ST vs Tein Street Basis Z

[RustyS14]

Sorry to clog the forum with yet another coilover comparison thread but I searched and couldn't find what I was looking for. I recently sold my S2000 and picked up a 13 BRZ limited. The car is bone stock other then some eibach sportline springs that were installed by the previous owner. While I like the look of the car with the eibachs, both of the rear struts are blown so I figure its time to look into something else.

Right now I'm torn between the Tien Street Basis Z and the ST coilovers. I've read good reviews for both but am not sure which one would best suit my usage. The car is meant to be my new DD but I will try to do at least 1 HPDE event per month in the spring-fall so the car will see some track usage. I realize that both options will likely be under-dampened for the track but ride quality is my main concern here. I assume that the Tiens will be a bit stiffer than the ST setup since the spring rates are a tad higher but has anyone on here rode in both that can comment? I've narrowed it down to these two sets since they're the only two brands that I trust with offerings in the sub 1k price point. I'm not opposed to getting a spendy set in the future but I don't want to sink too much into the car right now since I'm not yet 100% sold on keeping it long term.

FWIW I will not be lowering the car anymore then it currently sits on the sportlines and am running 17x9 +35 RPF1s with245/40/17 Star Specs all around (I assume I won't run into any clearance issues since they fit fine with the stock struts). I will also be installing a Whiteline roll center kit, SPC control arms and front crash bolts when I do the coils but don't plan on doing much else to the car.

[Teseo]

You looked for the flex z? Price range as ST, but thanks for creating this thread Because im on same boat. But i guess im going with ST route for the reasson of install and forget

[RustyS14]

Originally Posted by Teseo

You looked for the flex z? Price range as ST, but thanks for creating this thread Because im on same boat. But i guess im going with ST route for the reasson of install and forget

I looked into the Flex Z but I guess I'm getting older and don't want pillow ball mounts on my daily anymore lol. Plus I don't plan on lowering the car much so I don't need a full tap coilover. I'm also leaning toward the ST setup but I'm totally new to this chassis so I'm not sure if there is anything that I'm missing.

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by RustyS14

I looked into the Flex Z but I guess I'm getting older and don't want pillow ball mounts on my daily anymore lol. Plus I don't plan on lowering the car much so I don't need a full tap coilover. I'm also leaning toward the ST setup but I'm totally new to this chassis so I'm not sure if there is anything that I'm missing.

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With flex z you can adjust the dampening (soft/stiff)

[monkeybike]

Maybe consider upgrading to Koni or Bilstein strut and shocks instead for the same price if you are happy with the springs?

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/susp...ks-struts.html

[Lust]

Take a look at the Tein Flex Z and CSG spec Flex A. Currently the best on the market for their price point. Shoot me a PM if you have questions

[RustyS14]

Originally Posted by monkeybike

Maybe consider upgrading to Koni or Bilstein strut and shocks instead for the same price if you are happy with the springs?

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/susp...ks-struts.html

Honestly that probably would be the logical thing to do. What I like about the coilover options is that both KW and Tien have matched their dampers to the springs on the coilovers. The spring rate on both coilovers is similer to the rates I found for the eibachs (ST is actually the same) so I would hope that the coils would ride better then a mismach spring/strut combo. I may be overthinking it though...

[RustyS14]

Originally Posted by Lust

Take a look at the Tein Flex Z and CSG spec Flex A. Currently the best on the market for their price point. Shoot me a PM if you have questions

The CSG Flex A is an interesting setup, I'll have to look into them a bit more. They are a bit more spendy then I was looking for but my interest has been piqued lol.

[Lust]

Originally Posted by RustyS14

The CSG Flex A is an interesting setup, I'll have to look into them a bit more. They are a bit more spendy then I was looking for but my interest has been piqued lol.

Definitely send CSG a PM. Let them know I referred you and they’ll be able to get you sorted no matter what you decide on

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by RustyS14

Honestly that probably would be the logical thing to do. What I like about the coilover options is that both KW and Tien have matched their dampers to the springs on the coilovers. The spring rate on both coilovers is similer to the rates I found for the eibachs (ST is actually the same) so I would hope that the coils would ride better then a mismach spring/strut combo. I may be overthinking it though...

I think you're overestimating how much effort some companies put into their ~$1k offerings.