I heard that EDFC is not leagel for auto-x. I wanted to do the same but want to auto-x. Anyone know for sure?
RAW

 

Ugh. This is always a touchy subject and it appears I am late. Tein has lots of fanboys, so let's get this out of the way:

Tein makes good suspension products. Yeah, Dampa-chi is cute.

With that said, the good suspension products they make for real track racing are few. The EDFC is a gimmick. Here is my problem with the Tein Flex setup: For the price you pay for the flex setup, you could have custom JIC/Buddy Clubs from John Mueller at RRE or some Cusco/Ohlins. Tein Flex are probably very good street coilovers, but they are not very good track coilovers comparatively and for the price. And lastly, the EDFC is not allowed in many racing events (I know it isn't allowed in Autocross Solo II). For the price you are paying, there can be MUCH better products had.

 

They are most definitely not allowed.

 

It's not about spending the extra cash to get the "in cabin adjustability".. I am a person that really hates a bumpy ride. But I do like taking sharp corners and havin a lil fun. I just thought that having EDFC would be a plus - because I can adjust the ride comfort fast and quick from inside the car. Also like I said earlier - I would like to start going to the track more often. But having a bump ride on the highway isnt really fun.

The Flex plus EDFC optoin was just and idea someone threw at me and I am asking you guys on your opinions (which I thank you for). If you wouldnt get this setup - what are other good setups that would be good for me? I told you guys what my expectations are. Thanks

Krunal

 

You are asking too much from your coilovers. Comfort or performance, pick one.

The EDFC is flat out not allowed in auto-x so forget using the EDFC at all. If you want to have a comfy ride, ALL coilovers can be adjusted using forks, you can adjust them for the track then move them back after you are done. Some coilovers go from vagina-soft to iron stiffness, others are stiff no matter what. This may be too much of a pain for you, I don't know. Generally Tein offers a bit more street comfort over other brands, but you will lose performance in the process. If you really need a happy medium, the Flex minus the EDFC might be ok. APEXi also released a new street coilover that might be worth a look.

I *DO* know that for around 2000$ you can buy some of the best performing but uncomfortable coilovers (JIC Magic FLT-A2) custom balanced by John Mueller at RRE ( www.roadraceengineering.com ). He slapped some of these on a mid 90's DSM back in 2003 and bested Supras, Skylines, etc. around a track, so that should speak for their performance right there.

But again, I stress that you are asking WAY too much out of your coilovers. Coilovers are meant to be stiff. Stiff = better handling. If you are serious about the ride being more comfortable, you really should be looking elsewhere.

 

stiff does not equal better handling....proper rates coupled with proper valving = better handling

One of the fastest street legal cars I know of at Lime Rock runs on the Flex.....that being said, he spent the time to set them up properly, played with spring rates (ended up going softer, car got quicker), and he can drive.

It is all in the setup, regardless of the hardware you run

 

I agree, but generally every well setup coilover I have run has been very stiff.

 

Tsurara,

You have some valid points, but i have the Tein FLex setup on my car and i am VERY happy with the setup. I am no AutoX person, just my daily driver. You are right i could have done better with my money, but i chose the Felx with the EDFC.

 

Right, I think Tein makes some nice stuff and is good for a daily driver stuff, I just don't think its the best for the track

 

1) The adjustment range on the Tein is subtle.
2) In car shock adjustment is illegal in SCCA autoX
3) You are not going to make changes that often and those changes won't be very noticeable (see #1 above)

therefore - save your self some money. If you are set on the Tein then buy it without the EDFC.

 

I have heard some others that tein on the softest setting is actually pretty soft, and hard...well its stiff , how subtle is it really?

 

i couldn't tell much of a difference between the softest and hardest settings on the tein flex system. to me the teins compared to the muellerized jic's were like riding on pogo sticks.

 

I have been on the Tein Flex's for about a month now. I think they are great. They handle well are and pretty comfortable on the street. I too also have the EDFC. I know for a fact that I can feel a different between the softest 16/16, the middle 8/8, and the lowest 0/0 settings. I typically run around on the expressway on the softest setting and the ride comfort is nice. If I am out playing around on some back roads, the middle setting is a nice compromise. The hardest settings is actually pretty stiff. THe only time I ever run this setting is when I am on a nice stretch of twisties that have a goof flat surface, with no bumps.

However, I dont Auto-X either. So, please keep that in mind when taking my opinion. Based on other CO setups I have had in the past, I think the Flex is a pretty darn good option for the street/strip setup. Then again, I practically got mine for free, so I couldnt go wrong

Thanks,
Nathan

 

bump

 

bump for some more info on this setup...