Tein Coilovers - Change Springs To Softer Ones?

[taynewguy]

Hey guys, I've got access to some height adjustable Tein circuit master suspension. Being taken out of my brothers R32 GTR - to be replaced with super streets. I was wondering what (if at all possible) I could do to make use of these.

Haven driven his car, I can tell you they are rediculously hard. You can feel every bump at all speeds, but what is most concerning is, when you are at high speed > than say 150km/h it is just outright dangerous! The car just bounces up and down like a kangeroo - very unsettling feeling.

Anyway these are my questions?

1) On the softest setting of damper will this make any difference to harshness? I think not having read plenty of threads already.

2) Can I change the springs to something with a reasonable rate 8/6 or 6/4 (I understand they are 12/10 now).

It's also possible that the dampers are dead also right - so I can get them rebuilt if necessary. They look very fresh so I think they will be ok.

3) Having said that, is all this worth the time/effort/money? Or just buy new suspension myself.

By the way I have Tein coilovers at the moment which are a perfect set up but the ride height is not to my liking. And sadly they are not eight adjustable.

I'm confident I can move these on for a reasonable price.

As for my usage - the car will very very rarely see any track use. Just spirited road use plus the odd trip to the skid pan and drags.

Tell me what you think....any comments much appreciated.

Cheers,

Tay

Edited November 16, 2007 by taynewguy

[R DIRTY 3]

Way to serious and hard for the street, as you know.

I would try to soften the shocks via the adjustments but i really doubt it will soften it enough for you. That kits is deisgned for pure race cars. It could be possible for us to revalve the shocks and change the spring rates. I would have to have a look at the units you have though.

However, having said that, cost vs result may not be favourable if you know what i mean.

What Tein coilovers do you have now that are not height adjustable? Or do you mean you cant get it low enough for your liking?

[Yawn]

To answer the topic question, its possible but not recommended.

[taynewguy]

I currently have Tein super street Type NA - non height adjustable.

So an update on this......

We adjusted the damper to the softest setting and had a bit of a drive and tested a few more increments along the way. As expected the harshness was improved, but still too hard to be liveable with on the street.

In the end we swapped them out for new super streets and smiles all round. Much better.

So now it's back to what do I do with these circuit masters.

If I can source softer springs, provided the dampers are fine (which I think they are) - will this be ok?

I'm keen to keep hold of them as they are a full aluminium body, significantly lighter and appear to be better quality all round.

Edited November 19, 2007 by taynewguy

[Beer Baron]

if they are bouncing at high speed I would say most likely the dampers are blown. the pogo like bounce is what you get once the dampers have given up the ghost. get them rebuilt and try them. then if you need to go to a ligher spring.

[STATUS]

yeah agreed ^^^ i had RA's in the R32 and even with the heavy circuit spec rates it NEVER bounced, i reckon yours are up for a rebuild at the least.

[taynewguy]

Damn, I suspected as much.

These are Type RA also. Looks like I'll have to get them re-valved and perhaps change the springs while I'm at it.

Any idea on cost anyone? Rough idea is fine so I know what I'm up for at least.

[stasis]

do you know your spring rates? My spring rates are F8 R 9 and they are firm but nice. I had them revalves see my signiture. Fulcrum suspension did mine in Marooka gold coast. It cost me A$900+ to rebuilt my HAs. Includes freint and GST. Cost may vary a little bit depending on what you need for the shocks. They will test it first and if its shagged they will pull one apart and let you know on the costings before they proceed. Very good service.

[STATUS]

as long as the shafts are not scored it should not be too dear, if they are... bugger as they (RA's) are coated in titanium nitrate which is an anti stiction anti-wear coating (gives the gold look).

[taynewguy]

The shafts (well in fact the entire coilover) looks in really good condition. No scoring, no obvious leaks.

Guess I need to take them to an honest workshop who will test them first before saying hand over some bulk cash and we'll re-valve them for you. Springs will definately need changing which by all accounts should not be a big deal. All options = money $$$ though.

In the end if it is more than say $1500, then I may as well sell both my existing set-up, and these circuit masters and get a brand new set of height adjustable super streets. But my preference is to keep these obviously.

Are Fulcrum in WA? Or anyone know of a place that can do them in WA??