Geoff Stoneback goes to US Drift Rd. 2/Hyperfest

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Paul P.

2 weeks ago, our sponsored Pro-Am/XDC competitor Geoff Stoneback headed out with his S14 to Hyperfest at Summit Point Motorsports Park in WV.

Prior to this event, Geoff was able to get his S14 tuned to crank out 430whp/420tq (~15% up from the last outing). So, there was no shortage of power for Hyperfest!

Knowing that the race course was somewhat difficult for himself, Geoff took a paid practice run to get a better feel for the course and make the necessary adjustments to both the car and mental prep. This helped Geoff tremendously, as figuring out key pieces of track for shifting and accelerating gave him one of the fastest entry-speeds (80mph). His ability to adapt to the track layout relatively quick was about to pay off!

But, racing isn’t with its occasional hiccups here and there. For Geoff, it happened to be a vehicle stall on his return to the pits. A quick diagnosis showed a damage o2 sensor wire as cause for the stalling. An easy enough fix for Geoff and his team, but a little bit of a setback in getting out for qualifying early.

Geoff reported that his qualifying run was set to be even faster than his practice run, but on approach to his clipping point, a catastrophic differential failure brought his S14 to a halt.

Back in the pits, the crew got right to work, and with only a welded diff available, got the car back out to get Geoff’s run in. It netted him 5th place qualifier.

By now, two setbacks can be enough of a distraction to anyone, especially the driver, but Geoff shook it off and went right to work, quickly advancing the Top 16, then Top 8, getting himself into the Top 4. Geoff was really turning his luck around!

In the Top 4, Geoff’s opponent, and a good friend of his, James Evans had his own set of problems- a lower control arm replacement left the car with a slightly off-set alignment, but enough to get him back on the track to compete with Geoff. It happened to be enough for James to get the nod over Geoff. But Geoff still had a chance at 3rd place.

Another close friend/drift mentor of Geoff, Matt Waldin, was up next. With more power (almost 40% more) than his S14, Geoff had his work cut out for him. Matt kept close on the first run with Geoff leading, and on the second run, Geoff spun on the last turn, handing the win to Matt.

What sounds like a series of unfortunate events turned out to be an exciting one for spectators. Also, all the hard work and efforts by Geoff and his team have kept them 2nd in points (just 3 points behind the leader James Evans).

We know that Geoff will be prepared for the next event and ready to take some more podium finishes. Great work, you guys!

Bravo Whiskey has a great video recap of this event at the link below

Vimeo

TTT (TO THE TOP)!!!

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Paul P.

Quite the anticipated event that it is, this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb should be better than last years.

As we saw last year, the newly paved roadways not only added tremendous amounts of grip, it drastically cut transit time to the top of the summit.

The Sparco Rally xD team is under way in getting their rally car prepped for this event. Since this is essentially an all-tarmac event, their suspension needs change. No need for dampers with long stroke- in its place are a different set of TEIN Specialized Dampers with higher spring rates more appropriate for this event. Gone are the gravel tires, replaced with semi-slicks over 18″ wheels. It’s all about maximum grip on the asphalt surface. Other than that, the xD is left relatively the same as it is for rally events.

I’m definitely looking forward to what the new car can do this year. It’s been competitive throughout the year so far, even with the minor setbacks in the last two rally races. Let’s see if they can better their Pikes Peak performance for this year!

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on June 24th (tech inspections and practice days during the week), with race day on Sunday, June 30th.

For more information, please visit the following link- http://www.ppihc.com/

pics sourced from Scion Racing, Speedhunters, and Rally xd

Fitment Assumptions

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Sergio M.

I can not tell you how many times we have encountered fitment assumptions with our products whether it be the lowering spring fitment on similar chassis vehicles or year model descriptions.

It seems as though regardless of what it details on our website or other website, the assumption is that “It should work.” I can honestly say that verification of the fitment should be checked with us prior to considering to use the product on the application. If we detail that we can not confirm the fitment, we also recommend checking with the dealer for component fitment between models.

Still, even if are able to confirm some parts fitment with the dealer, since there had been no physical testing of the product the installation would be done at your own discretion. Ride height values and ride quality may just go right out the window.

Don’t always trust what your cousin’s, uncle’s, friends, sister’s, brother’s co-worker posted in a thread. One call or email can save you on any headaches.

Toyota Galore

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Sergio M.

On May 3rd we attended the Toyota Owner’s and Restorer’s Club event in Long Beach, CA. There was a wide variety of unique Toyota’s in that event. Some vehicle model names might have be the same, if not familiar names we all know, but the overall look of the vehicles were very different. Some you might not distinguish the make or model. The cool thing about this event was that some people came from far places just to show their vintage or unique vehicles here in California. Some attendees came from Canada, and some even from Mexico. The import thing is that once they were at the event, it was like big happy Toyota family.

Below are some photos we took. We hope you enjoy!

Many thanks to Toyota’s Motorsports division for loaning their custom TEIN-equipped 2013 Lexus GS350 Pace Car and to Abe Ko, owner of the LS460 on TEIN Flex, as they both helped to make our TEIN booth look great!

MOD Bound!

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Omar A.

To you out there that are asking “Whats “MOD?” , well, this abbreviation stands for Mitsubishi Owner’s Day. This day is the day where all Mitsubishi owners unite to show off their modded whips.

This will be the second time TEIN attends this event on the West coast. We are crossing our fingers for a great turn out. MOD is on July 13th, 2013 from 9am – 1pm. Make sure to stop by our booth and pay us a visit. Also, visitors are able to participate in a raffle. So, note that some great prizes will be available!

As you’d expect, you’ll see some of the best in modified EVO’s, 3000gt’s, Lancer’s, and Galant’s. Maybe some oddball or rare Mitsubishi’s as well. Here are just a few pictures I found on their website.

https://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMNA/jsp/owners-site/owners-day.do

Make sure to read our follow up blog after this event!!!

Rally xD Takes 2nd Place at Susquehannock Trail Rally!

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Paul P.

In my last post, I made mention of the Rally xD taking a bit of a tumble during practice in preparation for this past weekend’s event at the Susquehannock Trail Rally.

A continued effort by the team, not only in rebuilding and repairing the car but also to see the event the whole way through, paid the largest of dividends as they brought home a 2nd place finish in their class. Considering the hardships they’ve dealt with these past two events, that is an incredible result! So far, it’s been a podium finish for all four events to-date!

The Team still holds first in the points standing for the 2wd class! Our most sincere congratulations to the team for getting the car right side up again and into battle mode!

Rally xD Takes to the Susquehannock Trail Rally

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Paul P.

After suffering from a grueling race at the Oregon Trail Rally earlier this month (finishing 3rd in class), the Sparco Rally xD is rebuilt and ready for the upcoming event, the Susquehannock Trail Rally.

For those that have been following, you may remember seeing some pics of the rear end with the rear twist beam axle being ripped out from both sides. Lessons learned, my friends, because they’re ready to attack again.

Where they’re going, they don’t need roads…. Oh wait, actually, yes, they do.

After suffering from that rare DNF last year, leaving the car looking somewhat like a DeLorean Time Machine, the crew made some revisions to the rear suspension, reinforcing some key areas as to address the axle beam fatigue that rally racing brings.

To think, previous season of racing were on a completely stock axle beam. I still find that pretty impressive, considering how many well-funded teams use some beefed up components.

Oh, and while doing some testing in preparation for this event, the team had a minor setback. Seriously,,,,,, minor

Whoops

But the car is right side up again, running, and doing some sweet jumps

We’re sure this time around will be just as eventful, but in a much more positive way. I expect to see this car race from start to finish, and you should too. Please be a pal and cheer these guys on directly on their Facebook page!

Susquehannock Trail Rally 2013 is May 31-June 1.

Update: Geoff Stoneback Drifting

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Paul P.

Geoff has been great in keeping us up-to-date on the progress of his drift season so far, and we must say that he’s really impressing us, along with his other sponsors!

On May 18, Geoff competed in the U.S. Drift series at Englishtown, New Jersey, a track that Geoff is quite familiar with.

According to Geoff, track conditions were inconsistent with rain imminent. The eventual downpour gave Geoff some slippery conditions. And with a vehicle’s TEIN Super Drift dampers for the highest possible grip level, Geoff put his expertise of this track to good use.

During his first run, he didn’t score any points. With the right mindset on his second run, Geoff found himself in second position.

Only 14 drivers qualified. Again, rain prevented all drivers from practicing tandem runs. Going right into competition, Geoff made quick work of the other drivers, securing his advancement into the Top 4. His higher qualifying position put him in lead car position as he battled for either a 1st or 2nd place finish.

A strong first run followed by a tight tandem in the second, up until the last turn when his opponent spun out, saw Geoff sitting atop the podium. Great 1st place finish, Geoff!!!

Follow Geoff’s progression through the year right on his Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/GeoffStoneback484drift

2012+ Honda Civic Non-Si Conversion Kit

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Sergio M.

With the release of the Street Basis and Street Advance for the 2012+ Civic’s, we found a change in the design of the knuckle assembly from the Si models to the standard Non-Si models. This change in design is new to the civic this year as previous model years shared the same knuckle assemblies between models only changing out the brake systems to a larger size for the Si models.

P1070634 (Small)

This conversion kit consists of two pairs of 14mm bolts and eight collar washer. When installed properly this kit will convert the 16mm bolt hole on the TEIN damper to allow fitment to the 14mm knuckle assembly. Part number for the kit is SPS12-P9043. This kit is price at $146.00 and is readily available. This kit is a little on the pricey side but would be required if the kit is to be used on a Non-Si model.

Geoff Stoneback Drifting

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Paul P.

We’re glad to continue to participate with motorsports events in the U.S. One of the most exciting for us has been the drifting series. Each year seems to bring a new set of groundbreaking, purpose-built race cars, and all of them keep getting faster, louder, and even more entertaining.

With a sport experiencing some accelerated levels of growth over the past few years, it brings some great opportunities for future race car drivers.

For this year, we continue to support the Formula Drift Championship series through Vaughn Gittin Jr’s Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR. But we also support the guys in the Pro-Am series.

Geoff Stoneback of Geoff Stoneback Drifting approached us last year looking forward into the 2013 race season. Fortunately, we were able to work out a package for his 1995 Nissan 240SX he’s campaigning in the aforementioned Pro-Am series, as well as the XDC (Xtreme Drift Circuit). Geoff, who currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. has the talent, and we’re glad to be on board for his racing program this year. He’s making as many appearances has he can, mainly in the East coast. So, for those out in the East, keep on lookout for this guy!

Geoff chose our Super Drift coilovers for his machine. Already familiar with the TEIN brand (he’s used our Type Flex coilovers, Geoff seems to already have the car dialed in pretty well with the new dampers.

We’re glad to be supporting privateers such as Geoff. At 27 years young, he’s got a great future ahead of him, and he’s certainly showing that his skills out on the track will only get better, and we’re proud to be a part of that! Along with Kenda Tires, Geoff has the backing to show that he can do the job.

We wish Geoff and his crew the best for the 2013 Drifting season. We look forward into watching him progress through the series!

Geoff and his crew also put out a great video on Vimeo

Please be sure to follow him through his website GSDrifting.com

You can also find him on Facebook

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