Tanabe Sustec Pro question??

[Idahos13]

Hey I'm thinking about buying these coilovers from a guy not too far away from me.

They are the Tanabe Sustec Pro's. They look pretty old. He said that he doesn't think they are blown. He said they do not leak oil.

So my question is can someone help me figure out what model they are and how old they are?



Thanks in advance guys!

[Gabes13]

They don't have helper springs.

Do they have adjustment knobs on them?

If so, they're probably Sustec Pro SS Type 2 If not, they're probably Sustec Pro S-OC Type 2IIRC, all of Tanabe's sustec pro type 1s have helper springs and the type 2s don't.

I don't think they even make the type 2s anymore. If in doubt, hit up Tanabe them selves

[breadbox]

I think type 2 are not adjustable either.

Yeah you could email the tech dept and ask. Include this link and they might say.

[homeslicej2]

I'm with these guys, need to send this link to Tanabe's tech dept (if they have one stateside) Those have rubber upper mounts and do look old, so they may not even be rebuildable anymore, as in Tanabe may not stock or repair the shocks in them bc they could be too old.

[OutToWinPAHC]

I wouln't buy used shocks or coils, just don't know what your getting.

[s13_pinoy]

They look like EP91's to me. Which are height adjustable, I think they're just maxxed out in this pic. Also looks like the previous owner changed out the kept the upper mounts, I probably would have done the same thing. That's my best guess??? " BORDER="0">

[Gabes13]

I think type 2 are not adjustable either.

Sustec Pro SS are dampening/rebound adjustable. The S-oC's are not.

Type 1 and 2 just means if it comes with or without helper springs Type 2=w/oType 1=with

may not even be rebuildable anymore

This is true also.I don't know Tanabe's police with coilovers, but Tanabe is a reputable company.So I don't see why this would be an issue.Plus, They have an office in Torrance, California.

Also looks like the previous owner changed out the kept the upper mounts, I probably would have done the same thing. That's my best guess???

Both Pro SS and Pro S-OS are basic coilovers.-Limited dampening adjustment (if any)-Limited height adjustment (via spring pre load)-and REQUIRE the use of the stock upper mounts (no camber plates etc.)

[Idahos13]

The guy said he will sell them to me for 140. Which is prety cheap for me.Does it sound like a good deal? It would be awesome if Tanabe sold a rebuild kit for these so if they are blown I could rebuild them.

So should I send Tanabe this link and ask them what they think??

And why do they require stock upper mounts and not camber plates?

[Gabes13]

The coilovers look like they have stickers on them.If legible, they should have part numbers on them. With those numbers you can can identify their models.

Those coilovers were NEVER sold with pillow ball mounts.You had to re-use the stock ones.You can, however, buy pillow ball mounts if you want.

140 is cheap.Really cheap. but if you're just going to get them re-built (if they can even be re-built)and buy camber/pillow mountsyou might as well buy new coilovers.

[Idahos13]

Depending on if they need rebuilt, I might rebuild them if they can be. but I just want some cheap coils to get me lower than my lowering springs right now. and this is in my price range. I sent Tanabe a link to this thread and my questions so we will see.

[Idahos13]

How low will these get me?

[KC240SR]

low enough if you remove the collars.

[Gabes13]

Not really low.Lower than lowering springs.But not lower than coilovers with adjustable bottom brackets. Their website says 2.5"

I think "Chris28" had these once.Ask him for pics.

EDIT:Chris28 not Didderson.My bad.
Modified by pandapants at 11:58 AM 1/15/2010

[Idahos13]

So pandapants, do you know which ones these are then?

The reason I ask about if these get low enough is I want to put my 002's on and look somewhat nice instead of 4x4 status you know.

[Gabes13]

I really can't tell from just that picture.But the color (yellow/orange) makes me believe they're the SS models. No helper springs lets me believe they're Type 2.(which i think are discontinued)

As far as the drop, you wont be tucking tire. You'll get a moderate "low" drop, but you wont be able to frame your car.(If that's what you're looking for)

Don't get me wrong, I love Tanabe.But these are basic coilovers. Really simple.Nothing fancy.

If you wanna buy them look for a couple things: 1. If they have adjustment knobs -They should be located on the sides of the shock bodies (like kyb agx) -If they do, then they're SS type 2 -If not, see step 22. Look at the stickers on the coilovers (the 4 shiney things in the picture) -One of them might be clear enough to make out a model number. -You can send that model number to Tanabe and they can tell you probably everything about those coilovers. 3. Visually inspect the coilovers. -Look for leaks, dents, bends etc. -Stand the coilover up and lean on top of it (compress it) to see if they all feel "consistant"

They're only a buck forty, so you can't expect much. But Tanabe is a very reputable company with lots of R'n'D.

2 cars I found with sustec pros

Slappy's car (medium height)

Someone elses (lowest height?)

[Idahos13]

The guy lives in washington and I live in Idaho.So I really cant test them. I talked him down on the price to 140.

The last pic would be nice if my car would look like that. Exept with my 002's.