Tein isn't a fad...

[SilverY2KCivic]

Something I feel that I should bring up is the Tein issue. Now I see people saying "YES, go Tein!!!" and other similar lines refering to Tein, left and right on here. Ok, you're thingking "yeah, but you do it too, and even more than all of us..." Well that may be true. When I suggest Tein to people or talk about it, it's because I speak from experience being that my car rolls on a set as it has for a little over a year now. But it bugs me when people suggest it to others without a reason, and not having any experience with them. I don't want people to spend the $$$ on them just to be cool and so they can say "I have Tein, bring it on!" and they don't even plan on doing anything serious with the car other than maybe drag race it or have it in shows. A serious waste of money there IMO. Yes they are pretty streetable (one of the most streetable I've ridden on actually) but they are still designed at heart with race and performance in mind. I'd hate to see them turn into the next "Altezza tail light" fad though. I'm not going to say "don't suggest them to anyone unless you own a set or ride on them regularly" but at least have a reason why people should get them. It's like if I was to ask what intake to get, people would 9 of 10 times tell me AEM. Why? Probably because AEM is to intakes what Nike is to shoes, it's a fad, unless it's the V2 model. Pretty much all short rams perform the same (it's the filter on the end that matters) and most CAI's the same thing applies. Ok, I guess my rant is over with now.

[Dezoris]

Tein is straight from Japan, so its JDM dude, its the best PHO sHO.

Its the way it is, people want parts, with a name they can throw around and people will be like "wow".

The fact is, the Honda people on here will be through with the fad in the next 1-2 years.

Subaru has taken the torch for the trend seekers now, IMO.

We should see people taking a bit more interest in serious tuning.

[T!mmy]

Not trying to be a smartass, but I am looking at going with air or coil-overs. The only racing I would plan on doing is like a friend on the street (just a quick red light race, nothing serious at all) So what would you recommend if I were to get coil-overs? I want a VERY smooth ride and I plan on getting low profile 17s.

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by T!mmy

Not trying to be a smartass, but I am looking at going with air or coil-overs. The only racing I would plan on doing is like a friend on the street (just a quick red light race, nothing serious at all) So what would you recommend if I were to get coil-overs? I want a VERY smooth ride and I plan on getting low profile 17s.

Why do you need coilovers? For a little Red light racing and street driving?

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by T!mmy

Not trying to be a smartass, but I am looking at going with air or coil-overs. The only racing I would plan on doing is like a friend on the street (just a quick red light race, nothing serious at all) So what would you recommend if I were to get coil-overs? I want a VERY smooth ride and I plan on getting low profile 17s.

I'd recommend you get something like Eibach Pro Kit, Neuspeed Sports, or Tein S. Tech in terms of lowering springs, and then matching them with some Koni Yellow shocks. I have a friend who rolls on Neuspeed sports and Konis and by far it's the closest feel to my Tein's that I know of, and for a little bit cheaper. You can't adjust the height of course, but you can adjust the shock dampening level between 5 settings. It's a comforable setup that's not terribly bouncy. There's always the Tein Basic Dampener kit, but unless you KNOW you're gonna use the height adjustability portion of them, they are pointless to get, as would be ANY height adjustable springs/coilover set for that matter.

As for air bags or cylinders, (I'd get cylinders ANYDAY over bags) they take some extra care. They are mainly for show, and should be treated as such. If you plan on doing ANY sort of racingt on them (even red light to red light racing) I wouldn't get them. Well cylinders might hold up better, but bags are very sensative, and WILL pop when any significant lateral G-load is acted upon them. Cylinders can also break or fail on you if you do any sort of handling type performance driving. They are by no means recommended for taking corners at any speed other than typical grandma driving speed style. If you ARE set on coilovers, it depends on a few factors. Do you want any sort of adjustability of them, or just something that gives your car a lower ride look, and feels comfortable on the road? Again, the Tein Basic kit isn't a bad way to go, not that expensive (when you combine the cost that shocks/springs will let you back anyways) and you can get them custom ordered to your preferance of spring rates and even shock tube valving as well.

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

Tein is straight from Japan, so its JDM dude, its the best PHO sHO.

Its the way it is, people want parts, with a name they can throw around and people will be like "wow".

The fact is, the Honda people on here will be through with the fad in the next 1-2 years.

Subaru has taken the torch for the trend seekers now, IMO.

We should see people taking a bit more interest in serious tuning.

I agree with that, and that's the thing, many people hype on it just because it's from Japan. So is JIC Tanabe, and A'PEXi though, but when was the last time (on AF.com at least) that you heard some one ranting and raving, let alone purchased a set of either of those systems? I myself would LOVE to hear feedback from owners of those systems. I'm glad I got my Tein when I did, because it was before the whole "fad" of them began, so I feel a little more original with mine. There's PLENTY of other options as far as suspension goes that'll keep one JDM (Tein does also make normal lowering springs for those that weren't aware of that) not to mention various Spoon and Mugen springs, shocks and other suspension parts. Hey, nothing more JDM than boasting a complete JDM Type-R 5-lug suspension on your Honda. The other thing about Tein that works in their favor, is their products are very reasonably priced. People that complain Tein is expensive obviously haven't reasearched ALL the full coilover systems out there, I've seen some that go for $1200 per CORNER. Yeah, that's damn near $5g's for a full set of coilovers. Tein juist markets well, has many years of experience in this field (over 15 years now) and it helps that they dominate over 60% of the entire suspension market in Japan.

People that buy parts just to flaunt a name, are pretty dumb in most cases. The DC Sports fad for one. I see Civics and Tegs ALL over here in LA with DC loer tie bars and/or DC strut bars. For one they are WAY overprice for what they are. Rhey are some of the worst quality of parts I've seen, and their bars actually FLEX if you pull or push down on them. What good is a strut bar for strengthening if it's going to flex under minimal load exurtions on it? This only applies to their original line of bars, I'm not sure how better their new design of junk, err I mean stuff is. Actually if you have a good thick swaybar, a lower tie bar is almost useless for anything other than looking pretty under the car.

[SilverY2KCivic]

I am by no means an expert in the suspension field, but I'd consider my self moderately knowledgeable with it. I do appreciate anyone that calls me the master or expert at it, but I'm getting there. I started out the same way any of you out there did with it, not knowing much about it, asking LOTS of questions, and then talking with people and particularly tech reps. of the companies I was looking into for my suspension needs, and then finally I decided on a product, got a second job so I could really start saving my pennies for what I wanted, and I bought them and put them on. If I could do it all over again, I don't think Id do anything differently, I am THAT satisfied. You also want feedback from people with actual working experience of products, not just someone that suggests it because of what they heard. Remember, what works for one person won't always work for another. I've done a lot of reading up on and talking to people in the suspension field, and some first hand experience with actually driving or riding on various suspension setups.

[Dezoris]

The fact is the JDM suspension setups are not worth the money, they never have been.

You don't need them for autocross, you don't need them for road race.

Most people who are serious, about road race will choose a more advanced setup than kits like those, and choose the spring rates, and valving for the shocks. Not pick some 2000$ coilover kit like some of them.

If people buy these (higher end JDM coilovers) kits for Hondas the only thing they will have is
1.)Less money
2.)The name
3.)And a harsh ride

Their cars won't handle better.
Spend 300$ on a driving class, spend some time learning vehicle dynamics, and get some good tires and maybe some sport springs. Head out to an autox and learn how to apply driving skill, to managing the handling of the car.

[dirty91crx]

hey mat.....i loved my coiless handling.....no body roll....no nothing but bouncing.....way better than tein.....the best 2hrs spent on my car..... hahaha just givin u a hard time matt

[ra227]

I know this is an old thread and u veteran AF guys are probably goin to get pissy but I'm new and this thread was a little before I joined. Anyway I agree w/ what you- silverY2kcivic- are saying. Alot of people are just into fads and the whole "its JDM I'm cool" b.s. even if its not a smart decision. I am not one of those people though. Anyway I was thinkingf about going w/ Tien and DC for strut bars I came to this the same way u did when you were a new tuner by asking questions, a shit load of questions. In fact people had to convince me to go DC cuz I thought, and still kinda think, they are a little to expensive since I know that there are other companies just as good. Like I said I'm new to this sight and I like the comments I read from you and other responders to this thread and I am trying to get in good w/ people who know what the hell the are talking about- which is kinda hard on this sight cuz everyone knows everything. Also you-sivlerY2kcivic- live in So. CA- where about. Im in alhambra maybe we can meet up sometime- Im all into making friends who are knowledgeable about car performance.

[whiteracer]

this is like the first thread you started up in awhile ain't it matt?

anywho, i'd like to comment. I got a set of Neuspeed Sports springs that were on my car before i got it. It gives a good 2.5" or so drop which i was content with. Now waiting for auto-x to come back into town and realizing that my shocks are gone after almost hitting my head on my cieling for the last month, i thought about ditching the springs and starting over with a coilover kit, yes by Tein. That idea lasted a whole day before i realized a set of Koni Yellows in combination with the springs i have now would do just fine. Next was the swaybar and that is currently being worked on. So after i find the time to go get the shocks and figure out the slight swaybar problem, i'll be set. And will i have bought a set of coilovers? no. If i had my cars stock suspension, no question i'd go with a set of coilovers, but seeing how i already have a set of lowering springs that i like it'd just be a waste of my money. just my 2 cents.

ra227, dude you live in alhambra. If you haven't already found people in that neighborhood who are knowledgeable about cars, you got a serious problem.

p.s. - how'd i miss this thread until now?

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by whiteracer

this is like the first thread you started up in awhile ain't it matt?

anywho, i'd like to comment. I got a set of Neuspeed Sports springs that were on my car before i got it. It gives a good 2.5" or so drop which i was content with. Now waiting for auto-x to come back into town and realizing that my shocks are gone after almost hitting my head on my cieling for the last month, i thought about ditching the springs and starting over with a coilover kit, yes by Tein. That idea lasted a whole day before i realized a set of Koni Yellows in combination with the springs i have now would do just fine. Next was the swaybar and that is currently being worked on. So after i find the time to go get the shocks and figure out the slight swaybar problem, i'll be set. And will i have bought a set of coilovers? no. If i had my cars stock suspension, no question i'd go with a set of coilovers, but seeing how i already have a set of lowering springs that i like it'd just be a waste of my money. just my 2 cents.

ra227, dude you live in alhambra. If you haven't already found people in that neighborhood who are knowledgeable about cars, you got a serious problem.

p.s. - how'd i miss this thread until now?

David, geez!!! It's like this in Alhambra, either you drive rice, or you drive a Camry or Previa. haha, naw, JK! But I hve yet to see some DECENTLY fixed up cars in Alhambra, well that live there at least, most just pass on through, no doubt they are in the area though. I think I might need to help you with that swaybar, it's killing me you can't install it, hehe.

As for ra227, whatever you do, DO NOT get DC bars. They are about the WORST designed ones I have ever seen or experienced. When installed you can actually flex them by leaning on it with your hand, not very structually stiff if you ask me, I sure as heck wouldn't put them on my car, even if DC Sports themselves asked me to. DC bars (and even their engine junk) is all for show IMO. Their bars definitely are just for show, that much I can tell you. They use crappy metal for the main bar piece (even generic aluminum bars I've had didn't flex like that) and they make them with the stupid universal adjust and fit hinge design for where the bar mounts to the strut towers. You want a bar that's one solid piece of metal from end to end if possible. That's how my Heuspeed bar is, and it costs the same, actually a little LESS than the DC bar. Mugen, Neuspeed, Cusco and Benen all make excellent strut and tie bars.

Like I said in my post, if you think Tein will work for you (for actual functionality reasons) then by all means get it! My thing is, if you're just going for name and style, you're wasting your money. If you buy DC products, you're wasting your money no matter what. But if Tein is what seems like it'll work for you, then get them, you won't be dissapointed, that much I can tell you. I live in Pasadena myself. Hit me up sometime on AIM or in a PM or email, and I'll tell you the best place around here to get them from, and it's also the cheapest place for them as well. Excellent shop, I've bought several things from them. In fact, this week I'm going to be ordering some stiffer springs for my Teins as to increase their effectiveness, control and stability.

[ra227]

I've only lived in Alhambra for a year maybe less. No its not hard to find people who fix up their cars, but to find people who do it right and get quality parts is. Don't get me wrong I have seen some nice ass cars but I didn't try to flag them down and ask for tuning help. As far as shops go the main one I've seen and been to many times in Alhambra is Super VIP. I've had them install stuff before, and the guy and his son that do speakers are really cool, but overall they are a bunch of assholes who give you half-assed info. and act like they are better than u, unless u already have a tricked out ride. Same experience w/ my friends that have gone their. They- Super V.I.P.- recommended DC strut bars. I knew that DC wasnt that damn good but was only going off of info given to me. Ive found other little shops in the Monterey Park area like VIS and some others I dont remember the names to. Thanks for the info though and I will be sure to hit u up on the email thing for the shops as long as one of them is not Super VIP. I am very familiar w/ Pasadena, Blair H.S. graduate- we sucked in football and everything else 'cept soccer and volleyball- and have been looking for shops in that area. I really appreciate the help.

P.S. MotherF@#$!ing Super F*&^%ing V.I. MotherF!!@#ing P Sucks

[SilverY2KCivic]

Originally Posted by ra227

I've only lived in Alhambra for a year maybe less. No its not hard to find people who fix up their cars, but to find people who do it right and get quality parts is. Don't get me wrong I have seen some nice ass cars but I didn't try to flag them down and ask for tuning help. As far as shops go the main one I've seen and been to many times in Alhambra is Super VIP. I've had them install stuff before, and the guy and his son that do speakers are really cool, but overall they are a bunch of assholes who give you half-assed info. and act like they are better than u, unless u already have a tricked out ride. Same experience w/ my friends that have gone their. They- Super V.I.P.- recommended DC strut bars. I knew that DC wasnt that damn good but was only going off of info given to me. Ive found other little shops in the Monterey Park area like VIS and some others I dont remember the names to. Thanks for the info though and I will be sure to hit u up on the email thing for the shops as long as one of them is not Super VIP. I am very familiar w/ Pasadena, Blair H.S. graduate- we sucked in football and everything else 'cept soccer and volleyball- and have been looking for shops in that area. I really appreciate the help.

P.S. MotherF@#$!ing Super F*&^%ing V.I. MotherF!!@#ing P Sucks

Uh oh, you're gonna be mad at me then lol, I graduated from HS, as in PHS. We sucked in football every year I was there except for '96 and '95 when we made it to CIF divisionals, but whatever.

Man, everytime I hear "Super VIP" I always think of VIP Centers in Monrovia/Pasadena They are a decent shop with some good parts, but expensive as heck! The shops I've dealt with and recommend is Impex Motorsports on San Gabrial bl. just a half block north of Sprewell Racing. It's a small shop, so it's easy to miss. They have great service, can get almost anything you want as far as brands and such, and have some of the most reasonable prices around that I've seen. This is where I got my Tein SS coilovers from as well as my A'PEXi World Sport exhaust system. The Teins set me back $850 (most shops around sell them for at least $1000 if not more) and the exhaust cost me $385 (most shops around wanting over $400 for it). They are also an authorized retailer for Tein as is Pit Crew Motosports down the street from them, but they have higher prices there, that's another good shop though but I haven't yet bought anything from them, just been in to browse stuff and get price quotes. Pit Crew is a pretty cluttered shop, whereas Impex is very clean and welcomeing inside, not to mention the guys there know me fairly well since I drop in by often to price out stuff or look around. Also I hear Autolink in Temple City is another good shop, I haven't yet been there though. Another pair of shops I HAVE dealt with and would highly recommend above almost any others is Inline Four in Westminster (the west coast foremost JDM shop dealing with Hondas ONLY) and JDM Honda Parts in El Monte. Both have great websites, but since they are in our backyard practically save yourself time and shipping and go directly to their shops. Both are very small, but stock A LOT! And both can get you almost any Honda related JDM item you could ever want or desire. www.inlinefour.com www.jdmhondaparts.com For more on the cosmetic side of things, www.autodynamic.com is another great shop I've done a bit of business with. They have a nice friendly shop over in El Monte as well, it's actually borderline with Rosemead. Also in the O/C area is Island Motorsports in Buena Park, I've also dealt with them before. They have a fairly good sized shop that stocks a lot of goodies, and they also have a couple gagrage bays where they can install stuff. Pit Crew can also do installs as can Impex. With these shops mentioned, you should be dissapointed with the results.

[92hatchback]

Has anyone had any expeirence with Tein Basics? If so how do they feel and could you try to post a little review or something ? I'm debating on buying these for the price obviously, and my friend has OBX true coilovers on his EK hatch and its amazing how much of a difference it made so obviously I want to do it heh, But ya.. i'm not asking about flex's, ha's, or anything just basics, so if you guys could post some info that'd be cool !