Well, today I went up to Synaptic3 in Candia, NH to get my suspension looked over and corner balanced for track season. They put the car up on the lift and pulled out the front suspension. The tech calls me out to "take a look at this". Left front shock, blown, oil all over the place. Right front shock, almost blown, oil leaking. This is after only 5 track days and about 10k miles of driving on these. The tech then begins to explain how many of the companies that make coilover kits are no good. JIC, Apexi, Tanabe all get their shocks manufactured at the same place that makes faulty/cheap shocks. He said the only Japanese company he would use is Tein or maybe Cusco. I was so angry. Anyone with JICs I would suggest getting them checked out. On normal street driving I didn't even notice too much of a change, but the shock had been blown for awhile. If I'd taken it on the track, It would have been a very bad day. Anyone else had issues with JIC?

In the end it was a happy day. I will have in my posession on Friday a set of Tein MonoFlex 16 way adjustable coilovers with the EDFC and MSV.

 

That's a pretty broad statement to be making about some reputable companies. I know the tech said it, not you but it doesn't make sense to me. I've seen some good reviews on the Tanabes.

Bummer about your coilovers getting all busted up. Did you try contacting JIC? Isn't it warrantied?

 

your not alone here.

The autocross and track addict guys have a saying for those coilover systems from japan, "Jap-Crap". Part of the problem is that japanese roads are smooth as glass and well maintained, not like ours, but mostly its just poor build quality.

You'll have better luck with TIEN or at least most do, but expect a rebuild after 2 or 3 years.

 

I had mine rebuilt...the rears for free. The guys at JIC USA have given me good service, with no problems.

 

I said that exact same thing to the tech when he said it. I was like "I did a lot of research and I thought JICs were the best out there for the 8 without me spending over $5k." He said a lot of those comapnies used to make good products, then they all switched to the same supplier/manufacturer for their shocks, and that manufacturer doesn't use quality parts etc. Normally I might take all this with a grain of salt, but my coilovers ARE blown (I have pics) and Synaptic3's guys know their stuff, expecially when it comes to Mazda and its aftermarket.

 

I discussed the rebuilding scenario, but I'm in a position where I just don't trust the JICs anymore. These coilovers should have lasted much longer. We also went over the pieces of the coilover and how they compare to other manufacturers. The JICs shock piston is very thin in comparison to Tein, Cusco, etc. He had the coilover taken apart and pointed out to me 2-3 different places where they failed or were about to fail and the cheap parts that caused it. They also say there are many more shops/dealers/etc that are capable and certified to work on Tein's rather than JICs etc.

 

good to know. I'm looking at coilovers this summer. Tein Flex's with the EDFC are tops on my list, with KW's right below then if I have the green.

 

I sent you a PM but nm, congrats on the monoflex.

i've had a lot of issues like this with JIC coilovers back when they first came into the states as well. Kinda why we stopped carrying them a good 4 years ago. It sounds like their customer service has improved a hundred fold now. I'm sure its partly due to their greater success now that the years have passed by.

I must say though I absolutely loved their exhaust systems. It's the one thing I can honestly say i miss from their product line.

Tein is just setup the right way. Small discount on product so creates a level playing field and they can afford to provide service, marketting, materials, etc... to both their end users and dealers. i'm not sure what the rebuild turn around times are with a company the size of Tein, i know smaller companies like Endless can turn around rebuilds lighting fast in comparison.

Cusco uses Showa dampers in their Zero series coilovers and KYB in their Comp-S.

Tanabe for the most part was KYB's, not sure if the Sevens use a different manufacturer.

That's about all the info i have.

 

Thanks Rishie. I went with the Teins because of what you mention and the place I got them from will do rebuilds on them locally. This whole thing has scared the crap outta me honestly. I'm just glad I didn't end up in a wall on the track because of this.

 

Dude, you can buy Penske double-adjustable coilovers for less than $5k. Same with Motons. Both are leagues ahead of "16-way adjustable" stuff from any manufacturer.
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VAPOR BROTHERS VAPORIZER PRICE

 

I've been using JIC FLT-A2s for several years without any problems. One track day and more than 60 autocrosses, no problems whatsoever. When I pulled them switching to Motons, the seals were still good with no oil leaks.
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Lovely Wendie99

 

But you're in CA my friend. We have much better coilover weather conditions here. hehe.

 

I won't say I told you so ... oops

 

I mean i'm not suprised, but the general feeling i get is that JICs aren't of the highest quality.

 

Stupid newbie question but does it have a warranty?

 

My experience is most companies its hard to prove factory defect etc. Once you've tracked them, they will said its a rebuild.

 

bare, but once you outfit them with springs, helper springs, helper guides, bumpstops, and shock mounts you're up within $1000 of that range

you can save a few bucks by using that same goofy spring setup in the rear that somebody else with Motons got ...

 

1. Auto-x is much less impact on the suspension than track days, especially at a track like NHIS.
2. your roads in CA are about 9812038573910 times better than our roads here in MA. Just driving to work is like an auto-x dodging potholes and such.