Discontinued TEIN Shocks can still be manufactured?

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Sergio M.

Do you have a TEIN Suspension on your vehicle that might have been discontinued not too long ago, or even recently, or just have just one shock absorber from a discontinued model that incurred some damaged on the shock body making it unable to be repaired?

If so, then TEIN now has a solution for you. Through our Specialized Damper Program we will be able to make a just one shock body, or multiple if needed. This is helpful for all those that do not want to spend a large amount of money on a full suspension set up for the vehicle. We have had a few of our dealers and some customers have this done in the past for their suspension needs.

If you should be interested in having this done please contact any of our TEIN Authorized Dealers or send us an email and we will assist you the best as possible. If possible, please have a part number ready or provide us images of the shock absorber if you are not sure of the model.

TEIN USA, Inc. Closed for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Paul P.

Hello all,

Just a friendly reminder that TEIN USA, Inc. Operations will be closed from November 28 and 29, and we will resume our normal business schedule on December 2.

We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Don’t overeat and then pass out though, because starting at 12:00a on November 29 through December 2 is TEIN USA’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales event! All specials will be listed on our eBay account (seller: tein-usa). Oh, and prices will include shipping within the 48 contiguous states!

Happy holidays to you all!

TEIN USA’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday Specials!!!

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Paul P.

Yes, it’s that time of year where you’re debating whether to spend money on some great after-Thanksgiving deals or just wait until Christmas.

Well, unlike so many other Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, we have some items at substantial savings over retail! Not just an extra 10% off. We’re talking 37% and up to 86% off MSRP!!!! How’s that for a savings?!

Although the list is somewhat limited, we have some great deals on some very popular applications. We’ll be posting these items on our eBay account (seller name: tein-usa). Sale starts at midnight November 29 and we’ll continue through December 2nd. Also, free shipping within the 48 contiguous states (please contact us for shipping to HI and AK)!

Link to our Facebook page for part numbers/applications

TEIN USA, Inc. Facebook

Or just take a look below!

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Super Lap Battle/Global Time Attack 2013

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Paul P.

Another year has passed, and we were waiting in anticipation to see what every competitor for this year’s Super Lap Battle at Buttonwillow Raceway Park will bring.

Just like last year, TEIN staff attended to be able to assist any of the teams and drivers on TEIN suspension in any way possible. For us, it is great to get their feedback on our suspension and how it is performing for them. It also gives us plenty of insight on what vehicle modifications are being made and how we can help adapt their suspensions to their specific setups.

In total, there were seven vehicles using TEIN suspension. In no specific order,

Limited AWD Class- Evasive Motorsports’ Mitsubishi Evo VIII (Super Racing coilovers)

Limited FWD Class- Sportcar Motion’s Acura Integra Type R (Super Racing coilovers)

Limited FWD Class- Bobby Lane Racing’s Honda Accord (CL7 Mono Flex coilovers)

Street RWD Class- Will Wattanawongkiri’s Nissan 240SX (Flex coilovers)

Enthusiast FWD Class- Pradana Wilianto’s Acura CSX (FA5 Mono Flex coilovers)

Street FWD Class- Ken Suen’s FB6 Honda Civic Si (Mono Flex coilovers)

Street RWD Class- Ryan Houck’s Honda S2000 (Super Racing coilovers)

Fortunately, once again, each team and driver had their cars setup very well, with only little input from us. A majority of time was spent with Evasive on their Evo to see if we can get the most out of a minimally tested new setup they’re running (upgrades to power; different tire). So, there was a bit of a learning curve with this car.

The best part of the event was that many of these guys logged their fastest times in early sessions.

Sportcar Motion’s Integra, with driver Tim Kuo returning again for this event, was able to shatter their old record of 1:54.xx with a 1:52.886, and that time held throughout the day giving them the win in the respective class! Mechanical issues prevented any further sessions for them, but the damage was already done. A new benchmark for Limited FWD has been set!

Evasive’s Evo, plagued with some turbocharger issues (failure) and transmission problems, still locked in a respectable 1:49.102, taking the Limited AWD class win and getting very close to taking the overall win. Hopefully, with more testing and developing in 2014, this car will take top honors. It must be noted that this car skipped over a full year of development, as they focused on their Scion FR-S and Honda S2000 for last year’s event. So, with that said, this year’s finish is an impressive result. We were glad to speak with driver, and Evasive Motorsports co-owner, Mike Chang, to get his feedback. We’ll be working with them more on this car, as well as a few other project cars in their stable, for 2014!

Will Wattanawongkiri’s S13 240SX was able to clinch top time in the Street RWD class with a 1:54.969. He’s been able to dial in his out-of-the-box Flex coilovers to work well with his vehicle, enough so that he could take the championships in various other Time Attack series’ this year.

Bobby Lane Racing’s Honda Accord sported updated aero (larger front splitter and wide fender to fit wider tires; side skirts; rear diffuser). They also had revalved their CL7 Mono Flex dampers for much stiffer springs. Prior to this event, then were hoping to get some testing done with this new setup, but a catastrophic wheel failure prevented them from making final adjustments leading to Super Lap Battle. Didn’t seem to matter as they logged a 1:59.158 time, approximately 3 seconds better than 2012. Although unusual to see an Accord at a Time Attack event, Bobby Lane Racing showed that it can still be plenty fast for track duties.

Pradana “Ping” Wilianto’s Acura CSX dipped into a 2:01.314 ET. That’s about two seconds faster than his time last year. He also got the win in his class!

Ken Suen brought out his new FB6 Honda Civic Si. Still a street car with full interior, modifications were minimal. In fact, he used the Mono Flex from his infamous “Big Red” FA5 Civic Si on this new car (had some modifications done to make it work. Other than that, front aero, larger wheel and tires, and brake upgrades were all that this car had. Not looking to break a new record, he still recorded a 2:06.271 lap time!

Ryan Houck’s S2000, which was backed by our friends at Counterspace Garage, sported custom valved Super Racing dampers, along with some simple aero upgrades. His times during the first few sessions were looking very favorable for the Street RWD class. However, a major driver’s side front brake rotor failure prevented any further outings. Quite unfortunate. Without a doubt, he’s on pace to reset the current record. We’ll see him next year!

So, that makes it 4 class wins on TEIN (Limited AWD, Limited FWD, Street RWD, and Enthusiast FWD)!

That’s really good news for us. Once again, we went back to the office happy with the results for these drivers and teams. A huge congratulations to each and every one of these people, especially for their continued support for TEIN! In turn, we will be there to assist them as best we can, in the same way we strive to assist all of our customers, including YOU!

Until next year!

Oh, and apologies to our engineer, Shuichiro…

As you can see, we prevented him from watching any racing. Instead, we put him to work! SOWWY!!!

SEMA 2013 in Review

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Paul P.

To those that have attended SEMA for several years now, it may not seem new and exciting each time you’re there. In fact, there are many new things happening. A lot of great, innovative designs and products being made or to look forward to for the new year.

It still holds true, though- sometimes it doesn’t feel so new and exciting. I’ve been to SEMA for 8 years consecutively ever since I started working here- 5 years as an exhibitor, 3 as a visitor. Each time, it just feels like there are only running changes within the industry.

However, being able to work with a manufacturer like TEIN, you get an inside view of how the industry is evolving. Some of these new and exciting things I’m looking for are hidden within the details of the product. That’s what’s great about SEMA, because you’re able to speak directly with representatives of each manufacturer and get some insight into their latest developments and offerings.

Unfortunately, we didn’t exhibit this year. But you can be sure to see us there in 2014, as we have some new products to show and explain to our customers!

As I had mentioned, we didn’t exhibit, but I was still a visitor. I was able to walk all the halls and lots to check out many of the vehicles being displayed. I also met with many of TEIN’s authorized dealers and distributors, as well as many of the media personnel who work hard to keep the performance parts industry in the minds of consumers like you! It was great to be able to do all of that during a relatively short week. As always, I was on the lookout for TEIN related vehicles.

Here are a few new vehicles we helped out with, some of which we previously mentioned on our blog or on our Facebook page

First up was the 2014 Acura RLX we recently did testing on. This one is on a prototype set of Street Flex coilovers

Acura also brought out last year’s ILX, which we provided TEIN Super Street coilovers for. This year, it had a different paint scheme, as well as a few other cosmetic updates.

The Toyota booth also had a few project vehicles we assisted with.

The new 2014 Corolla. This one is on a set of Gravel dampers built through our Specialized Damper Program.

It also had some unique railing on the front and rear bumpers. That way, the Corolla doesn’t only serve as a rally car, you can do some bike tricks off of the bumper. Hahahaha!

Their 2014 RAV4 was also a unique display vehicle. The concept was a recreational vehicle with some very off-the-wall amenities fit for a triathelete! It had a mini fridge, blender, and sink in the back seat area. In the trunk was a mini shower. And yes, these items were all functional! We had to create a suspension kit that would take the weight of the shower equipment, plus water storage. Quite a unique opportunity for us to build something special!

At the Toyo Tire booth was a Lexus IS AWD that the Rally xD team built. As you would guess, these guys have a relationship with Scion, which in turn has ties to Toyota and Lexus. It was definitely a far cry from their usual rally purposed builds. But, damn, it was great looking car. This one is also on a prototype Street Flex coilover set. Oh, and that bike up top was actually made by Lexus!!! Full carbon frame and fork!

Some other notable vehicles that returned from last year were Crawford Performance’s Subaru BRZ at the Enkei booth. He’s still on our Mono Flex coilovers, which he uses for track days. Those wheels look great! Soon to be released, btw!

Our friend Robert from Magnaflow drove his 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to display. Unfortunately he had to work the show, so we weren’t able to speak with him much. His car looked great, though! Love the stance he was able to get with our Street Basis coilovers!

Also, Ken Suen, driver of the red FA5 Civic Si sponsored by Sportcar Motion brought his new 2014 Civic Si, which was at the TSW booth. He apparently modified his set of Mono Flex coilovers to fit this car. We, on the other hand, are making a Mono Flex kit specifically for this platform (we already have Street Basis, Street Advance, and Street Flex available).

A non-TEIN related display I really liked was Falken Tires’ ALMS Porsche. Battle scars and all on display.

Also, Dai Yoshihara’s Rocket Bunny V2 kitted BRZ

I know I’m missing a bunch of photos you all wanted to see, like the Liberty Walk stuff. But, that’s not really what I’m into. Don’t get me wrong, the F430 looked great! I just really like the sport compacts out on the market a bit more.

Oh, and the last, but definitely the first thing I saw at SEMA was Morgan Jade Bui of Sportcar Motions’ EH Civic drag car! about 1,100 hp to the front wheels! Can you handle that much power?

Yeah, I still love import drag racing. Don’t judge me.

FINALLY THE LONG WAIT IS OVER 2013 HONDA ACCORD SPRINGS

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Sergio M.

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.

Porsche 997 GT3 Coilover Testing

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Paul P.

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……

Fronts installed

Rears on

Looking good so far!

Preloading It Up

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Sergio M.

Full-length adjustable coilover spring tension is an area which many consumers aren’t too knowledgeable about. Details that “more preload is best” or “no preload is best” have always been a talked about subject. In general, the function of the spring tension on a full length adjustable coilover is for a more fine tuning of the suspension if used competitively. Such preload adjustments for regular street driven vehicles, which seldom see a track event, aren’t really need. That’s not to say that you can not use the preload on the street. It’s just that there would not be much of an advantage unless you are looking to achieve a desired ride height or ride feel.

Preloading will change the characteristics of the spring, but not the spring rate. As the spring is a linear in rate, the rate will not change under preload, but the spring’s reaction will be affected. With the spring compressed, its natural instinct would be to push back to its original shape. Thus, the force already exerted when compressed will creating a more aggressive ride quality. The drawbacks to having too much preload will be spring bind or, in worst case scenarios, a broken piston rod or damper component. Spring bind can create a loud tapping from the springs during normal use of the vehicle, not to mention terrible ride feel since spring stroke is all but eliminated. The continuous spring binding creates a kind of solid state to the coilover assembly which will transmit the road vibrations and shock over to other damper components, eventually causing it fail.The broken piston rod or component can be caused by the excess spring tension, as well.

Relieving preload from the spring or creating “negative preload” would change the ride height of the vehicle along with the dampers’ piston stroke. The drawbacks to excessive negative preload would be a loss of piston stroke, noise from the spring, poor ride quality, and eventually damper failure. The piston stroke loss would allow for the damper to bottom out, which in turn would create a poor ride quality as the dampers’ upper springs seat or mount would be riding against the bump rubber. With the constant bombardments, the bump rubber will eventually break down causing some of the rubber material to fall in between the seal which can then cause the seal to fail. This can also create noise caused by the spring’s loose condition, which will shift back and forth on the damper assembly when the damper is extended and compressed. This occurrence is most common over uneven road surfaces such as driveways, dips, or at times freeway expansion joints. This could cause damage to the damper body threads, spring seat, and upper mount.

Preload.2.rev

If you are uncertain as to the preload of your full-length adjustable coilovers, the best recommendation is to set the spring seats to the installation manual’s suggested position. This position will offer the optimal damper stroke and adjustability.

SEMA 2013

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Omar A.

What’s up?!!! This year we will be attending the 2013 SEMA show as visitors. Unfortunately there will be no TEIN booth this year. We know, we know. What a bummer. However, you might be able to catch the marketing manager and general manager at the show!

Nevertheless we have released new products this year. Which ones, you might ask? Any guesses? That’s right our new EDFC Active and Street Flex coilover line. Most of you have seen the ads in magazine and the product at our show booths. If you are not familiar with them visit the links below.

http://www.tein.com/products/street_flex.html

http://www.tein.com/products/edfc_active.html

Maybe we will get a booth next year! Afterall, we have even more new products for 2014 that we’ll want to showcase! Until then, for anyone attending SEMA 2013, have a great time! We’re sure there will be plenty of amazing vehicles on display!

Another Great Season for Rally xD!

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Paul P.

If you want to finish first, first you have to finish.

Although they fell short of the 2wd championship for Rally America, the crew at Rally xD went full force for the season, showing that hard work and determination really pays off. It was far from easy this season, having to face teams with some super competitive machines, improving their xD with a complete overhaul, and having to overcome the typical hurdles that rally racing has in store for them. That’s no short matter to these guys. They kept on truckin’, and that persistence pays big dividends towards the end result. They took the 2013 season in second place!

The preseason started with a fresh slate. The team put together all their ideas for building a new Scion xD and preparing it for the abuse they were now quite familiar with. In went a reconfigured seating arrangement for driver and co-driver, pushing them rearward just past the B-pillar and helping redistribute some of the weight from the stripped and caged chassis. Their proven power plant from a previous season went back in along with some upgrades to cooling in an effort to keep the boosted engine reliable under load. A redesigned rear suspension (a true coilover instead of the factory setup) allowed them to reinforce the twist beam where it was weakest, a problem they’ve faced once before. The new chassis was looking more like a formidable opponent to the factory-backed Ford Fiestas, which are much lighter than the xD.

However, nothing ever comes easy in this sport. There are too many unknowns, and sometimes you find that your best preparation was still not good enough. But, that didn’t deter this team from finishing the season strong. They visited the podium in every event, showing that they could still maintain good pace even with a few setbacks.

At any rate, I continue to maintain that this is one of the hardest working teams in the series. TEIN is proud to be their suspension partner for the past few seasons, and we’re glad to see this team grow into the true professionals that they are.

We wish them the best for next season, as we sure they are ahead of schedule in coming up with another competitive package!

Congratulations, you guys! We know next year will be just as exciting!

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