Super Street Magazine’s Cars of Formula Drift New Jersey

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Paul P.

For sure Formula Drift New Jersey, which took place on June 17 & 18, had a great crowd turnout, as well as a nice showing of cars both inside the venue, out in the parking lot, and of course on the track.

We were glad to have ourselves a beautiful booth car for our TEIN booth. The Evo X owned by Max Solarz was tastefully set up using our MONO SPORT coilovers, and a host of other JDM goodies. That really helped our booth stand out.

That’s not to say that there wasn’t any other good looking car at the event. As we mentioned, it seemed the whole venue was packed with nicely built cars. Super Street Magazine was gracious enough to share their pics of cars from Wall Speedway’s pit area. Check it out!

Formula D New Jersey 2016 Pit Walk

TEIN 4X4 Dampers

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Paul P.

Not necessarily new for us. We’ve actually made 4×4 Dampers in the past, but it was limited to one model and very limited vehicle applications.

Now we’re bringing them back, along with four different models, and hoping to offer them for a wider variety of 4×4 vehicles!

First up is our 4×4 SPORT dampers. These are loosely based on our Type GRAVEL dampers, which are a rebound damping only adjustable (16-way) with ADVANCE NEEDLE technology and ride height adjustable setup. However, this new 4×4 Sports damper setup will incorporate our new Hydraulic Bump Stop (H.B.S.) system, which to date is only applied to our FLEX A line of suspensions. Our proprietary ZT coatings are applied to threaded bodies to provide all-weather ease of adjustment for ride height. Of course, these will be EDFC systems compatible (EDFC II, EDFC ACTIVE, or EDFC ACTIVE PRO). So far, we are making applications for the Toyota Landcruiser and FJ Cruiser.

Second is our 4×4 GRAVEL dampers. These are based on our HG setup, which is twin-tube structure with external reservoir, giving you separate compression and rebound damping adjustment (both 16-way) with ADVANCE NEEDLE technology and ride height adjustability. Because these have external reservoirs, we are able to invert the rear dampers for applications such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser, since the nitrogen charge is separated by a floating piston in the external reservoir. Ride height adjustment is smooth using our ZT coatings. Also EDFC systems compatible! Applications are Toyota Tundra, FJ Cruiser, and Landcruiser, as well as the Ford F150.

Our third offering is our 4×4 PREMIUM model. This may be a bit more limited in vehicle applications. So far, this has been offered to the Middle East market for the Nissan Patrol/Safari and Mercedes G63 AMG. These are monotube structures with external reservoirs giving independent compression and rebound adjustment. As the name implies, it is a premium line with much more flashy finishing. The damper bodies are also coated with our proprietary ZT coating for superior all-weather performance. However, these also include anodized dust covers all the way to the external reservoir. Quite flashy!

Internally, the monotube structure benefits from our Temperature Control Valve (T.C.V.) technology, which regulates oil flow as temperature and viscosity changes, as well as our Hydraulic Bump Stop system. And yes, EDFC systems compatible for both compression and rebound adjustments.

Lastly is our 4×4 RALLY model. Technically, these are a made-to-order setup. We’ve applied the rally models to race only vehicle applications. Developed directly from our experience in China Rally Raid (similar to Paris-Dakar rally, if that rings a bell), and taking the most out of our Group N rally program. Features include monotube construction, Temperature Control Valve, Hydraulic Bump Stop, Micro Speed Valve (M.S.V.) technology, High & Low Speed compression adjustment (3-way), and TEIN proprietary coatings. Built to endure some of the toughest racing conditions for 4×4’s. And of course, EDFC systems compatible!!!

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV rally SUV you see in our cover picture of this post is on an example of our 4X4 RALLY suspension, as a matter of fact!

Starting at around $20,000.00 (depending on application/use).

So why the re-introduction to 4×4 suspension? Quite honestly there is a huge demand for truck and SUV suspension. While it seemed that sales of such vehicles dwindled off in the mid 2000’s, consumers are saying otherwise nowadays, and that leaves plenty to be desired from the aftermarket. We want to be a part of that trend, and this also helps us to grow our brand. Plus, we have the technology and our heritage in rally racing. We know we can offer a truly unique product for the 4×4 market!

Look forward to updates on our 4×4 suspension program for 2016 within the next few months!!!

Here’s a video of that TEIN sponsored Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV that we found on YouTube:

Quite interesting seeing a hybrid SUV being used for racing!!!

SEMA 2015

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Paul P.

Geeeez. 2015 is already closing out??? We can typically feel this when SEMA starts to come around, and we’re getting to work on our displays.

This year marked the launch of the new FLEX Z coilovers. A bit later than expected, but nonetheless it is now available! It’s done really well, too! In fact, a bit too well, and we’re now running into an issue with backorders. Whoops!!!

We were also planning on the launch of the new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z for 2015. These two new products are to come from our new TEIN China factory, which is still doing preliminary manufacturing runs. However, due to an increase in orders for the FLEX Z, along with a year-long sale we had on STREET FLEX kits (and a reduced price for current STREET BASIS & STREET ADVANCE kits), TEIN Japan has been backed up with orders from each of their branches.

We mentioned several times that we have a new manufacturing plant in China. However, everything isn’t up and running 100% just yet. Again, we’re focused on maintaining that well-known TEIN quality, and that trickles down to our STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z lineup, which the TEIN China factory will be producing for us. So, until it is perfected, we will hold off on releasing this product line. Expect to see the new “Z” lines to hit the U.S. shore by Spring 2016!!!

Anyway, back to SEMA. That is our biggest show for the year. Typically we’ll take a year off (skip a year). But this year we return to get the word out to vendors and distributors that some new products are soon to arrive. Afterall, that is what SEMA is- a place for manufacturers to showcase the latest and greatest. And, in our case, showcase a well built Evasive Motorsports Nissan GT-R on our Super Racing dampers w/ 3-way. Yowza, that’s a mouthful to say.

We hope to see many of you there. We know that the show is technically not open to the public, but from what we understand, the SEMA group opens up the last day (Friday the 6th) to consumers. So why not try to make it anyway!!!

A look back at TEIN’s SEMA past.

We like American cars. So what?

If you can make it, stop by our booth in Central Hall (Racing & Performance; booth # 24817), right next to Toyota!!!

Formula Drift Rd. 7 (Irwindale Speedway)

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Paul P.

We’ve been attending all the California Formula Drift events for the past few years now. This year we decided to attend all U.S. events. While quiet on our blog about this, we’ve kept followers up to date on our Facebook and Instagram feed (@teinusa). So of course we’re looking to go to the final event for the 2015 season!

An old-school picture of the Irwindale Speedway, probably in its prime and definitely well before drifting ever became a thought.

As we understand it, and as it has been a threat looming over this particular event, this may be the last Formula Drift event at Irwindale Speedway, as the current owners/investors have plans to bulldoze the facility and track and make way for a,,,,,,,,, shopping center?

Kinda BS if you ask me. Anyway, if this is true, we hope the race will truly be a memorable one. This season’s Formula Drift was full of unexpected turns (semi-pun intended??), and almost every event has had its own controversial matter. We’re almost guaranteed a big bang finale.

In terms of exposure in the drifting scene, TEIN has been relatively quiet. There are two cars out there using our suspension, but we’re not inclined to say who. Last season, we had Geoff Stoneback on board with TEIN, but for 2015, being his first year full-time in the Pro class (was Pro 2 last year), he was picked up by another sponsor. To be honest, we’re quite proud of that. It goes to show that Geoff is truly a talented driver, and now he has the backing of quite a few sponsors! We know he’ll only be doing bigger and better things for years to come! Fortunately we keep in touch with him, and he’s kind enough to pay us a visit at the TEIN booth for every event so far! Truly a great friend of ours!

Go Geoff!!!

Anyway, like always, we’ll be there and will have TEIN goods on hand. So stop by and say hi! We’ll also have our good friend Reginald Cunanan and his beautiful Mitsubishi Evo X on hand.

Rd. 7 for Formula Drift is on October 9-10, 2015! Get your tickets at the Formula Drift Webpage

JCCS THIS WEEKEND (Sept. 19, 2015)!!!

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Paul P.

It will be our fourth consecutive year attending the Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS) out by the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA! Event starts at 9a and goes until 3p and is free to the public!!!

Japanese Classic Car Show Website

While not known for really being related to older vehicles, we do have our Specialized Damper Program. This is the perfect program for such vintage vehicles that no longer have a strong aftermarket support program. We’ve used this for many older vehicles in Japan, and it continues to grow Stateside!

Apologies, but we didn’t have a Japanese classic last year. Hopefully this year??

Anyway, we’ll have our booth setup with TEIN goods for sale. We hope to see plenty of you there!!!!!

Reginald Cunanan’s EVO X

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Paul P.

We’re glad to sponsor Reginald Cunanan and his Mitsubishi EVO X for the 2015 season! This young guy already has a well-built show car and even had some coilovers already on his car. Fortunately for us, he was in the market for a suspension kit to improve his ride, since he didn’t find satisfaction with what he was previously using.

Being that our new FLEX Z suspension was hitting the market, he was a prime candidate to get on our suspension and give the new coilovers a real-world test!

While he was at it, he got our EDFC ACTIVE PRO to pair with his new suspension kit. A great pairing for his new performance suspension, and one that he really enjoys so far! Glad to hear, because we took a great amount of time trying to perfect this new “Z” line of suspension.

Here are some pics of his beautiful ride!:

You can catch more of his pics on his Instagram feed: @regwaslike

We also look forward to having his EVO as our booth car for Formula Drift Rd. 7 at Irwindale Speedway, and seeing his car at SEMA this year!

Customized Suspension for Evo X Chase Vehicle!

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Paul P.

This was a special project for us. Our good friend at Clockwork Media came by asking for suspension for his camera car that he uses for filming. You may actually be familiar with a lot of their work, as they do most of the videos for Scion Racing! So anything drift, rally, and anything in between that Scion is involved with, Clockwork Media takes care of a majority of it!

Back to their need for suspension. As mentioned in the title, they use a Mitsubishi Evo X that is only modified with extra equipment to mount cameras and such onto the car. Their concern was that, with stock suspension and with a total of four passengers, the ride quality was still very harsh. This translated into very choppy looking video, as they played a clip of a chase run with the GReddy sponsored Scion Racing FR-S of Ken Gushi. On top of addressing the harsh ride concern, they needed a suspension kit that will maintain close to factory ride height (including the four passengers in the car).

This sounded like a pretty good challenge for us. For those of you familiar with our coilover products, you may already know that most of our kits are designed to lower vehicles, and most have a bit more aggressive spring rates and damper valving to enhance handling performance. So technically, we had nothing off-the-shelf to meet their needs.

However, we have the ability to do some customization in-house. Since all of our coilovers are rebuildable, we can customize internals and modify damper valving for specific spring rates.

Prior to deciding on what coilover package we could use, we did a quick corner balance on the vehicle to see how much more weight was added (excluding the passengers). Then, our engineer went to work looking up existing Evo X suspension kits we already offer. It turns out our STREET FLEX coilover was the best candidate for modification. The next problem- getting factory ride height and factoring the added weight of passengers and filming equipment. Typically, for such requests we have custom piston shafts made by TEIN Japan, then air freighted to us. Our engineer was able to find existing piston shaft designs to use, which saved them the hassle of having to design new ones altogether.

Mind you, this doesn’t necessarily add more stroke. We’re still using an off-the-shelf coilover kit that has a set damper length. We just needed the extra length to use in conjunction with a taller and softer spring than what comes with the kit to be able to get close to factory ride height.

Once we got all the parts together, our engineer went to work on final spring rates and damper shim specs. Then we assembled the dampers. Overall, the dampers are MUCH LONGER!

Here’s our STREET FLEX kit as it comes out of the box:

Here’s the front STREET FLEX compared to the newly modified one:

And the rear STREET FLEX compared to the modified one:

Compared to the stock suspension, our modified STREET FLEX dampers are very close in overall length

Fronts:

Rears:

Starting with the rears, it was as simple as unbolting the stock suspension, upper mounts and all, and swapping in our coilover

There’s quite a bit to do to remove the front suspension, but at least putting in our STREET FLEX setup makes it a quick bolt-on affair.

We certainly hope all of you installing our suspension are double-checking each bolt/nut, spring seat, etc. to make sure they’re torqued to specification. We may have the dampers preassembled and they may look ready to go right out of the packaging, but it is wise to check every component prior to attempting to drive on them. Follow torque specifications listed in the included installation manual with your coilover kit.

Our engineer is double-checking the torque on the hex bolts for the camber plate. These require relatively low torque (12-3 – – 13.74 ft-lbf).

Seatlocks for locking lower brackets will vary depending on design (strut type= 101.2 ft-lbs, multi-link= 50.6 ft-lbs). For strut type lower brackets, we also include a conical washer between the bracket and seat lock. This must be tightened completely with no visible gap when it is torqued properly.

When all was said and done, the car looked,,,,,,,, well, it looked stock. Kind of unusual for us since we expect a car to end up lowered (unless we’re installing an HG or Group N coilover kit, that’s a different story). Again, this is what our friend wants. They need to make it a more comfortable and less harsh of a ride to get those great pictures and videos while on the move!

Front ride height:

Rear ride height:

We certainly hope our friend likes the new suspension. Being that we can customize our coilovers, there are still endless possibilities in terms of different spring rates and damper valving, depending on their needs!

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!!!

CARBING OIL CATCH TANK VEHICLE SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Sergio M.

A few weeks back, another TEIN USA employee had done a Blog Post about the Carbing Oil Catch Tanks that we distribute for Okuyama Co., I would like to let you know that they now have Oil Catch Tanks for vehicle-specific applications. This will guarantee a easy set up for the product to be bolted into your vehicle.

Below are just a few of the vehicle application that they have out now, but it is always best to keep a look out on their website for any new products or vehicle-specific products.

http://carbing.co.jp/international/index.shtml

They have different products for all types of vehicles. Most of these items are a Special Order only but it is a product that we can get into the States. Please verify that the item will work properly for your vehicle as they test and manufacture some of the items for Japanese domestic vehicles.

Mitsubishi Evolution (CT9A)

Mitsubishi Evolution (CZ4A)

Subaru Impreza (GVB/GRB)

Toyota (86/FR-S)
Subaru (BRZ)

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!!!

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