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View Full Version : Tanabe 7 coilovers with TEAS on 265s - props to RaceCentric!



SJCoruja
04-03-2006, 05:40 PM
I really don't like to mod and don't do it intentionally. I do have a habit of blowing shit up and then having to fix it though. Case in point, my trusty Cusco Zero2R coilovers gave out on me and had to go. SO...what to do?


BIG thanks to Sam and the guys at RaceCentric/FIA for an amazingly quick hook-up on the brand new Tanabe Sustec-Pro Seven coilovers with the Tanabe Electric Active Suspension controller!!! They really came through in a pinch, and spent an entire day not just installing, but really taking the time to set it up right. Sam really knows his stuff on suspension, and the install was top-notch with a huge attention to detail. :thumbsup:

As for the coilovers, in short they ROCK! Build quality appears to be excellent. I went with the regular "Street" springs, but at 12k/10k I think they'll be just fine on track/autoX also. There is also the option to get the "Hard Driving" springs which are 14k/12k, and I will probably try those out later this year. Ride quality is very comfortable considering the spring rates are so high, and with the broad range of dampening adjustment (12 way manual, 16 electronic where every click is a noticeable difference) you really can dial them in for street smoothness or track aggression. I have put them through some nice canyon-carving and onramp mayhem, and I must say they are even more solid and predictable than my Cuscos were. No bounciness or twitch...car takes a nice set and then is easily controlled with the throttle. I really can't wait to try them out at Thunderhill on 4/27!

As for the TEAS - very nice unit and pretty high up on the cool gadget scale. You have the option of manually adjusting both front and rear dampening from the cockpit (similar to the Tein EDFC), with 4 memory presets and this can be done on the fly. The other cool thing (which I will be able to comment on more when Sam helps me dial it in later) is the auto setting. Based on speed, the suspension can be set to automatically adjust the dampening at whatever settings you want. For example, you can have it get gradually stiffer the more you accelerate. OR, you could set it up to be relatively soft at high speed then really bring on the dampening as the car senses the rapid decrease in speed for a corner. Pretty sick!


I will be posting more thoughts here as I get the chance to try it at AutoX and the track, but for now here are some pics. (gloomy day so not too bright)


Inside with the controller. It is actually a perfect fit in the stock ashtray location. Evens clicks in to place with no need to drill/tape/etc...

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTIxNzkyMTZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg


Another closer shot

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTIxMzk2NTZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg


The front: adjustment motor and camber plate

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTIxMzk2NjZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg


The rear:

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTIxMzk2NzZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg


Passenger front

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTIxMzk2ODZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg


Oh yeah, the meat on dirty rims:

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTIxNzkyNzZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

Matz
04-03-2006, 06:53 PM
:thumbsup: From my short ride with Matt today, it sure feels good. I'd love to have a suspension as comfortable as this one!

And in case anyone was wondering, yes, Matt's rims do stick out about 10" from the wheel well like in the last picture. :lol:

vtluu
04-03-2006, 07:06 PM
I really don't like to mod and don't do it intentionally.
:dumas: What's that they say, "Denial is not a river in Egypt?" :nana:

SJCoruja
04-03-2006, 08:31 PM
I really don't like to mod and don't do it intentionally.
:dumas: What's that they say, "Denial is not a river in Egypt?" :nana:

LOL That was my belated April Fool's joke :D



Matz - Wish there had been more time today to show you their potential, but will make sure to give out some rides on Saturday/Sunday if you can make it. At least you got to feel the powah today though! :twisted:

blitzkrgCT9A
04-03-2006, 08:55 PM
are these inverted or non-inverted? ;)

ok nvm.. non-inverted because the steppin' motor is on top of the strut.

EV0LL
04-06-2006, 08:39 PM
I thought you were going big with the mueller set-up??

SJCoruja
04-06-2006, 11:04 PM
I thought you were going big with the mueller set-up??

Was going to, but they are backordered for awhile and needed something now. I also was dying to try out the Tanabe system and this was the perfect excuse. Worst case....muellerized Tanabes later this year. :wink:

hellz Evo
05-09-2006, 10:42 AM
Thanks Matt. We still need to set up the suspension with the speed set up. As for switching to .....hmm the other company , I am not done yet....lol.