Sale.

2010 HONDA CR-Z Released in Japan

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TEIN Japan recently took delivery on their newest demo car which is the 2010 Honda CR-Z. They have already begun product development and are planning to release the Mono FLEX coilovers as well as High.Tech lowering springs for the Japanese Domestic market.

The CR-Z is “supposed” to be a Sport Hybrid. Comes with a 1.5L Hybrid engine which makes 84KW @ 6,000 (about 113 HP). The weighs in at 1130-1180kg depending on options which is about 2491-2601lbs. Does not sound sporty in comparison to other US vehicles but I guess we’ll have to wait to test drive one.

Front suspension is a MacPherson Strut layout which has the benefit of being lower in cost, having less moving parts and leaves plenty of space for the drive axle.

Rear is a Torsion Beam layout. As you can see the spring and shock is separately mounted. This has become a common rear suspension layout for many manufacturers due to relative low cost and ability to retain more interior space.

This is one of the hottest cars in Japan right now and TEIN is working long hours to finish the development quickly to meet the huge consumer demand. There is already a large back order for the vehicle from Honda.

TEIN Japan is also testing the automatic version.

Once the car is released in the US we will try to locate a test vehicle and begin our own development/ testing processes. TEIN products are developed for the specific region in which they are sold to best match consumer demands. In most cases the US spec products are more aggressive in spring rate and valving as well as drop range.

DEFI Advance CR Install with Modified magazine

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We just finished up the installation of the new DEFI Advance CR into Modified magazine’s project EVO X. Chief editor, Peter Tarach, picked the 60mm black face meters which match well with the EVO X’s OEM cluster. He also decided to add the visors to the 3 gauges sitting atop the dash to aid in blocking glare. Billet ALFiT water and oil sensor adapters were used to complete the install. Pickup Modified magazine to see the progress on this EVO X build.

The new Advance CR meters feature: a wired remote control, ability to switch illumination colors, electric sensors, stepping motors, daisy chain technology, and much more. Available in 52mm and 60mm in black or white face. You can learn more about the new DEFI Advance CR meters HERE.

DEFI Advance CR meters and accessories are available now through any Authorized TEIN Dealer, click here for a list of dealers in your area.

Flodin uses TEIN Gr.N Dampers to Win in P-WRC

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Patrik Flodin took home the Production Car category win at Rally Sweden on Feb. 14th, 2010 using TEIN Gr.N coilovers. Flodin is currently driving a 2009 Subaru STI (GRB) which was prepared and maintained by TEIN Russia Authorized Dealer, Uspenskiy Rally Technica. This same car won the 2009 Russia Rally Championship with Flodin behind the wheel. TEIN has been a proud supporter of Patrik Flodin who has been using TEIN coilovers since 2006.

TEIN Gr.N coilovers have been used on Production Car – World Rally Championship (P-WRC) since 2005, and in the following series:

Russia Rally Championship, Finnish Rally Championship, All Japan Rally Championship, China Rally Championship, Rally America (including X-Games), British Rally Championship, All Japan Dirt Trial Championship, Norway Rally Championship, African Rally Championship, Asia Pacific Rally Championship, Polish Rally Championship, and many more localized events.

Gr.N coilover features:

• 3+1 – way damping force adjustment32-way High Speed Compression16-way Low Speed Compression16-way Rebound16-way Hydraulic Bump Stopper

• Inverted Mono Tube Construction for strut types (18mm piston dia.)

• Hydraulic Bump Stop is independently 16-way adjustable so traction is not affected

• Temperature Compensating Valve automatically adjusts damping force to counter act oil viscosity

• Micro Speed Valve allows for greater control of oil flow at low speed damping

• External Reservoir for great oil capacity and increased piston stroke

• Camber washer for knuckle bracket on strut type

Past TEIN USA Demo Cars

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Was looking through some older pictures on our server and found these. Some of the modifications may be considered out-of-date but at the time these cars were built this was the trend.

2004 Scion xB – built in 2004, debuted at SEMA 2004.  Featured TEIN’s Hybrid Wagon Dampers which allows for ride height adjustment from the cockpit. Greddy turbo kit, custom metal widebody, Bride seats front and rear, custom dash, Racing Hart wheels, and complete Lightning Audio setup. Was sold a couple times, last seen with new a paint job and many of the goodies removed.

1999 Nissan Silvia S15 – initially built in 2005, debuted at SEMA 2005, and went on to continually be modified/ revised/ re-tuned until 2007. 650WHP, RB28DETT (stroked), V-mount, OS Giken 6-speed sequential transmission, TEIN Super Racing coilovers, C-West widebody, stitch welded, crazy roll cage, too much to list. Now owned by a private party in California.

2006 Honda Civic Si Coupe – built in 2005, debuted at SEMA 2005. Custom metal widebody, custom turbo setup, custom red suede interior, TEIN Mono FLEX coilovers, Enkei RPF1 Type RC wheels, etc… Stolen while on the HIN tour and later recovered completely stripped.

2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI mk. V – built in 2006, debuted at SEMA 2006. Featured TEIN Euro Dampers, BRS widebody, host of Seibon Carbon parts, APR Turbo upgrade, JE pistons, Carrillo rods, Bride Gias Carbon Kevlar seats, custom Rothschild Fabrication roll bar, dual composite NX nitrous kit, and custom AutoArt VX wheels. Sold to a used car dealership, not sure where this car ended up.

2007 Toyota Yaris 3-dr – Built in 2006, debuted at SEMA 2006 and competed at Super Lap Battle Finals 2007 (driver Andy Hope pushed this car to a 2:08.091). Burnout bodykit from Japan, custom painted graphics, Super Charger kit, KAAZ LSD, Custom Rothschild Fabrication roll cage, Bride Bucket, Defi Meters, and custom spec TEIN Super Street coilovers. Currently sitting inside one of Toyota’s warehouses.

more past demo cars to be revisited in the future…

TEIN 2010 Brochure Now Available

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We recently finished printing our 2010 Brochure which celebrates TEIN’s 25th Anniversary. You can pick one up at anyone of our Authorized Dealers. For a complete list of Authorized Dealers click HERE.

TEIN was established in 1985 by two rally enthusiasts who decided to produce their own suspension after they could not find any products to meet their needs. Since then TEIN has grown into a global company with the headquarters remaining in Yokohama, Japan, and international locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and most recently China. Our company roots are still planted in motorsports and over the past few years TEIN has been participating in the P-WRC. TEIN USA continues to support vehicles competing in Formula Drift, NASA’s Honda Challenge, Super Lap Battle, Redline Time Attack, Battle of the Imports, and even Land Speed events.