Tein Street Advance Coilovers

[CSI:86]

Planning to buy Tein Street Advance Coilovers from a close friend who hasn't tracked it at all and only done a couple of thousands. He says that the coilovers when on softest settings feels as soft, if not softer, than stock suspension? Is he right? He already taken them off his car so cannot test the ride quality. Would like these coilovers for lowering a inch or so, for occasional track and for daily ride comfort?

[7thgear]

sure

why not

have some tea while you're at it.

[vividracing]

I have heard from many customer's and also Tein that the street advance is one of the most comfortable out there for street. Change the settings and you are ready for the track.

Jacky

[ZDan]

Tein site says that "Street Advance" is the evolution of their "Super Street" line. I had the Super Street coilovers on my FD, and they flat SUCKED. Zero low-speed damping, infinite high-speed damping. I.e., dampers did little to nothing to control pitch and roll for handling, but seemed to totally lock up over bumps and other road imperfections. I recently replaced them with Ohlins DFV and the difference is PROFOUND. WAY better control and much much MUCH better ride on the street (despite 22%/57% stiffer springs).

I would not even bother with coilovers at that price point, for street or track. IMO you're better off with springs and Koni sport struts/shocks. Or just springs, even.

[7thgear]

i love the stark contrast between a vendor and a user response.

[CSG Mike]

I dont think comparing an entry level damper and a $3k-ish set of Ohlins is very fair.

You get what you pay for, and the Teins will be a marginal upgrade from stock.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

I dont think comparing an entry level damper and a $3k-ish set of Ohlins is very fair.

You get what you pay for, and the Teins will be a marginal upgrade from stock.

this is what has always bothered me

"you get what you paid for"

and the mentality of upgrading.

like.. my general view on life is that if you're going to change something, for whatever reason, that you should replace it with something better, otherwise why bother.

there is an old russian expression, "шило на мыло", loosely translated meaning that you've traded piss for poop.

If you're gonna spend a sizable amount of money on suspension upgrades, why not make them actual upgrades. You're still gonna have to install them, you're gonna have to align the car, you're gonna have to service them... etc

coilovers are (potentially) long term investment. Why wouldn't you spend the 3-4 grand now to have a solid set for 5 years than spend 1 grand and be eternaly disappointed after the first few months.

given that the "need for coilovers" is often misguided. The people that wnat certain aspects don't bother researching cheaper and more effective altneratives and instead jump on the coilover bandwagon

it TRULY boggles my mind

hence my original post

[ZDan]

I suspect they won't be an upgrade at all, but rather a significant downgrade. The factory damping on my S2000 is miles better than any "entry-level" coilovers. I expect that the same is true for the FR-S/BRZ.

[7thgear]

BUT I HAVE 1000 DOLLARS TO SPEND SO SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!

[ajcacio]

In fairness, Tein has really stepped up their damping game. I had some Flex on my WRX six years ago and those were MISERABLE. I have the Street Flex now and they're a large improvement compared to any old Tein product. They certainly don't ride as softly as factory, but they're not bad at all.

[7thgear]

curiouos why you would go with the same product for a new car when you were utterly miserable on the old car...

did you go for a test-drive prior?

[ajcacio]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

curiouos why you would go with the same product for a new car when you were utterly miserable on the old car...

did you go for a test-drive prior?

Yeah my best friend bought the street flex for his car. I was like 100% against them til I actually drove on the coilovers. I got a good deal on em too which didn't hurt.

[FT-86 SpeedFactory]

I say keep things simple, most people don't need coils. Get a nice set of springs and roll that way. We have several locals running Swifts, RCE's, and some on Eibach sportlines. Cars still handle well, on the street or on the track. Leaves you some money for camber kits, and maybe a tune or exhaust.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by ZDan

I suspect they won't be an upgrade at all, but rather a significant downgrade. The factory damping on my S2000 is miles better than any "entry-level" coilovers. I expect that the same is true for the FR-S/BRZ.

That's a completely unfair comparison too... your S2000's stock dampers are better than the Ohlins DFV, when it comes to quality and durability.