Tag Archives: Specialized Dampers

Porsche 997 GT3 Coilover Testing

Posted on by

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

3-way adjustable dampers, made through our Specialized Damper Program

IMG_6389 (Custom)

The factory supplied dampers are quite nice. But, that TEIN Green, though......

The factory supplied dampers are quite nice. But, that TEIN Green, though……

Fronts installed

Fronts installed

 

Rears on

Rears on

 

Looking good so far!

Looking good so far!

 

NASCAR anyone?

Posted on by

Rally. Gymkhana. Autocross. Drift. Touring. Gravel. Super Taikyu.
These and many more are different forms of motorsports that TEIN is synonymous with.
However, when you think of TEIN, NASCAR is probably not one of your first thoughts.

A little known fact though, TEIN has been involved with NASCAR through Toyota Motorsports for the past 4 years and counting.

Since 2008 the Toyota Camry has been used as a pace car at NASCAR events.
And ever since it’s induction as an official pace car, TEIN, in conjunction with Toyota Motorsports, has been providing the pace car’s suspension.

With the unveiling of the new 2012 Camry pace car, Toyota Motorsports once again approached TEIN for their suspension needs.

The 2012 Camry Pace car utilizes specialized dampers that have been custom valved and modified by that US R&D Staff.

Look forward to more exciting ventures into the motorsports world with TEIN.

Rally xD Sno*Drift 2012

Posted on by

January 27th 2012 saw the start of the Rally America Championship series, and the TEIN sponsored Sparco Rally xD is off to a great start.

The Rally xD team managed to nab a 2nd in class win in spite of the frigid temperatures of Atlanta, Michigan and the subsequent snowy/icy/slushy road conditions they faced.

Andrew-Comrie Picard and Jeremy Wimpey returned once again as driver/ co-driver, piloting the xD expertly against the likes of Fiestas and Focuses, and even some Evo’s and STi’s.

 

After the event was finished and the team returned to sunny SoCal, the Specialized HG Dampers were removed from the xD and brought to us for a tear down and refresh before the next event.
Close, in-house repairs are definitely an advantage when you need your products back ASAP.

The next Rally America event will be February 24-25th in Salem, Missouri.

Check back for more coverage and results of the TEIN sponsored Sparco Rally xD in future Rally America events.

(Pictures via rallyxd.com & scion.com)

Rally Scion xD Video

Posted on by

Video from 0-60 Magazine. All footage was taken at the Oregon Trail Rally held on May 14-16.

Rally Scion xD is using TEIN HG coilovers made using our Specialized Damper program. You can see in the video that it easily absorbs the rough conditions and even a jump. Throughout the three day event the suspension worked perfectly and after a little cleaning it will be ready for the next event.

Rally xD with Specialized HG Dampers

Posted on by

Just got back from Portland Oregon. Myself and Mr. Nakai went out to support 0-60 magazine rally entry for Rally America – Rd. 4 Rally Oregon. The three day event started Friday and ended Sunday afternoon.

Gordon T. of 0-60 had a Scion xD modified for Rally competition. It features custom TEIN HG dampers which are designed for rally usage.

The kit features external reservoirs, two-way adjustment, extra large piston shafts, and other internal parts made to handle the harsh conditions.

The team was quite large with many support personnel who are here to ensure this experiment is a success. This is the first time the car has been run. It was completed by Design Craft only a few days before the event and put on the trailer immediately after. The support team is comprised of Rally virgins besides Mr. Nakai who has supported rally worldwide for the past 3 years.

The car has a stock motor, stock transmission and no testing. Major modifications are the roll cage, HG dampers, Volks, and plethora of Sparco parts. The car was kept simple for a reason – so that it would finish.

I will post a more detailed account of the weekend in the days to come.

Here is a short video clip found on YouTube. Not bad considering the car is one wheel drive (open differential).