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.

New Applications have arrived

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We recently received a container from Japan which had new product applications. Applications include Lancer, Ralliart, Mustang, Cube, Genesis Coupe, Altima, G37, 370Z and more…

Now in stock and ready for shipment.

S.Tech  for 2009+ Nissan Cube.

Drop: Front -1.2”, Rear -1.1”

Spring Rates: Front 3.1kg, Rear 4.9kg

Part Number: SKK06-AUB00

MSRP: $300

FLEX for 2010+ Ford Mustang V6 & V8

Drop Range: Front -0.4” to 2.1”, Rear -1.1” to -2.3”

Spring Rates: Front 9kg, Rear 5.9kg

Part Number: DSF40-6UAS1

MSRP: $2070

BASIC for 2007-08 Infiniti G35 Sedan exc AWD

Drop Range: Front -0.3” to -2.8”, Rear -0.4” to -2.4”

Spring Rates: Front 9kg, Rear 8kg

Part Number: DSP92-LUAS2

MSRP: $1060

BASIC for 2008+ Infiniti G37 Coupe

Drop Range: Front -0.2” to -3.0”, Rear 0” to -2.2”

Spring Rates: Front 9kg, Rear 8kg

Part Number: DSP92-LUAS2

MSRP: $1060

BASIC for 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 4 & 6cyl

Drop Range: Front -0.2” to -3.0”, Rear 0” to -2.2”

Spring Rates: Front 9kg, Rear 8kg

Part Number: DSP92-LUAS2

MSRP: $1060

BASIC for 2009+ Nissan 370Z

Drop Range: Front 0.9” to -1.9”, Rear 1.2” to -1.3”

Spring Rates: Front 9kg, Rear 8kg

Part Number: DSP92-LUAS2

MSRP: $1060

BASIC for 2007+ Nissan Altima Sedan 3.5L

Drop Range: Front -1.1” to -2.1”, Rear -0.1” to -1.9”

Spring Rates: Front 6kg, Rear 8kg

Part Number: DSK10-LUAS2

MSRP: $1130

BASIC for 2008+ Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5L

Drop Range: Front -1.2” to -2.1”, Rear -0.8” to -2.8”

Spring Rates: Front 6kg, Rear 8kg

Part Number: DSK10-LUAS2

MSRP: $1130

FLEX for 2008+ Mitsubishi Lancer and Ralliart

Drop Range: Front -0.9” to -3.0”, Rear -0.2” to -1.9”

Spring Rates: Front 9kg, Rear 7kg

Part Number: DSE32-6USS4

MSRP: $1660

Contact your local TEIN Authorized Dealer for deals and discounts.

What to look for when buying USED coilovers

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Many consumers may be mislead into thinking that picking up a used set is always a better deal than buying new. If you are interested in purchasing a set of used TEIN coilovers here are some tips on what to look for to ensure you know what your getting into.

The best scenario is to buy from a local seller so you can physically inspect the dampers before purchase. Many of the inspection points cannot be seen through camera images. Hidden damage can be costly.

Damper body damage. If the body has damage (dent or crack) this cannot be repaired.

– Damaged or missing threads cannot be repaired. Our threaded sleeve is welded onto the damper or in the case above is the threads are part of the shock body.

Rust. Light to moderate rust may not be too big of an issue but if the rust is excessive the dampers may require pre dis-assembly during service to determine if any of the rust has moved inside the damper. If the damper has heavy rust it is deemed not repairable. We will not service any item we feel has any safety risk.

Oil Leaks. Any type of oil leak is an indication that the oil seal is damaged and must be replaced which is an automatic overhaul (starting at $75 each depending on product model).

This is easily recognizable as an oil leak as dirt and grim has stuck to the leaking oil.

Piston Rod Damage. Light scuffs or scratched on the piston rod may be buffed out but  scoring,  pitting, or bent piston shafts would require a replacement. Replacement requires a new piston shaft and overhaul (Overhaul $75+ and Piston Rod $45+).

Large pit on the Piston Rod. Needs replacement.

Bent piston shaft most likely from a car accident. Piston rod needs replacement and possibly other internal components as well. During inspection make sure the shock body and lower bracket are not damaged.

Poor maintenance. Seized or corroded seat locks may indicate little to no maintenance to the damper (may require the locks to be removed by either force which may break the lock or would need to be cut off and replaced).

Damaged bump stops and dust boots would indicate low ride height on the coilover. This could break down the bump stop and dust boot over time and can lodge pieces from either part between the main seal and the piston shaft causing damage to the seal. (Replacement Bump Stops and Dust Boots start at $12 each).

Signs of poor maintenance means that you need to pay special attention to the piston rod for damage. Broken dust boots, bump rubbers and excessive dirt are indicators that the piston rod was not properly protected leaving it more prone for damage.

Pillow mounts. If equipped with pillow mounts check for wear and excessive movement. Damage to mounting plate is not repairable. The only three serviceable items on a pillow mount are the serration bolts, pillowball casing and camber adjustment bolts.

Missing Parts. Many times used items are sold incomplete. If the unit is damping force adjustable make sure the adjustment knobs are intact. Some kits include sway bar link rods, rear Height Adjustment Systems (HAS), brake brackets, camber washers, etc… Ensure that the kit comes with the hook spanner wrenches use to adjust ride height. Installation manuals can be downloaded from our homepage here. It is a good idea to take a look at the manual prior to inspecting a used kit for purchase  so you know what the kit should come with. Replacing missing parts can add up quickly.

Damping Force Check. With the springs removed you can compress the damper. There should be smooth movement both on compression and rebound. If the damper does not automatically rebound, it probably has a blown seal and is in need of an overhaul. If the damper is damping force adjustable, try it at full stiff and full soft. There should be a difference in resistance or speed of movement.

Remember when inspecting used products that every little missing item, or damage is money you will need to spent to repair or replace it. A set of dampers needing repairs can easily add up to a total price exceeding the cost of a new kit. The key is to be prepared and know what your getting into.

TEIN does offer inspection service at our two facilities. Inspection on dampers is free of charge just shipping costs would incur to and from the TEIN facility.

Ongoing Projects

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Looking in the R&D section today there are quite a few cars.

TEIN Mustang – sitting up on the lift awaiting repairs to the motor. I guess making nearly 500WHP took its toll on the motor.

0-60 magazine Rally Scion xD – down below awaiting completion of repairs after Rally Maine. The huge rocks caused a lot of damage on the underside of the car including a dented oil pan, heavily damaged belly pans and damaged one rear shock.

EVO 9 – finishing up installation of new DEFI gauges and Devil’s Own Alcohol Injection system.

WrapTivo/ Import Tuner magazine Honda CR-Z – arrived this morning. RJ De Vera’s latest project vehicle for SEMA. We will be test fitting lowering springs and Super Street coilovers. Look for a future post with more information.

TEIN/ Import Tuner magazine Lexus ISF – sitting outside awaiting pickup. Finished giving the car an inspection before Import Tuner chief editor, Carter Jung, takes it up to Nor Cal for Targa Trophy. Should be fun with over 500WHP when on the bottle.

Overhaul Results

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Hello from the TEIN R&D Department. Some, if not most, of you own a set of our dampers. If it so happens that you do indeed own and use a set of Tein Dampers, sometime down the line the damper is going to need an overhaul.

Whether the damper is leaking or just not performing like it used to, we have all your Overhaul needs covered. Follow this link for some basic prices and information regarding your Overhaul Service.

Here, we’ll be using one of our Overhaul Customer’s dampers to show you what normally goes on during our Overhaul Service.

We can see that this customer’s damper has been leaking oil and has accumulated some dirt while being driven. (Remember everyone, check the conditions of your dampers often. If you see it beginning to leak send it in for servicing. Continued use of an already worn out damper can only do more harm.)

We’ve disassembled the damper and the parts are going to be washed.

One of the easiest ways for us to determine how badly your dampers needed servicing is by looking at the overall color and quantity of the oil that comes out of the damper. The oil on the Left is new shock absorber oil, and the oil on the left is what came out of the damper, you can see the color difference between the two. When compared with the amount of oil the damper should have had, the actual amount that came out is quite low. (Driving a shock absorber with little to no oil will have the same consequences as driving your engine with no oil, inner components will begin to wear down and need replacing, or in the worst cases we’ve seen, the dampers are completely irreparable.)

After the parts are washed and inspected further, worn down parts will be replaced.

After everything is put back together you have a damper that performs just as it did out of the box and looks almost like it did out of the box. (Our dampers are originally powder coated. If the paint is beginning to fade or peel, to get it back to looking like brand new the damper would require a re-powder coating service. Unfortunately, we do not have that service available.)

Our recommended Overhaul Service interval is 3 Years/36,000 Miles if the damper is used only for daily driving/paved road use. If your dampers see track time or off-road time then your recommended Service Interval will be shorter. Vice versa if the dampers are used on a “Saturday Night or Weekend Special” car then your Service Interval will be longer.

Bottom line, check your dampers’ condition often. If you see oil or if they’re not performing like they used to then send them on in. We’ll make them look and feel like new.

TEIN Authorized Dealer in the Spotlight

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At TEIN, we work through our network Authorized Dealers to help promote our brand. Many of our dealers spend a lot of time advertising, and even testing our products out for themselves, all in an effort to get our name out there, as well as provide consumers with valuable feedback. RallySport Direct not only sells TEIN, but are also quite knowledgeable with our product line.

Located in Riverton, Utah, RallySport Direct has easy access to the playgrounds of Miller Motorsports Park. Must be nice! This gives the team at RallySport Direct a chance to really put the products they sell to the test.

Purchasing Manager, Ben Mertlich’s 2006 Mitsubishi Evo MR uses our Super Racing dampers. With a bevy of upgrades, such as parts from TurboXS, Hallman, and Brembo, to name a few, this makes quite a fun track car. Oh, and 325 AWHP helps too, I’m sure!

Owner Nick Widdison also made quick work of his ’05 STI, displaying the latest must-have parts.

This active group of enthusiasts can also be found on many automotive forums posting the most up-to-date information on new products and events, as well as offering tech support.  They also have some pretty cool videos on YouTube- check out their What’s in the Box segments. Much more informative than just staring at pictures of car parts, if you ask me!

Established in 2003  by Nick Widdison, RallySport Direct were quick to react to the new car market, making a name for themselves among the Subaru and Mitsubishi community as the go-to guys for aftermarket parts. They have since expanded their products and applications line. So don’t discount them if you’re looking for parts for your Honda, Nissan, or Mazda, etc. They can get you what you need.

So, if you’re in their area, stop by and visit their showroom. These guys are more than willing to assist. And, as previously mentioned, they’re always on the web to answer your questions. Their customer service will definitely be the highlight of your experience with them!

Many thanks to the crew at RallySport Direct for their continued support for TEIN!!!

RallySport Direct can be reached at 1-888-45-RALLY begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-888-45-RALLY      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

On the web at www.rallysportdirect.com

SuperRally at X Games 16

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This past weekend was X Games 16. New for this year was SuperRally where four cars compete bumper to bumper on a dirt course. TEIN sponsored professional drifter, Stephan Verdier, driving his Subaru STi. The vehicle is actually Stephan’s drift car converted back to AWD and tuned for rally. Changes included a different motor and transmission package from Crawford (must use turbo restrictor plate per the rules), rally suspension, gravel tires and a host of other parts.

Being that Ford and Subaru had multiple cars entered into SuperRally I think it was safe to say that Stephan was a big underdog. However practice times showed that Stephan was one of the quickest competitors. His Crawford powered STi showed it easily had the power to compete with the high power and light weight Fiestas from Ford which are purpose built for Rally Cross competition.

During morning practice Stephan made contact with the wall and damaged both the front and rear of his car. His car arrived back to the pits with a motor trouble, suspension damage and body damage. It took his skillful and dedicated crew hours to get his car patched up enough to compete. TEIN engineer, Mr. Nakai was on hand to help with suspension tuning and witnessed the team fix a broken cam sprocket, pull the chassis with a truck, replace suspension components and repair the bodywork. At this point he was lucky to even make it to the starting line.

In the first round Stephan faced Dave Mirra, Ken Block and ACP.

Stephan blasted off the line and held his lead for the entire race earning the win and entrance into the final round.

In the final round Stephan faced Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan and Sam Hubinette. This time the Fiestas blasted off the line and Stephan used his Crawford power to gain third position.

Through aggressive driving he moved into second behind Foust but relinquished the position to Deegan 3 laps later.

300 meters before the finish Stephan slowed from a damaged intercooler pipe which allowed Hubinette to pass him for third. The Gr.N suspension worked flawlessly throughout practice and competition. The coilovers provided Stephan with good traction for the Crawford power plant, high cornering speed and smooth landings.

It was an exciting race no matter the outcome and I cannot wait to see this event again in 2011.

Special thanks to Gordon Ting of 0-60 magazine for the X Games pass and the images.

New England Forest Rally VIDEO

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0-60 magazine just posted their video from the 2010 New England Forest Rally featuring their project Rally xD. Check out the soft landing at the 55 second mark. The HG dampers worked well under the especially harsh conditions of this rally and took the abuse of multiple jumps. Note: this car weighs in at over 3000 lbs. so it is in no way a light weight vehicle.

If you love rally racing, cars flying through the car and crashes check out this weekends X Games 16.  TEIN sponsored driver Stephan Verdier will be competing in his STi which is using TEIN Gr.N dampers.

Video courtesy of 0-60 Magazine and photo courtesy of Gordon Ting (0-60 Magazine).