Tein Owner Opinions

[jrs16]

Hi All,

I've been reading thread after thread re:suspension mods. And from this reading I would think I've confirmed my own suspicions that Tein makes some very good products. The most common complaint I hear about them is the price.

So let's throw the $$$ factor out the window. I know money is always a factor but let us dare to dream....even for 5 minutes. I'm leaning towards purchasing a set of Tein Flex for my '97 Civis Si (in Canada), I think it's the EX Coupe in the U.S.?

But I'm looking for opinions/experiences from Tein owners. Is the ride too harsh? Too soft? Same as stock? etc? Is there a huge difference between the different Tein models?

Now as mentioned I do live in Canada where the roads are NOT like glass and I do live out in the country. My Civic is a daily commuter and is my sole mode of transportation. So ride quality is important but of course, I would like the sport enthusiast ride as well (to a point). I know! A huge order! Aren't we allowed to be picky?

But I've been most impressed with my research and comments posted here regarding Tein's products and how they work on various cars. Now these puppies are going to set me back $2K here in Canada! ouch! But I'm willing to fork it over IF I'm going to get the ride I'm looking for and hopefully with the adjustable Tein Flex, I'll be able to "dial in" the ride I'm wanting. So that's why I'm looking for some opinions out there regarding Tein products and just how good they really are in the real world. I do realize that ride quality vs sport is a very personal and subjective opinion but that's all I can go on and I think this would be the place to ask.

So all you Tein owners out there? Any feedback, both positive and negative would be greatly appreciated. And if anyone wants to throw in a comment about whether or not to change the suspension bushings while I'm at it, be my guest. Will a set of ES urethane bushings make the ride extremely firm with the Tein Flex?

Just in case these small mods will affect your comment, here are my current specs,

1997 Honda Civic Si (in Canada)
P205/50R16 Kuhmo Ecsta Tires
16" ASA EM9 Wheels

And yes, I do have snow tires for the winter. Am I crazy to be using Tein's in a place where we get a crap load of snow in the winter?

Thanks for your time and any comments folks!

Jason

[SilverY2KCivic]

I have Tein SS coilovers. I've had mine for 2 years now. Maybe i just like a harsher ride, but even after upgrading the springs for 2kg stiffer, it still isn't too bumpy or stiff of a ride for me. The 16-way dampening adjustment of them (in both the SS and the Flex) really allows you to tune the feel of them very well. Full stiff for track/race and half to full soft for the street and cruising. Being as they ARE going to lower your car some, and the springs are physically 4 times stiffer than stock, your ride will fell a bit harsher, but it's not as bad as you may think. ike I said, full soft and it'll feel somewhat like stock, just with an initial bouncier feel. At speed on the highway, they will glide just as the stock suspension does, that's the beauty of a full coilover system. With perfectly matched springs and shocks, they work together to give the best possible ride comfort and handling performance.

The Flex you can take advantage of better than me since they are specially weather and rust prevention coated for longer life. The shock threading is actually teflon coated, and the green paint is powder coated on and is rust and chip resistant. I haven't yet had ANY problems with my Teins, and I feel I throw a good amount at mine.

[jrs16]

Thanks for the info.

Any opinion/suggestion on swapping out the 7 year old suspension bushings while I have the suspension apart to replace the shocks/springs? I'm thinking of going with a set of ES Urethane bushings set. What about a set of Mugen rubber bushings? Anyone with comments?

Will the combination of the Tien Flex and ES bushings make the ride too harsh? Or should I do one at a time and evaluate the ride....realizing that it will be double the work to take everything a part again to install the bushings. I'd just hate to do both swaps and then realize the ride is way too harsh.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[Beastiek2]

Tein SS i bought them about 2 months ago after hearing everyones opinions in the forum - and i am very pleased with them the best suspension system i have had by far - one thing to not go cheap on is suspension i have learned - good luck

[BullShifter]

Go with the Mugen rubber

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by jackasssi

Go with the Mugen rubber

I second that. Will last longer than OEM, and be not as harsh as polyurathene to my understanding. Plus it's Mugen, I mean why not?

[jrs16]

Thanks all for your sound advice.

I was kind of leaning towards the Mugen rubber bushings for the smoother ride over urethane ones.

Now....any suggestions/recommendations where I can get a set of Mugen rubber bushings? I don't really care if they are in Canada or U.S.?

Thanks,

Jason

[SilverY2KCivic]

Try www.kingmotorsports.com
or email either www.jhpusa.com or www.inlinefour.com to inquire of they are able to get them. The first site is the official US distributer of Mugen parts.

[jrs16]

Thanks for the info Silver. Much appreciated. I'll be sure to check them out.

Another question for you (or anyone else)....

I was comparing the Tein SS and Flex and noticed that they are VERY similiar with only minor differences in spring rates, adjustability. I can even get the SS with the pillowball mounts that come with the Flex.

Is there something I'm missing? Why such a difference in prices then for these 2 models? Is there something extra that comes with the Flex kit that I'm not noticing. Or is it something internal to the actual shock, a feature that is not on the SS.

Thanks for any info folks!

[SilverY2KCivic]

For one thing, if you look at the design of both, you'll notice differances. The Flex is "full length" height adjustable. Meaning that you can adjust the ride height, without adding any preload to the springs them selves or shortening the shock stroke. Adding spring preload is when like with the SS model, lowering the car, also compresses the spring since you adjust height at the spring perch. I'm sure this is probably confusing, but check out the design of both from off Tein's website, and you'll see what I mean. Also the shock threading where you adjust the height at on the Flex is Teflon coated to prevent and resist rust and the elements.