DPE

iTrader: (1)

We've got Konis only, Tein H or S-tech springs only, or package deals at some pretty low prices.

EDIT: Price and Qty and everything else below updated on 11/20/2006

The Konis are going for $550 shipped for the set of four and I now have 0 sets in stock but should have one here by Friday.

The Koni and Tein Spring packages are going for $695 shipped.

We'll also do $710 shipped on a set of Konis with the Tanabe GF210 springs that we just got in. If I see an order for both items, I'll waive shipping and mark the Tanabes down $10.

The H-Tech and S-tech Tein springs are going for a price I can't advertise, but you'll see it when you follow the link. SIX S-techs and one set of H-techs in stock. Flex kit is also in stock. PM for pricing on the Flex.

Here's the link to the Koni and Tein spring deals: http://www.dpeweb.com/ProductsList.a...ductTypeID=107. Click on any of the products for more info.

And for those with who want something a bit more aggressive, I've still got a JIC FLT-A2 coilover kit in stock. JIC has significantly raised prices, so this set is really a steal now. Retail price is now $2070. Ours remains quite a bit less. Follow this link:
JIC: http://www.dpeweb.com/ProductDetails...8&vehicleID=58

I also have TWO sets of Whiteline adustable bars in stock and 2 sets of non-adjustables.

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Down to three sets each of the Tein springs. . .

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Two sets of Konis left; I know there are other RX8s out there in desperate need of better damping!!!

pooh_man

Do you have any tein basic coilovers in stock ready to ship?

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately I don't have any Basics in stock, and they seem to be on backorder at Tein. If you are interested email me and I'll check a few other warehouses to see if they're available.

For what it's worth, if you're looking for performance the Konis with Tein springs work a bit better than Basics. We know this from first-hand experience .

As an interesting side note, the 350Z seems just the opposite; Basics are superior to Konis and S-techs, mostly due to the higher spring rates and how the kit balances out the car better. Either setup on either car is a HUGE improvement over OEM, but it's interesting to see how things work on specific vehicles.

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Down to one set of Konis! Still have 3 H-techs and 2 S-techs left as well. . .

Also have one pair of Whiteline non-adjustable bars and one pair of adjustables in-stock ready to ship. If ordered with springs and/or shocks, I'll ship the bars for free as well (shipping discount will be done behind the scenes when I process the order).

DPE

iTrader: (1)

All out of Konis! I'll have more in by late next week, but due to some price restructuring I have to raise them to $550 shipped. If I could just buy $15k worth at a time I could keep the old pricing, but you guys don't buy Konis THAT fast .

Still have a couple sets of S-techs and H-techs too. . . .

success07

Would you explain further your experience with the Tein Basics?

What are some simple positives and negatives b/w the Koni/ Tein setup and the Tein Basic setup?

Thank you in advance.

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Here is a post from our very own Craig (TheArchitect), describing his thoughts on the Tein Basics after living with them for a couple months. Took this from another post and edited the content a bit for relevance:

Well, I'll add my $.02 to the mix. I haven't autocrossed with the Basics, but I have had it at the track a couple of times with Basics on and drive daily on them.

In daily driving, I traverse plenty of pothole-ridden midwestern roads, so I appreciate that the Basics aren't super firm. The stock suspension is decent, but definitely soft. The Basics do cure that. I have driven the car on some road trips and it remains plenty comfortable. That the engineers at Mazda have given the car such a good GT/sportscar blend is a testament to their chassis tuning prowess, but there were obviously compromises made. The Basics get rid of those compromises, mostly without making any compromises of their own in harshness. I'm pretty impressed by that. That said, I can see them maybe not being the perfect companion for autox since agility and responsiveness are highly valuable in that setting, and I can see that some would prefer more damping (namely, rebound in the rear, at least in my observations) even in the Basics.

The car with the OEM suspension has a tendency to get a bit of a wiggly butt on track when really pushed deep into a corner under trail braking, and it also has a bit more roll than I personally care for on track. Nothing horrendous, but it could be better. Under hard braking deep into a corner, it seems to me (keeping in mind that I'm not a suspension engineer) that the rear suspension unloads to such a great degree due to lack of rebound control in the rear and softness in the front that you can actually get a fair amount of change in alignment that creates some instability in the rear of the car at the absolute limits (think positive camber and maybe even a positive toe change). The amount of suspension softness actually is good up to about 8-9/10 in my opinion, because it aids in grip to a point and gives a little bit of margin for error before giving up grip and spinning. For most drivers, this is probably a good safety net. At about 10/10 (and especially at 11+/10!), things get considerably dicier on track. In several driving events on the stock suspension, I found that the car gets a bit spooky when really pushed to the limit. We're talking driving really deep into a turn, and frankly overdriving the car, but that was a bit of the point, to try to find the car's weaknesses.

So, on track with the OEM suspension, one can definitely overdrive the car into an oversteering state, albeit a state that is recoverable - in my experience, anyway. After getting the Basics on, I found that the positive traits of the car remained in daily driving, but it really came alive on track. In fact, the car became a lot more entertaining on track. The chassis feels more balanced and more alive. The untoward dive and roll has been tempered a lot. There is still some roll, but it's lessened. Might still want sway bars, but that's a lot about preference.

I have found the car to be supremely balanced with the Basics on track, more so than stock, and I have found that I can balance the car exactly how I want it with the throttle now, whereas throttle induced yaw corrections were less precise on the stock suspension. The car is much more planted in the rear in hard braking and trail braking, which is much appreciated at the limit, without gaining understeer. The car is a whole lot of fun stock on track, but with the Basics it really has gone to a new level when driven hard. It has shown no tendency to give up on me like it did as stock when driven really hard, remains balanced, has sharper reflexes, and yet still allows enough body motion to keep someone like me, with no F1 contract as of yet (I suspect with good reason, but I'm still open to offers...), on the road course and out of the weeds.

So, the Basics might not be perfect for everyone, but I have been very pleased with them. We'll have more to report as time goes on and other developments take place with other product pairings, but so far I can't find much to fault in the Basics for a car that is daily driven and occasionally tracked. If you do autocross also, I could see going with something adjustable being a huge benefit, since the settings for autocross vs. road course would probably need to differ a bit. But, so far so good with the Basics for me.

***************************

So there are some comments on the Basics. I'll post again on my thoughts along with info on the Konis. . .

DPE

iTrader: (1)

As a non-RX-8 owner (soon to change, I hope ), over the last couple years I've been lucky enough to get a lot of seat time in a couple of RX-8s in varying stages of modification. As some of you may know, we were able to directly compare a car with Tein Basics to a car with Konis and Tein H-tech springs. Neither car had any other suspension mods for awhile. We took a drive to the Ozark Mountains in southern MO and northern AR for a 'scientific' comparison between the two cars. There are some phenomenal and deserted twisty roads in this region, in case anyone wonders why we were going there.

Both cars felt much better than stock, and that's saying something. It's easy to improve on a crappy suspension, but much harder to improve on one that's already quite good. But either way there's a notable improvement. The Basics, with their high spring rates, essentially eliminate dive and squat. They also reduce body roll quite a bit, though no more than the Koni/H combination. The Basics make the car feel more controllable in all situations, and generally more responsive as one would expect. And the ride remains surprisingly compliant, despite the high spring rates. Just goes to show what a well-matched spring and damper can accomplish. And of course they are height adjustable, which is either a plus for those who like to mess with it or irrelevant to those who don't. As a set-it-and-forget-it suspension, the Basics work great.

Getting out of the Basics car and into the Koni/H car, the first thing I noticed is the steering seems to be even more alive. Then diving into the first turn at speed, I was amazed at how quickly the car turns in and takes a set. It is truly remarkable how quickly and accurately the car turns in with that combo. And somehow it feels even more buttoned down, more controllable. What I believe is that the valving in the Konis is more sophisticated than that of the Basics, thus allowing more precise shock control, thus allowing more precise handling. And of course you can adjust the damping, which subsequently has proven to be very useful on track. Just unfortunate you can't adjust the rear damping easily. As far as ride, the cars actually rode pretty similar, though if you crank up the Konis all the way you can make it almost uncomfortably firm. Left in the lower settings though, which seems to be where they match up to Tein springs, it's a nice combination. Chassis balance remains neutral with either setup, and can be varied more significantly by tire pressures and alignment settings than the parts themselves.

Keep in mind we're talking small differences here. On a scale of 1 to 10, if the OEM suspension is a 5, then the Basics are an 8 and the Koni/H is a 9. Point being, you can't go too wrong, but if you want the best solution in the $600-700 range and don't need height adjustability, we believe the Konis with Tein springs are a better way to go. And we're happy to sell both, so it's not that kind of bias .

What about Tokico DSP you might ask? A good question. And one we meant to answer earlier this year, but some car shuffling among our RX-8 owners pre-empted our ability to test them out. If all goes well I am personally going to acquire an RX-8 soon, and will likely install Tokico DSP shocks and Tein H-techs so we can directly compare Konis to Tokicos and see which is the better way to go. Don't hold your breath waiting for that comparo, but we might be able to squeeze in a road test comparison before the year is up.

success07

Thank you for great review comparison, Phil.

I currently run S-Tech's with OEM shocks. I'm a weekend driver that enjoys a lively-spirited drive but am not an auto-crosser or track guy by nature. Not that it will never happen but I'm looking for something that will improve the car with little addtl. maintanence. I'm not going to be messing with dampening rates, height or anything of the like. Buy it and forget it is what I'm good with.

Buy Tokico, buy Koni, buy Basics? That is my dilema.

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Well, you've already got the Tein S-tech springs; a set of Konis would be your cheapest option and honestly probably your best one. If you just want to install them and never touch them again, we can give you a pretty good idea of where to set the shocks, and I suspect you'll be quite happy with the results.

And of course we've got a few sets of Konis coming in late next week that we'll sell for $550 shipped . I can get Tokicos as well, with the necessary extention cables for rear adjustment, for $595 shipped. I'd personally save your money and go with Konis, as I know they work well on the road and track and should last the life of the vehicle. I suspect the Tokicos work well too and will have similar longevity, but they'll cost you a bit more and aren't as well-proven on the RX-8 yet. As I said before we hope to test them out soon so we can compare directly with Koni, but for the moment we can only confirm that Konis work very well and that Tein Basics aren't far behind.

Regards,

Phil
DPE

9G Redline

Do you have anymore Koni/H combo's available? If so, how much? Please PM me.

Thanks!

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Original post updated to reflect quantities and prices as of 10/8/06. PM headed your way, 9G .

marshall

Just thought I'd throw a quick recommendation in for these shocks/springs. I just installed them last thursday and I love them. (I got the s-techs/konis btw). imo it's the perfect amount of lowering/stiffness/drivability. All the time I am more and more surprised by how much faster I can take turns. Worth all the money.

I have no complaints, and DPE was a great place to order them, and very quick to ship.

icyur2

Stupid question, but I'm getting confused on this whole suspension setup..I was recommended that if I was planning to upgrade the suspension, and not sacrifice too much on the ride, that the Tein Basic is the way to go. Now, what I would like to know is that when this is done, can I use the stock shocks and get the Tein Basic Springs (coilovers?) to replace the stocks? Will this work and give similar performance as stated above? Or..do I have to also replace the stock shocks?

Another question is..what is the life expectancy of the shocks and springs? I plan on this upgrade when the life cycle of the item in question made it through its years.

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Marshall, glad you are enjoying them!

icyur2: For the complete explanation, I point you to this thread in the DPE forum: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/spring-rates-other-basic-suspension-info-79096/

In summary, Tein Basics (like any coilover kit) come with four proprietary springs and four shocks; you always use them together as a complete package. You wouldn't, nor could you, use the shocks or springs separately with any of your factory components.

This thread relates to Koni shocks and Tein springs. The Koni shocks can be used as a direct replacement for your factory shocks, and likewise the Tein springs can be used as a direct replacement for your factory springs. Or you can use both the Tein springs and Koni shocks together and make a greater improvement.

Basically, two different ways of modifying the OEM shocks and springs.

As for longevity, that depends on how you drive. OEM springs don't typically 'wear out', but many choose to replace them to make the car ride a bit lower and handle better. And the OEM shocks DO wear out, and when you replace them it's very simple to replace the springs at the same time. Which is what a lot of folks do. I'd say OEM shocks can be done anywhere from 15k miles to 50k miles, but honestly they feel a bit too soft to me even brand new. The car I just bought has 35k miles on it, and the OEM shocks are certainly close to being worn out.

icyur2

Thanks DPE! I guess I misunderstood when one member said that the Tein will work with the stock shocks..must of worded it wrong :p In that case, it is something for me to consider in the future..

Any comment on which one would work for me? I don't track, nor do I think I ever will..however, I do take to the twisties when I have the chance..which setup will work best for me? I'm thinking the Basic might work since you mentioned that the Koni/Tein combo has the option of dampening(?) for track usages...

DPE

iTrader: (1)

I suspect someone meant Tein SPRINGS would work with the stock shocks. That is a true statement. The springs that come with the Tein Basic coilover kit will NOT work with the stock shocks, and even if they would they would destroy the stock shocks in short order due to the springs being very high rate. The nice thing about the Basics is you get shocks and springs that are 'matched' to each other, which is what allows for the very high spring rates yet a very reasonable ride.

As we have said before, either setup provides a marked improvement over the OEM suspension. However, having compared the two directly in the twisties myself, I give the nod to the Koni/Tein Spring setup over the Basics. It just works a bit better, and the option of adjustable damping means more to me than adjustable ride-height. And you can use adjustable damping on the street, it's not just a track-only thing. Soften them up for a long highway trip or firm them up for a run through the twisties. Or set them where we suggest and you may well never touch them again. If you like how they feel. And if you don't, you can adjust them .

But I think I've said before, if the Koni/Tein spring combo is a 100% improvement over stock, then the Basics are a 90% improvement. If height adjustment means more to you than damping adjustment, get the Basics and enjoy. If you want to set it and forget it, either will work, but you know our opinion.

Another good option for a lot of folks MAY be the Tokico DSP shocks with Tein springs, but until those find their way onto my car for testing I won't be able to say for sure. And the Tokicos cost a bit more than the Konis, though they also allow (with the inexplicably not-included adjustment cables) rear shock damping adjustment on the car. More on that in a month or so.

Some other perhaps relevant comments:
- I can't say with certainty, but if you are looking for longevity I strongly suspect the Koni/Spring combo will last longer than the Basics. Especially when winter weather is thrown into the mix. The Basics are well-made, but there are more 'exposed' parts that I suspect won't last the life of the car. The Konis are built just like OEM shocks, and have a lifetime warranty, so that's why I think that. But the Teins won't crap out in 2 years or anything, I'm just talking if you are keeping the car 100k+ miles and don't ever want to touch the suspension again I'd lean toward Konis with springs.

- This is becoming common knowledge as Tein continues to grow in popularity, but just so people know it's pronounced "Tain" as in rhymes with "Pain". I had no idea until I spoke to them at SEMA. And the name Tein comes from TEchnical INnovators. Impress ricers with your knowledge!

- Should you buy Tokico DSP shocks from DPE, the optional rear adjustment cables are always included. No need to buy seperately.

icyur2

Thanks DPE!!

Hmm..question to you would be, how hard is it to adjust the "dampers?" I'm no mechanical guru, so..this whole get under the car thing kind of freaks me out :p Although, I did change my transmission oil/rear differential by myself..so..not TOO inept From what you are telling me, sounds like the Koni/Tein would work out the best...

On the side note, do you know of anyone who just put in Tein Springs with their stock shocks? I'm wondering if the person who made that comment had this done, because they seem pleased with it..won't get the same suspension as the combo, but an improvement over the stock's?

DPE

iTrader: (1)

The rear dampers (or shocks) have to be removed from the car to adjust. So that's a bit more involving, and you want to get your initial setting right.

The front dampers might take you 5 minutes to adjust, and are done by popping the hood, placing the adjustment tool on top of each shock, and turning it. Not very hard at all.

That's why we want to try out Tokico though, as they DO offer rear shock adjustment on the car. If they are quality shocks, that might be worth it to a lot of people.

Putting Tein springs or any lower/stiffer springs on the OEM shocks can be done to good effect. However, the lack of damping (particularly in the rear) will be more obvious when you hit bumps in mid-corner and the like. The car will move around more and generally feel more unsettled in certain situations. And of course you'll wear out your OEM shocks quicker, as they'll be trying to control springs they weren't designed to have to control. Basically, you'll get better overall body control (less roll, dive and squat) and the nice look with springs only, but the suspension will not work nearly as well as it can (with upgraded shocks) when you hit bumps and/or drive in a spirited manner.

IvanO

Do you still have any Tein S-techs in stock?

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Just shipped out my last set yesterday. I will have a couple more sets in by the middle of next week though, along with some Tanabe GF210s. Still have 2 sets of H-techs, the JIC FLT-A2s, a set of Tanabe sways, and a set of Whiteline non-adjustable sways. Ran out of Konis yesterday as well, but can get them within a few days as needed. Probably do another stocking order next month.

IvanO

Great. Can you post something when the new shipment of springs arrive. Thanks

Ivan

DPE

iTrader: (1)

Will have four sets of Konis by the middle of next week.

Will have one set of S-techs and one set of Tanabe GF-210s on Thursday.

One set of H-techs in-stock as well.