ENDURAPRO Shock Absorber Testing on S550 Mustang GT (w/ Performance Package)

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Paul P.

This past week we had a 2018 Ford Mustang GT (S550 chassis) come in for testing. This particular one has the Performance Package. This package looks to include “heavy-duty” front springs and a thicker rear sway bar. Our guess is that the factory shock absorbers and rear springs have also changed from earlier S550’s Performance Package, with the shocks being a tad big more aggressive in valving, and so far we can say that we feel these differences.

ENDURAPRO PLUS (damping adjustable) for S550 Mustang shown

You can say it is a much sportier ride now. However, for some of us older fellows at TEIN USA, it was a bit too uncomfortable, whether it was street or highway driving. Personally I don’t really like how overly sensitive the steering was. Felt like I could accidentally loose control should my reflexes overreact. It just felt very twitchy and unstable.

Anyway, we wanted to test our upcoming STREET BASIS Z coilovers for this vehicle. BUT, it was also an opportunity to test our ENDURAPRO shock absorbers on this car, and it was definitely an improvement from our point of view!

As mentioned, the new GT Performance Package offers factory upgraded suspension. It was a far cry from how the first S550 GT we tested felt (when we were developing our FLEX Z coilover kit).

With the ENDURAPRO shock absorbers, ride quality was much more bearable for a daily drive. Much of the harshness we feel from the factory suspension is gone (however we can feel a difference with the stiffer front spring). Turn-in hasn’t changed dramatically, which we can possibly attribute to both the front springs and the larger rear sway bar.

Front ENDURAPRO strut compared to OEM strut.

Rear ENDURAPRO shock absorber compared to OEM shock.

How this compares to earlier S550 GT suspension is quite different, however. Again, with the current Performance Package suspension being more aggressive, the ENDURAPRO shock absorbers now make the car feel more compliant (not soft, not boaty, just better comfort). On an earlier S550 much of the sportiness is still there. But in both cases, the included Hydraulic Bump Stopper of our ENDURAPRO shock absorbers adds a much smoother ride quality under heavy loading. Over very large bumps, like expansion joints or overpasses on a freeway, this Hydraulic Bump Stopper really helps suppress upward jolts and smooths out the rebound. Given that the Mustang has relatively short suspension stroke, this pays huge dividends to providing comfort!

ENDURAPRO shock absorbers for the S550 Mustang are in stock and ready to ship!

Part numbers:
Front- VSGC0-A1MS2-L (left side)
VSGC0-A1MS2-R (right side)
Rear- VSGC1-A1MS2

Also available in ENDURAPRO PLUS (16-click damping adjustable)!

Front- VSGC0-B1MS2-L (left side)
VSGC0-B1MS2-R (right side)
Rear- VSGC1-B1MS2

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

Defi Advance CAN Driver Now Available!!!

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Paul P.

We made mention of this newest offering from Defi a few months ago, and finally they’re here!

Just a quick rundown of what it is and what type of customer this is applicable to:

It’s a plug & play kit for OBDII vehicles. Let’s say you want high precision gauges in your car (which of course Defi makes!!!), but the hassle of having to install each gauges (temperature and/or pressure) is too time consuming, or even costly (especially if you have a technician install them). The Advance CAN Driver is your type of system!!!

By using the included OBDII Harness Kit (comes with part number DF15601), you simply hook up to the On-Board Diagnostic port, then link whichever Advance Series of gauges using the Daisy Chain meter wire from the CAN Driver to the gauge (and each subsequent gauge; up to three gauges can be installed). All that’s left is where you plan on mounting the CAN Driver unit and your gauges!

Installing gauges this way not only simplifies the installation process, but it also takes advantage of pulling all the engine data from the ECU. Afterall, the issue with OE gauges isn’t that their sensors are faulty or too slow. They are, in fact, quite accurate and quick. The real issue lies with how quickly the gauges return this real-time data into something you can see. The response time for OE gauges, as most of us know, is relatively slow. Now, with Advance CAN Driver operating your Advance series gauges, you have a high precision and fast functioning gauge setup, and all it took was a couple of minutes to hook up and get going!

However, some readings aren’t readily accessible from the factory ECU, such as engine speed (RPM). So, in order to use Advance CAN driver for other parameters like engine temperatures or pressures, you can still use Advance CAN Driver. But to get engine speed, you will need to use Defi’s Advance Control Unit in conjunction with the Advance CAN Driver.

So far, we have two available kits:

Defi Advance CAN Driver
part number: DF15601

MSRP: $189

Includes: Advance CAN Driver Unit, OBDII Harness Kit, Adapter Wire, Power Source Wire, Speed & Tachometer Signal Wire, and a few small installation parts.

*does not include gauges faintly visible in the background.

Defi Advance CAN Driver + Advance BF 80mm Tachometer (White)

part number: DF15702

MSRP: $412

Includes: Advance CAN Driver, Advance BF 80mm Tachometer in White (11k rpm), Power Source Wire, and a few small installation parts.

Contact your nearest authorized TEIN dealer to order!

Formula Drift 2016

Posted on April 28, 2016 by Paul P.

The drift season got off to a start earlier this month, and what an event it was! The city of Long Beach, CA. hosts the season opener for Formula Drift, and around this time, the city prepares for the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Celebrity Grand Prix, the later of which had the final race for the series.

Weather seemed to be the only detriment to the Formula Drift season opener, and an apparent downpour was the biggest threat to what is essentially always an outdoor event. We figured the wet weather was enough to keep spectators out of the stands and staying at home instead.

But, we were proved wrong! Fortunately for us, we came prepared with our typical TEIN merchandise. However, missing for nearly two years was a full-size parasol (umbrella) from the TEIN Goods lineup. This time around, we were prepared with a new design. This bad weather proved to be one of the biggest favors we could have asked from mother nature, as we had a flock of customers NEEDING our parasol!!! We also had our smaller fold-up umbrella, which also sold well!

At any rate, the racing action also proved to be very eventful. As you can imagine, quite a few accidents occured on track, and any type of contact in drifting is usually met with cheers from the crowd.

We’re glad to see the 2016 race season off to a great start! Next weekend is Formula Drift at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA! We look forward to being there and seeing all of you race fans!!! So stop by the TEIN booth to say hi, and check out our booth car (and FD3S owned built by Phil Sohn)!!! And yes, we’ll have parasols with us 😉 !!!

Pics from: Speedhunters (by Larry Chen), Formula Drift, Phil Sohn

Defi CAN Driver Gauges

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Paul P.

Defi has created a new revolutionary line of gauges! This time, the gauge set is a much more simple installation for OBDII equipped (compatible with ISO-CAN) vehicles.

By using an OBD port harness, the Defi CAN Driver can link up to three gauges, and these gauges do not require the use or installation of sensors/sending units typically supplied with Defi gauges. In other words, you can now display factory engine parameters such as Boost, Intake Manifold Pressure, Tachometer, and/or Water Temperature.

This is the perfect compliment to many newer vehicles that don’t even display such parameters anymore. A lot of cars do away with water temperature readings and simply show you a cold or hot light. And yes, we still manufacture cars without tachometers (for cars that still use internal combustion engines).

CAN Driver was developed on the success of the Smart Adapter series, which is also capable of pulling all engine parameters from an OBDII port. The factory ECU is responsible for all engine function, so it isn’t as if the OE ECU is terrible. It’s the way engine vitals are being displayed on factory gauge clusters that is the biggest problem. As we’ve mentioned in previous Defi related posts, a lot of car manufacturers chose to use as affordable a gauge cluster as possible. That means sacrificing performance (and true readings) for a more aesthetically pleasing gauge display.

The obvious benefit of the CAN Display system is that you no longer have to locate a spot to install aftermarket sensors, or resort to aftermarket adapters like oil filter sandwich adapters, to make them fit properly. The factory sensors are more than adequate. The real problem is either your car doesn’t have these engine readings, or the readings are inaccurate, which many OEM gauge clusters have issues with. To have a properly functioning gauge to provide you with imporant engine vitals can be extremely important, especially to those that have modified their engine for more power. Not being able to monitor items such as pressures and temperatures can lead to detrimental engine failures. Best of all is that this is all plug and play. No need to solder any wiring (unless possibly you’re link the Advance Control Unit- the Control Unit may suggest soldering for power supply), and you can simply unplug all the components within a couple of minutes, if not less.

With the Defi CAN Driver setup, you will have real-time data of your engine’s vitals, and with the reknowned Defi precision and performance they’ve made their name on! Not to mention that Defi gauges give your car a great look!!!

The diagram below shows an Advance ZD (DF09701) unit installed. This is only possible by also installing the Advance Control Unit (DF07703) in conjunction with the CAN Driver. The use of Advance ZD is for customers that also want to obtain speedometer using Defi’s system. However, it is not necessary if you only plan to use CAN Driver to power one of the three gauges (Boost, Intake Manifold Pressure, Water Temperature, and/or Tachometer).

There will be four available part numbers for the CAN Driver series:

DF15601- Defi CAN Driver (msrp $189)

DF15701- Defi CAN Driver + Advance BF 60mm Tachometer set (msrp $377; ***special order part number***)

DF15702- Defi CAN Driver + Advance BF 80mm Tachometer set (msrp $412)

DF15801- Defi CAN Driver + Advance A1 80mm Tachometer set (msrp $447)

From there you can add any of the following gauges: Boost, Intake Manifold Pressure, and/or Water Temperature.

For the upcoming new Advance A1 gauges, the applicable CAN Driver gauge part numbers are:

DF14802 – 2 Bar Boost Gauge (msrp $215)

DF15302- Water Temperature (msrp $215)

The new CAN Driver series is set to be released in the U.S. in limited supply by the beginning of Summer 2016!

Defi Advance A1 Gauges

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Paul P.

In an era of LCD and heads-up type displays that are now included in so many high-end cars, there’s still something about having a dial type gauge to get readings. Whatever it is, we just find it more attractive. Maybe it’s because it is just familiar. Defi has always been at the forefront when it comes to engine metering. Defi’s parent company, Nippon Seiki, is responsible for manufacturing many of the factory car gauge clusters. From simple analog gauges, which most cars still use, or LCD type readouts, or even the aforementioned heads-up displays (which Defi also makes), Defi/Nippon Seiki has been leading the way.

One issue is, as many of you in the performance world already know, factory gauge clusters tend to have quite a bit of lag, and many are not even calibrated properly (false readings). That’s mainly due to the budget constraints that car manufacturers give Nippon Seiki. A simple “good enough” gauge is what gets approved and is what ends up in our cars.

Defi, on the other hand, prides themselves in making highly responsive and accurate metering devices. The Defi marque is aimed towards high performance. And, to the performance world, an accurately reading gauge an absolute necessity. Building your engine to produce more power can potentially produce more problems. You have to keep a much closer eye on your engine’s vitals to make sure everything is running correctly. Precise readings also aids in tuning your car properly. Precision is Defi’s aim, and they’ve consistently made that with every product since their inception.

New from Defi for 2016 is the Advance A1 line of gauges. Taking all the experience that Defi has to make a accurately reading gauge using their stepping motor technology and high quality sensors, the only thing left for Defi to do is make a highly attractive gauge.

Using Defi’s Advance Control Unit, all gauges (up to 7 gauges) are linked using a daisy chain method which has a single meter cable from the control unit, then from one gauge to the next, and so on. This simplifies installation and also reduces the clutter typically associated with aftermarket gauges. All sensors (temperature, pressure, etc.) hook up to Advance Control Unit, which can be mounted anywhere within the car’s dash, further eliminating a clutter of wiring in your car’s interior. The Advance Control Unit is where end users can set all peaks and warnings, as well as illumination and sound settings.

The new Advance A1 line offers an ultra clean and modern look that will complement many late-model vehicles.

Even the glass used to protect the gauge is something not seen before. It has very low reflective and glare properties, making it easy to read the gauge at multiple angles and even in direct sunlight.

Gauge illumination is in white, and even the needle is fully illuminated to provide clear view of engine vitals.

Gauge facing has a machined look with gray outer portion and black center. As with all gauges in the Advance series, peak/warning lights are fitted within the bezel and only visible when programmed peaks and warnings are reached.

Audible warning can also be set for each gauge. For example, if water temp reaches past your programmed peak, the Water Temperature gauge will emit an audible buzz to inform you.

Available in Boost (Bar), Water & Oil Temperature (Celsius), Fuel & Oil Pressure (Bar), Exhaust Gas Temperature (Celsius), and also in a Tachometer.

Part numbers and MSRP as follows:

DF14801- Boost 2 Bar ($304)

DF14901- Boost 3 Bar ($338)

DF15001- Oil Pressure ($349)

DF15101- Fuel Pressure ($349)

DF15201- Oil Temperature ($271)

DF15301- Water Temperature ($271)

DF15401- Exhaust Gas Temperature ($349)

DF15501- Tachometer 11,000 RPM ($282)

The new Advance A1 line will be available in limited quantities by late May/early April!

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!!!

Defi USDM Racer Series High Boost Gauge (max45PSI)

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Paul P.

Defi will soon release their USDM Racer Series high boost gauge! We’re expecting them to arrive early Summer 2015.

These gauges will feature a peak reading of 45PSI. And yes, that is PSI and not kPa. That means a more familiar reading that most U.S. consumers understand, and also do tuning with! No need to know how to convert bar to lbs!!

While we don’t expect this to be a very popular seller, being that most customers with turbocharged or supercharged vehicles have peak boost around 20psi or less, it is a great option for the drag racer or time attacker that puts out anything over 30psi of boost.

Defi gauges are not only known for their exceptional quality and fitment, but also for their precise readings and fast, real-time data. It is Defi’s top priority to provide a high performance gauge since knowing your engine’s vitals are of utmost importance.

Available backlighting in Red (DF14602), Blue (Df14601), or White (DF14603), all of which are super bright for greater visibility in low light or potentially glaring conditions. MSRP- $266.
If you have a vehicle with more than 30psi, don’t skimp on quality and use the more affordable gauge option. Don’t risk the chance of false readings. Use the gauge that you will be confident in knowing and seeing how your engine is performing. Use Defi!

DEFI Turbo Set Re-Release

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Sergio M.

Just arrived are the DEFI Advance BF Turbo Set in 60mm. This Turbo set is similar to the previously offered Advance BF Turbo Sets (DF11401/DF11402/DF11403) but use the current model DEFI Control Unit (DF07703) which the previous Turbo sets did not have. The DEFI Turbo Set includes the following items:

x1 Control Unit
x1 Controller Switch unit
x1 Power Source Wire
x1 Meter Wire (Daisy Chain Wire 2M)
x1 Installation Hardware
x1 Advance BF Turbo Gauge 200KPA x1
x1 Boost Sensor
x1 Sensor Wire
x1 Meter Wire (Daisy Chain Wire 50CM)
x1 Three Way Joint
x1 Rubber Vacuum Hose
x1 Meter Cup
x1 Mounting Bracket Set
x1 Instruction Manual

This Turbo Set comes in your choice of Red, White and Blue backlight. Although this set only has the Turbo gauge, all other gauges compatible with the Advance Control Unit can also be used in conjunction. The set is priced at a modest $416.00 MSRP, a savings of $77.00 when compared to purchasing the Control Unit ($195.00 MSRP) and Turbo gauge ($298.00 MSRP) separately. All three colors are currently in stock and can be purchased through any TEIN Authorized Dealer near you.

ALSO!!!!

Keep an eye out on our Blog page for further details on DEFI’s Smart Adapter soon to be released in the U.S. market for Android devices, and hopefully Apple devices too!

New Defi Gauge Options

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Sergio M.

Attention Defi Fans!! Defi has released two lines of gauges for those looking for something a little outside of the box.

The first of the two is the Defi Advance C2 gauge series. Now I know that most of you are going to say “Why in Pink?,” but give them a chance as they aren’t bad looking! They actually look quite nice! These gauges require the use of the Advance Control Unit similar to the Advance BF and Advance CR series and, as detailed, come in a Pink color or a Blue color for the trim. The needle and bezel are a retro silver color, which accents the gauges really well and work with the numbers which light up a bright white. These gauges are only offered in Boost, Manifold Pressure, Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure, Oil Temperature, Water Temperature, Exhaust Temperature, and Tachometer in 9000 and 11000 RPM.

DEFI C2

DEFI C2 Pricelist.REV

The second gauge is more of a nostalgic throwback with the Defi RS gauges. I’ll be honest with everyone, these gauges are extremely good looking, as some of you may already know, I am partial to old school cars. A lot of older Japanese vehicles have Nippon Seiki’s “NS” logo on the OE cluster to which these gauges also had it placed on the face. The colors offered are the same as many of the old school cars did, in that classic green color and the classic white that is interchangable (one gauge = 2 different color options). These gauges also require the use of the Advance Control Unit and would be offered in Boost, Manifold Pressure, Oil Pressure, Fuel Pressure, Oil Temperature, Water Temperature, and Exhaust Temperature. An 80mm Tachometer is currently in development, but also expected to be released in the near future.

DEFI RS

Both gauges are currently on a Special Order type basis and can be purchased through any TEIN Authorized Dealer. However, these gauges may not be around for too long, as Defi decided to have limited production manufacturing of both gauges. The C2 gauge manufacturing would be ending in June of 2014 and the manufacturing of the RS gauges would be ending in February 2015. If any of these gauges do catch your eye, I recommend taking advantage of these gauges while supplies last.

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