We have recently become aware of counterfeit items going around. In past years we have known of counterfeit lowering springs being distributed, but have not seen much lately. We received a few emails to our general tech and customer service email address from customers questioning if they should purchase a specific product.
The following two pictures were from a customer who searched “Defi” on Ebay and found these gauges as the cheapest listings (under $25 each).
This is not a product of Defi. The seller did not list all the features and did not provide any other detailed pictures.
The next two pictures were from a customer checking out a RX7 forum and were confused if these were real.
The seller was claiming that these were our TEIN Super Drift Coilovers made for the FC RX7 going for $800.00 brand new.
If you have any questions or concerns about purchasing a product that may or may not be an Authentic TEIN product, feel free to email us at tus_sales@tein.com so we can verify. The safest route of purchasing TEIN products is through any of our authorized dealers from our Dealer List.
TEIN will be participating in the ID AutoFestival on November 28th at Toyota (Irwindale) Speedway. This is a huge manufacturer BLACK SUNDAY sale and car meet. Many big brands will be at the event selling products for low low prices. There will also be prizes for the largest turnout by a forum and best car crew.
TEIN will have some open box and old demo items as well as selected new items for sale. We will also be selling a host of TEIN Goods which make great stocking stuffers.
You might have seen this car on various online sites from SEMA 2010 coverage.
It is the 0-60 magazine built Lexus GS450H track car. Since nobody really has experience increasing power on a Hybrid, builder Gordon Ting, concentrated on all other aspects of a full blown race car. Overall weight was reduced by removing unneeded components and using composite materials, aerodynamics were greatly improved, suspension was upgraded to full 2-way adjustable coilovers, larger brakes front and rear, light weight forged wheels, competition slick tires and of course all the safety gear.
Here is a little closer look and maybe something few people know about.
1) Using custom application Super Racing Coilovers with dual EDFC (both units not yet installed).
2-way damping force adjustment, compression and rebound separately adjustable. Full length adjustment for setting ride height and spring pre-load independently. External reservoir tank for added oil capacity and cooling. Pillowball upper mounts and racing springs complete the kit.
This kit was produced under our Specialized Damper program in which TEIN can create custom coilovers for applications we do not normally produce and in custom specification to meet the customer’s requests.
2) Has the new DEFI ZD display.
DEFI ZD display, one of the EDFC controllers and a host of vital switches on the carbon center console. The unconventional shift knob was fabricated because the OE shifter was way too far forward.
3) The aero was made by TEIN dealer Evasive Motorsports
Dual canards, CF lip and custom CF front splitter from Evasive Motorsports. Forged TE37-SL from Rays and 6-piston neon green calipers from Brembo.
4) The car has a fully function air jack system.
Fully functional air jack system gets this car up in 3 seconds and back down even faster. The ultra aggressive aero and race ride height make the air jacks a necessity for service (imagine trying to get a floor jack under there without them).
You can see this car in the Lexus Booth at the LA Auto Show from 11/19 – 11/28.
TEIN returned to SEMA this year after a one-year hiatus. Our booth was more focused on TEIN and SuperPro products.
A gamut of TEIN products were on display which included our new STREET BASIS damper (more info. on this in a future post).
TEIN coilovers were used on some high profile booth vehicles and on a few feature vehicles.
TEIN FEATURE VEHICLE
Abe Ko’s LS430 sitting on FLEX Sedan coilovers, special order from Japan. These coilovers feature a maximum drop of 4.5 inches. Coupled with the Platinum VIP Cup Kit this LS is literally on the ground. Full feature on this car and suspension system in a future post.
LEXUS BOOTH
0-60 Magazine GS450H Racer featuring custom Super Racing Coilovers and dual EDFC.
SCION BOOTH
Scion booth. 0-60 Magazine built Scion xD Rally v.3 using Specialized Damper.
Crawford 2011 Scion tC with Super Street coilovers. More on this car later as it will be running at Super Lap Battle on 11.10.10.
HONDA BOOTH
Honda Tuning Magazine built Honda CR-Z sitting on Mono FLEX coilovers.
Wraptivo Honda CR-Z with Super Street coilovers.
MACKIN BOOTH (RAYS WHEELS)
TEIN authorized dealer RallySport Direct built Subaru STI Sedan. One of the first modified STI sedans in the US. Featuring Mono FLEX coilovers and some aggressive TE37 SLs.
DC SPORTS BOOTH
DC Sports collaboration with Import Tuner Magazine. More on this car later as it will be at Super Lap Battle Finals with Tarzan Yamada behind the wheel.
There is no stop this week as we prepare to go to Super Lap Battle Finals at Buttonwillow Raceway. One of our engineers and a couple staff members will be out there supporting TEIN users.
If you will be in town for the SEMA show come to the Industry SEMA Party presented by Subaru at XS in Encore. This is where you will see friends, beautiful Go-Go dancers and definitely have a few drinks. This is one of the best night spots in Vegas. Come hang out, chill out and relax. See you in Vegas.
The SEMA show is less than 2 weeks away. It is an exciting time for car enthusiasts as many project cars are unveiled revealed and new parts are revealed. TEIN is back as an exhibitor after a one year hiatus. We decided not to build any cars this year but are sponsoring a few high profile vehicles. The Lexus, Scion and Honda booths all have brand new builds sitting on TEIN coilovers.
0-60 Magazine Lexus Project. Check out the finished car in the Lexus booth.NOT a traditional Lexus build.
We will also be leaking a new TEIN coilover in our booth before the Tokyo Auto Salon debut as well as displaying some new products from SuperPro polyurethane bushings. If you have access to the show please come by and visit our booth, 24513.
For any of our dealers or new potential dealers who read this blog, we will be having SEMA Specials during the show so be sure to make an appointment with us or drop by.
DirtFish is the name of a new Rally School which will be opening later this month. I was fortunate enough to take a trip to the school and participate in a 1-day course. The school is located in Snoqualmie Falls, WA. The school sits on over 300 acres on what used to be the largest wood mill in the world.
The newly renovated main office which includes classrooms, showroom, conference room and offices.
One of two gigantic wooden structures on the property. Perfect for hooning
I tagged along with the 0-60 Rally Team as they brought the Scion xD to do battle. The premise – can an editor with 1-day training and a Group N STi beat Chris Duplessis in a xD. Check out the next issue of 0-60 magazine to find out the results.
In the background you can see the 0-60 Rally Scion Preparing to Run
The Cars of DirtFish
DirtFish has made a tremendous investment to provide students with top notch vehicles to use during their 1-day and multi-day courses. Courses start by driving a new Subaru STi which have been equipped with TEIN Gr.N suspension ($12,000+ each coilover kit), Gr.N brakes, Gravel wheels/ tires and all the needed safety equipment.
DirtFish garage filled with cars, spares and everything needed to keep the cars in top condition
Brand new Gr.N coilovers waiting to be installed
When we got there the “beginner” cars were still in their final stage of construction so we had to settle for their advanced (multi-day course) cars. Authentic race ready Group N STi. The same cars that Tanner Foust, Ken Block, etc… drove in past Rally America events. These are the real deal anti-lag, launch control, dog box transmission competition cars.
Two of the Gr.N cars which could be driven straight to a rally and be used to compete
Instruction Begins
The day starts with about 1-hour in the classroom and the rest of the day is hands on in the dirt learning car control techniques. Our group of 6 students cycled through 3 cars and 5 instructors. Once in the car instruction is one-on-one with in-car communications systems. All the instructors are great – easy to understand, patient, encouraging and of course skillful behind the wheel.
Van tour of the various training courses we would encounter during the day
One of the students, Eddie of Mackin Industries, strapped in and ready to GO!
By the end of the day everyone in my group was able to navigate a gravel course using all the skills learned in the previous 7 hours. Car control via steering input, weight transfer, throttle, left foot braking and e-brake.
I highly suggest DirtFish to any car enthusiast. It is one of the most fun times I have ever had in a car. I normally drive on tarmac (NASA, Speed Ventures, SpeedTrial, etc…) but sliding on the dirt was just simply A LOT OF FUN. Plus the car control techniques will definitely help drop my times at the circuit. The amenities, instructors and equipment are all AWESOME. Special thanks to all the staff at DirtFish: Greg Lund, Ian, Forest, Don, Adam, Nate and all the support staff.
Got back late last night from the Targa Trophy Bay Area Rally Fest. It was a fun event around the San Francisco and San Jose area. Targa Trophy is a road rally where competitors are given and specific route and timed. The overall winner is the team with the most points. Points are deducted for too little mileage, too much mileage, too slow of a time and too quick of a time. The rally is not about who has the most HP or who is the craziest driver. Mileage and timing has to be on point, meaning no getting lost or detours and no ridiculously dangerous speeds.
Rally started at the W Hotel in San Francisco and we soon found ourselves driving through the woods.
Cruising behind a short train of cars including a Lamborghini Murcielago just in front of us.
Morning stage ended at the W in Silicon Vally which had a Euro car show and BBQ.
Parked at the W Silicon Vally. Fellow competitors parked next to us including C63, Gallardo and Audi wagon.
Final stage ended back at the W Hotel in SF with dinner and an awards ceremony.
Our 4 man team navigated the roads perfectly but we ended up in the middle of the pack due to some unscheduled stops.
Here are a few pics from the route which included the most beautiful scenery and some of the most challenging touge roads. Tight lanes, no guard rails, blind corners and V8 powered fun.
Non-scheduled stop at the top of one of the many canyon roads. There was cattle grazing 5 ft from this flat black E55.
One more of the unscheduled stops. I think this was to change drivers.
Pick up Import Tuner magazine to see more images and a complete story of the event.
Special thanks to Carter Jung and Edward Lee for the photos.
Luke Munnell of Import Tuner magazine was at TEIN yesterday shooting the Lexus ISF for a future feature. The ISF is an Import Tuner project car which TEIN USA sponsors. We have helped with the build and maintenance ever since the beginning of this project. The car was displayed at SEMA, CES and has competed at Super Lap Battle finals. It is the only newer body style IS to compete in SLB that I can remember. Tanner Foust drove the car to a 2:02 in the 2008 finals. I think the car can definitely break 2 minutes with the current NOS setup, wider tires and some aero upgrades.
Although Luke’s title is Technical Editor for Import Tuner magazine he along with all the editors do multiple tasks. One of Luke’s favs seems to be shooting feature vehicles.
Setting up the lights for one of many pics. Each shot takes at least 10-15mins to setup and then constant tweaking until everything is perfect.
Our warehouse is not ideal due to sky lights, tons of reflections, etc… so the right lighting is key to getting a good clean shot.
With everything in place it is time to shoot.
Luke will come back to shoot the exterior pics at one of his secret locations. Nah jk, just a spot nearby that he found on the way to TEIN. Pickup Import Tuner to see the full feature.
