Tein’s New Active Suspension

Tein has announced a new revision to their electronic damper controller (EDFC) called the EDFC Active. Available beginning in March 2013, this newest version has some significant improvements vs the previous generation.

More Aggressive Damping Force Control: To control damping force more actively according to driving conditions, 2 automatic adjustment modes are available; “G-actuated automatic adjustment mode” and “speed-sensitive automatic adjustment mode (optional GPS kit is required)”. Damping force adjustment levels can be set in 3 different types; 16-level, 32-level or 64-level.

Simplified Installation/Wiring: Motor driver units, located at front and back of the car, and controller unit are connected wirelessly, to reduce troublesome wiring works. Controller unit has all the sensing functions, with built-in optical sensor to detect brightness in its surroundings and connectivity with optional GPS kit to detect vehicle speed. The power supply cable is the only wiring required between the controller and the vehicle, making it possible and easier to install onto wider varieties of vehicle models. Well-considered size and design enable controller unit to be installed to most desirable position easily without any bulky wiring.
Better Visibility & User-Friendliness: Larger display is used for improved visibility and one-dial operation allows for easier handling.

Useful Added Features: EDFC ACTIVE offers lots of extra features including adjustable display color and G-force display. In addition, with optional GPS kit installed, vehicle speed, altitude, longitude, latitude, trip meter and/or clock can be displayed.
Extensibility: One controller unit can control up to 8 motors, with additional motor driver unit installed. This comes in handy for damper kit with separate compression/rebound adjustment.
Reasonable Price: Despite all the advanced features, EDFC ACTIVE is very reasonably priced.

●Manual Mode
There is only one simple dial to set front and rear damping force separately to desired levels. Up to 10 presets are available to store and quickly recall preferred settings, according to the changes in situation.
Examples

G-Actuated Automatic Adjustment Mode
This mode enables automatic adjustment according to the changes in G-force measured with built-in G-sensor. 2 separate modes available; “G-Arrange Mode” to adjust damping force when G-force reaches the preset value (max 10 memories) each time, and “G-Linear Mode” to adjust linearly according to the preset G-force values, automatically supplementing the values in between.

For example, on streets, damping force is set to softer level while driving at constant speed to absorb unevenness on road surface smoothly and set to harder level when accelerating/decelerating to suppress unnecessary vehicle movement for better handling and ride comfort.

On circuits, understeering/oversteering can be controlled by setting damping force to increase stability while braking and setting up front/rear damping force separately to correspond to degree of acceleration/deceleration.

Damping force is adjusted automatically according to G-force value, to xx-level higher or xx-level lower than the manually-set level.
Up to 10 adjustment points can be set, within 0.1 to 2.0G for both acceleration and deceleration in 0.05G increments.

Speed-Sensitive Automatic Adjustment Mode (optional GPS kit is required):

This mode enables automatic adjustment according to the changes in vehicle speed measured with GPS sensor. 2 separate modes available; “S-Arrange Mode” to adjust damping force when vehicle reaches the preset speed (max 10 memories) each time, and “S-Linear Mode” to adjust linearly at all speed according to the preset points, automatically supplementing the values in between.
For example, on streets, damping force is set to softer level while driving slower for softer ride without any bumpy feel and set to harder level when driving faster for better stability and handling.
On circuits, damping force can be controlled according to speed range to change handling performance, such as reducing understeer a bit at low speed corners and reducing oversteer a little at high speed corners.

G+Speed Integrated Control Mode (optional GPS kit is required)
This mode allows using Speed-Sensitive and G-Actuated Automatic Adjustment Modes simultaneously. By automatically and comprehensively adjusting damping force in response to changes in both vehicle speed and G-force, most desirable control is achieved at wide varieties of conditions and for various purposes for optimum performance.

Damping Force Adjustment Modes
Damping force adjustment levels can be set in 3 different types; 16-level, 32-level or 64-level. Most TEIN damping force adjustable dampers come with 16-level adjustment. Use of EDFC ACTIVE adds 32-level and 64-level adjustment capabilities within the same range for finer adjustments especially in automatic adjustment modes.

Wireless Control
EDFC ACTIVE features wireless control system for easy installation / wiring. Controller unit is connected wirelessly to motor driver units which control motors, eliminating the need for troublesome wiring such as putting cables through bulkheads and/or placing/anchoring cables inside the car.

With the latest wireless communication technology, 16.77 million ID patterns are available for motor units and hence there is no chance of confusion with other units. Motor driver units are built to provide tougher protection against dust and water, to make it possible to install outside the vehicle

Controller Unit
G-sensor, wireless transmitter and various functions are all fit into a compact controller unit, which has wide 22x60mm display for better visibility.

A wiring gutter on the back of the controller unit offers greater flexibility in positioning the controller unit and the cable.
Optional GPS kit can be connected to the controller unit via a one-touch coupler, without troublesome wiring to speed pulse signal.

Triaxial Acceleration Sensor
Controller has a built-in triaxial G-sensor, which offers the ability to install controller unit at any desired angle & direction.
Automatic Display Dimmer Function
Brightness of the display can be automatically adjusted according to the brightness of its surroundings detected by an optical sensor. This eliminates the need for connecting cables to vehicle’s illumination power supply. This function can be turned off.

One-Dial Operation
Simple one-dial operation is adopted with emphasis on convenient handling. This user-intuitive interface requires only a few basic operations to remember; turn the dial to select/adjust, push the dial to confirm and push 2 buttons above the dial to switch between the different functions.

Display Dimmer Function (level 0 to 3)
Display brightness baseline for automatic dimmer function can be set by the user between level 0 (off), 1 (dark) and 3 (bright).

Switchable Display View Angle (2 patterns)
Viewing angle of display can be adjusted in 2 different angles to offer better visibility even when the controller unit is installed at an angle.

Buzzer Volume Adjustment (level 0 to 3)
Volume of “button sound/buzzer” and “auto-adjustment buzzer” can be set separately between level 0 (mute), 1 (low) and 3 (high).

Lock Function
Operation of both buttons and dial can be locked to prevent operation mistakes.

Self-Diagnostic Function
The self-diagnostic function checks the status of driver unit and/or wireless communication. If it detects any errors in driver unit (disconnection / short circuit) and/or problem in wireless connection, the result will be shown on display.

Ability to Adjust Display Color
In addition to 4 default colors (white, green, amber & blue), fine-tunable custom colors are available

This new generation of EDFC is backwards compatible with all EDFC useable coilovers. So, if you bought the Flex 5 years ago for your Subaru but never got the EDFC, you can use this newest version! What’s more, if you do have an EDFC, so long as your unit has the revised stepper motors (introduced in 2010), you can just buy the control unit, and take advantage of all the new features!

Contact z1sales@z1auto.com to get on the waiting list

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New Tein Suspension Components for Subaru BR-Z/Scion FR-S

Tein, one of Japan’s pre-emininent suspension tuners, has just released several new parts for the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S.

First up are their H-Tech and S-Tech Springs.

The H-Tech are a street friendly spring designed to be used with stock dampers. They offer a modest drop (25mm up front, 20mm out back) with a street friendly spring rate (3.0 kg/mm front, 4.6 kg/mm out back). They come with a no BS comfort, noise and sag guarantee for 1 year from date of purchase. Priced at $285/set. Preorders now being accepted.

The S-Tech offer a more aggressive drop (35mm up front, 30mm out back) and stiffer rates (3.3 kg/mm front and 5.0 kg/mm out back). Once again features Tein’s 1 year warranty against noise/comfort issues and sagging. Priced at $275/set. Preorders now being accepted

Next up are the Tein Flex Coilovers. The Flex have been a long time favorite of street enthusiasts as they combine wide height and damper adjustability, and several innovative features. Allows height adjustment of +5mm (from stock) to -55mm up front and +5mm to -45mm out back. Dampening is 16 way adjustable, and, the option EDFC can be added, allowing you to make the ride softer or stiffer from inside the car! Spring rates are a performance oriented 7 kg/mm front and rear. Priced at $1720 shipped in the 48 states. Preorders now being accepted.

Next up, are the Mono-Flex. These take the Flex design to the next level with a monotube damper design. Monotubes are better suited for harder core enthusiast driving and emphasize overall driver feel. They are also better suited for track use, as they tend to keep the oil in the shock cooler, and prevent cavitation. Spring rates are 8 kg/mm front and back. Allows for a height adjustment range from -10mm (from stock) to -55mm up front and +5mm to -45mm out back. 16 way dampening adjustment allows you to tailor performance for a wide range of road conditions. Again, these are EDFC compatible (optional), allowing you to adjustment stiffness/softness from inside the car! Preorders now being accepted for late Summer arrival. Priced at $2099 shipped in the 48 states for a limited time.

For those who intend on hard core track days, Tein also has their Racing Spec coilovers coming soon. These are a more bespoke setup, allowing the user to choose their own springs (sold separately), for a truly custom setup. Features independant compression and rebound adjustability, dual height adjustability, and remote fluid resevoirs. Scheduled arrival is late September 2012.

For those enthusiasts who want to dial up the feel of their new FR-S and BR-Z, especially those who will be using the car for auto-x, performance street driving, or track days, Tein also has a range of urethane bushings. These bushings replace the soft, factory rubber units with stiffer, more durable polyurethane versions. Urethane offers an immediate and more direct feel, is significantly more durable than rubber, but without the noises or harshness associated with full solid bushings. The bushings available now include:

FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSH, REAR TOE CONTROL ARM INNER BUSH,REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM INNER BUSH, REAR TRAILING ARM FRONT BUSH, REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM INNER BUSH, REAR TRAILING ARM REAR BUSH, GEAR BOX CROSS MEMBER BUSH, STEERING RACK MOUNT BUSH, REAR SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER BUSH. Bushing prices start at just $33.25 and go to $332.50 depending on the location. They are sold complete, ready to install.

Tein Basis Coilovers

Tein has made a Japanese coilover for the economically minded consumer. The Street BASIS damper is the evolution of the popular BASIC coilover. Developed to provide a sporty and aggressive stance. The shortened shell case design provides optimum damper stroke at lower than standard vehicle ride height. Vehicle ride height is adjustable via the ZT coated threaded sleeve. Updated internal components and external coatings increase durability and product life. Street Basis dampers are great for daily driving and spirited driving for all types of drivers. Made in Japan under strict quality control standards and developed by highly trained suspension engineers.

Additional Features
• Steel Construction
• Twin Tube internal construction
• Larger piston diameter for strut type front and rear (22mm)
• Ride Height adjustable via spring seat
• Powder coated damper body
• Non-welded ZT coated Adjustment Tube
• Full-Length Dust Boots
• 1-piece Aluminum Spring Seat with Delrin Thrust Washer
• Available for Overhaul
• 1-year Manufacturers Defect Warranty

Applications Acura TL, Lexus IS300, Subaru Impreza/WRX, Nissan 350Z, Honda Prelude, Honda Fit, Acura TSX, Scion Xb

Tein S-Tech Springs for 370Z

Tein has just announced the specs on their S Tech springs for the 370Z, and we’ll have these in stock soon!

Just click here to reserve yours!

Lowers the Z34 .75 inch front and rear, with linear spring rates of 480 lbs (8.4kg/mm) front, 580 lbs rear (9.4 kg/mm)

More G’s Please

I’ve received a bunch of emails that we have great Z content but we ignore the G’s, so here is one for you G35 lovers.

This belongs to Army member Lance, who is stationed in Afghanistan right now. A great example of a well sorted, and ultra clean G35! I wish some 350Z owners would take note of how the G guys do things a bit better. While the Z guys seem to favor wilder bodykits, and less cohesiveness overall, I notice the G guys like to keep things relatively simple, and classy.

Mods include:

Greddy 20g TT kit
Greddy EVO TT exhaust
Wiesco pistons
Pauter rods
Cosworth
UTEC
HKS CAMP2
ACT clutch/flywheel combo
Tein coilovers
Alliance BBK
Work Varianza T1S wheels
Many more mods…

I’ll see if I can find a dyno sheet to show you guys too! Enjoy

Some Z34 TAS ’09 Pictures

I’m digging the Zele front bumper otherwise, eh…

Don’t Sleep…

Thought I’d post up pictures of Ray’s 2001 Lexus GS300. Ray is a new customer of ours from a new local board that we have recently begun sponsoring (www.tristatevip.com). Ray is a big fan of the VIP look but don’t sleep on him, he’s got some go under the hood.

The build is still a work in progress but so far hes running an XSPower Turbo Kit, Tein SS coilovers, Staggered 20″ Maya STM wheels, a Custom magnaflow exhaust and a Supra TT BBK. I know hes got some more things in the works for the very near future. You really can’t be mad at the wheel flushness that is synonymous with the VIP look.