akela

I'm really getting sick of my 4x4 fender gap, so I'm looking at lowering springs. I really like the stance of the Tein S-Tech, but I'm worried that the large increase in stiffness that they come with would make a harsh ride, and since I live in northern VA I have to deal with the horrible state of disrepair that I-66 is in; other guys from the DC area know what I mean.

So from those of you that have the Teins, how different is the ride quality? There's about a 30% difference in spring rate, but does this translate to a dramatically less pleasant ride?

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

Stock:
Front rate 156 lb
Rear rate 113 lb

S-Techs
Front rate 207 lb
Rear rate 145 lb

That's how much stiffer they are, you will probably feel a small difference. If you want something more comfy, go with Teins H-Tech. The H-Tech are designed for comfort while dropping your car to make it look better.

MazdaEight

Just get the S. Techs. I have them and ride comfort is great.

akela

Yeah, those are the numbers I was looking at. I was just wondering if anyone had subjective info, since dampers play a huge role in ride comfort, and I'm not exactly sure what influence a 30% higher spring rate will have.

Razz1

Racing Beat is better.

Get the RB springs, otherwise your ride will be too stiff for those road conditions.

RB has been making Rotory parts for years.

shazy

You mean Rotary*

BTW, how much do the Tein Springs cost?

akela

The RB's are actually stiffer than the H-Techs, and only 10% less stiff than the S-Techs, so I'm not really sure if this makes any sense. They do lower the car considerably less, and don't change the stance at all; I really like the stance of the Tein springs, with the front lowered more than the back. I would imagine this messes with the feel of the car a tiny bit, but it's not a dedicated track car, so I can live with that.

If I remember right from the last time I looked at Fluid Motorsports' web site, the H-Techs were $235 and the S-Techs were $225.

I'm leaning towards the S-Techs right now, unless anyone who has them thinks they're way too stiff. The car isn't daily driven, so it doesn't have to tackle the worst of the local roads.

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

^The S Techs will not be too stiff for you. I've had 2 different sets of coilovers on my car, both of which are stiffer then the S Techs, and the ride is still comfortable.

I8U

iTrader: (1)

I have to look where I got my S-Techs, but I got mine for $180 shipped. I do like the ride of the S-Techs though, they seem to suit my Hotchkis sways better than the RB springs I use to have.

Tsar

I just got H TECH 2 month ago, great comfort but the front is still too high , hope it will drop abit with time.

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

Did you preload them?

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I did a lot of highway cruising and the SA techs ride great.

Tsar

what do you mean by preloading ? (sorry i m french, technical language sometimes i don't understand well).

Razz1

Drop the car on the ground before the bolts are tight. Then tighten up the bolts.

Laissez tomber la voiture au sol avant que les boulons soient serrés. Serrez alors vers le haut les boulons.

imput1234

iTrader: (6)

loosen the control arms, before the tires touch the ground, then turn your steering wheel to full lock and get your hands under there and tighten it.

Tsar

ok, just like told me Shaun in the topic that i will stop polluting "Aftermarket spring rates and other basic suspension info".

if i don't find the time to control that point, would it be bad for my springs or suspension ? or it would finally take position with time ?

thanks alot for your advises guys, cause i will go on hols pretty soon and probably won't have time to go to my dealer right away and i'm poor mechanic !

risky business

got my s-techs for 175 shipped. ride quality feels exactly the same as stock

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

You are stressing your bushings if you don't preload.