Stiff Shocks

[KnightRiderR33]

Hey guys I have a set of tien coilovers in my r33 gtst theyve always been stiff since i got the car. I dont realy know to much obout coilovers but is there a way to soften them up? i know for a fact there is no dampner contril on it there just plain height adjustable coils. Also ive been told that they may be screwed from the previous owner having the car to low but at the same time people have told me that the spring rate is to stiff, like i said dont know much about coils if anywone could give me some useful info id be happy thanks =D

[Mr. Untouchable]

piss them off and use bilstein shocks with kings/whiteline or eibach springs. get extra circlip grooves for height adjustment. Or have sleeves fitted to them (ie HSD sleeves) for full height adjustment.

even the basic BC BR coilovers will be better than your Teins (ride quality wise). no doubt your tein's are valved like shit and are probably tired, plus springs rates to suit a jap touge car (much like the Teins I've just filed under B for bin)

I even think Tein super streets are pretty average. I fitted some to a WRX I drove for around 6 months, okay but didnt feel sweet like bilsteins. I also drove a 33 gtst a while back, 4kg springs all round (what they come with) and car felt bouncy and wrong.

to answer your question they are not worth buggering around with unless they are top of the line Tein's, then getting someone like Race Pace to tweak them would be a good option but if they are just HR's or HA's or what ever not worth it IMO.

Cheers, Jack

[MrStabby]

If they're not leaking you could think about throwing some softer springs at them and resetting the height to something sensible, but you may then have too much dampening for the spring rate.

Probably better to get a new set. Spring rate is very important. Find out what rate your current springs are (check the sticky, not sure if its still active tho) to give you some perspective on what to go for. Or else find someone with, say, 5 or 6kg front/4kg rear in a brand you can afford and see if you like them.

The bounciness in the ones you tried could have been stuffed shocks or ride height too low causing bottoming out on the bump stops, so if you can, find another 4/4 to try.

[KnightRiderR33]

thanx guys i appreciate the response looks like im in for new coils any suggestions?

[MrStabby]

Oh BTW when I suggested a new set, I meant a new set of coilovers, not just springs. Will be more expensive, but you new is nice. Only consider new springs if the current coilovers are in good nick.

[AngryRB]

interesting how you got so many responses, ive been struggling with my teins for ages, tossing up wether to get rid of them or change springs, mine are HA and damper adjustable, obviously the springs are very stiff.

Ive decided with mine that i will just put up with a little bouncing here and there, ive set the damper to what i think is ok, dam good on a perfect road, but bit uncomfortable on a rough road, and dangerous on a rough fast road taking corners..

but id rather put that money toward a gt30 than stuff around buying more coilovers, they can be bearable if you can adjust the damper , definitely no good at the drags lol..

ive found they are better when the car is lower rather than higher, the spring is longer if its lower.. correct me if im wrong but thats where ive found it to be best..

if you were in brissy i could show you how mine handles.. but if you cant adjust damper then it could be bit hopeless.

Edited July 25, 2011 by SliverS2

[KiwiRS4T]

Before you dump your shocks go to a Tein dealer and get a price to have them revalved (if in fact it is the shocks that are the problem and not your springs). A proper suspension place should be able to work out the spring rates and tell you if they are too hard.

[conan7772]

I don't think Whiteline make those springs anymore.

[KnightRiderR33]

WOW thanx guys appreciate this heaps =D didnt think id get any good responses from it but your al leading me to the right places thanx =D