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.
The wait is finally over for the Honda Accord 4 door 4 Cylinder models.
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.
You’ve read that correctly- we’re now testing on a 997 GT3 Porsche with our very own 3-way adjustable dampers! While Porsche’s aren’t necessarily anything new for us, we’ve only made a name for ourselves developing and producing products for the Japanese vehicle market (JDM, if you will). But, with increasing demands for products internationally, the TEIN group has branched out into other vehicle markets and made some unique suspension setups, specifically for rally and off-road. Our expertise doesn’t stop there, however. We love road racing, too. This latest example is no exception.
This past year, the TEIN group has been working with a few customers (997 GT3 customers, specifically) wanting better suspension than what the car comes with, and what was currently available as aftermarket. Off the lot, the GT3 is pretty hard to beat, or in this case, make better. So that sounded like a great challenge for TEIN engineering!
So, while TEIN Japan was taking care of overseas inquiries on this, the TEIN USA group had a customer who was just as interested. It turns out our good friends at Evasive Motorsports had a 997 GT3 and were going to start developing the car for track duty. That was a good coincidence!
Anyway, we finally got the prototype 3-way adjustable dampers in from Japan and headed over to Evasive Motorsports to do the install. So far, so good! First reports from the owner is that the car’s ride quality has improved! Next up is some track testing, which we’ll report on soon. So stay with us as we get more updates!
Here are a few pics of the install with Evasive Motorsports for now!
3-way adjustable dampers, made through our Specialized Damper Program
The factory supplied dampers are quite nice. But, that TEIN Green, though……
This application had actually come as a shock to me and a few other staff, as we first though that the testing was for mass-production. However, this will end up being a SEMA car to be displayed in the Acura booth. This particular application was to be considered for testing but at a later time and it was, in a sense, placed on the back burner for a bit. Inquiries did come in from customers and dealers, but not so much to push forward the testing period for the vehicle. This testing and prototyping will apply to future product releases, should product development still be considered.
Unfortunately, at this time I don’t have a clear release date nor do I have information of the product to be released for this vehicle. The prototype kit is also being deemed as classified for the time being, which I hope to later provide the details as to which product was used. One thing for sure is that it will utilize a completely different kit than the previous models. If you are heading out to SEMA this year, stop by the Acura booth and check out this RLX. Also, if you are looking to get a kit for this application, keep sending the inquiries and the testing can be pushed up on our list.
We are happy to inform everyone that we are currently in the works of testing both TEIN coilovers and lowering springs. Along with the restyled body the new IS350’s suspension has also taken on a different design making the previous model IS suspension not interchangeable. With these changes, most of the kits used are currently prototypes, which are matched to what has the best ride quality. Once confirmed, the best overall component and spring coiling design the kits are then placed under mass production.
Products expected to be release for this application are the the S.Tech and High Tech lowering springs, Street Advance and Street Flex coilovers. Product release date has been scheduled for early to mid-November for both the S.Tech and High Tech lowering springs, early to mid-November for the Street Advance, and early to mid-January for the Street Flex. For release updates please check on our website as info regarding new product releases or product information is updated every month.
Testing for the 4cyl (2.5) Altima Coupe is now complete. Unfortunately, the springs available for the 6cyl (3.5) Altima coupe are not compatible with the 4cyl, although springs will mount up without a problem. You will achieve about a 1″ drop in the rear. However, the springs rates for the front springs are too stiff resulting in a lifted front end. This would obviously give your coupe a look as if you where carrying pounds of cement in the trunk. Therefore a new spring has been designed and ordered specifically for the 2.5 Altima Coupe. The spring kit should be available for purchase in the US within two to three months.
Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.
To all 2013 Honda Accord owners waiting for TEIN Suspension…
We are in the final stages of development for both the Springs and Coil-over applications for the 2013 Accord.
These suspension components will be available by August of this year. I know it’s still about 5 months away, but you know what they say- “the best things in life are worth waiting for.”
We will update you with part numbers and pricing as we get closer to the release date.
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…..
It has been almost over a month since this years hottest sports car, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ came out to the market.
TEIN USA has been developing products for these two cars to deliver our products to the customer as soon as possible.
I have been wondering what is the difference between FR-S and BRZ?
Exterior dimension, interior, engine, transmission, chassis and tire sizes are the same in between these cars.
But, when I drove BRZ that came in for development, I felt a big difference!
BRZ’s suspension are set as a mild setup, if you push harder it simply understeers and will not take you to oversteer motion.
But, the FR-S has an opposite character than the BRZ.
The FR-S has stiffer damper with softer spring. And if you know how to push hard, this simple, less electronically controlled device (compare to newer higher performance car) and fun to drive machine, it’s just pure fun to drive!
My conclusion is FR-S and BRZ are totally diffent set-ups
If you want to get pure driving pleasure go with FR-S, and if you want affordable yet nice, well-designed coupe go with BRZ.
And I will leave damper dyno chart (in .pdf format) for FR-S and BRZ for comparison.
From Left to Right (FR-S First owner. Troy and Young from 5 Axis)
Penske Toyota in Downey, CA had a Release party for the New Scion FR-S and for the First Penske Scion FR-S Owner. We happened to be there since it’s not to far from our warehouse and we have actually been testing the Scion FR-S that 5 Axis let us borrow.
This is the FR-S we have been testing on it looks good on our S-Tech lowering springs that we have been developing for the US models. Ride height drop is approximately -35mm front and -30mm rear, giving the car a great stance, especially with plus-sized wheels.
It was good seeing that not only did they have the FR-S to show, but they had multiple Toyota/ Scion vehicles, some being 5 Axis customers and others being Toyota enthusiasts of new and old. This evening’s event also included a raffle, showroom models of FR-S’s to check out, a DJ, and also some barbecue for attendees.
To date, we have officially release the following parts
S.Tech Lowering springs
lowers -35mm front and -30mm rear
part number SKQ54-AUB00, msrp $280
High Tech lowering springs
lowers -25mm front and -20mm rear
part number SKSA0-G1B00, msrp $310
Type Flex damper kit
preload & height adjustable (-55mm – +5mm front, -45mm – +5mm rear)
damping adjustable (16-way)
Incl. Pillowball upper mounts (camber adjustable front mount)
EDFC Compatible (sold separately)
part number DSQ54-61SS1, msrp $1790
