Product Cost
Retail Price: $850-950 shipped
Additional Hardware: None
Shipping Cost: Most shops include shipping in cost
Install time: Approximately two - four hours
Tools Required: Helms Manual, Spring compressor, Air gun, various sockets and wrenches, a friend or two would be helpful
Product Info
TEIN has developed advanced technology to design the shell case and stroke to bring out the full potential of your vehicle. These features of the TEIN Super Street Damper kit were designed with greater performance to satisfy all your driving demands. This high performance damper can be used for weekend racing and/or daily driving. The discomfort caused by uneven roads or bumps are eliminated on daily street use. For race use, the ride height adjustable system enables you to adjust ride height and 16 levels of damping force. In other words, you can set your vehicle to meet all situations!
* High performance and cost effective.
* 16 levels of damping force adjustment (compression and rebound together).
* Ride height adjustable.
* New paint coating for rust prevention.
* Pillow ball mounts are optional (on certain applications).
* Exclusive design for USA vehicle specifications (only available for the U.S.A Market).
* Available for overhaul.
Contents of damper kit:
- Adjustable shock absorber x4, Main spring x4
- Lower spring seat x4, Seat lock x4, Thrust washer x4
- Bump rubber x4, Dust cover x4
- Hook spanner x2, Instruction manual
Install Notes
I bought my Tein SS new. They come packaged very well. Instructions are basic, but with the addition of a Helms, the install should be straightforward. Out of the box, I believe the shocks are labeled as to which side and axle they go on (i.e., front driver, rear passenger, etc.).
The install is not difficult itself, just time consuming. A professional shop can probably do each corner in 30-45 minutes. If you've never taken apart a suspension before, expect it to take much longer than that. I would not recommend to do this by yourself, as having a second or third person makes the install safer, quicker, and easier.
The hardest part I faced in the installation were the rear shocks. The rear hubs were very difficult to move into a position to be able to install the new rear springs/shocks. I do believe this was because of the rough winters we see in the Northeast, so those of you with nice weather all year round may not have this issue.
The install will require you to disassemble your stock suspension, as you will need the upper mounts, unless you purchase either new OEM mounts or aftermarket mounts. Be very careful when using the spring compressor with the stock suspension; the spring will release very quickly and you can very easily injure yourself if the proper precautions are not taken.
Once all the Tein SS suspension parts are in place, ride height is easily adjusted with the thread collars. Be sure, when adjusting height, the collars are locked FIRMLY in place. Also, please be sure to follow Tein's instructions on recommended ride height and damper settings when first adjusting the suspension. The springs will settle somewhat and after they do, you may adjust them to the height you see fit.
First Impressions
This suspension is great for the street or the track. The 16-way adjustable shocks allow you to set the ride quality anywhere from better than stock to track-ready. The SS springs are stiffer than the stock springs, but also allow for a very smooth ride if needed.
Adjusting the dampers is quite simple, pop the hood and adjust on the knobs at the top of the strut for the fronts. To adjust the rears, simply open your trunk, pull back the carpet lining, and adjust the damper with the adjustment knobs on top of the strut.
Adjusting the ride height is a little more tricky. You must first remove the rim/tire from the hub. Then, using the hook spanner, loosen the thread collars on the strut and adjust as necessary. Be careful when going extremely low, as you will create negative camber and this will in turn wear the insides of your tires out much faster.
Final Notes
These coilovers are definitely worth the money you pay IMHO. They are a great setup for the street enthusiast, an avid auto-xer looking to upgrade their suspension from stock, or someone looking to get into auto-xing and/or HPDE. The ease of adjustability for the dampers proves quite useful for switching between street and track driving.
However, if you do not need height adjustability, or do not ever plan to race the car, there are cheaper, less stiff combinations of springs and shocks such as H&R springs/KYB AGX shocks that will also increase your driving pleasure for much less than the Tein SS.
I've only had one problem with the Tein's and that was my front passenger shock blowing. I had the car slammed (~2" drop) and the damper's set very high (10/11). Where I live in Jersey, there are many potholes and unfortunately, I must've hit one too many. The real PITA with fixing the Teins is that you have to ship the entire assembly to Tein in California. There, they open it up, examine it, and repair as necessary. It was $25 to ship the coilover there, $100 to repair (flat fee), and $25 to ship it back. Since, I have raised the car ~.25" and keep the damping setting to 6/7 or 7/8.
Pics
i love mine.
Chad Sullivan // 04 S2000 // 97 DX Hatch
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