Im looking for a setup for my gsr that gives very well handling and is fairly stiff... i mainly want performance and handling... which one would be better for the money.... i can probably get the flex setup used with edfc for like 1g but i can get the koni + gc's brand new for like 800... please give your opinion, thanks.

Edit: Also is it worth it to get the type r LCA and go with a setup made for an R ?

 

Get the coilovers. End of story.

 

ground control and konis will give you more adjustability... if you want more info.. do a search on them and you should get a TON of results!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by knightRYDA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ground control and konis will give you more adjustability... if you want more info.. do a search on them and you should get a TON of results!</TD></TR></TABLE>
for GC + Koni Yellows

 

...but if for show, get the Tein Flex.

 

WTF are you kidding

Tein flex are the best for autoX.....Tein is the master in suspension....Why would you want two different company's making your struts and coils? Tein has made their coilover system so that the springs and strut are made EXACTLY for each other...

+1 for tein
-1 for gc with Yellows

 

I make it a point to not register on too many message boards but after Doug (Tampa94lsteg) sent me this link ... I had to just to reply to you.

I can't believe you're saying get Tein Flex for show.

I've got a set of Tein SS coilovers rated for a DC chassis on my EG Del Sol hybrid.

There is no comparison. Tein makes the ultimate product and you can ask anyone who's actually put the money into their suspension system what they think. Suspension is a spot you do NOT want to cheap out on. I have not seen any suspension setup besides possibly Mugen or Fightex that even comes close.

If you want quality and a ride you can brag about, get the Tein.

Actually I'm going to quote my buddy Manny. He's the president of Team Sol FL and he's got the Tein Flex system in his Sol:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well there are alot of full adjustable coilovers out there. Some with more adjustability than others. It's not just ride height or dampning either. For example, the Tein Flex's and "higher" coilovers have an adjustable lower bracket, which is the real way you raise and lower the car, because if you raise and lower the spring perch you also change the spring "preload", which dynamically changes the spring rate. Also, there is seperate and seperate damning adjustability for compression and rebound. The latter adds to cost.

It all really depends on what you really NEED. Not what you THINK you need, but what you will actually use. From my experience, if you're going to hit an autox or two sometimes and maybe go down to the 1/4 mile track, I would get a coilover set that has single ride height adjustability (perch only), damning adjustment (combined is fine). This is why. I had my car set to a nice handling setting. I went to the 1/4 mile track. Wheel hope due to the front dampning which was at 4 (0=stiffest) and the rears were at 6. I set the rears to full stiff and the fronts to half stiffed, cured wheel hop and went faster. Finally I'm at an autoX and the easiest and fastest way to affect the handling is to change the dampning. The ride height and preload most of you will not change unless you are seriously about tuning and changing your handling for racing.

The Omni's and Tein basic's seem like a good buy if you're only going to do one thing, but the dampning adjustability definately makes you usage range more broad by allowing you to tune for drag, autoX/circuit and street driving.

Alot of people get Teins I think because of all the Japanese suspension makers, they have two more inexpensive models for the light user (Basic and Super Street) which can still be used over a broad range of applications, unlike Zeal, JIC, Tanabe, Spoon or Mugen which are either fully adjustable and cost alot (justly so) or are really expensive for not much adjustabilty, althought they work great (spoon/mugen).</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

I really enjoy my GC/Koni Yellow setup. I've had it for almost 2 years now. The adjustability is great, although matching the height in the front and back takes a little getting used to. I wish they had marked the threads on the sleeves.

The stiffness adjustment on the shocks is especially handy. When I slam the car I can make it rock hard, when I raise it I can make it soft so it eases over bumps. Really good quality parts and I've given them a hell of a beating. It turns great too.

Something I would suggest though is if you are buying new struts get yourself some new OEM or performance bushings. And expect to have uneven camber if you really lower it. A lot of people say not to get the camber kits and just use the natural camber. Some say it won't cause tire wear problems. Personally, I like to have my camber matched for all 4 wheels. I've got an Ingalls kit and it goes +/- 3 degrees which does plenty. And as far as tire wear you will notice it after a while. if you notice your wheels butterfly keep an eye on the inside of your tires. Wore mine out fairly quick.

But remember when you change the height it will throw any alignment you have done off. I mess with my height a lot and haven't noticed any issues but if you pay $60 or whatever at Sears to have it done I would suggest keeping it for as long as possible.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is a great example WHY you buy TEIN FLEX...thx buddy...

 

Flex's

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bay_707 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Im looking for a setup for my gsr that gives very well handling and is fairly stiff... i mainly want performance and handling... which one would be better for the money.... i can probably get the flex setup used with edfc for like 1g but i can get the koni + gc's brand new for like 800... please give your opinion, thanks.

Edit: Also is it worth it to get the type r LCA and go with a setup made for an R ?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Koni and GC is a good setup, but tein flex is an awesome setup. although it'll cost more, you'll have much more adjustability option with tein. and if you eventually upgrade to the edfc, you can adjust in the drivers seat. TEIN FLEX ALL THE WAY

 

How much stiffer (over OEM) are the Tien Flex? I'm assuming the Flex are not adjustable (Damping).

 

For auto.X, I would do a custom GC setup/Koni anyday over FLEXs. Granted that tein makes great products, The Flex is too soft for Auto-x. The balance isn't there w/ either the SS or the FLex. And please, people that have not auto-x crossed don't tell me the balance is perfect because the street and track are to different places. TEIN FLEX IS A "GOOD" street option and does not belong on a track.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WhoAmI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How much stiffer (over OEM) are the Tien Flex? I'm assuming the Flex are not adjustable (Damping).</TD></TR></TABLE>

Oem is rated at between 2.2k and 4.4k depending on your application. Spring rates for Flex are 9k front and 6k rear. Fully adjustable.

 

i've had the koni/gc setup before.. even with 350F 500R springs on em.. they're great for learning the track and great for everyday driving for the budget racer...

but u know another great thing about the konis is their service... my shocks were dying/leaking because i had abused them.. so i called em up they're still warrantied even with the gc's.. they immediately sent me new shocks to put on my car.. then i sent them the old shocks... basically all i paid for was the shipping for the old shocks to go back to the factory..

recently i got some used teins from a buddy.. one of the shocks was blown so i sent it in to be serviced... of course teins dont have the lifetime warranty.. it made it's trip all the way back to japan.. and back again.. end up costing like $400 for one shock to be serviced.. ... shoulda just bought a new shock...

pillowball mounts

 

have you every owned TEIN?????been in a car with tein?!~?!?! OBVIOUSLY NOT.......SXECROW'S sol with teg susp is stiff as HELL! and uncomfortably stiff....they are fully adjustable....this thread is full of false info...

 

Not only are they (Tein Flex) adjustable, you can do it when sitting in the driverseat.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tampa94lsteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">have you every owned TEIN?????been in a car with tein?!~?!?! OBVIOUSLY NOT.......SXECROW'S sol with teg susp is stiff as HELL! and uncomfortably stiff....they are fully adjustable....this thread is full of false info... </TD></TR></TABLE>
my car has had Teins and Koni/gc setup.. i wouldn't daily drive my integra because everyday driving is just not comfortable, it's good for a weekend street-track car.. my bf and buddies have also rocked teins.. what do u expect in so cali.. it seems everyone and their mom has at one point had teins... there are pros and cons on each side.. hell i know people who think koni-gc setup is too stiff even setup at soft all the way around..

but the choice is completely up to the driver's preference.. whether or not he has been in a car with the Tein Flex we don't know.. not everyone would be so lucky as to ride in a car with that specific setup...

but why so negative?.. people are just sharing their experiences about their koni/gc setup they are merely expressing their experiences so the original poster has something to base his judgement on... things to think about..

not everyone has to have both Teins and Konis to make a judgement.. its up to the original poster to decide whether he takes these posts to heart or not..

 

I personally have not been in a car with Tein Flex. I have been in an Integ just like mine with the GC/Koni setup (with Bronze Volk TE37) and it was awesome. Also I have heard that a large number of Autocrossers have switched to this setup: that in itself tells me something. By no means am I saying anything bad at all about the Tein Flex. Actually it would be my second choice over any other setup (except maybe Ohlins).
The threadstarter just asked for our opinions and I was giving him mine - no matter how uneducated it is. I have not had experience with the Tein Flex, but I heard that they were great. I was just saying that a lot of people (myself not included) would rather have "Tein" stickered on their ride instead of GC/Koni or no sticker.
Tein is a great company although from what I've heard is that their low price products are not that great and the excellent products, you REALLY pay for.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TurboGS-R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> for GC + Koni Yellows</TD></TR></TABLE>

another for the GC/KY combo.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tampa94lsteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">have you every owned TEIN?????been in a car with tein?!~?!?! OBVIOUSLY NOT.......SXECROW'S sol with teg susp is stiff as HELL! and uncomfortably stiff....they are fully adjustable....this thread is full of false info... </TD></TR></TABLE>

obviously, because IMHO people ride Tein's nuts too much. Just because it's JDM y0 doesn't automatically make it the best out there.

Now like people have said, Tein makes great stuff, especially when you get into the $1800 and up range for a full suspension setup.

But really for the money you can NOT go wrong w/ Koni+GC. You can customize your spring rates to what you need for the car, and of course the adjustability. And then there's both the Koni and GC customer service as was previously mentioned.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WhitEdRift &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I really enjoy my GC/Koni Yellow setup. I've had it for almost 2 years now. The adjustability is great, although matching the height in the front and back takes a little getting used to. I wish they had marked the threads on the sleeves.

The stiffness adjustment on the shocks is especially handy. When I slam the car I can make it rock hard, when I raise it I can make it soft so it eases over bumps. Really good quality parts and I've given them a hell of a beating. It turns great too.

Something I would suggest though is if you are buying new struts get yourself some new OEM or performance bushings. And expect to have uneven camber if you really lower it. A lot of people say not to get the camber kits and just use the natural camber. Some say it won't cause tire wear problems. Personally, I like to have my camber matched for all 4 wheels. I've got an Ingalls kit and it goes +/- 3 degrees which does plenty. And as far as tire wear you will notice it after a while. if you notice your wheels butterfly keep an eye on the inside of your tires. Wore mine out fairly quick.

But remember when you change the height it will throw any alignment you have done off. I mess with my height a lot and haven't noticed any issues but if you pay $60 or whatever at Sears to have it done I would suggest keeping it for as long as possible.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tampa94lsteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is a great example WHY you buy TEIN FLEX...thx buddy...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't follow, how is that a great example? You still have to individually adjust the height at all 4 corners just like w/ GC's.

And as for marking the sleeves, that wouldn't work, because each corner has different amounts of weight on them. With my car perfectly level side-to-side, I might have 8 threads showing below my left front GC sleeve, and 13 threads showing on the other side. If you set all your sleeves to the same height side-to-side (same number of threads showing above and below the perch), the car will sit completely lop-sided.

This is why corner weighting is important if you really want to get the most out of your suspension.

 

^Patrick

You're completely right about different sides of the car weighing more. Where would you get the different sides weighed out or how would you adjust for this difference? Realize I'm a backyard mechanic and if I could do this myself without a shop, I'd prefer that route. It saves the money for other mods

 

I'll have to play with it some more then, readjust the front at least. The back is pretty even in weight except for my big muffer.

I still like my GC/KY setup. It is a lot of fun with the adjustability and my stiffer spring rates. Takes corners really well if I bring it down a couple inches. It is funny when I drive my girlfriend's Jetta I'm pressed against the door at the same speed hitting those spiral onramps.

I would have to say though that if you haven't experienced a large selection of suspension types then you probably wouldn't know what is BEST. I'm sure most people on this board have only gone through one or two on their car.

All opinions are helpful though. I hope this guy finds something he will be happy with?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tampa94lsteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">have you every owned TEIN?????been in a car with tein?!~?!?! OBVIOUSLY NOT.......SXECROW'S sol with teg susp is stiff as HELL! and uncomfortably stiff....they are fully adjustable....this thread is full of false info... </TD></TR></TABLE>


Yes, I once owned a Flex system when they were first released. I hated them....The only Tein suspension I like is.....HOLD ON...LET ME GET A MAGAZINE AND SKIM THROUGH IT TO FIND A TEIN ADVERTISEMENT AND PICK ONE FROM THERE....

Ah... I like the RA and for a great mild street setup; Ebay coilovers with those $99 dollar RED shocks...

 

Tein flex is adjustable from the Drivers seat.....And yes, i think you have to ride in both to form an opinion about which is better.....this wasn't about " which is better for the money", it's about which is better OVERALL...