After considering a few different spring/shock combinations, I've started to consider coilovers as well. I've been looking at the Tein Basic Coilover Kit. Does anyone have experience with these coilovers? I'm curious about ride quality and how they hold up over time. Obviously, build quality is important to me.

Also, why are top hat kits available for some of these (second link) and not on others (the first link)?

Any input in to this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

a couple links to the product in question:
http://www.raceinspired.com/p-2465-t...l-2004-up.aspx

http://www.heeltoeauto.com/Tein-Susp...-pr-57009.html

 

both of them do not come with top hats.

one is tein BASICS, the other is called tein STREET BASIS.

the tein street basis are the newer and updated version of the tein basics

 

Oh, cool. So.. better stuff!

Anyone have personal experience w/ these? I've had someone tell me they're junk, and another said they are a good set of coilovers..

 

Well, it depends how picky you are when it comes down to comfort. I used to own a set of TEIN BASIC's but after 2-3 years down the road I wanted something with dampening adjustment to tune it in more and upgraded to the Super Streets. My gf and passengers would complain about the bumpy ride when i had the BASIC's. Keep in mind the roads here in MD arent the greatest.

After upgrading to the SS and setting it to 3 clicks from the softest setting, the car felt very much like factory, if any.. softer than factory. My gf and friends immediately noticed the difference and liked it much more. Almost a night and day difference for me.

SS is only $200 more, so think about it..

 

Get the SS kit from Marcus at Heeltoe.

 

I understand what is maximum. The lowerest. I understand what is minimum. The highest. It's a coliover and it can adjust.

So what is "Lowering?" Why Tein give us this number when coilovers are adjustable?

 

Anyone?

 

TEIN gives you their recommended lowering, which is 1.7 " F&R. You have a range to lower it to whatever you want.

If you need pricing let us know. TEIN Basics are no longer available, only the Street Basis, which is the same principle as the Basics with some improvements.

 

What is the life expectancy of Tein coilovers, particularly Super Streets?

I have around 100K miles on mine and the ride is starting to feel rough, even when the EDFC is at a relatively soft setting.

 

The dampers usually need to be rebuilt around 75K or so.

 

Thanks Josh.

Can the dampers be rebuilt by a shop or do I have to send the coilovers back to Tein?

What is the typical cost? Should I just get new coilovers/springs?

 

good question^ i have basis too and hopefully down the line there isn't any problems.

 

The dampers are rebuilt by TEIN. They now offer this service at both their East and West Coast location.

Here is the price list:

http://www.tein.com/service/price_list.html

Here's another link with more info.

http://www.tein.com/service/index.php

 

From my readings, many have said that Tein Basic (now call Street Basis) is way too stiff because it can't adjust. Too stiff means different things to different people, but I think we can understand what that means. One thing they don't make clear is, how low are their settings?

My question is, if one set it to the highest setting (less drop), there should be more compression. So would it ride "better?"

Or maybe my question should be, does it ride the same when the setting is at 0.9 lowered, compare to 3.0 lowered?

 

No, the TEIN Street Basis are not stiff. You cannot adjust damping with them. If you want to adjust damping and set the coilovers to a softer setting get the TEIN Street Advance. At the most extreme I would say the Street Basis are firm, but not stiff.

 

I went back and re-read this thread. Why do some coilovers have top hats and some do not? Not just Teins. Is it a cost issue? It seems like the "lower line" systems do not have top hats.

Do you guys think that (top hat included or not) is a deciding factor on which system to get?

 

in my opinion no....tein is one of the most popular if not the most and quality is really good,needless to say ride is excellent.

come to think of it tein is the only without tophats, their coilover design is different from other companies...
other companies have their design pre load and height adjustment seperate which is a + and top plate is aluminum,which can be make the coilover stiffer i believe......