Category Archives: News

Coilover Spring Swap

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I have not really touched my EVO since my last track day back in May. The car felt the same, stable. Maybe too stable, meaning a tendency to understeer. I tried to compensate by aggressive trail braking and almost jerking the wheel to get weight transfer but the wide tires, wide body and aggressive aero keep the car super planted.

I have been meaning to try some different spring rates or R-comp tires for, hmmm… about the last 2 years. Spring rates and tires are VERY related. Higher grip tire = higher spring rates and vice versa. I am currently using 14kg front and 12kg rear springs plus slightly larger sway bars for front and rear. Over the past couple of years I have run Hankook RS2, Azenis RT-615 (non K), Continental CSC3 and Continental ExtremeContact DW. All street tires with similar performance. In my mind I thought my next purchase would always be a set of R-Compounds or extreme performance summer tire like an Advan Neova. But I just never seem to get there. I always end up buying something else, like my Voltex street front bumper, HKS V-Pro (which is sitting on a shelf in the garage), new DEFI Advance ZD, etc….

It FINALLY dawned on me that I should stop being lazy and just switch the springs to better suit the tires I always seem to use. A cheaper and more practice solution than spending $1300+ on tires. So last night I bought some softer springs (MSRP $120 per pair) and installed them. I went for a 2kg spring rate change. Now I have 12kg front and 10kg rear. The spring swap went relatively quickly. Depending on the damper we recommend a damper revalve if the spring rate is changed by +/- 2kg (for BASIC and Street Basis +/- 1kg since the damper is not damping force adjustable).

New 10kg springs for the rear. The 12kg originally on the rear will go to the front of the car since my setup uses SQ type springs for front and rear.

Here is a little useful information: This is how you can check what TEIN springs you have. The number printed on the spring is the individual spring part number. The part number listed on our website, catalog, etc…is a kit part number. So these springs are from kit part number SQ100-01175. The “SQ” designates a type of spring which is in this case is a standard straight spring, 65mm ID, 175mm free length.  The “100” after SQ is for the spring rate, 10kg. ex. 050 = 5kg. 140 = 14kg. “01175” is for the free length. Just pay attention to the last three digits which is the length. ex. 01200 = 200mm. 01150 = 150mm.

On the actual spring the part number is “Q100-GOC”. “Q” represents spring type, 65mm ID, 175mm free length. “100” is spring rate = 10kg. “QOC” is the LOT/ batch in which this spring was made.

First, I measured wheel center to fender height before starting. Maintaining the ride height will mean I will not need to do an alignment.

Not using the lift for this. (Getting lowered cars with aero parts on a normal lift is a pain. Got to drive up on ramps, use wood, adjust the risers on the arms, etc…) Simple jack and stands is quicker for something like this.

Started with the rear since my rear springs will go onto the front of my car. Super easy since my interior trunk panels are not installed.

I use Simple Green and a rag to clean off the coilovers. Then I inspect all components of the coilovers for damage, etc… I made a small adjustment in spring seat height to maintain ride height with the new softer spring rate. If the spring seat or damper length is not adjusted, the ride height will be lower due to the softer spring rate (softer spring will compress more = lower ride height).

Now for the front. Cool trick on the front of the EVO 8/9 and maybe older gens is that the front spring can be swapped without removing the damper. This means the alignment is not affected since you never even loosen the upright (hub bracket) bolts. Plus this saves LOTS of time.

Just remove the top nut then top mount. Then the spring can be removed and swapped through the strut tower. Depending on what type of tower bar you have, the bar may need to come off. My aluminum Carbing 3-pt. bar does not need to be removed as it has an open top design (quick spring change compatible and EDFC compatible).

Removed my EDFC motor first. Then I slowly removed the top nut with a 21mm deep socket. (Impact Guns need to be used with care as internal damper damage may occur if used excessively).

Used my leg to push the hub down and got the piston shaft out of the top mount. I just angled the damper in the fender well so it was out of the way while I removed the upper mount.

After removing the EDFC strut kit parts and upper spring seat the main spring comes right out.

After swapping the spring I re-installed the top mount then used a floor jack to lift the damper back up into the top mount. Jack was placed under the under arm and I slowly raised it up.  Re-tightened everything and re-installed the EDFC motor. Lastly I adjusted my shell case length by a few mm to maintain the original ride height.

I use a paint pen to mark the seat locks so I will know if they get loose. Be sure to torque the lower bracket lock.

Car back on the ground. I moved the car around to settle everything. Lastly I re-measured the wheel center to fender to ensure my ride height/ alignment has not changed.

All done. Now it is time for a test drive and a little fun. Hope to be testing the new spring rates next month at ButtonWillow Raceway.

Sleepy Time Car Show

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Usually when we prepare for a car show, we do an early drop off, set up and then return later or possibly the next day for the actual event. Let me tell you, I’ve been to a number of these kind of events but never to a Cars & Coffee event which is held in Irvine, CA simply because of the early check in and show time. I’m talking about arriving before 8 am and finishing around 11 am on a Saturday (sorry but I need my beauty sleep).

Here’s a few shots a friend took while I washed the car the night before.






Morning of the show

Just a few Lotus Elise

A beastly Camaro

K20a Ariel Atom

Big Body Bentley

Classic Ford GT

And the best car at the show.. This bug

Hmm what motor could this be?

Oh Snap! 13b Rotary!

Peep that custom fuel cut off

Overall it was cool show to check out. I don’t think I will be attending another anytime soon… or maybe once I pick up my Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

ATTENTION 06-07 LANCER S.Tech Springs

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Attention to all 06-07 Lancer ES owners.

The S.Tech Lowering Springs (Part #: SKE06-AUB00) that are marketed for 02-07 Lancers will NOT work on your vehicles.

During recent testing we have found that the OEM Strut/Shock Absorber design has changed on the 06-07 Lancer ES models.

When purchasing S.Tech Lowering Springs for your vehicle, purchase Part #: SKR66-AUB00 which are originally meant for 02-07 OZ Rally & Ralliart Lancers.

The ride height drop for 06-07 Lancer ES: Front -40mm and Rear -25mm
The actual drop may vary by vehicle due to the weight of different components (e.g. Transmission, Packages, etc.)

TEIN Mustang GT Up For SALE – SOLD

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Our 2005 Ford Mustang GT is now up for sale. This Mustang was built with a mixture of Japanese, European and American parts – the best from around the world. And for this reason it does not look or sound like a typical Mustang you might see on the street, at the track or at a show.

Roush billet grill and ProCharger intercooler peeking through the lower grill.

Aggressive stance with FLEX fully adjustable coilovers, Volk GTF with gunmetal center and polished lip wheels, paint matched 3D Carbon Lip Kit and Wilwood BBK 6-piston front and 2-piston rear.

Sparco seats, Momo steering wheel, Clarion DVD/Navigation head unit, DEFI gauges and of course EDFC.

ProCharger supercharger with intercooler, JBA longtube headers, JE pistons, Eagle rods, ARP fasteners, painted valve covers and TONS of polished parts.

The short block has just been upgraded with a JE pistons, Eagle rods, ARP hardware and a new crankshaft. As of right now the newly built motor has about 10 miles on it. Here is the complete specification sheet:

Volk Racing Forged GTF 2pcs. wheels, light weight and incredibly strong. Wrapped in Continental rubber, 255 up front and 275 in the rear.

Seibon carbon fiber vented hood and trunk. Black roof done in vinyl decal so it can be easily removed.

 

If anyone is interested in purchasing this vehicle please contact Philip@tein.com.

SOLD

My Evo X and Mono Flex Dampers

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Tein Blog Readers,

I introduce to you my 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
I chose the Evo X because I believe it has the perfect balance between daily driver and track car.
For your everyday needs it has 4 doors, it seats 5, and has a decently sized trunk.
When you get to the track it’s 2.0L Turbo Charged S-AWC System makes for a very fun time.

New off of the lot this is what I had to work with:

Having switched from a nearly 2 decade old BMW that was still running the suspension that was installed at the factory, the ride quality of the Evo’s stock suspension was a difference of night and day for me. But I still wanted more out of my car. Not to mention the stock ride height, it may be acceptable if the car was going to see any time on gravel; but my car was destined to be a tarmac queen, it needed to be lowered.

When it came time for me to choose one of the many suspension products we offer for the Evo X the decision was quick. Right at the time that I purchased my Evo, Elliot’s TEIN Sponsored EVO X was being returned to stock form, so all I needed to do was remove the suspension from his car and install it onto mine. Having done the majority of the track support for Elliot’s car I knew the suspension and setup well enough to be confident that my car would have no problems with said suspension installed.

Front Dampers installed and EDFC Wiring being taped up:

I even switched out my stock brakes for Elliot’s APM Rotors and Project Mu Pads:

In order to route the EDFC Wiring and mount the Controller I had to tear apart my brand new interior:

After having worked through the night transferring over many more parts I later took my car to Evasive Motorsports for a track ready alignment.

On the streets the Mono Flex Dampers provided just the right amount of comfort and control. The ride height was also right where I wanted it, not too low, not too high:

Using Mono Flex Dampers and upgraded brakes I was able to push out a 2:20 on Buttonwillow’s Time Attack configuration:

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!

R35 Godzilla!

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As some of you might not know yet..  but the Skyline has returned and is available for sale in the US! Now, I know that you are hearing this for the first time and the price might be a little out of our [your] price range. But if you dream it, it will come because I currently have 3 in my garage! Seriously, I can show you my garage on Gran Turismo 5.

Anyways, I wanted to introduce you to a few products that are available for the GTR. Unfortunately we do not currently stock any of the items here in the US due to low demand but can special order for you.

Super Racing Coilovers (Part Number: DSK00-81LS1) Springs are sold separately.

MSRP for these bad boys is $3650.00  (and I do mean bad.. think CyberEvo. Yep the famous record breaking CyberEvo is running our Super Racing Coilovers).

GTR on our coilovers in action around the track

Carbing Aluminium Radiator Reservoir Tank (Part Number: CA 220 148 0)

This is serious bling for the engine bay.  MSRP $540.00

Fujitsubo Super Ti Exhaust aka the Holy Grail of exhausts and titanium (Part Number: FJ 480-15311)

For a sound clip of this exhaust installed on a GTR, please visit the following link: Fujitsubo Website
MSRP $4560.00

ID Auto Festival

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Thanks for those who stopped by our booth at the ID Auto Festival. If you did not attend, this was a car meet and garage sale. There were free prizes, shopping sprees and cash prizes given throughout the day for various categories. Many top manufacturers came out with some awesome deals on used and NEW products.

TEIN booth nestled between C-West and Cusco. Other manufacturers included Greddy, Mackin, Apexi, ATI, Seibon, LOT USA, 5 Zigen, all in all about 20.

We were selling both new and open box items. There were some great deals to be had throughout the event.

Our booth was selling TEIN, DEFI, Fujitsubo and Peltor products. Some new and some used – all at special prices.

Anything in the box  for $30.

Some nice vehicles on display.

Abe Ko’s LS sitting on TEIN FLEX Sedan coilovers and Platnium VIP Cup Kit. 2-3″ of in-car ride height adjustment.

Many raffles held throughout the day. Every person who entered the event got a raffle ticket for FREE. Each manufacturer donated items to the general raffle and their were special raffles for largest forum turnout, Longo Scion tC test drive, etc…

Two winners of the general raffle. TEIN provided the Carbing Radicator Cooling Panel.

Raffle winners from the two largest forums in attendance.

Raffle winner from the Best Car Crew (Platnium VIP), $400 CASH MONEY.

The event was super chill. I saw many people come and just hang out. No entrance fees. People could come and go as you please. Tons of free prizes. DJ spinning some good music. Food Trucks.

Hope to see everyone next time.

This Car is HaWt!!!

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Really, it is!

Of all the cars I was able to see at this year’s SEMA show, I was able to narrow my favorites down to two- The Munsters Dragula car at Meguiar’s lot outside and RallySport Direct’s STI over at Rays/Volk booth.

I must admit, when I heard that Subaru was bringing back the STI sedan for 2011, I was excited, and I anxiously awaited the renderings/prototype. Then I saw it. Then I changed my mind a little. Then I forgot about it altogether. I guess there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me- I’m still getting used to how the back end looks, and that big wing isn’t all that cool (it is functional, though).

But then,

RallySport Direct got their hands on one, and now I’m taking back those ill feelings I had. Honestly, this is one clean looking, well-modded STI. Tastefully done, and something I’d like to have as a daily driver.

And how about that wheel fitment?

Volk G2’s on driver’s side. Hot.

Volk TE37SL’s on the passenger side. HOTTER!

So anyway, all this to say that this car is hot. We’re very fortunate to have the guys at RallySport rep our brand. They were the first ones Stateside to slap on a set of our MonoFlex Dampers for the STI sedan. Their STI also sport Defi’s new Advance BF gauges. Along with a bevy of JDM parts bolted on, I truly am jealous that they get to drive this car around.

Enough of this eye seks. You can read about it yourself on RallySport’s blog  http://theattack.rallysportdirect.com/

About that Dragula car…

…Disturbingly HaWt?

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.