Tein Active EDFC?? Yes please :)
 

I love the idea of being able to adjust dampers with the push of a button, so when I saw this I was really excited. Essentially it uses a G meter or an option GPS meter plus the G sensors to actively adjust the damping. Pretty cool! :)

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LqG_eUICAg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LqG_eUICAg[/ame]


Let us know what you think!
Thanks,
Rick

Ok, this is what i think.
Your car has front and rear springs. They oscillate. The dampers are there to dampen that oscillation.You don't want the springs under damped or over damped. I think once you have your dampers optimised you forget about them.
My 2 cents.

Active damping aka active suspension is banned in a lot of motorsport precisely because it allows for an advantage :thumbsup:

We'll be testing a pair of these on our car soon.

I should point out that my view is just that. I have no experience of active damping. It just looks like ,to me, to be a way of hiding a poorly set up car. One of my mantras is "every thing is a compromise" (especially suspension design) and maybe this active damping thingy is a way of reducing those compromises but it still looks like you are adding complexity to an already complex system. I look forward to a review.

CHEATING CHEATERS ARE CHEATING! I want to cheat too!!!

Yep, just ask Nigel Mansel when he was driving for Williams in the 90's. :D

You can't setup a car which works at its best in all conditions with static springs and dampers. You can try to get it as good as possible for a specific situation.

Say you are on a track with sweepers where you might want more rotation and then small transitions where you need stability. You either tune the suspension for one or the other or something in the middle which works well for both. Or you can use an active system which can react to the sensors and figure out what kind of turn you are in and work appropriately. The really good systems react so fast you don't even know what it's doing really.

Also the active systems allow suspension tuning to happen faster. Some race systems aren't active in so much they make constant changes, but they use hydraulic actuators to make larger changes than you could with needle valve adjustments without changing out parts of the shocks like pistons. So it allows fine tuning the suspension in much less time.

Part of the reason the ferrofluid suspensions used by Cadillac and Ferrari are so good is that they have the ability to react extremely quickly to changing conditions as well as driving style.

Having dampers that can be changed on the fly makes a single spring rate much more versatile.

Nathan

I suspect I am suffering from Ludditetism.

Agree 100% but for me I think what I want is the illusion of control. That is, turn off the electronics aids (with the exception of abs and not on the street) and let me do the driving. I do not doubt there are performance benefits to be had but maybe I'm showing my age :/

I want!

Me too!!! I cannot wait until these are released, I want to play with it so bad haha! Of course I would love the ferrofluid dampers, but for the average guy wanting active suspension, I think this is a perfect option. :)


Thanks,
Rick

A bit more info on the TEIN EDFC Active and New TEIN Street Flex Coilovers! Pulled directly from the Tein Japan Site. :)


EDFC ACTIVE makes it possible to adjust damping force with ease from the driver's seat, by controlling stepping motors installed on each shock absorber. Built-In G-Sensor allows G-actuated automatic adjustment of damping force while driving. Additional automatic speed-sensitive damping force adjustment feature is available with the use of optional "GPS kit" (sold separately).

* This product does not adjust vehicle ride height.

• More Aggressive Damping Force Control: To control damping force more actively according to driving conditions, 2 automatic adjustment modes are available; "G-actuated automatic adjustment mode" and "speed-sensitive automatic adjustment mode (optional GPS kit is required)". Damping force adjustment levels can be set in 3 different types; 16-level, 32-level or 64-level.
• Simplified Installation/Wiring: Motor driver units, located at front and back of the car, and controller unit are connected wirelessly, to reduce troublesome wiring works. Controller unit has all the sensing functions, with built-in optical sensor to detect brightness in its surroundings and connectivity with optional GPS kit to detect vehicle speed. The power supply cable is the only wiring required between the controller and the vehicle, making it possible and easier to install onto wider varieties of vehicle models. Well-considered size and design enable controller unit to be installed to most desirable position easily without any bulky wiring.
• Better Visibility & User-Friendliness: Larger display is used for improved visibility and one-dial operation allows for easier handling.
• Useful Added Features: EDFC ACTIVE offers lots of extra features including adjustable display color and G-force display. In addition, with optional GPS kit installed, vehicle speed, altitude, longitude, latitude, trip meter and/or clock can be displayed.
• Extensibility: One controller unit can control up to 8 motors, with additional motor driver unit installed. This comes in handy for damper kit with separate compression/rebound adjustment.
• Reasonable Price: Despite all the advanced features, EDFC ACTIVE is very reasonably priced.

●Manual Mode:
There is only one simple dial to set front and rear damping force separately to desired levels. Up to 10 presets are available to store and quickly recall preferred settings, according to the changes in situation.
Examples

http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/edfc_active_07.jpg

G-Actuated Automatic Adjustment Mode:
This mode enables automatic adjustment according to the changes in G-force measured with built-in G-sensor. 2 separate modes available; "G-Arrange Mode" to adjust damping force when G-force reaches the preset value (max 10 memories) each time, and "G-Linear Mode" to adjust linearly according to the preset G-force values, automatically supplementing the values in between.

For example, on streets, damping force is set to softer level while driving at constant speed to absorb unevenness on road surface smoothly and set to harder level when accelerating/decelerating to suppress unnecessary vehicle movement for better handling and ride comfort.


On circuits, understeering/oversteering can be controlled by setting damping force to increase stability while braking and setting up front/rear damping force separately to correspond to degree of acceleration/deceleration.
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/edfc_active_01.jpg

[G-Arrange Mode / Example of Use (at 32-level mode)]
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/edfc_active_02.jpg
Damping force is adjusted automatically according to G-force value, to xx-level higher or xx-level lower than the manually-set level.
Up to 10 adjustment points can be set, within 0.1 to 2.0G for both acceleration and deceleration in 0.05G increments.


[G-Linear Mode / Example of Use (at 32-level mode)]
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/edfc_active_03.jpg
Damping force is adjusted linearly according to the preset G-force values, automatically supplementing the values in between, for smoother & more gradual change.


Speed-Sensitive Automatic Adjustment Mode (optional GPS kit is required)
http://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/edfc_active_05.jpg
This mode enables automatic adjustment according to the changes in vehicle speed measured with GPS sensor. 2 separate modes available; "S-Arrange Mode" to adjust damping force when vehicle reaches the preset speed (max 10 memories) each time, and "S-Linear Mode" to adjust linearly at all speed according to the preset points, automatically supplementing the values in between.
For example, on streets, damping force is set to softer level while driving slower for softer ride without any bumpy feel and set to harder level when driving faster for better stability and handling.
On circuits, damping force can be controlled according to speed range to change handling performance, such as reducing understeer a bit at low speed corners and reducing oversteer a little at high speed corners.

[S-Arrange Mode / Example of Use (at 32-level mode)]
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/edfc_active_04.jpg
Damping force is adjusted automatically according to vehicle speed.
Up to 10 adjustment points can be set, from 0 to 300km/h in 5km/h increments.

[S-Linear Mode / Example of Use (at 32-level mode)]
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/edfc_active_05.jpg
Damping force is adjusted linearly according to the preset speed, automatically supplementing the values in between, for smoother & more gradual change.

G+Speed Integrated Control Mode (optional GPS kit is required)
This mode allows using Speed-Sensitive and G-Actuated Automatic Adjustment Modes simultaneously. By automatically and comprehensively adjusting damping force in response to changes in both vehicle speed and G-force, most desirable control is achieved at wide varieties of conditions and for various purposes for optimum performance.

G+Speed Integrated Control Concept Image

Damping Force Adjustment Modes
Damping force adjustment levels can be set in 3 different types; 16-level, 32-level or 64-level. Most TEIN damping force adjustable dampers come with 16-level adjustment. Use of EDFC ACTIVE adds 32-level and 64-level adjustment capabilities within the same range for finer adjustments especially in automatic adjustment modes.


Wireless Control
EDFC ACTIVE features wireless control system for easy installation / wiring. Controller unit is connected wirelessly to motor driver units which control motors, eliminating the need for troublesome wiring such as putting cables through bulkheads and/or placing/anchoring cables inside the car.
With the latest wireless communication technology, 16.77 million ID patterns are available for motor units and hence there is no chance of confusion with other units. Motor driver units are built to provide tougher protection against dust and water, to make it possible to install outside the vehicle.

Controller Unit
G-sensor, wireless transmitter and various functions are all fit into a compact controller unit, which has wide 22x60mm display for better visibility.
A wiring gutter on the back of the controller unit offers greater flexibility in positioning the controller unit and the cable.
Optional GPS kit can be connected to the controller unit via a one-touch coupler, without troublesome wiring to speed pulse signal.



Triaxial Acceleration Sensor
Controller has a built-in triaxial G-sensor, which offers the ability to install controller unit at any desired angle & direction.

Automatic Display Dimmer Function
Brightness of the display can be automatically adjusted according to the brightness of its surroundings detected by an optical sensor. This eliminates the need for connecting cables to vehicle's illumination power supply. This function can be turned off.

One-Dial Operation
Simple one-dial operation is adopted with emphasis on convenient handling. This user-intuitive interface requires only a few basic operations to remember; turn the dial to select/adjust, push the dial to confirm and push 2 buttons above the dial to switch between the different functions.

Display Dimmer Function (level 0 to 3)
Display brightness baseline for automatic dimmer function can be set by the user between level 0 (off), 1 (dark) and 3 (bright).

Switchable Display View Angle (2 patterns)
Viewing angle of display can be adjusted in 2 different angles to offer better visibility even when the controller unit is installed at an angle.

Buzzer Volume Adjustment (level 0 to 3)
Volume of "button sound/buzzer" and "auto-adjustment buzzer" can be set separately between level 0 (mute), 1 (low) and 3 (high).

Lock Function
Operation of both buttons and dial can be locked to prevent operation mistakes.

Self-Diagnostic Function
The self-diagnostic function checks the status of driver unit and/or wireless communication. If it detects any errors in driver unit (disconnection / short circuit) and/or problem in wireless connection, the result will be shown on display.

Ability to Adjust Display Color
In addition to 4 default colors (white, green, amber & blue), fine-tunable custom colors are available.
http://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/edfc_active_13.jpghttp://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/edfc_active_14.jpg
http://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/edfc_active_15.jpghttp://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/edfc_active_16.jpg


1.Damping Force Adjustment with "ADVANCE Needle"!
"ADVANCE Needle", which is proven effective in STREET ADVANCE, for 16-level damping force adjustment feature (compression & rebound together) widens damping force adjustment range; 200% compared to existing products! Greater adjustment range gives you more setting capabilities and thus makes it easier than ever to find the desired setting.

Damping Force Change Chart (example)
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/stfa_001.jpg


2.Improved Durability!
Improved oil seal with and ring nut with dust-discharge groove on side are used. Such new and advanced parts improve the durability, preventing the contamination by foreign matters which can lead to the reduction of product life.

To achieve the most desirable setting for everyday use on streets, we test each and every product on the actual vehicle on various roads, ranging from city streets, highways to winding roads. Also, use of larger wheels/tires is taken into consideration, to meet the market demands.
http://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/staa_002.jpg

3.High-Quality yet Affordable!
Fundamental structure, persistently being improved and matured over the past 15 years, is now reviewed in terms of VA & VE and 40% of its existing components are re-designed. With this, the durability against oil leaks and/or aged deterioration is well improved and the operating noise is reduced. Also, the introduction of new production processes improves the productive efficiency and hence the overall cost is well reduced. This new product is sure to satisfy wide variety of users; from novice to expert.
http://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/stfa_002.jpg

4.Tough Anti-Rust Treatment!
The patented "2-layer/1-bake" treatment using anti-rust powder paint is applied on top of the blast finish to the base surface. On shell case, TEIN's self-developed one-of-a-kind "ZT Coating" is applied, for tougher protection against chipping, often caused by bounced pebbles and rust. We are confident that people living in snowfall area or near seashores would even be very satisfied.
http://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/stfa_003.jpg
http://www.tein.co.jp/products/img/stfa_004.jpg


5.Smooth Ride Height Adjustment!
STREET FLEX has adopted the new wrought aluminum spring seats and low-friction hard-resin thrust washers. These effectively reduces the friction with springs, caused during ride height adjustment, and makes it easier to adjust the ride height with pre-load on the springs.
Shell cases are treated with "ZT Coating", a superlow-friction fluorine resin coating, which is tightly baked onto the surface in-house. This special coating provides superior protection against rust and high lubricity, for keeping a smooth adjustment for a long period.
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/img/stbn_006.jpg

6.EDFC Compatible!
STREET FLEX is compatible with all EDFC series, including "EDFC ACTIVE". With EDFC, damping force can be adjusted easily from the driver's seat, allowing drivers to take a full advantage of widened damping force range, which is made possible by ADVANCE Needle, easily and conveniently.



TEIN IS WORKING HARD ON GETTING ALL APPLICATIONS Confirmed on US market cars! However for Japan market these applications are now available!
BRZ/FR-S are currently undergoing US fitment!

Please contact us directly if you are interested in a system, but we are working to get these listed up ASAP along with US Pricing


Thanks,
Rick

I remember tanabe or some other company came out with active dampening as well. Did you guys ever follow up on how it did and pros and cons?

What about cars that came with it oem?