Honda Prelude Forum Honda Prelude Forum Header Right
» Site Navigation
» Home
»
» Related Sites
Google Links

» Wheel & Tire Center

» Log in
User Name:

Password:

Not a member yet?
Register Now!
Sponsors

Sponsors

Go Back   Honda Prelude Forum - Prelude Online.com > Other Discussion > Product Reviews
Register Home Forum Photo Gallery Active Topics Mark Forums Read

       


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 10-03-2004, 12:28 AM   #1 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Offtrack excursion expert
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jersey
Posts: 6,513
iTrader: (0)
Suspension Review: Tein SS

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


__________________
Medium Scott - XBox GT: derech0 - 2005 PPW Track Model: 52k Miles - Purchased 6.16.2005 (Hibernating)


Mods: Falken|JWT|Kenwood|MotorDyne|Nismo|Sparco|UR|Work Emotion
Tracks run: Beaver Run (PA), Gateway Int'l (MO), Talladega Grand Prix (AL), Nelson-Ledges (OH)

h22 bb6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Advertisement
 
Old 10-03-2004, 02:06 AM   #2 (permalink)
This year sucks!!
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Richmond-Dayton
Posts: 2,902
iTrader: (8)
^nice review. i agree with it i love mine.
__________________
thepreludedude is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2004, 02:48 AM   #3 (permalink)
Retired car enthusiast(?)
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Old Tappan, NJ
Posts: 13,392
iTrader: (0)
I edited your review, there aren't any "rubber pillowball" mounts, they're just "upper mounts" on the stock car. It might confuse people into thinking that you have pillowball mounts on a stock car which you don't.
__________________
Mr. Barky Von Schnauzer?
Mr. Barky Von Schnauzer!!!
Joon525 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2004, 12:02 PM   #4 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Offtrack excursion expert
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jersey
Posts: 6,513
iTrader: (0)
Thanks Ray. Good call.
__________________
Medium Scott - XBox GT: derech0 - 2005 PPW Track Model: 52k Miles - Purchased 6.16.2005 (Hibernating)


Mods: Falken|JWT|Kenwood|MotorDyne|Nismo|Sparco|UR|Work Emotion
Tracks run: Beaver Run (PA), Gateway Int'l (MO), Talladega Grand Prix (AL), Nelson-Ledges (OH)

h22 bb6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2004, 01:08 PM   #5 (permalink)
Supporting Member
IM LOVIN IT!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,336
iTrader: (0)
recently coming off H&R sport/AGX got a set of TEIN on.... my goods/bads.


goods

1. tein way less bouncy...

2.a lil stiffer then H&R sports.

bads

1.all around 1.4-1.5 drop havin a lil camber problem. H&R never did that.

2.adjusting the damper is weird. ( turnin right(stiff) is easy.. but at times softing them (turning left) i have to take the whole knob off n unscrew the whole thing. n tighten it over.

3. not sure if i lik this comfort compairing to my bouncy H&R/AGX set up.





after scott tellin me DONT stiffing them so much cuz i might F them up. that had me scared... i was lovin 12 front n 14 rear. but now im riddin 8 front n 10 rear. i think is on the soft side...
__________________
1998- BB6-T (4/15/06 R.I.P.)
2000- VWB5 1.8T (SOLD)
2000- AP1-(SOLD)
1998- BB6 daily beat around...
2003- 600RR track
2005- 600RR street
JaXx4k is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-26-2004, 12:47 PM   #6 (permalink)
Supporting Member
NA High Comp Build ON !!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Toronto , Ontario, Canada
Posts: 404
iTrader: (0)
I love my Tein SS as well
__________________
TwizT aka Trevor

JRSC * Tuned by DL Motorsports * Built by AutoExpress Crew
TwizT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-26-2004, 09:43 PM   #7 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Mercedes = Kraut Crap
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Posts: 1,989
iTrader: (0)
I guess I'm happy with mine, if the springs were a little more progressive it'd be even better for a softer every-day drive. Only other qualm is there's not bracket for the brake line like there are on the stockies, so I had to zip tie the line to the shock housing. I just bought mine a few months ago, according to Tein the newer SS's have a coating to prevent rust, I'll be back after winter to comment on that lol.
4thGenReady2Go is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2005, 06:04 PM   #8 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Offtrack excursion expert
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jersey
Posts: 6,513
iTrader: (0)
Just thought I'd update this. I found out last night I have another blown shock; my driver's side rear this time. I would be very careful with this suspension with very bad roads.
__________________
Medium Scott - XBox GT: derech0 - 2005 PPW Track Model: 52k Miles - Purchased 6.16.2005 (Hibernating)


Mods: Falken|JWT|Kenwood|MotorDyne|Nismo|Sparco|UR|Work Emotion
Tracks run: Beaver Run (PA), Gateway Int'l (MO), Talladega Grand Prix (AL), Nelson-Ledges (OH)

h22 bb6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2005, 09:15 PM   #9 (permalink)
Supporting Member
IM LOVIN IT!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,336
iTrader: (0)
scott: how can u tell if ur shock is blown??
__________________
1998- BB6-T (4/15/06 R.I.P.)
2000- VWB5 1.8T (SOLD)
2000- AP1-(SOLD)
1998- BB6 daily beat around...
2003- 600RR track
2005- 600RR street
JaXx4k is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2005, 10:05 PM   #10 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Offtrack excursion expert
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jersey
Posts: 6,513
iTrader: (0)
Its squeaking like a mofo (its the only one doing it) and the whole corner of the car is sitting about a .5" lower than it used to. There is no finger gap in that wheel well, where there used to be at least one.
__________________
Medium Scott - XBox GT: derech0 - 2005 PPW Track Model: 52k Miles - Purchased 6.16.2005 (Hibernating)


Mods: Falken|JWT|Kenwood|MotorDyne|Nismo|Sparco|UR|Work Emotion
Tracks run: Beaver Run (PA), Gateway Int'l (MO), Talladega Grand Prix (AL), Nelson-Ledges (OH)

h22 bb6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2005, 06:50 AM   #11 (permalink)
On the 2nd Prelude
 
Vapor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Rockville, MD
Posts: 1,754
iTrader: (0)
Quote:
Originally Posted by h22 bb6
Just thought I'd update this. I found out last night I have another blown shock; my driver's side rear this time. I would be very careful with this suspension with very bad roads.

What stiffness setting are you using and how low are you set when you're blowing shocks?
__________________
Chad Sullivan // 04 S2000 // 97 DX Hatch
Vapor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2005, 07:31 PM   #12 (permalink)
Supporting Member
PreludeOnline Premium Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 110
iTrader: (0)
Superb Suspension
Yoshimitsu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2005, 12:15 PM   #13 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Offtrack excursion expert
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jersey
Posts: 6,513
iTrader: (0)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vapor
What stiffness setting are you using and how low are you set when you're blowing shocks?
First time was really low. Probably 2"+ drop, running 9 front/ 10 rear in stifness. I was living in Jersey City at the time, which the roads are similar in condition (in parts) to lower Manhattan.

Second time it was raised at least .25" and I think running 8/9. I don't know that it is actually blown yet, but the rear driver side squeaks when it is really cold.

I would still highly recommend the suspension, especially if you have good roads. The adaptability of them is great for the street or the track. I just have run into some dumb luck, and as far as I know, am the only one who has run into these problems.
__________________
Medium Scott - XBox GT: derech0 - 2005 PPW Track Model: 52k Miles - Purchased 6.16.2005 (Hibernating)


Mods: Falken|JWT|Kenwood|MotorDyne|Nismo|Sparco|UR|Work Emotion
Tracks run: Beaver Run (PA), Gateway Int'l (MO), Talladega Grand Prix (AL), Nelson-Ledges (OH)

h22 bb6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2005, 04:52 PM   #14 (permalink)
Supporting Member
IM LOVIN IT!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,336
iTrader: (0)
yes yes u are... i ran it 12/14 n lowered on 1.7 around..n nothin happen... but since u told me n u scare me im runnin 9/10 doin good...
__________________
1998- BB6-T (4/15/06 R.I.P.)
2000- VWB5 1.8T (SOLD)
2000- AP1-(SOLD)
1998- BB6 daily beat around...
2003- 600RR track
2005- 600RR street
JaXx4k is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2005, 04:19 PM   #15 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: So. Cali
Posts: 195
iTrader: (0)
Just got my hands on some for 3 bills. Not bad with only 6 months of use. At first impression, it was so stiff, made me think I got HAs. After coming home and playing around with it. I lowered it to no finger gap in fronts, and half finger gap in rears and leaving the dampers at 8f 10r and I love everything about it. To all those who are riding on springs and stock shocks, same some money for Teins, it is honestly day and night. So smooth and I hug the corners with more grip with my proxes. Now, I just can't wait for my ST rear sway.
silversurfer22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-23-2005, 06:26 AM   #16 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Offtrack excursion expert
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jersey
Posts: 6,513
iTrader: (0)
BTW, just to let everyone know, I was incorrect. The 2nd shock is NOT blown. It is fine. Something else in my suspension is making the noise, as I still have the problem after removing the SS.
__________________
Medium Scott - XBox GT: derech0 - 2005 PPW Track Model: 52k Miles - Purchased 6.16.2005 (Hibernating)


Mods: Falken|JWT|Kenwood|MotorDyne|Nismo|Sparco|UR|Work Emotion
Tracks run: Beaver Run (PA), Gateway Int'l (MO), Talladega Grand Prix (AL), Nelson-Ledges (OH)

h22 bb6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2005, 05:22 PM   #17 (permalink)
Supporting Member
SHIFT_yourowndamnself
 
blklude98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Bedminster, NJ/Newark, NJ
Posts: 1,437
iTrader: (3)
I'm now the Proud Owner of Scott's Tein SS. He's correct...nothing is wrong with them. MAN THEY ARE SWEET!! A little stiff...but it's liveable..especially on pussy setting 1/1. =P I scrape my mudflaps sometimes on a little less than 2 finger gap all around. If I stiffen it up more, it probably won't scrape but I just took off the flaps anyways. On the turns it felt so solid.

Now comparing these to My old setup...it's stiff but def. handles better.

I had the Tokico Illumina Shocks with the Tokico Lowering springs. (THE OREO has them now). That was a SWEET suspension....and is more liveable. Rides niceer than stock. THANKS FOR THE SWEET DEAL SCOTT!
__________________

www.continentalparts.com
I My NISSAN.
03 Maxima SE 6-speed HLSD equipped
5th Gen Prelude Headlight GROUP BUY
"i'M sO jDm I sLeEp on tEh riGhT sidE of tHe BeD y0." - Anonymous
blklude98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2005, 05:31 PM   #18 (permalink)
Supporting Member
IM LOVIN IT!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,336
iTrader: (0)
NOW GO 10 front n 12 rear @ least.... 1/1 u back gonna give out quick.... or keep it GANGSTER 12 front 14 rear...
__________________
1998- BB6-T (4/15/06 R.I.P.)
2000- VWB5 1.8T (SOLD)
2000- AP1-(SOLD)
1998- BB6 daily beat around...
2003- 600RR track
2005- 600RR street
JaXx4k is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-17-2005, 07:27 PM   #19 (permalink)
Supporting Member
Offtrack excursion expert
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Jersey
Posts: 6,513
iTrader: (0)
Your welcome you lucky bastid. I wouldn't leave 'em on 1/1 all the time though... thats too soft!!
__________________
Medium Scott - XBox GT: derech0 - 2005 PPW Track Model: 52k Miles - Purchased 6.16.2005 (Hibernating)


Mods: Falken|JWT|Kenwood|MotorDyne|Nismo|Sparco|UR|Work Emotion
Tracks run: Beaver Run (PA), Gateway Int'l (MO), Talladega Grand Prix (AL), Nelson-Ledges (OH)

h22 bb6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Advertisement
 
Reply

  Honda Prelude Forum - Prelude Online.com > Other Discussion > Product Reviews



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.0 RC2
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:07 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.1.0
  • AutoForums.com
  • Truck
  • European
  • Import
  • Domestic
  • Manufacturer

AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share experiences and opinions as a community.

Visit AutoForums.com today.

For advertising information, please visit our AutoForums.com website and Contact Us, or send an email message to sales@autoforums.com.