I did a search and have been in contact with several constituients that use both brands of coilovers. Im looking at running this setup on a 2000 Honda Civic Si that is daily driven but also sees time at the track and local autocrosses.

From the searches I have gathered:

-TEIN HA : steel, 16 way adjust, can choose spring rate
-ZEAL B2 : steel, 6 way adjust, upper mount included, street setup (F:10 R:6) track setup (F:12 R:8)
-TEIN ones have been known to rust under wet and humid conditions (really depends on where you live though).
-ZEAL B2 since it's made with Chrome-Moly steel instead of steel, plus it's short stroked(don't have to worry much about the suspension travel after u lower it)
-ZEAL B2 comes with the aluminum hat with delrin bushing inserts.
-TEIN HA utilizes the stock hardware.

What is the conversion for the spring rates from F:12k B:8k to some custom ERS spring rates 360F/ 400R? I am wanting stiffer springs in the back to create a more neutral ride with alittle oversteer. Which coil-over will help me achieve my goals?
thks ahead of time.

tell...

 

I forgot the exact conversion numbers, but 12k is appr 650lbs. and 8k is appr 450lbs.

 

You should also take a look into the Tein SS too, same as the HA, except the helper spring. Oh, it is also like $200 cheaper!!

 

Zeal S6's... the only way to fly... I should be ordering my custom springs rates in about 2 months time. Just in time for expo

 

I have the HA's. Rust is not a problem and I live in Northern New Jersey.
What I do is spray them down with WD40 every 2-3 months. This keeps the mositure off the shock body and springs. There are no signs of rust of ANY kind ANY where!
Then when I go to sell them, I'll just wipe off the grime and whahlah, nice and clean.

As for the Tein SS's, they are the same dampener as the HA's just with a taller spring. The SS's doesn't require the helper spring. As for price, the SS's are only $90.00 cheaper. Thats all! The price of these came down since Tein came to the US.

The spring rates for the following are:

14kg/mm - 783lbs/in
12kg/mm - 671lbs/in
10kg/mm - 559lbs/in
9kg/mm - 504lbs/in
8kg/mm - 448lbs/in
7kg/mm - 392lbs/in
6kg/mm - 336lbs/in

Hope this helps

-Nick

 

If you want to track your car often, the F360# would probably be not stiff enough and give you too much pitching motion when going into a turn. The Zeal F12K (677#) and R8K (451#) sounds like a good combo for track use.

If you really decide to go with the Zeal with their recommended spring rates, there are still many ways you can make your car tailhappy. ie. raise the rear ride height by 1/4" or 1/2", put a 1/4" spacer in front, rear sway bar, etc.

 

I was thinking more along the lines of Zeal F9k and R7k. Would this be too soft? I'll also have a 26mm rear bar.

 

You should also consider the Buddy Club Racing Spec.
Chromoly
15 way Adj
Lwr Perch Height Adjustable
You can order custom springs (stock is 12k/8k)
We chose to run this on the Honda Challenge car.
(It's also less $$ than a B6 setup, too.)

 

That really depends on the usage of your car. That's why Zeal reommended F10 R6 for street use and F12 R8 for track use. If I can't get any personal experience from anyone, I would stick with the mfr's recommendation.

 

Is the Zeal B2 height adjustable like the Tein HA?

 

Yes it is.

 

I think also the SS's have softer spring rates since theyre tailored more towards "American tastes". I inquired about these a few months ago and this is what Tein told me.

i :believe: the rates for the SS are 8K F, 4K rear but im not positive, so dont quote me on that!!

 

FYI,

If the damper is the same as the HA on the SS, then it can get very stiff. It pretty much overpowers the spring. Personally I wouldn't worry about the rates on the SS.

 

If it helps, I run 12/8 on the street, and it is fine

 

Another great choice here

 

I run 8kg front and 10kg rear on the streets and its fine.

 

me too, i have the shocks set to 4 (max is 6) and it isn't too stiff for street driving.

 

I run 10k front and 14k rear on the street and it sucks badly. I have headaches all summer from it. I look forward to the end of the track season so I can swap the stockers back in. This year I might go 14k front and 20-22k rear, or maybe only 12k front and 18k rear. I'm going to be in very much pain... but it's all worth it.

 

conversion from kg/mm to lbs/in.........for example...12 kg x 2.2 = 26.4...now 26.4 x 25.4 = 670.56 lbs/in....or if you dont want to remember all the crap 12 x 55.88 = 670.56 lbs/in...hope this helps.....if you want a break down 1 kg = 2.2 lbs. and 1 in = 25.4 mm.....

 

On the Zeal B2's, can you mix and match the spring sets like 10k front and 8k rear when you buy them? Considering they come like 10k/6k street and 12k/8k track.


[Modified by 6ghatch, 2:35 AM 2/11/2002]

 

Thanks for the review... I think I've made my final decision: Zeal.

Anyone know the difference's between B2 and B6?

 

b6 has adjustable lower brackets...

 

So i am paying another $600 for adjustable lower brackets, which are?

 

That allowes you to adjust ride height without effecting preload or droop.

 

I thought the B2 already has these?