Review: Tein S.Tech Lowering Springs

[Loop]

To start it off, I would like to thank Kenny aka Nismofool for referring me to Tein. Also want to thanks to Tein's R&D team, I am jealous of their green race/tech/work suits they wear. A company that actually does their R&D and does a lot of testing.

NOTE: Not a great comparison as I am comparing it to my BC coilovers. Coilovers is a completely another level.

Initial impressions: The drop isn't terribad. It actually almost looked similar to what I had my settings on my coilovers, difference was probably 5mm higher than what I had. I am pretty positive that these are lower than the Eibach's when I had those too. Actually I am pretty positive, they are lowered by 50mm. 50mm = 1.968 inch.

Driving impressions: Awesome, actually thought I had coilovers on for a second. But, I could tell the difference when pushing the car harder. For the amount of drop, they are not that bouncy at all, better than the BC forsure. These are definitely great for daily driving as they felt comfortable and quiet.

Handling: It handles good for what they are, not great under hard turns or acceleration. Acceleration and stopping you can feel the car squat more compared to the BC coilovers. But will be hardly noticeable for daily driving. On hard turns, you won't be able to push it as hard. I felt some body roll, possibly sway bars can fix this.

Noise: I must say these are very quiet compared to my BC Racing coilovers. No more harsh noise when going over big bumps(could be just the fact that BC uses pillowball mounts, increasing noise for performance). Also helps that Tein uses whats called a silencer rubber on their springs to eliminate "coil snap".

You can find more pictures and information at: http://teinusa-blog.com/08-nissan-altim ... g-springs/

This picture was taken by Tein and from Tein's blog:


Note: My tires are running smaller than the stock diameter. I took out the junk in my trunk I mean, I just took out the spare wheel. carpeting, etc..

[Desire1314]

I knew something like this was gonna happen as soon as i stop waiting for Tein to come out with springs for our cars and go with Eibachs

Loved the S. Techs on my previous Acura, although they are highly recommended to get a camber kit with these springs.

Any word about coming out with the H. Techs?

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Nice. Did you have the Eibachs at one point? I can't remember. I wasn't quite happy with the them, I thought the ride was somewhat bouncy. Just wanted to get a comparison.

[dangeris]

Very Nice Vince! What shocks are you sporting with the Teins?

[toxik]

nice loop! i was actually doing research on springs for my car recently. I was looking into the Tein S-Techs... not a lot of people have their springs, most have their coilovers. This is a very nice drop.

[RicerX]

Dude I'm stoked about this. Are these for sale yet? I'm trying to be cost effective with my spending now, and I'm probably going to opt for springs instead of getting coilovers since my car is still a daily driver.

I will more than likely order these bad boys next week - the only reservation I have is I'm curious about your shock setup, loop. If you're on OEMs and this is how it's driving, then I'm all in like Ben Affleck at Celebrity p0ker.

[Loop]

Currently on OEM shocks. Therefore, not great at aggressive/high speeds as the shocks/dampening can be unstable. Hence, good for daily driving.

So far my tread wear in the rears have been good. Surprisingly, it's still even from left to right on the rear tires. Just measured them today. I will keep checking them on a daily basis.

[dangeris]

Please do and let us know what you find. As far as shocks, the only company out there that makes aftermarket shocks for the coupe is KYB but oddly they only have them for the rear and not the back It would be sweet if they came out with GR-2s!

[insaneturbo13]

oddly they only have them for the rear and not the back It would be sweet if they came out with GR-2s!

?? you mean not the front?

[Loop]

Sorry guys for not answering all your questions, it was late last night.

Any word about coming out with the H. Techs?

I haven't heard from Tein about making H.Techs. You can contact Tein for the correct answer.

Nice. Did you have the Eibachs at one point? I can't remember. I wasn't quite happy with the them, I thought the ride was somewhat bouncy. Just wanted to get a comparison.

Sorry T, its been too long to remember how the Eibach's rode.

Please do and let us know what you find. As far as shocks, the only company out there that makes aftermarket shocks for the coupe is KYB but oddly they only have them for the rear and not the back It would be sweet if they came out with GR-2s!

I will only be able to do this for so long. I have Tein SS coils sitting in the garage. As for aftermarket shocks, the fronts are the most expensive because of its design according to Tokico rep. For those who are interested in aftermarket shocks, contact Tokico by phone to build interest.

[dangeris]

oddly they only have them for the rear and not the back It would be sweet if they came out with GR-2s!

?? you mean not the front?

my bad..yeah..I meant the front..

[A_Hole]

Loop, I have fallen in love with your car. Your tastes seem about the same as mine. I want to rip your style so bad, but I also have a black car and we would be straight up twinsies haha. Are there any other Matte black wheels that look as good as those? Maybe a 5 spoke design or something?

[Loop]

Haha, thanks. Wheels might be up for sale soon PM me if your interested. As far as 5 spokes go with no lip, fivead r5:f_spec wheels might not look bad, might need a bbk though, or painted calipers with aftermarket rotors.

[RicerX]

Hey Loop - Tein didn't happen to give you a turnaround time on production date, did they? I'm trying to get a drop in within the next month before NOPI, and I'd rather go with these over Eibachs if I can. You think they'll be available anytime in July?

[Loop]

I forgot when, but I know they will be out soon. Possibly August or early September when the Tein Basic coilovers come too.

[RicerX]

Tein is releasing Basic coils for the coupe? Neato! I'll have to look into this too. I'm trying to find the most ideal lowering setup for daily driving (the look + a little performance boost + long lasting) and I'm not sure what'll look best. Springs may be the way to go. I don't need to have to overhaul my coilovers once a year, as I've driven almost 30K miles a year for the past three years.

[insaneturbo13]

what are basic coils? is there a difference between them and regular (advanced {lol}) coils?

[mrodrig2]

what are basic coils? is there a difference between them and regular (advanced {lol}) coils?

"Basic" refers to the Tein Basic line of coil overs. Like most manufacturers, Tein produces a variety of coilovers in different price and performance slots. Basic are their simplest and cheapest offering. The difference is that usually you don't have as much adjustability for height and/or dampening.

[insaneturbo13]

what are basic coils? is there a difference between them and regular (advanced {lol}) coils?

"Basic" refers to the Tein Basic line of coil overs. Like most manufacturers, Tein produces a variety of coilovers in different price and performance slots. Basic are their simplest and cheapest offering. The difference is that usually you don't have as much adjustability for height and/or dampening.

i see, well that makes sense then, i wonder why they would release the basic and not any (more advanced) coils...

[RicerX]

Their Super Street coils are already out for the AC. This will be the second set of coils available from Tein for the AC. I predict, given the price is right, that they'll sell more of these than the BCs or the Tein SSs given the amount of people looking for bang for the buck.

[07wHiTE 3.5SE 6sPD]

i've seen some pricing for the superstreets and for me it was too much. I think they're selling for around 1400 or so without the EDFC. If i remember correctly the basic's only allow for ride height adjustment and no damper adjustment. The super streets will be more expensive because they offer a damper adjustment and the option of the EDFC (electronic damping force controller). My friend's TL has the EDFC and it's worth it if you have the money. For those of you that dont know, it allows you to switch dampening settings while driving by setting a digital controller box (looks the greddy profec boost controller) which controls the motors on the strut/shock top mount.

[RicerX]

Good call! I just read about the differences between basic damper and SS. Cheapest I've found the SS for so far was about 1350 shipped from Advance Speed Shop. I haven't looked anywhere else besides stillen.

EDFC sounds really cool. Another controller to add to the batmobile-esque interior I want. (tons of controls and cool looking buttons and s*** lol)

For those not in the know, main differences between the BCs and the TEIN SS are that TEIN uses the OEM upper mounts (BC uses pillowball). For those with strut bars, this is nice because you don't have to go buying other parts for them both to install (as far as I know).

[Loop]

Tein is releasing Basic coils for the coupe? Neato! I'll have to look into this too. I'm trying to find the most ideal lowering setup for daily driving (the look + a little performance boost + long lasting) and I'm not sure what'll look best. Springs may be the way to go. I don't need to have to overhaul my coilovers once a year, as I've driven almost 30K miles a year for the past three years.

Yes, Tein is releasing the Basic coilovers in August/September. I definitely would go with coilovers because the ride is smoother, handles great, ride height adjustable, and even more comfortable than the S.Techs. The reason of going with the Tein(great reputation) coilovers is because they have engineered the valving/dampening with the vehicle, not only that but they do a lot of R&D compared to other companies. Which gives it the best ride possible and performance.

[Loop]

For those not in the know, main differences between the BCs and the TEIN SS are that TEIN uses the OEM upper mounts (BC uses pillowball). For those with strut bars, this is nice because you don't have to go buying other parts for them both to install (as far as I know).

Main difference is the valving/dampening compared to BC. It really doesn't compare IMO, BC's were bouncy, thus it feels like a harsh ride. Next is the noise, the noise on the BC's is louder incabin because of the pillow ball mounts. Sounds horrible if you go over a bump really fast. BC's is only great if your looking for a full adjustable coilover, which Tein cannot provide. Although, it is not really needed as you will just bottom out your car everywhere.

I will doing a review on my Tein SS coilovers when I put more mileage and useage to make my conclusion. So far, I am loving it, feels great to be on coilovers again. Specially with the non bouncy and smoother ride compared to the S.Tech's.

[beeristasty]

Main difference is the valving/dampening compared to BC. It really doesn't compare IMO, BC's were bouncy, thus it feels like a harsh ride. Next is the noise, the noise on the BC's is louder incabin because of the pillow ball mounts. Sounds horrible if you go over a bump really fast. BC's is only great if your looking for a full adjustable coilover, which Tein cannot provide. Although, it is not really needed as you will just bottom out your car everywhere.

I will doing a review on my Tein SS coilovers when I put more mileage and useage to make my conclusion. So far, I am loving it, feels great to be on coilovers again. Specially with the non bouncy and smoother ride compared to the S.Tech's.

This sounds like good news to me. I just threw down on the Tein SS's (should be here in a week or so). I was thinking Tein's dampening would most likely be better than BC's; I was going to get either the BC's (with 5/6k f&r springs), or the Tein SS's with their expected smoother action (on 6/8k f&r). I convinced myself that I can justify the extra $335 over the life of the vehicle as long as the quality is there. Plus I won't ever track my car, so comfort and quiet are more important than absolute performance with the OEM upper mounts vs. pillowball.

The EDFC kit also sounds pretty sweet, which I may upgrade to down the road.

[HelloImJarred]

can i get a link to the Tein SS kit and what makes the Tein better than the BC aside from the Name??

[Loop]

beeristasty: You won't be dissapointed. Best ride and performance to date. The EDFC is pretty neat, I am hoping down the future I will get these. It will be great since you will be able to customize your ride with such ease to your likings.

HelloImJarred: I have explained it a little in my latest post. It is the valving/dampening, which is very important when it comes to ride and performance.

[beeristasty]

can i get a link to the Tein SS kit and what makes the Tein better than the BC aside from the Name??

I don't think one is 'better' than the other. I was so close to buying the BCs - I have heard glowing reviews for them and the price is right; I have also heard not-so-glowing/more negative reviews for the SS's from other forums (they are kinda lowish on Tein's product ladder) .. I think that everyone needs to evaluate how they will be using their coilovers, and judging on that, choose the best set for their application.

The Tein are a sort of unknown since not many people have them here, but judging from Loop's comments and my thoughts about the brand, I decided to go with them for my daily driving. I could be totally wrong and get bit in the arse, so I guess we will find out soon enough. All I really want is smoother dampening/rebound than what my Eibach/factory strut combos are providing (which is a fairly harsh ride). If the Teins can do that, then I'm happy. If not, then its back to the drawing board.

[HelloImJarred]

yo gimme a link to these Teins so i can read up on em please.. cuz i am debating BC's or Teins for my daily driver.. but i want a smooth NON bouncy quiet tight handling ride... so i am doing ample research b4 i make my purchase

[Loop]

Beeristasty: I haven't really seen negative comments on this forum other than myself when they weren't bringing out their products fast enough when they had told me certain time frames. But now that it is available and I have the product. I can now comment on how great these coilovers are. IMO, people are just haters because of the higher price and lack of features. Quality coilovers is not cheap at all, a good set of coilovers run at least $1,500 to make. Then you have higher end quality coilovers that run easily over $2,000. So it makes you wonder how these other companies can have all these features at such a low price. Most likely what happens is they cut cost on doing R&D and try to get the product out quickly as possibly and make it universal fitting. Therefore, the ride(shocks and springs doesn't match or the shocks isn't great itself) isn't the best it can be. In which in my case, it is true, the BC's coilovers were too bouncy for my likings. It's still an upgrade from OEM, but won't compare to Tein's.

HelloImJarred: Tein's website SS information: http://www.tein.com/products/super_street.html
Personally, I may be a bit bias since I have Tein's. But if you can afford Tein's, I would go with them as they are more geared for daily driving. BC's are not bad at all for the price, but overtime you may not like them. My issues were noise and bounciness.