I just recently got Tein Ha put on my GSR (thought I would post here because more itr owners seem to have Tein). I am having a blast with them. Keep going stiffer and stiffer. Right now I am at 8 in front and 6 in back. I like it alot. Car does do some grippy turning. ....................Anywho......, I was hoping people could share their opinions about how to set up the shocks for dif. situations. I will use these mostly on the street, but others might want to know for track etc. So maybe here is a good place to compile some info. and ideas on all things Tein. What height have you all foud good? Any problems with going low, low, low? How about proper maintence? Maybe this can become a compendium of ideas, experiences, etc. that would be worth downloading as a future reference tool. I hope so. That would be great.
I already contributed all I know, which is next to nil!, but I know there are some learned people so please do share!

 

Track - 12 front, 13 rear. street--- 7 front 6 rear

Bryan

 

BTW. I have the stock spring set. I forget the rates, but I can certainly see how one could become a suspension junkie. A world of difference. It is great to have so much control over your cars handling characteristics(sp?). Any body try diff. spring set ups?
Thanks Bryan.


[Modified by ajbones, 10:33 AM 8/15/2001]

 

Would one even consider the Tein if he wanted a smooth ride over all else (with the needed adjustability for the track of course...this doesn't mean all luxury, I'm just wanting to maintain a very smooth ride while not compromising much performance)?

I hear they are bumpy?

Which "full coil-over" set is recommended? (for me)

 

Archmage, so far for me they are comfortable on the street.Onlyhad thm a bit more than aweek though. softest setting seemed preety cushy (as in comfortable), but with much better handling. I alsogot no noises so far.

 

GREAT! I will consider these as "on the list" for now then...thanks for your opinion...that's all that really counts here..

 

It's all about the spring rates. Adjusting the shock settings won't increase your car's ultimate grip at all. If your car pulls .88g on full soft it'll pull .88g on full stiff. Adjusting the shocks will only change transient behavior. It's not easily possible to have a suspension that is comfortable on the street but can be adjusted to increase ultimate grip for the track. Unless you use shocks that will separately adjust low speed and high speed movements. Those are very high end. The shocks are can only adjust how the car feels in transient manouvers. To increase that you must increase spring rates.

If you use the stock Tein rates the car will ultimately push since the front weights are relatively stiff compared to the rears. I use 10k front and 14k rear. It's punishing on the street, but it's a very nice setup at the track. Yes, I do like my car to be a little loose. It's not as loose as you'd imagine though...

 

I have 10 front and 8 rear. I recently spun at Fabi. Could not control loose front end. When I got the car back in the shop and did a check on steering rack, springs, etc. I noticed the front was set at 8 driver side and 0 passenger side. Has anyone had a problem with the settings changing by themselves?

 

I have the TEIN HA's,

B18C5 said it best that the spring rates need to change to increase grip but that adjusting rebound and compresson will control the level of grip within the springs abilities.

I have the HA's with standard springs
(Spring rates are 8kg/mm Front and 6kg/mm Rear which is 447lb/ft F and 335 lb/ft)

I run 5 front 7 rear on the street

Auto-X approx 8-10 Front 12-16 Rear
(varies till I get what I am comfortable with which is neutral with slight push)

Track approx 10-12 Front 12-16 rear.

I keep the fronts lower at Auto-X for more grip since they are single adjustable this allows for quicker rebound. AT the track with higher speed the difference between the front and rear settings should be closer to prevent excessive oversteer.

I have never seen any set of shocks change settings themself

 

Carlex, I am going to have to try switching it up.......setting the rear shocks stiffer than the fronts. Anybody got any good maintenance ideas?....winter is coming preety quick now.

How low, or high, are peole going on the street?