Well, as some of you know, I p/u a the Tien SS Coilover kit back in December '05. I'm waiting to install the set in the spring with the hopes that I can afford a nice set of 17" wheels as well. With no job, the new wheel search is just a dream right now! LOL

Back to the Tein's. After reading the countless number of threads about lowering a car, I decided to ask Tien directly, if I need to change/modifiy my bumpstops, so that I don't prematurely bottom out on them. The answer was no. Which was good to hear. However, it was the answer to my other qurestion that may me decide to write this thread. My intentions going with the Tein SS cloiover kit was not for a super drop of 3", but only a mild drop of 1" or so and the obvious improved dampening capabilities of adjustable shocks compared to my tired stock setup. Well I was informed by Tien that I will see no less then 2.1" of drop, and lower if I choose. That's double (and more than) I wanted or was expecting! I guess I'll have to wait and see how it looks once they're on the car.


My question to members out there is, is there anyone running a set of the Tein SS at the max height with stock '01 rims and has pictures of before and after the install? I'd like to get a warm fuzzy that the 2" drop won't be too much.

FYI - Here's a copy of the email response from Tein USA

"...Thank you for your interest in TEIN High Performance Suspension Products. TEIN dampers come complete with new bump stops. Also our dampers are designed with shortened shell case to accommodate more piston travel at lower ride heights, therefore unfortunately at the highest point will still be below factory height. Your specific vehicle will be -2.1" below factory. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us. "

2.1" seems a little much, but there is no way to run stock ride height with the Tein SS. Dont worry though, you can adjust them to a very acceptable ride height that is a good compromise of looking good and riding well. The major issue is with the fronts. I have mine adjusted almost at the very top in the front, but the rears are more like half way.


- Greg -

2.1" seems a little much, but there is no way to run stock ride height with the Tein SS. Dont worry though, you can adjust them to a very acceptable ride height that is a good compromise of looking good and riding well. The major issue is with the fronts. I have mine adjusted almost at the very top in the front, but the rears are more like half way.


- Greg -

LOL!! I don't think I finished hitting the return key, and you already posted a reply! LOL! Thanks! I hope they're wrong about the min of 2.1" as well. And you are right, it's the front I'm more worried about. Don't want that much drop up there. I'm not to worried about ride quality. A friend of my installed a set of Buddy Club coilvoers on his S2000, and even lowered I we both swear the ride quality is actually smoother that the stock setup!

Also, when Loek & Loco were bugging me to buy some of MEP's strut mounts, MEP said I wouldn't need them with the Tien SS's and that I'd probably only see about a 1" drop and the minium setting. Just based on MEP's experience, I think I trust his judgement more.

http://www.g20.net/gallery/data/3365/1608IMGP0392.JPG

Thats where mine is set... not ricer low but still a drop over stock. I'd guess more like 1-1.5" below stock. And there's still maybe 1/2" of lift left.



- Greg -

Thats where mine is set... not ricer low but still a drop over stock. I'd guess more like 1-1.5" below stock. And there's still maybe 1/2" of lift left.

- Greg -
Thanks for posting the picture. Now I feel at ease about not having too much drop. BTW, nice wheels! Did you paint them yourself, or did you get them professionally refinished? How low has it been since you did this?

yea..im having hte same problem...i really want to work on my suspension first...but im not sure ...i live in ny rite now ...but i got into michigan.....so i want to be able to put my ride height up as stock during winter...do u guys think dropping the car is a bad idea?

I can't see any problems with the Tein SS's and ride hight at nearly any place! Within
reasonable limits of course.

I have ridden with my Tein ss's all the way down in all corner for some time now, and it's
not really that many places I have had any problems. Just need to avoid some key points. :lol:

I have raised the car 32mm in all corners, mostly for winter season, for the last month
or two, and the car is damn tall know, compared to the way it was. Felt the diffrance
even as I lifted the first foot in the door. Feels like a jeep know. :throwup:
I have'nt had any problems with ride hight since. Oh well, 1 problem, I scrubbed a little
on a fricking huge iceblock on the road.

So I would say it safe to say, Tein SS's on Max height, will give you pretty much all the
ride hight clearance you will need for normal driving. But this is of course my point of
view, and how I drive the car. :cheeky:

BTW, nice wheels! Did you paint them yourself, or did you get them professionally refinished? How low has it been since you did this?

Thanks, man. I had them powdercoated with a metal flake gunmetal. The pictures really dont do them justice!

It's been about a year since I did them. The finish is still mint.


- Greg -

i had tein ss's on my b14 with stock camber plates it wasn't but an inch off of stock height but once i put in GC camber plates to adjust the camber it dropped it almost another inch cuz the plates were mounted on top of the shock tower. i am not sure if your kit comes with camber plates or not but i believe the tein ones will mount below the shock tower that way you won't lose another inch or so. just something to keep in mind when you want to be able to adjust your alignment. as far as i know the set up for the b14 and for the p11 are similar along with the suspension geometry in the front (similar i said not the same) so i would try and get camber plates from tein that way you can adjust your camber by yourself when you decide you want to slam your car or when you decide you to raise it back up. i did it on an alignment rack i marked the plates and i also counted the number of turns i needed to adjust each tie-rod and marked the threaded portion of the shock. with all that info i was able to raise and lower my car whenever i wanted and keep my alignment golden.

as far as i know the set up for the b14 and for the p11 are similar along with the suspension geometry in the front (similar i said not the same)

Nothing like each other. You can't adjust the camber on a P11 with top mounts in the front or rear.

What tein said is right though. With the tein coilovers, the car will still be low because the shafts are smaller.