Category Archives: Random

TEIN Online Specials

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If you did not already know. The TEIN USA homepage has an Online Retail Shop where replacement parts, goods and specific products can be purchased.

It was recently updated with a host of coilover kits, single replacement dampers and Fujitusbo Titanium exhausts. Check it out, it could save you some money. Look in the “Special Offer” category of the Online Shop.

SAVE $350-400

Average savings on selected coilover kits is $350-400. All kits are brand new in the box.

Applications include: Audi, BMW, Ford, Lexus, VW and more…

SAVE $1000

Average savings on a full Titanium exhaust $1000.

Applications include: S2000, EVO 9, STi, Supra

Not our Normal product applications

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Many people associate TEIN with Japanese Imported cars but we have some product applications that might surprise you.

Porsche 996 N1 kit.

Porsche 996 GT3

Japan Super Endurance Race 996 GT3

TEIN N1 for 996. 2-way 20 position damping force adjustment, full length adjustment.

TEIN 4×4 Damper for Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota FJ Cruiser in Dubai

4×4 Damper kit. 2-way 16 position damping force adjustment, ride height adjustment.

Specialized Damper Kia Forte N1 (custom made)

China Touring Car Championship Kia Forte


Specialized Damper Kia Forte Rear Dampers. 2-way 20 position adjustment, ride height adjustment.

HYBRIDS

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Compact Hybrids are a growing trend here in the states especially with the soon to be released CR-Z. In Japan the Prius is the number one selling car and a lot of the famous tuners and manufacturers own CR-Zs.

The automotive industry has been pushing the hybrid models and now you can find many models with a hybrid version. I do not consider these real hybrids as they were not designed to be hybrids from the start. The hybrids that were designed to minimize drag and maximize fuel economy are in my opinion, ugly (with the exception of the Porsche 918 Spyder, drool). I get the reasoning but that does not mean it makes for a good looking car. However browsing through Japanese magazines I have seen some nicely modified hybrids that I have opened my mind (I guess almost anything looks better slammed).

Honda Insight from Nisei Showoff this past weekend. Photo from www.speedhunters.com

Mugen CR-Z in Japan. Photo from www.autoguide.com


Tommy Kaira Prius. Photo taken from www.autoblog.com

However in the US, there are VERY few examples of modified Hybrid cars maybe because owners do not think there are aftermarket parts readily available here. TEIN actually manufactures coilover kits and lowering springs for some of the hybrid vehicles (Prius lowering springs are actually a stocking item). We just finished up test fitment and roads tests for the US version CR-Z as well. S.Tech lowering springs, Super Street and Mono FLEX coilover will be available later this year.

Honda CR-Z with Super Street coilovers.

I got a chance to drive the CR-Z and I immediately compared it to my 1988 CR-X. I have had my HF CR-X for a few years and I love it. Sure it does not have any of the amenities of a newer car like power steering, power windows, power mirrors, CD player, bluetooth, etc… but I get  50 mpg (city) and 56 mpg (highway). My 22 year old car actually gets better gas mileage than the CR-Z and Prius. Admittedly it is not as fast or has as much torque but I really like the styling.


My 22 year old Honda CR-X with BASIC coilovers and aftermarket wheels.

One day I might consider purchasing a hybrid but until then I will enjoy my ’88 CRX.

First Time Driving @ US Circuit

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Hello everyone, my name is Yukio Hirayoshi. I am the accountant for TEIN USA. I came from Japan just a few months ago. I went to Buttonwillow Raceway with other TEIN USA staff on 6/19. It was my first time driving at a US circuit.

We arrived at 7:30a.m. I spent 2.5 hours from my house in Southern California to get to BW raceway which is near Bakersfield. On the drive I noticed how much open land there is and how I could see very far. I thought, ah, it’s America. There are not many locations in Japan like this.

My first impression for this circuit is really flat and open. I could see 60% of entire circuit from the pit.

I was entered in the beginner class. This class only allows passing on the home straight. It is a nice rule to drive safely for me.

The event organizers put orange pylons to mark braking, entrance and apex of corners which made it easier for me. I was surprised that you can drive with just a T-shirt and shorts at the circuit. It is one of the good things about America’s circuit because it was a hot and sunny day.

I did not drive so hard, only maybe 60%. I was just enjoying the drive and learning this circuit.

I had a chance to ride in the passenger seat of one of the instructor’s car, Greddy EVO X driven by Takeshi-San. It was fast and lots of fun. I could not say anything while sitting in the passenger’s seat because I was trying to hold on and watch driving line. I could see my co-worker in front of us with EVO 9, AWD cars are fast!

I had a lot of fun driving and riding as a passenger at this event. Next time I’d like to bring BBQ grill then my day will be PERFECT!

Thank you to the organizer – Industry Day and to Carter for letting me drive ISF.

Photos credits to Joey Leh of Octane Report, Jonathan Velasquez, Hannah H. and Naoko N.

Fun Times at ButtonWillow Raceway

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This past Saturday was Industry Track Day 6 at ButtonWillow Raceway. Six of the TEIN staff drove at the event in cars ranging from a stock 2009 Civic Si to a modified Lexus ISF. For two of the staff this was the first time they had ever been to a real road course. It was fun to see everybody’s lap times getting quicker throughout the day and hearing the light-hearted trash talking.

Staff cars lined up and waiting for the sessions to begin.

Ryan – 2009 Civic Si. All stock except for when he swapped to 17″ Gram Lights with Advan Neova AD07s in the second session. Best Time of the Day 2:29

Drifting an FF?

Birthday boy Jon – 2010 Evo X. Mono Flex coilovers, EDFC, SuperPro RCA. Best Time of the Day 2:20

“It’s my Birthday and I’m 2 yrs old.”

First time at the track with the new car. So Clean.

Paul – 2002 WRX. Engine bolt-ons and S.Tech lowering springs. Best Time of the Day ~2:19

Paul resembling Subaru ace Roger Clark with the open face helmet and mask.

Philip – 2006 EVO 9. 365WHP and lots of mods. Best Time of the Day 2:09

Cruising around.

Nakai and Hirayoshi – 2008 Lexus ISF. Performance version Comfort Sport coilovers, EDFC, LE-37s, Neova AD07s and a few minor bolt-ons. Nakai’s Best Time of the Day 2:11, Hirayoshi’s Best Time of the Day 2:27

Cooling off between sessions. This thing sounds mean with custom Fujitsubo exhaust and paddle shift 8 speed.

It was a fun day to hangout outside of the office, joke around and DRIVE. Everyone is already looking forward to the next event.

Checking Tire Pressures and comparing driving lines between sessions.

Paul keeping Birthday Boy Jon behind him. Jon’s cries of “Let Me Pass” could be heard from the pits.

Fun Times.

Go to the OctaneReport to see more coverage of the event.

Photos courtesy of Joey Leh of the Octane Report, Jonathan Velasquez, TEIN staff and wives.

JDM MINI VANS

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I have been asking my co-workers in Japan what are the hot new cars and they always say that the most popular applications for TEIN Japan are for Mini Vans. I couldn’t believe it. Why would people buy a Mini Van when they can get used Type R, Skyline, S15, S13/14 with OEM SR20DET, GC8 STI, etc… for good prices. They tell me that younger generations are not as interested in speed, power and handling as past generations. Young people want convenience, comfort, good gas mileage, storage space, etc… Sounds like my dad. So I decided to look into the JDM mini vans and here is what I found.

Honda StepWagon RG1

This is the Honda StepWagon. Not a fan but it is actually one of the most popular mini vans in Japan. Since Japan is small and the roads are tight, many new cars are built taller to provide more room. If the car is too wide it has limited areas to park and is hard to drive on narrow residential streets. Already on its fourth generation. Automatic sliding doors on both sides, K20 or K24 power and CVT.

Toyota Estima ACR50W

These smaller mini vans look more like wagons then vans. They even have a hard time out in Japan trying to classify these vehicles, but they finally just classified them as mini vans. This is the Toyota Estima which is the JDM name for Previa. Ultra popular with available V6, sliding second row seats with foot rest, power folding third row, etc…

Toyota Vellfire GGH20W

This Toyota Vellfire (variant of Alphard) is considered a full-size “mini van.” To me it looks like a bug with two separate set of eyes. For some of you out there, you might be asking yourselves why does this car have two sets of headlights. Well it seems that it was just a design change for the Vellfire version. One is actually for High Beams and the other for regular headlights. This is a baller mini van. Features include voice navigation, blind corner monitor, self parking system, auto cruise, lane monitoring system, etc… the thing almost drives itself. Price tag can go up around $60K.

This is a decently popular model and the only one out of all the mini vans in this post that I would actually consider purchasing, a Honda Stream. (I’m not a fan of big cars, I drive a CR-X). The higher end model comes with 2.0L, 150HP, CVT with paddle shifters. Sits 5 and has plenty of space for my pitbull, Mykaela.

Honda Stream RN6

These are just some of the mini vans that they have in Japan. TEIN develops many coilovers for these applications including Basic Wagon, Super Wagon, Basic Flex Wagon, Super Flex Wagon, Super Flex Wagon SUPER LOW DOWN, GT Wagon and Hybrid Wagon Damper (Hydraulic Ride Height Adjustment).  The mini van applications are the best sellers in Japan. These coilovers can be purchased through any of our authorized dealers as a special order but unfortunately they would not fit anything here in the US.