(updated: 5/18/2007 - short video of the TEAS in action)

http://www.hawkgt.com/rx8/RX-8_-_Tanabe_Sustec_Pro_Seven.mpg ~39MB


(updated: 4/28/2007 - new photos and text below)

Sustec Pro SEVEN: http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/seven.asp
TEAS system: http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/teas.asp

Forgive my poor photography.

Below are photos for the installation of the Tanabe Sustec Pro SEVEN's and TEAS. Many thanks to Sam of J_OnDemand for the Tanabe's. I also have a few pics of the RPF1's I've just put on, thanks to the great deal from Rishie.

UPDATE 4/24/2007: Installation has begun on the SEVEN's. While the wheels are off stainless brakelines are being installed. Tomorrow the TEAS will be installed.

UPDATE 4/28/2007
The suspension installation is now complete.

INSTALLATION:

The installation went well. Something I didn't expect was that on the front the TEAS motors do not sit within the engine bay. They actually reside recessed within the large shock housing at the top. You can see the cable coming out of the existing hole above the shock. At first the mechanic thought he might have to make a notch to allow the cable to exit, but there is enough clearance for the cable to exit without any binding.

The ride height was another surpise. The minimum drop was about 1.25 inches and that is where the car sits now until the suspension settles a bit. I think it looks good where it is and still gives plenty of room for clearance.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

I'll get it out of the way and say I love them!

The ride is much stiffer than OEM even at the 1 setting. However, settings down around 1 do not cause a very loud thump when crossing a pothole or small/deep dip. Manual settings between 6-8 seem perfect for daily driving.

I currently have been trying 8 for the front and 6 for the rear. The car feels like it has no body roll. Responsiveness is incredibly enjoyable.

I'm really glad I chose to upgrade the suspension. The 8 has even more of a true sports car feel to it now.

I haven't yet fully played with the auto-speed settings yet, only the manual settings.

TEAS:

The TEAS unit only turns on when the car is running. When you start the car it seems the unit initalizes all shocks and sets them at 16 then returns to your previous saved settings. You hear very quick clicking of the rears when this occurs.

Changing the settings while driving is quite cool, though not recommended doing it manually while driving for obvious safety reasons. The response is immediate when settings are changed.

The auto-speed settings appear to work off of the manual settings. The manual settings are your baseline and the auto-speed settings add dampening. So for exmaple whe using the auto-speed settings I would start with manual settings of say 3 for the front and 1 for the rear. The auto-speed setting will bump up all dampening by +2 when the car hits 30mph. Then another +2 when it hits 40mph. So at 40mph the effective settings would be 7 on the front and 5 on the rear. If you were to up the manual dampening then the effective auto-speed dampening will increase likewise.

Once I work with the auto-speed dampening I'll post more on it. It's still quite new to me.



http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3924.jpg
FRONT-RIGHT

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3925.jpg
FRONT-RIGHT : The TEAS motor sits within the hollow top portion of the shock. If the motor dies you'll need to drop the shock to get to it.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3926.jpg
FRONT-RIGHT : (top view) I had expected the TEAS motor to mount above the hole and within the strut bar wounting area. The shock does not extend out of the hole at all. The TEAS motor wire nicely feeds through the hole without any binding.
(This angle is quite poor and I'll replace it with a better shot.)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3928.jpg
RIGHT-REAR

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3930.jpg
RIGHT-REAR : (top view)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3913.jpg
Comparison: RPF1 18x9.5 with 275/35/18 Falken's AND 225/45/18 Blizzacks


http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3914.jpg
"Will work for daycare!" Pic of cheap labor swapping the wheels. For comparison that is a 225 Blizzak tire on the front and a 275 Falken on the rear.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3921.jpg
RPF1's + Falken 275/35/18 installed (all-stock suspension)


http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/IMG_3937.jpg
RPF1's + Falken 275/35/18 installed + Tanabe Sustec Pro Seven suspension

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/IMG_3941.jpg
Top of left shock area. The cable coming out of the shock hole is the TEAS for this shock. The TEAS motor sits within the hollow top portion of the shock. If the motor dies you'll need to drop the shock to get to it.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/IMG_3943.jpg
TEAS control unit within the cabin. It's a temporary location until I can take time to find one better. There is plenty of cable coiled underneath.

looks good man... where are you mounting the control module

That's a good question and one I can't answer yet. :-)

I'm not really interested in having it out for display, so my thought was somewhere low within the driver footwell. I'd like to be able to be able to glance at it and reach it while driving.

I think the TEAS unit is larger than TEIN's EDFC which might preclude both the change compartment and possibly the ashtray. I think I'm going to just have to spend some time toying around with different locations and velcro it some place.

tanabe is good suspension, i think you're going to enjoy it very much

Thanks.. I'm sure I will. Though I have little reference to compare. The stock RX-8 handles better than anything I've ever owned. The new suspension+tires will be far better I'm sure. I'm really looking forward to it.

woohoo! congrats on the suspension. let me know if you need anything else. i'll be sure to help you out again =) and those were the last ones to get. congrats on the purchase

update?

Yes I am also very interested in any updates as I am contemplating these or the Cuscos.

Any feedback appreciated.

Update in about 20 minutes. I need to pull the photos off.

I have updated the first post.

Awesome. Didnt realise the TEAS allowed to you change while in motion. Nice for the track so you dont have to come in.

Did you mean "do" or "do not" when you said "settings down around 1 do not cause a very loud thump when crossing a pothole or small/deep dip". ie was this a warning or a nice suprise.

Cheers

Andrew

"do not". Setting 1 is the softest, while 16 is the firmest.

I'm not saying this as a warning or surprise but just an FYI. People often talk about the teeth rattling effect of some suspensions when going over bumps.

The range of adjustments for these shocks is very nice and can give you a relatively comfy ride. But keep in mind even at a setting of 1 these are still far stiffer than stock.

I have no doubt that at settings between 1 and 3 it will pass the wife and kids test. I'll still be slowing down more for bad bumps though, at least when they are in the car.

I'll be taking the car to VIR in June so we'll see how it handles there. I'll have a digital camcorder setup as well so hopefully I'll have some good video to share.

Cool thanks for that. I have an aftermaket setup already and it couldnt be much firmer than that as I was riding on 9kg front and 7kg rear springs. Which brings my next question. What spring rates do these come with?

Cheers

Andrew

Just curious, why would you replace the stock front strut bar?

I can't imagine that an aftermarket bar any stiffer.

Did you do it to save weight?

for 1 if you want the TEAS controller you have to, but yes the aftermarket one provide more rigidity.

hey dbullock,
I know that the top or bottom of the radio is that plastic... Maybe put it there? I know someone had a DIY for putting buttons but you can mod it instead for the unit. Would make it more flush with if it was there.

It looks a bit large for the area but worth a look.

DIY: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=53281&highlight=switches

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41798

(updated: 4/28/2007 - new photos and text below)
... http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/IMG_3943.jpg
TEAS control unit within the cabin. It's a temporary location until I can take time to find one better. There is plenty of cable coiled underneath.
The TEAS controller doesn't seem any wider than the Tein EDFC controller, at least from the above pic. It may fit in the coin tray area once the tray is removed. The EDFC fits there snugly.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/bucketelf/tein_edfc.jpg

Looks nice! The idea of the front EFDC below the tower is great - lets you use any strut bar you want - even stock which is the worst. That controller box is huge though - too bad but then what can you do. How easy is it to read that b&W lcd - does it have a backlight or just reflective?

I replaced the front strut bar because I thought the TEAS motor would be on top and within the engine bay. The stock bar covers about half the hole. I didn't know it would not be extending out of the hole. I went with the cheapest bar I could find and that was the Greddy bar. I might just put the stock bar back on.

I did see that install of a control unit where the cassette player goes. That is nice but I'd rather have it more hidden. The coin tray placement might be the best location. I think the TEAS is a bit taller than the EDFC, maybe not wider though. I could take exact measurements for the record though.

Also, the TEAS has vents on the top rear of the unit. The instructions specify that the vents must not be obstructed. I think I'll be scanning in the TEAS doc since Tanabe has not responded to my request for a PDF of it.

Quick and dirty short video of the TEAS in action. I had the camera attached to the window and at an angle which is why the video border is at an angle. The TEAS is at the bottom left and you can see the speedometer in the upper right.

The TEAS is in auto mode and changes the suspension dampening based upon the vehicle speed. 30MPH is the lowest initial change. I have it set to change the speed at 30,40,50,60,70 and 80.

The values set for each bump in speed are relative to the previous setting. I begin at 6 for the front and 3 for the rear. 1 is the softest while 16 is the firmest.

Video download: http://www.hawkgt.com/rx8/RX-8_-_Tanabe_Sustec_Pro_Seven.mpg ~39MB

http://www.hawkgt.com/rx8/RX-8_-_Tanabe_Sustec_Pro_Seven.png

Dan

p.s. I've also added the video link the threads first post.

nice... those look cool lol I know this is the wrong reason to have it but the unit looks cool to play with lol. Of course I'm probably gonna be over that and just leave the settings.

In the weeks that I have used it I have really come to like that it is speed sensing.

I have played with the settings manually and found a nice stiff setting for high speed is murder at low speed. With a manual system I would be constantly changing the settings to suit my desire, so it really is a joy to ride in.

Best mod I have done to-date. Second would be the rims/tires.

Very nice write up. Pro Fives will be available July. MSRP is $1380 when it is available. These will also use the TEAS system and adjustable height, but non adjustable shock lower perch.

Very nice write up. Pro Fives will be available July. MSRP is $1380 when it is available. These will also use the TEAS system and adjustable height, but non adjustable shock lower perch.

nice to see you guys on the boards! tell reggie i said wsup!

-Sam

Reggie was a big help with getting my TEAS installed.
Hmm.. $1380 MSRP.. that's lower than what I paid.

dbullock,

It's been a couple monthes now, any updates on the suspension? Any annoying noises? I ask because a several of the Tein owners have a squeak in their rear suspensions that they say won't go away.

I have to say that the active mode is pretty trick, I like it!

None of the other units (Tein, Cusco) do this?

Lazi/ dbullock,

Do you think that the motors will burn up/ wear out since they are constantly changing with your varying speeds?

Thanks in advance.

Good idea to have an update.

No other units have this active mode.

Update:
- There is still absolutely no squeaking.
- The motors are supposedly designed for this high-usage application.
- The motors are very quiet and I only hear the rears when I start the car and all the motors calibrate by apparently going to the a low-to-max settings.

I am completely satisfied with the purchase of these. And I'm quite happy to have the active mode. Perhaps Cusco's are a better shock, but at my level I'm sure I'm not even close to being able to tell the difference when driving. The active mode is what sold me on these and I still place it as the #1 factor to get these shocks. The convenience is just too awesome.

For other shocks people will say they can't tell the difference between setting 4 or 5. Well, I don't think you can when you have to stop your car and fiddle with the knobs in your trunk to change settings. By the time you back in your car would you really remember how the previous settings felt? With the TEAS I can change the setting while driving and -easily- feel the difference between each bump in the settings. Any other method and I wouldn't even bother to change settings.. too much work.

I thought an eventual AxialFlow SC would be my most desired mod, but I have to say that good shocks and tires are the absolutely first mod. The car sticks like glue and handles incredibly.

Hope that helps.

It does, thank you.

The active mode probably suits me as well, as I don't enjoy fiddling with things either. Set it and forget it.

Any idea what the difference b/w your Sevens and the new Fives are?

The Fives are $1350 + $600 for the TEAS and that is just about my peak for what I'm willing to pay for a new suspension.

I believe the Sevens are $1850?

Sorry.. but I know nothing about the 5's. Sevens cost somewhere around there.

Any idea what the difference b/w your Sevens and the new Fives are?


The FIVEs are the street performance alternative to the SEVENs(primarily for track use). The SEVENs offer an adjustable case length and preload adjustment and does not include a helper spring. The FIVEs include a helper spring which will absorb some the shock when driving in street conditions making the ride a little more comfortable. They also have a similar color. :icon_tup:

Sorry to hijack the thread, but if you're really from Tanabe can you please explain why the TireRack is refusing to import certain sizes of SSR Type C-RS wheels into the US? It seems to me if they get to have an exclusive on this wheel for the US market that we ought to be able to order any size/offset offered? :dunno:

Spoke to a sale Rep at Tanabe today and the Five are in stock. For what I was told the this system share the valving as the Seven just without fully thread body. For the price and have the option TEAS there is nothing on the market like it.:jump:

hey dbullock,
I know that the top or bottom of the radio is that plastic... Maybe put it there? I know someone had a DIY for putting buttons but you can mod it instead for the unit. Would make it more flush with if it was there.

It looks a bit large for the area but worth a look.

DIY: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=53281&highlight=switches

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=41798

Or you could use this one from the V1 concealed display http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modify/rx8_valentine/rx8_valentine.html

Sorry to hijack the thread, but if you're really from Tanabe can you please explain why the TireRack is refusing to import certain sizes of SSR Type C-RS wheels into the US? It seems to me if they get to have an exclusive on this wheel for the US market that we ought to be able to order any size/offset offered? :dunno:
That is something that you would have to work out with TireRack. Even though we're Tanabe USA, that has to do with TireRack and Tanabe Japan.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but if you're really from Tanabe can you please explain why the TireRack is refusing to import certain sizes of SSR Type C-RS wheels into the US? It seems to me if they get to have an exclusive on this wheel for the US market that we ought to be able to order any size/offset offered? :dunno:
teamrx8, just like YOU said, TIRERACK is exclusive on those SSR Type C-RS. tanabe japan and tirerack have made some agreement for them to be exclusive. so for those kind of questions, i say open up a new thread or call out tirerack and ask them why they arent able to order certain size and offsets. sucks thats tanabe usa cant. but its out of there control to bring those in.

SO TIRERACK! WHY CAN'T YOU BRING IN CERTAIN SIZES AND OFFSETS@?! :banghead:

the sales perps at TR are just as clueless about what goes on behind the scenes as say, the sales perps at JOD :dunno:

but I appreciate the response from Tanabe USa, I wasn't aware that the two are separate until reading their post

and I did apologize for hijacking the thread in advanse, my emails uing Tanabe website contact system have gone unanswered ...

what does TR being clueless has anything to do with sales at JOD? chill with the stupid ass comments teamrx8. ur not funny

Hi,
I have K&W coilovers and I've never been able to set the stiffness of my REAR suspensions because I was not able to reach them in the trunk. This is the first time I see the top of the rear suspensions:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/dbullock_photos/Tanabe/IMG_3930.jpg

How did you remove the panel which covers the suspensions in the trunk. Once I removed the gold little panel, but I was still unable to reach the suspensions.

Thank you!!

Or you could use this one from the V1 concealed display http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modify/rx8_valentine/rx8_valentine.html

Um, that was what I was talking about but fitting the whole unit in there possibly...

As for mounting positions, you could always do what I did:

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=100809&stc=1&d=1180155415

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=100808&stc=1&d=1180155415

As for mounting positions, you could always do what I did:

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=100809&stc=1&d=1180155415

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=100808&stc=1&d=1180155415

Like your setup, but I have to ask...Whats with your HVAC Controls ? Like whats the auto button for and stuff, Not used to that layout, so it caught me off guard.

hi

i'am french and sorry for my poor english

i have trouble with my TEAS, i don't know how to find the speed signal on my RX8.

i have all TEAS doc in Jap, and it's not very easy to transalte it.

if someone can help me?