Tanabe VS Tein
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver BC
Tanabe VS Tein
I'm in search for a set of coilovers.
I'm planning to get either Tein Basics coilovers
or
Tanabe Coilovers: Sustec Pro S-0C
I'm just wondering which one is better for performance and handling.
And I guess quality is important for me too cuz I won't be replacing these for a while.
Help me decide Please and leave any oppinions .... Thank you so much....
I'm planning to get either Tein Basics coilovers
or
Tanabe Coilovers: Sustec Pro S-0C
I'm just wondering which one is better for performance and handling.
And I guess quality is important for me too cuz I won't be replacing these for a while.
Help me decide Please and leave any oppinions .... Thank you so much....
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver BC
I'm not too familiar with the Tanabe coilovers, but I can tell you that Tein products are of high quality backed by a solid reputation and good customer service. Every time I contacted them with questions, they got back to me right away with the correct information. Other than a mysterious clunk noise coming from my rear suspension (some suspect the Tein coilovers, but I think it's my Comptech sway bar), I have had no problems with my Tein SS suspension.
Go for it.
Go for it.
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline
I'm not too familiar with the Tanabe coilovers, but I can tell you that Tein products are of high quality backed by a solid reputation and good customer service. Every time I contacted them with questions, they got back to me right away with the correct information. Other than a mysterious clunk noise coming from my rear suspension (some suspect the Tein coilovers, but I think it's my Comptech sway bar), I have had no problems with my Tein SS suspension.
Go for it.
Go for it.
I'd like to have the SS b/c i might like to have a stiffer ride than the basics.
thats why i'm wondering if the tanabe coilovers are stiffer.
the apexi ws dampers are discontinued but i can get a hold of them even tho they are half price.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 1
From: Lowell, Ma
well, getting the tein coilovers, you'll always have the piece of mind that any problems you have w/ it, you can post here since so many of us do have it in our car...
just one of the things that went through my mind when i ordered the basics for my car.
just one of the things that went through my mind when i ordered the basics for my car.
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by whatwasthat
well, getting the tein coilovers, you'll always have the piece of mind that any problems you have w/ it, you can post here since so many of us do have it in our car...
just one of the things that went through my mind when i ordered the basics for my car.
just one of the things that went through my mind when i ordered the basics for my car.
thx for your inputs.
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Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline
If you want the SS, then by all means, wait and save up for it. It's worth it.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, British Columbia
This is an interesting thread to investigate more on. You obviously know how the Tein Basic rides because of John's (Bread-A Spec) ride quality and handling. There is no doubt that Tein Basics (and Tein coilovers in general) have a good ride quality and pretty good handling. Any car that is lowered is more than likely going to handle better for the TL's.
From reading your post, you were wondering if Tanabe coilovers are firmer than Tein Basics:Read further down on my opinion. Other alternatives considered, I am pretty sure the Apexi WS will be a firmer ride and it handles more better than the Tein Basics because it has a firmer spring rate and/or dampening rate. The Apexi WS coilovers will have a FIXED dampening rate, just like the Tein Basics, and you can only adjust height of the drop on the car. Ask that guy "Samkws" how he feels about them since he has those Apexi WS. Here's a little of what he said in this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/anyone-want-powder-coating-ny-116158/
I have read some of his post and he says the ride is firmer ( meaning you feel more bumps on uneven roads) but it handles better than the Tein's line of coilovers - this includes the Tein SS. He should be able to give you a fairly good opinion. Just remember: TL's are heavy cars so cornering and handling isn't going to be like a "real" sports car, but you obviously want to do the most research to getting the best coilover, based on your preferences, and balancing 1) handling,cornerning vs. 2)comfort ride levels. They usually are opposing characteristics and hard to have both.
You obviously know that the Apexi WS coilovers are discontinued but you still can get them, especially for a good price now. There is a place in Alberta that is selling them for pretty damn cheap prices here:
http://www.sparkmotoring.com/product.asp?PID=735
Some people has some concerns about not being able to get parts for the Apexi's if they ever had problems since they are discontinued but I am sure Apexi has plenty of spare parts in their manufacturing plants. The best bet is to phone Apexi and ask them this possible problem/issue of "what if's" and get a straight answer from them if you did buy the Apexi WS.
I find the whole line of Teins - after having it and using it from personal experience - ( such as Tein SS-P, Tein SS, Tein Basics) have a bit too "soft" spring rate that was made for a Honda accord in general; so what this means is that the TL is 500lbs more than a Honda Accord so that the Tein springs are going to feel "soft" for our TL's. I mean the ride quality is great and comfortable, but you will probably feel the same as me: after driving a while and taking hard corners, you will notice or feel that the spring rates are indeed soft and probably not as good as they can be.
If you go to the Tein website and see the spring rates for Tein coilovers for the TLs: it is 392lbs/inch front - 224 lbs/inch back; in another, equivalent measurement it is a 7kgf/mm front or 4kgf/mm for the back. If you notice, look at the 2004 TL Tein SS. Notice the Tein coilovers are now 671lbs/inch front and 335lbs/inch back OR 12kgf/mm front or 6kgf/mm. See the difference? WOW, big difference in spring rates now, especially with 671lbs/inch front ( 12 kgf/mm). Tein probably realized that the TL is a much heavier car now so they developed Tein coilovers with a much firmer spring rate.
Tein Comparison Chart
Now look here:
Honda comparison chart for 2003 Honda See how the spring rates are different for the Tein coilovers for 2003 and beyond ( newer Accords). The spring rates for front and back are different now when compared to a 2004 TL (same generations), but when compared to 2003 TL and 2002 Honda Accord ( same generations), the Tein spring rates were the same. This confirms what I said above about spring rates that Tein realized.
These are the details you want to look for when comparing Apexi and Tanabe with Tein. The "kgf/mm" number. Dampening of shocks provides the comfort feeling, but the handling will probably be more dependent on the spring rates.
Now I am getting interested and I looked at the Tanabe website and getting data for you lol. Here is the general specifications for Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
Now look here:
www.tanabe-usa.com
Notice the spring rates for the front is "8" instead of the "7" that Teins has? Remember, I am no longer talking about lbs/inch but another measurement which is more common, "kgf/mm".
This one "Accord V6 98-02 8.0 / 4.0 -1/4~-2 1/2in / +1/4~-2in TSC023 $950.00" gives the measurements of how low it can go; it doesn't do extreme lowering nor do I think it is as low as Tein Basics. This coilover is DEFINITELY going to be more firmer for the front but the back is the same. Firmer front will mean you will nose-dive less and corner better. 8kgf is roughly about 448lbs/inch in comparision to 392lbs of Teins. It isn't alot but it's firmer and does make a difference. Remember our earlier analysis as to why Tein made a firmer 671lbs/inch for the front of the 2004 TL.
Now the Sustec Pro S-S application chart:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers...ations.asp?id=4
This is just the same version above but with dampening adjustability, but notice the spring rates are the same.
Based on my analysis Jonathan, I would have to say that these Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC are a good choice to buy. I mean the Apexi's are good too but I'll have to look at the "kgf/mm" (spring rates) to give a more definitive answer. To minimize on noise/rattling, I would probably advise you not to get any type of Aluminum pillowball mounts ( mounts for the top) because they do tend to give more noise while driving over bumps.These Tanabe Sustec Pro S-0C seem to use factory mounts or have rubber mounts for them. Also notice their "replacement Parts Program" on this page:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
I don't know what they mean when they say "low cost" but at least it isn't like the msrp prices Tein tries to charge you. I don't know how good it is though without further questioning them or phoning Tanabe in US about their program.
Final Conclusions:
1) Think carefully if you need or want adjustability in terms of dampening. Yes, it does help to have dampening; it makes the ride more 1)"comfortable" -meaning softer or harder feeling the bumps on the road and compensating for springs OR 2) for better handling. I mean it's not that much more in terms of purchasing a coilover with dampening adjustability.
2) Don't get any solid,upper pillowball mounts if you are sensitive to noise. Getting pillowball mounts will make your ride more noisy and harsher. Using the OEM factory mounts will be more smooth, quiet but less responsive in terms of corner/handling "feel"; it is a trade off.
Hope this helps you make the right decision
From reading your post, you were wondering if Tanabe coilovers are firmer than Tein Basics:Read further down on my opinion. Other alternatives considered, I am pretty sure the Apexi WS will be a firmer ride and it handles more better than the Tein Basics because it has a firmer spring rate and/or dampening rate. The Apexi WS coilovers will have a FIXED dampening rate, just like the Tein Basics, and you can only adjust height of the drop on the car. Ask that guy "Samkws" how he feels about them since he has those Apexi WS. Here's a little of what he said in this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/anyone-want-powder-coating-ny-116158/
I have read some of his post and he says the ride is firmer ( meaning you feel more bumps on uneven roads) but it handles better than the Tein's line of coilovers - this includes the Tein SS. He should be able to give you a fairly good opinion. Just remember: TL's are heavy cars so cornering and handling isn't going to be like a "real" sports car, but you obviously want to do the most research to getting the best coilover, based on your preferences, and balancing 1) handling,cornerning vs. 2)comfort ride levels. They usually are opposing characteristics and hard to have both.
You obviously know that the Apexi WS coilovers are discontinued but you still can get them, especially for a good price now. There is a place in Alberta that is selling them for pretty damn cheap prices here:
http://www.sparkmotoring.com/product.asp?PID=735
Some people has some concerns about not being able to get parts for the Apexi's if they ever had problems since they are discontinued but I am sure Apexi has plenty of spare parts in their manufacturing plants. The best bet is to phone Apexi and ask them this possible problem/issue of "what if's" and get a straight answer from them if you did buy the Apexi WS.
I find the whole line of Teins - after having it and using it from personal experience - ( such as Tein SS-P, Tein SS, Tein Basics) have a bit too "soft" spring rate that was made for a Honda accord in general; so what this means is that the TL is 500lbs more than a Honda Accord so that the Tein springs are going to feel "soft" for our TL's. I mean the ride quality is great and comfortable, but you will probably feel the same as me: after driving a while and taking hard corners, you will notice or feel that the spring rates are indeed soft and probably not as good as they can be.
If you go to the Tein website and see the spring rates for Tein coilovers for the TLs: it is 392lbs/inch front - 224 lbs/inch back; in another, equivalent measurement it is a 7kgf/mm front or 4kgf/mm for the back. If you notice, look at the 2004 TL Tein SS. Notice the Tein coilovers are now 671lbs/inch front and 335lbs/inch back OR 12kgf/mm front or 6kgf/mm. See the difference? WOW, big difference in spring rates now, especially with 671lbs/inch front ( 12 kgf/mm). Tein probably realized that the TL is a much heavier car now so they developed Tein coilovers with a much firmer spring rate.
Tein Comparison Chart
Now look here:
Honda comparison chart for 2003 Honda See how the spring rates are different for the Tein coilovers for 2003 and beyond ( newer Accords). The spring rates for front and back are different now when compared to a 2004 TL (same generations), but when compared to 2003 TL and 2002 Honda Accord ( same generations), the Tein spring rates were the same. This confirms what I said above about spring rates that Tein realized.
These are the details you want to look for when comparing Apexi and Tanabe with Tein. The "kgf/mm" number. Dampening of shocks provides the comfort feeling, but the handling will probably be more dependent on the spring rates.
Now I am getting interested and I looked at the Tanabe website and getting data for you lol. Here is the general specifications for Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
Now look here:
www.tanabe-usa.com
Notice the spring rates for the front is "8" instead of the "7" that Teins has? Remember, I am no longer talking about lbs/inch but another measurement which is more common, "kgf/mm".
This one "Accord V6 98-02 8.0 / 4.0 -1/4~-2 1/2in / +1/4~-2in TSC023 $950.00" gives the measurements of how low it can go; it doesn't do extreme lowering nor do I think it is as low as Tein Basics. This coilover is DEFINITELY going to be more firmer for the front but the back is the same. Firmer front will mean you will nose-dive less and corner better. 8kgf is roughly about 448lbs/inch in comparision to 392lbs of Teins. It isn't alot but it's firmer and does make a difference. Remember our earlier analysis as to why Tein made a firmer 671lbs/inch for the front of the 2004 TL.
Now the Sustec Pro S-S application chart:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers...ations.asp?id=4
This is just the same version above but with dampening adjustability, but notice the spring rates are the same.
Based on my analysis Jonathan, I would have to say that these Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC are a good choice to buy. I mean the Apexi's are good too but I'll have to look at the "kgf/mm" (spring rates) to give a more definitive answer. To minimize on noise/rattling, I would probably advise you not to get any type of Aluminum pillowball mounts ( mounts for the top) because they do tend to give more noise while driving over bumps.These Tanabe Sustec Pro S-0C seem to use factory mounts or have rubber mounts for them. Also notice their "replacement Parts Program" on this page:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
I don't know what they mean when they say "low cost" but at least it isn't like the msrp prices Tein tries to charge you. I don't know how good it is though without further questioning them or phoning Tanabe in US about their program.
Final Conclusions:
1) Think carefully if you need or want adjustability in terms of dampening. Yes, it does help to have dampening; it makes the ride more 1)"comfortable" -meaning softer or harder feeling the bumps on the road and compensating for springs OR 2) for better handling. I mean it's not that much more in terms of purchasing a coilover with dampening adjustability.
2) Don't get any solid,upper pillowball mounts if you are sensitive to noise. Getting pillowball mounts will make your ride more noisy and harsher. Using the OEM factory mounts will be more smooth, quiet but less responsive in terms of corner/handling "feel"; it is a trade off.
Hope this helps you make the right decision
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
Well said and put Michael03TLS
Originally Posted by Michael03TLS
This is an interesting thread to investigate more on. You obviously know how the Tein Basic rides because of John's (Bread-A Spec) ride quality and handling. There is no doubt that Tein Basics (and Tein coilovers in general) have a good ride quality and pretty good handling. Any car that is lowered is more than likely going to handle better for the TL's.
From reading your post, you were wondering if Tanabe coilovers are firmer than Tein Basics:Read further down on my opinion. Other alternatives considered, I am pretty sure the Apexi WS will be a firmer ride and it handles more better than the Tein Basics because it has a firmer spring rate and/or dampening rate. The Apexi WS coilovers will have a FIXED dampening rate, just like the Tein Basics, and you can only adjust height of the drop on the car. Ask that guy "Samkws" how he feels about them since he has those Apexi WS. Here's a little of what he said in this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116158
I have read some of his post and he says the ride is firmer ( meaning you feel more bumps on uneven roads) but it handles better than the Tein's line of coilovers - this includes the Tein SS. He should be able to give you a fairly good opinion. Just remember: TL's are heavy cars so cornering and handling isn't going to be like a "real" sports car, but you obviously want to do the most research to getting the best coilover, based on your preferences, and balancing 1) handling,cornerning vs. 2)comfort ride levels. They usually are opposing characteristics and hard to have both.
You obviously know that the Apexi WS coilovers are discontinued but you still can get them, especially for a good price now. There is a place in Alberta that is selling them for pretty damn cheap prices here:
http://www.sparkmotoring.com/product.asp?PID=735
Some people has some concerns about not being able to get parts for the Apexi's if they ever had problems since they are discontinued but I am sure Apexi has plenty of spare parts in their manufacturing plants. The best bet is to phone Apexi and ask them this possible problem/issue of "what if's" and get a straight answer from them if you did buy the Apexi WS.
I find the whole line of Teins - after having it and using it from personal experience - ( such as Tein SS-P, Tein SS, Tein Basics) have a bit too "soft" spring rate that was made for a Honda accord in general; so what this means is that the TL is 500lbs more than a Honda Accord so that the Tein springs are going to feel "soft" for our TL's. I mean the ride quality is great and comfortable, but you will probably feel the same as me: after driving a while and taking hard corners, you will notice or feel that the spring rates are indeed soft and probably not as good as they can be.
If you go to the Tein website and see the spring rates for Tein coilovers for the TLs: it is 392lbs/inch front - 224 lbs/inch back; in another, equivalent measurement it is a 7kgf/mm front or 4kgf/mm for the back. If you notice, look at the 2004 TL Tein SS. Notice the Tein coilovers are now 671lbs/inch front and 335lbs/inch back OR 12kgf/mm front or 6kgf/mm. See the difference? WOW, big difference in spring rates now, especially with 671lbs/inch front ( 12 kgf/mm). Tein probably realized that the TL is a much heavier car now so they developed Tein coilovers with a much firmer spring rate.
Tein Comparison Chart
Now look here:
Honda comparison chart for 2003 Honda See how the spring rates are different for the Tein coilovers for 2003 and beyond ( newer Accords). The spring rates for front and back are different now when compared to a 2004 TL (same generations), but when compared to 2003 TL and 2002 Honda Accord ( same generations), the Tein spring rates were the same. This confirms what I said above about spring rates that Tein realized.
These are the details you want to look for when comparing Apexi and Tanabe with Tein. The "kgf/mm" number. Dampening of shocks provides the comfort feeling, but the handling will probably be more dependent on the spring rates.
Now I am getting interested and I looked at the Tanabe website and getting data for you lol. Here is the general specifications for Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
Now look here:
www.tanabe-usa.com
Notice the spring rates for the front is "8" instead of the "7" that Teins has? Remember, I am no longer talking about lbs/inch but another measurement which is more common, "kgf/mm".
This one "Accord V6 98-02 8.0 / 4.0 -1/4~-2 1/2in / +1/4~-2in TSC023 $950.00" gives the measurements of how low it can go; it doesn't do extreme lowering nor do I think it is as low as Tein Basics. This coilover is DEFINITELY going to be more firmer for the front but the back is the same. Firmer front will mean you will nose-dive less and corner better. 8kgf is roughly about 448lbs/inch in comparision to 392lbs of Teins. It isn't alot but it's firmer and does make a difference. Remember our earlier analysis as to why Tein made a firmer 671lbs/inch for the front of the 2004 TL.
Now the Sustec Pro S-S application chart:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers...ations.asp?id=4
This is just the same version above but with dampening adjustability, but notice the spring rates are the same.
Based on my analysis Jonathan, I would have to say that these Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC are a good choice to buy. I mean the Apexi's are good too but I'll have to look at the "kgf/mm" (spring rates) to give a more definitive answer. To minimize on noise/rattling, I would probably advise you not to get any type of Aluminum pillowball mounts ( mounts for the top) because they do tend to give more noise while driving over bumps.These Tanabe Sustec Pro S-0C seem to use factory mounts or have rubber mounts for them. Also notice their "replacement Parts Program" on this page:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
I don't know what they mean when they say "low cost" but at least it isn't like the msrp prices Tein tries to charge you. I don't know how good it is though without further questioning them or phoning Tanabe in US about their program.
Final Conclusions:
1) Think carefully if you need or want adjustability in terms of dampening. Yes, it does help to have dampening; it makes the ride more 1)"comfortable" -meaning softer or harder feeling the bumps on the road and compensating for springs OR 2) for better handling. I mean it's not that much more in terms of purchasing a coilover with dampening adjustability.
2) Don't get any solid,upper pillowball mounts if you are sensitive to noise. Getting pillowball mounts will make your ride more noisy and harsher. Using the OEM factory mounts will be more smooth, quiet but less responsive in terms of corner/handling "feel"; it is a trade off.
Hope this helps you make the right decision
From reading your post, you were wondering if Tanabe coilovers are firmer than Tein Basics:Read further down on my opinion. Other alternatives considered, I am pretty sure the Apexi WS will be a firmer ride and it handles more better than the Tein Basics because it has a firmer spring rate and/or dampening rate. The Apexi WS coilovers will have a FIXED dampening rate, just like the Tein Basics, and you can only adjust height of the drop on the car. Ask that guy "Samkws" how he feels about them since he has those Apexi WS. Here's a little of what he said in this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116158
I have read some of his post and he says the ride is firmer ( meaning you feel more bumps on uneven roads) but it handles better than the Tein's line of coilovers - this includes the Tein SS. He should be able to give you a fairly good opinion. Just remember: TL's are heavy cars so cornering and handling isn't going to be like a "real" sports car, but you obviously want to do the most research to getting the best coilover, based on your preferences, and balancing 1) handling,cornerning vs. 2)comfort ride levels. They usually are opposing characteristics and hard to have both.
You obviously know that the Apexi WS coilovers are discontinued but you still can get them, especially for a good price now. There is a place in Alberta that is selling them for pretty damn cheap prices here:
http://www.sparkmotoring.com/product.asp?PID=735
Some people has some concerns about not being able to get parts for the Apexi's if they ever had problems since they are discontinued but I am sure Apexi has plenty of spare parts in their manufacturing plants. The best bet is to phone Apexi and ask them this possible problem/issue of "what if's" and get a straight answer from them if you did buy the Apexi WS.
I find the whole line of Teins - after having it and using it from personal experience - ( such as Tein SS-P, Tein SS, Tein Basics) have a bit too "soft" spring rate that was made for a Honda accord in general; so what this means is that the TL is 500lbs more than a Honda Accord so that the Tein springs are going to feel "soft" for our TL's. I mean the ride quality is great and comfortable, but you will probably feel the same as me: after driving a while and taking hard corners, you will notice or feel that the spring rates are indeed soft and probably not as good as they can be.
If you go to the Tein website and see the spring rates for Tein coilovers for the TLs: it is 392lbs/inch front - 224 lbs/inch back; in another, equivalent measurement it is a 7kgf/mm front or 4kgf/mm for the back. If you notice, look at the 2004 TL Tein SS. Notice the Tein coilovers are now 671lbs/inch front and 335lbs/inch back OR 12kgf/mm front or 6kgf/mm. See the difference? WOW, big difference in spring rates now, especially with 671lbs/inch front ( 12 kgf/mm). Tein probably realized that the TL is a much heavier car now so they developed Tein coilovers with a much firmer spring rate.
Tein Comparison Chart
Now look here:
Honda comparison chart for 2003 Honda See how the spring rates are different for the Tein coilovers for 2003 and beyond ( newer Accords). The spring rates for front and back are different now when compared to a 2004 TL (same generations), but when compared to 2003 TL and 2002 Honda Accord ( same generations), the Tein spring rates were the same. This confirms what I said above about spring rates that Tein realized.
These are the details you want to look for when comparing Apexi and Tanabe with Tein. The "kgf/mm" number. Dampening of shocks provides the comfort feeling, but the handling will probably be more dependent on the spring rates.
Now I am getting interested and I looked at the Tanabe website and getting data for you lol. Here is the general specifications for Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
Now look here:
www.tanabe-usa.com
Notice the spring rates for the front is "8" instead of the "7" that Teins has? Remember, I am no longer talking about lbs/inch but another measurement which is more common, "kgf/mm".
This one "Accord V6 98-02 8.0 / 4.0 -1/4~-2 1/2in / +1/4~-2in TSC023 $950.00" gives the measurements of how low it can go; it doesn't do extreme lowering nor do I think it is as low as Tein Basics. This coilover is DEFINITELY going to be more firmer for the front but the back is the same. Firmer front will mean you will nose-dive less and corner better. 8kgf is roughly about 448lbs/inch in comparision to 392lbs of Teins. It isn't alot but it's firmer and does make a difference. Remember our earlier analysis as to why Tein made a firmer 671lbs/inch for the front of the 2004 TL.
Now the Sustec Pro S-S application chart:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers...ations.asp?id=4
This is just the same version above but with dampening adjustability, but notice the spring rates are the same.
Based on my analysis Jonathan, I would have to say that these Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC are a good choice to buy. I mean the Apexi's are good too but I'll have to look at the "kgf/mm" (spring rates) to give a more definitive answer. To minimize on noise/rattling, I would probably advise you not to get any type of Aluminum pillowball mounts ( mounts for the top) because they do tend to give more noise while driving over bumps.These Tanabe Sustec Pro S-0C seem to use factory mounts or have rubber mounts for them. Also notice their "replacement Parts Program" on this page:
http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-oc.asp
I don't know what they mean when they say "low cost" but at least it isn't like the msrp prices Tein tries to charge you. I don't know how good it is though without further questioning them or phoning Tanabe in US about their program.
Final Conclusions:
1) Think carefully if you need or want adjustability in terms of dampening. Yes, it does help to have dampening; it makes the ride more 1)"comfortable" -meaning softer or harder feeling the bumps on the road and compensating for springs OR 2) for better handling. I mean it's not that much more in terms of purchasing a coilover with dampening adjustability.
2) Don't get any solid,upper pillowball mounts if you are sensitive to noise. Getting pillowball mounts will make your ride more noisy and harsher. Using the OEM factory mounts will be more smooth, quiet but less responsive in terms of corner/handling "feel"; it is a trade off.
Hope this helps you make the right decision
Well said Michael03TLS. I totally agree with you. Do your research or you will be sorry if you don't. Anyone have experience with Zeal coilovers? Coilovers are the way to go if you want max control over spring and dampening rates. Good write up.
I'M DONE HERE
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 557
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline
I'm not too familiar with the Tanabe coilovers, but I can tell you that Tein products are of high quality backed by a solid reputation and good customer service. Every time I contacted them with questions, they got back to me right away with the correct information. Other than a mysterious clunk noise coming from my rear suspension (some suspect the Tein coilovers, but I think it's my Comptech sway bar), I have had no problems with my Tein SS suspension.
Go for it.
Go for it.
Originally Posted by duece_RENAMED
I get that same clunk noise.I have comptech sway bars also.do you think it could be the sway bars.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline
I would put my money on the sway bars; something must be loose because I didn't have those sounds at first.
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