Tein Flex A and Z!!!

[breadcrumbz]

I've been shopping for coilovers due to getting 18" wheels and wanting to go lower than my RSR Superdown springs. I have yet to track/autox my car so this is mainly for DD, but I do want to be able to play around with damping and have camber adjustment. I know that the Tein Street Flex is now discontinued and stumbled across these 2 new lines that are coming out soon - The Flex A and Z.



Flex A:
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/flex_a.html

MSRP - ~$1088 USD and includes a Hydraulic Bump Stop that's supposed to make DD more comfortable.

Flex Z:
http://www.tein.co.jp/e/products/flex_z.html

MSRP is only ~$680 for a full coilover with top mounts and adjustable camber/damping. This is less than half the price of the discontinued Street Flex so I am kind of worried about quality on these.

I am excited for reviews of both coilovers once they are released to help me decide which one I need.

What do you guys think??

[CSG Mike]

Give me a few more days

[Sugi]

I purchased the street flex just a few days ago over waiting for the new flex series. The new suspension looks great, however I heard that they are being manufactured in China.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by msugi07

I heard that they are being manufactured in China.

There is nothing wrong with that per se but I can't but help be a little cynical when I see a set of coilovers for MSRP of $680.

[Sugi]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

There is nothing wrong with that per se but I can't but help be a little cynical when I see a set of coilovers for MSRP of $680.

No doubt that China does have some great factories, but when I'm buying a Japanese product I want it made in Japan.

[unlimited86]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Give me a few more days

Can't wait to see your review/impression. Are you testing both of them?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by msugi07

I purchased the street flex just a few days ago over waiting for the new flex series. The new suspension looks great, however I heard that they are being manufactured in China.

So is the smart phone you're using (Samsung, Sony, Apple, HTC, etc.)

It's in the QC, not the location of origin. I know plenty of US made [insert good here] that are absolute garbage.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by unlimited86

Can't wait to see your review/impression. Are you testing both of them?

I wouldn't call it a review as much as just seeing how they actually behave, since the price point is super attractive, but at the same time, it's a well established name.

The primary reason the Flex Z is cheap is that it is not rebuildable if/when it wears out. Instead of having to use components that seal and allow the damper to be taken apart, it is all assembled by machine, and sealed, resulting in a much lower material cost. However, replacement dampers are also really, really affordable. The internal quality of the damper is every bit as good as what you'd expect from other Teins.

[Sugi]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

So is the smart phone you're using (Samsung, Sony, Apple, HTC, etc.)

It's in the QC, not the location of origin. I know plenty of US made [insert good here] that are absolute garbage.

Did you read my next post?
Quote - No doubt that China does have some great factories, but when I'm buying a Japanese product I want it made in Japan.

[redlined600]

Maybe I'm confused but it states "made in Yokohama" multiple times. Although it's also in quotes each time.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by redlined600

Maybe I'm confused but it states "made in Yokohama" multiple times. Although it's also in quotes each time.

You are indeed correct, the Teins are manufactured in Japan.

[themajesticone]

Are the Flex A and Z superior to the Street Basis?

I originally was thinking of getting the Bilstein B8 to combine with my eibach sportline springs but am curious if this is a better way to go?

Flex A or Flex Z or Street basis for DD + 2-3 track days a year?

[swarb]

Originally Posted by themajesticone

Are the Flex A and Z superior to the Street Basis?

I originally was thinking of getting the Bilstein B8 to combine with my eibach sportline springs but am curious if this is a better way to go?

Flex A or Flex Z or Street basis for DD + 2-3 track days a year?

They aren't out yet. And adjustable dampening vs non-adjustables. Spring rates, camber plates, rebuildable, inserts, etc. You can compare them yourself.

[themajesticone]

Originally Posted by swarb

They aren't out yet. And adjustable dampening vs non-adjustables. Spring rates, camber plates, etc. You can compare them yourself.

Oh I see, so for a little extra money you can get some extra, more complimentary/convenient features like adjustable (A&Z) + camber plates. That sounds pretty nice actually with that price point.