TEIN MONO RACING Coilovers

Posted on December 20, 2019 by Paul P.

While we still sell plenty of our FLEX Z and MONO SPORT coilover kits, and since they fit the bill for most consumer’s needs, we feel and also see the need for more race-oriented suspension setups. To date, we still produce our SUPER RACING coilover line for those needing a setup to match more aggressive chassis and tire setups people use for road racing and the ever-so-popular Time Attack races. However, for some, there is no necessity of 2-way damping adjustability. In fact, for some consumers, having that extra adjustment (separate compression and rebound damping), might be confusing. Again, probably why we still sell plenty of FLEX Z and MONO SPORT coilover. There’s a certain simplicity to these coilovers.

But, in between a MONO SPORT or SUPER RACING coilovers is a bit of a gap. This led to our development and release of the new MONO RACING coilover line.

MONO RACING coilovers take all of the features of the MONO SPORT line- monotube construction (with our proprietary “Strong Upright Tube” setup for strut suspensions), threaded shock body (for separate spring preload and ride height adjustments, and use of our Micro Speed Valve (M.S.V.) for improved low-speed damping control. With that, we add some features of the Super Racing line, mainly items for strut type applications, such as camber/caster adjustable front upper mounts and extra camber adjustment at the lower bracket (camber washer). Along with those features, we valve the MONO RACING dampers far more aggressive and include stiffer springs, making the package a much more race oriented feel. Damping adjustment is rebound only (16-click, like our typical coilovers), and is of course compatible with our EDFC systems. Like all TEIN coilovers, we still treat the MONO RACING coilovers to our proprietary ZT and powdercoating for long-lasting durability. MONO RACING coilovers are also serviceable (rebuild and valving) and customizable.

Again, the setup is aimed towards consumers who done vehicle modifications that are complimentary to a track setup. Typically a very good summer tire or even R-compound will work well with this suspension package, but also other additions like small aero upgrades can take good advantage of the more aggressive damper and spring setup.

Most importantly, we wanted to bring this user-friendly race coilover kit at a reasonable price point, starting at $1800 and going up to $2220, all depending on the vehicle application (strut type or independent spring/shock type suspensions are more expensive).

Now available for the following applications:

Honda Civic Type R (FK8) *includes Error Canceller Units

Toyota 86 (Scion FRS)/Subaru BRZ

Mazda Miata (NA6C/NA8C/NB8C/NDERC)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions VII/VIII/IX (CT9A) and X (CZ4A)

Subaru WRX/STI (GDBE/GRF/GVF/VA

and more applications to come.

2017+ 86 & BRZ FLEX Z, FLEX A, & MONO SPORT Coilover Testing

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Paul P.

We just finished up some testing on the 2017 Subaru BRZ (and which would of course affect the 2017 Toyota 86). While the vehicles aren’t drastically different compared to 2012-2016 model years of the aforementioned vehicles (the 86 previously named the Scion FR-S), there are some small changes in suspension that affect how our existing coilovers feel.

TEIN Japan currently sells part numbers VSTD8-C1SS4 for the FLEX Z line, VSTD-D1SS4 for the FLEX A line, & GSTD8-71SS4 for the MONO SPORT line for their market.

Stateside, we currently sell the VSQ54-C1SS4 for FLEX Z and GSQ54-71SS1 for the MONO SPORT line. For the FLEX A, we previously sold the VSQ54-D1SS4 model number. Now we sell the VSTD8-D1SS4. For the MONO SPORT line, we’re looking to start selling TEIN Japan’s GSTD8-71SS1, since there isn’t much variation between the U.S. and JDM spec.

Phew, that’s a lot of part numbers…..

So, why the change to FLEX A part number VSTD8-D1SS4?

The reason is that there are a lot of similarities between the U.S. part numbers for FLEX A and FLEX Z. If you’re not familiar with either, we’ll just say that the FLEX A includes our proprietary Hydraulic Bump Stop (H.B.S.) and is also a serviceable damper (can be rebuilt/revalved). In terms of cost, the FLEX A is $210 more.

Since the features are really the only noticeable difference, we had to look at damping force between the JDM and US kits to see what would work best for our market. The U.S.-spec FLEX A and FLEX Z both had very similar damping characteristics. Aside from the H.B.S. setup in the FLEX A’s, they feel nearly identical.

With that said, we wanted there to be difference between the two kits. Something that will help differentiate the two when a customer decides what they’ll be using the kit for.

So, we recently started offering the newer part number of FLEX A, the JDM version, part number VSTD8-D1SS4. These actually have a difference in damping, being more aggressive. We feel this may end up being a better option for the more-than-occasional track driven car owner. Being a serviceable damper, this also will allow owners the ability to revalve the dampers for different spring rates, if necessary. Along with being slightly more aggressive, the damping adjustment range is shifted up slightly, giving the end-user a higher range of tuning flexibility at the track.

That’s not to say that the FLEX Z isn’t at all capable of track use. However, we wanted this setup to offer greater compliance for a daily commuter, while still having an available adjustment range that allows for much more sportier handling characteristics. Comfort was just more of our aim for this kit, and it is greatly noticeable on larger bumps as high-speed compression is softer and more forgiving.

FLEX Z and FLEX A coilovers will look nearly identical. But, as mentioned in this blog, there are some features that FLEX A has over the Z line: Hydraulic Bump Stop, serviceable dampers (rebuild/revalve), and slightly more aggressive valving out of the box.

So, as far as a total breakdown of each suspension offering we have for the FR-S/86/BRZ:

STREET BASIS Z (GSQ54-8USS2)– perfect for daily driver not looking to sacrifice OE ride feel but improve handling performance, while being ride height adjustable.

FLEX Z (VSQ54-C1SS4)– high performance street kit, with 16-click damping adjustment and included upper mounts (camber adjustable for front).

FLEX A (VSTD8-D1SS4)– higher performance street kit/occasional track kit with aggressive damper valving, but with a greater adjustment range for ease of tuning. Included Hydraulic Bump Stop (H.B.S.) providing greater control and damping stability against repulsive compression force. Includes upper mounts as well (camber adjustable for front).

MONO SPORT (GSTD8-71SS1)– entry-level race setup with single adjustable damping. Monotube internal structure with greater oil capacity for better endurance and performance for long track stints. Also utilizes are Micro Speed Valve (M.S.V.) to improve low-speed damping curve. Includes upper mounts as well (camber adjustable for front).

SUPER RACING (DSQ54-81LS1)– 2-way damping adjustable setup for dedicated track cars, suitable for cars with R-compound or softer tires. Lightweight (full aluminum rear damper assembly), and included duralumin upper mounts (camber & caster adjustable for front) and camber washers for front.

Hopefully this info helps. If not, you’re more than welcome to give us a call to discuss your suspension options!

MotoIQ’s Top 13 Tuner Cars of SEMA

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Paul P.

Once again we’re proud to see some TEIN equipped vehicles to make MotoIQ’s list of top tuner cars of SEMA 2015! One of them, Evasive Motorsports’ Nissan GT-R, happened to be our booth car for the show (OH, DID YOU KNOW THAT ALREADY?! ;)). That’s definitely something for us to be proud of! Evasive’s GT-R uses our Super Racing dampers (which also has our 3-way unit for low-speed and high-speed compression adjustment) and EDFC ACTIVE PRO.

Another vehicle to make the list was Whiteline USA’s Scion FR-S owned by Jonathan Polidano, Technical Sales Manager for Whiteline USA. He’s using our MONOSPORT dampers and EDFC ACTIVE PRO.

While we took no part in physically building these two cars, we are honored to have our engineered suspension grace these builds. Evasive Motorsports plans to use the car for local Time Attack events in California (and possible out of state events), while Jonathan Polidano plans to use his FR-S for NASA series events. Make no mistake, neither of these cars were meant to be show cars!

Congrats to Evasive Motorsports and Whiteline USA! We’re certainly glad to be a part of your beautiful cars!!!

TEIN Equipped Cars of SEMA 2015

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Paul P.

Each year we are very fortunate to be able to attend SEMA (either as an exhibitor or a visitor). We always look forward to seeing all the great aftermarket parts so many manufacturers are putting out, and we also always look forward to the vehicle builds that manufacturers and individuals bring to Las Vegas. Each and every year we attend we get to see some of these cars using TEIN, and that makes us very proud. It is truly an honor to have our suspensions grace some of the most beautiful builds!!!

This year, we had the opportunity to assist with several builds. Starting with:

Evasive Motorsports’ Nissan GT-R:

This is actually a vehicle we have had on TEIN Super Racing since last year (it was in the Volk Racing/Rays Wheels booth for 2014 SEMA). This year, we wanted to showcase our Super Racing dampers with the new 3-way Unit (for low and high-speed compression adjustment). However, for 2016, we will convert back to 2-way as Evasive rebuilds the car for Time Attack Duties (as part of their class requirement).

Mackin Industries/ Project Mu Nissan 204SX:
Brian and Julia Duong of Mackin Industries built their 240SX for Project Mu. Unlike other 240SX’s, this one is not all hacked up and fitted with some crazy widebody. That is a large part of this car’s appeal- just how clean the body looks and with just some simple modifications! Looks great with our STREET FLEX damper kit.

Evasive Motorsports’ 997 Porsche GT3:

This vehicle is using our custom Specialized Dampers made through TEIN Japan. We hope to do more testing on this platform soon and bring the kit to market!

Nissan GT-R Nismo:

This was in Mackin Industries/Rays Wheels booth for SEMA. Very tastefully done and using our MONO SPORT suspension.

Whiteline’s Toyota FR-S:

Owner Jonathan Polidano took his personal FR-S and made it into Whiteline’s occassional track car. Using our MONO SPORT dampers with EDFC Active Pro.

X-Force Exhausts Ford Mustang GT:

This 2015 Mustang GT is currently on our prototype set of S.Tech lowering springs. Sitting on 20″ Volk G25’s, this has the perfect stance!

Lexus GS-F:

Built by Gordon Ting, this brand new Lexus GS-F is on a prototype set of our STREET ADVANCE coilovers. Another tastefully modded car still incorporating most the the car’s natural body lines.

Evasive Motorsports’ Evasive-Spec S2000 Ver.3:

A customer car that was just freshly built from the ground up and using Evasive Motorsports’ very own Evasive-Spec Super Racing dampers. Such a beautifully executed build. Nothing spared, everything to the highest quality!

DC Sports Subaru WRX:

Using our newest FLEX Z dampers and paired to our EDFC ACTIVE PRO setup, this simply prepared WRX looks good and has the performance to match its appearance!

Toyota RAV-4 Rally Car:

And let’s not forget the Rally RAV-4 of Ryan Millen! This was sitting across from the TEIN booth. We love it in all its dirt and splendor! Using a customized set of our Group N dampers.

It was a great SEMA for us, and one that had TEIN’s presence wherever we walked! Glad to be a part of so many great cars!!! We hope to be just as prevalent for next year’s SEMA, if not more so!!!

Our In-House Engineer’s personal Scion FR-S

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Paul P.

While most of us are pretty much desk jockeys here at TEIN USA (just kidding!), some of our staff enjoy spending their free time at the local race track. Local to us southern Californians is something like a 1 hour drive on average.

One such racing enthusiast is our very own in-house engineer, Shuichiro (a.k.a.- “GQ”). He occasionally takes one of his daily drivers to the track. He’s currently driving his 2013 Scion FR-S. Prior to this, he had a well-prepared Honda S2000. However, there was one occassion where he tried to get all environmentally friendly and drive a Toyota Prius. Dunno what he was trying to do there. He was probably all like “I wanna be like Brad Pitt” or something. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still a true race enthusiast. That hybrid car stuff was just a phase we’re trying to forget about…

He was told to “look natural”. This is his idea of “natural”. So GQ.

But yes, he’s an enthusiasts. Whenever he has the chance, he’ll prepare his car for track duty. Being that he works at TEIN, that means he has access to any one of our suspension kits.

We are actually making his car our guinea pig for damper development, for both new product and experimental damper valving. Since it is easier to do so with our 2-way adjustable setups, we have him run our Super Racing coilover. Not a bad hookup for making him our crash test dummy! I mean, test driver. In the name of science!!!

The current build sheet for his FR-S is as follows:

*Exterior
Front lip spoiler: Revolution
Side skirt: Downforce Evasive (exclusive model)
GT wing: Voltex Type1S
Duck bill: Five Axis
Fender Spoiler: TRD

*Interior
Seat: Recaro SP-G
Harness: TAKATA Race 4

*Footwork
Coilover: TEIN SRC (Ft9kg/Rr10kg)
Wheel: Advan GT 18×9.5 +40
Brakes: AP Racing front big brake kit w/ 6 piston calipers
Brake pads: Project Mu

*Drive train
LSD: ATS&Across

*Engine
Intake: Revolution
Throttle Body: Revolution
Exhaust manifold: Fujitsubo SuperEX
Front pipe: Berk
Cat back: Fujitsubo Authorize R Type S (w/ burnt tip)
Oil cooler: Greddy
ECU: Ecutek

A very simple build. Nothing too over-the-top, and definitely a good platform for us to continue damper development on. In fact, the FR-S/BRZ has been one of the best selling of new vehicle platforms for us in terms of suspension sales!

So, if you see him at events, especially around Buttonwillow, don’t hesitate to say hi to him. Better yet, prepare a bunch of technical questions to ask him in case you run into him! He loves that kind of stuff. Apparently.

New Products for January 2015!

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Paul P.

We’ve finally received our first shipment from TEIN Japan for 2015! Actually, we were expecting these items at the beginning of the year (Jan. 6th, to be exact). However, due to continuing strikes at the Port of Long Beach, we had to delay this shipment for way longer than expected.

But, now these new parts are available!!!

Contact your nearest authorized TEIN Dealer for purchasing!

Super Lap Battle by Global Time Attack Results

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Paul P.

We’re glad to see some of our friends back at it at this past Friday’s Super Lap Battle by Global Time Attack, which took place at Buttonwillow Raceway Park!

As far as TEIN-equipped cars go, we had Sportcar Motion’s Acura Integra Type R on Super Racing dampers, which ran a 1:52.886 just last year. We also had Pradana “Ping” Wilianto’s Acura CSX on our Mono Flex dampers, who had ran a 2:01.314 last year, and Bobby Lane Racing’s Honda Accord on Mono Flex dampers (1:59.158 last year).

During the off-season, if there even is one, we hadn’t received any special requests from these guys. Normally, we’ll at least get a damper refresh/rebuild request. Instead, they all focused on a few other modifications to get their car ready for this year’s event. With the exception of Sportcar Motion, who hadn’t really touched their Type R since last year except to rebuild their transmission and try a different rear diffuser. They are using a different tire for this year, however.

Anyway, it was still an event for us to attend with our in-house engineer, in hopes that we could provide some trackside support to these guys and any other teams/drivers using TEIN dampers.

Just like previous years, we ended up just looking like the Maytag repair man with nothing to do except take notes on each vehicles suspension setup.

We were absolutely impressed with each teams performance. Their results are as follows:

Sportcar Motion’s Integra Type R (Limited FF class)- 1:51.916

2nd Place Finish!

Pradana “Ping” Wilianto’s Acura CSX (Street FF class)- 1:59.639

2nd Place Finish!

Bobby Lane Racing’s Honda Accord Limited FF class)- 1:55.241

3rd Place Finish (behind Sportcar Motion’s Integra)!

Each achieved personal best times, which was great news! As you can expect from their placement in their respective class, competition was stiff. In Limited FF, Point Zero Autosound and Performance trucked their Acura RSX all the way from Ontario Canada for this event! They finished in 1st place with a 1:51.789! Just a narrow margin between first and second place!

*We must note that the Sportcar Motion looked to be on pace for an even better time. But, on the last stint out on track, a brake failure caused the Integra to spin. Fortunately, driver Tim Kuo was able to recover from the spin without any further damage to the car. However, the damage to the brakes was all that was needed to prevent another fast lap.

Pradana “Ping” Wilianto had one goal in mind- a sub 2 minute lap. Why? He’s one of the few Street FF cars that is a legitimate street car. He retains full interior and air conditioning (you gotta maintain some amenities on the track!). Last year, he was under Enthusiast FF with a 2:01. Now under the Street FF class, he clocks in a 1:59, and not much else has changed to his CSX’s setup!

Bobby Lane Racing also kept their car relatively the same. Last year, we revalved for much stiffer springs to compliment their new aero package. A 1:59 was a very respectable time last year. This year’s 1:55 is even more impressive!

Overall, we’re very happy for these guys. Of course, we’re impressed with the out-of-the-box performance our Super Racing set for Sportcar Motion’s Integra and Mono Flex set for Ping’s CSX did. But, it always comes down to overall vehicle preparation, which each of these guys did a stellar job at! We won’t be satisfied until they stand atop the highest podium. So you can bet we’ll do what we can to get them there next year!

It was also great to see some of our other friends, such as Evasive Motorsports Scion FR-S and Will Wattanawongkiri and his S13 at the event. Unfortunately for Will, mechanical issues plagued him from staying in competition.

We also fancied the Spoon Sports Civic Type R being piloted by Dai Yoshihara! Ran a super quick 1:48 in Unlimited FF!!!

And this year’s overall winner- GST Motorsports’ GC8 piloted by Jeff Westphal! 1:38!!!!! Whoa

Carbing Tower Bar for Scion FR-S (and Subaru BRZ)

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Paul P.

Our in-house engineer, Shuichiro (a.k.a. “Shu”, for simplicity’s sake), has a bit of a tuning bug. He can’t seem to leave any of his cars alone. With the exception being that Toyota Prius he had for about a half year. Word on the street is he’s modifying a baby stroller for his daughter. Supposed to have TEIN coilovers with EDFC Active Pro and 5″ TE37’s? Oh, dear Jesus Gonzalez…

Seriously, I think he’s literally a kid in an automotive candy store. Him working here is a bad idea. Then again, he’s also our guinea pig for testing some of the latest parts. So, that’s technically good news for you, the consumer!

He recently purchased some Carbing Tower Bars for his Scion FR-S, which already has a gamut of parts (TEIN Mono Flex with custom front knuckle brackets, Fujitsubo Legalis R exhaust, and several other performance parts- no big power adders, though). I dig the Volk TE37 Time Attack’s he’s bolted onto each hub. Them wheels es muy sexy.

Prior to his Carbing purchase, we only special ordered these parts for a few customers. So we had no idea on fitment for the U.S. FR-S.

Anyway, here’s a pic of the Tower Bars installed.

You’re actually looking at two Carbing Tower Bar items in the picture.

Strut Tower Bar (in steel; painted white)

Part #: CA 611 055 0

MSRP- $170

Tower Brace (V-Bracing; in steel; painted white)

Part #: CA 693 055 0

MSRP- $160

No modifications necessary to install. Simple bolt-on. The Tower Brace (V-bracing) replaces the factory stamped pieces and bolts to the same factory mounting positions.

We currently stock both items here. So any authorized TEIN dealer can get them for you right away (since we’re the North American distributor for Carbing)!

And yeah, Shu’s Camber plates are mounted funny- he special ordered front knuckle brackets that have camber adjustment through the use of camber washers (same setup on some Super Racing coilover applications). That way, he can utilize the Mono Flex’s camber plates for caster adjustment. Clever guy.

Now leave your car alone, Shu. Your baby stroller, too.

See You at 86Fest!

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Paul P.

This year will mark the third consecutive show for 86Fest, and this year will be at a new, yet very familiar, venue (Irwindale Speedway, a.k.a. House of Drift)!!!

Car show, maybe some racing, and plenty of entertainment for all! From Old School (AE86) to the New School. Check it out!

We’ll be in attendance this year and will have our usual goods for sale at discounted prices. We’ll also be bringing some FR-S and BRZ specific parts, so come prepared as many vendors will have some great parts at discounted prices!

86Fest takes place on September 21, 2014. Gates open at 11a til 6p.
Irwindale Speedway is located at

500 Speedway Dr., Irwindale, CA. 91706

See you all there!

Carbing Parts for the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ Now In Stock!!!

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Paul P.

Contact your nearest authorized TEIN dealer for ordering information!

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Tag Archives: FR-S