adjusting dampers - tein flex

[Clip]

hey guys,

I've been putting a few miles on the new flex coilovers and it looks like its settled about all it will. I was thinking of straying from the 8 default setting on the coilovers (1 softest, 16 hardest) and would like some input from everyone.

If I make the compression/rebound softer (say 4), I suppose this will make the ride a little more forgiving. Will it change any other properties of the way the car will handle or ride?

What if I increase it to 12? Stiffer ride, better steering response?

Thanks!

Chris

 

[sethron71]

Setting both to a softer setting will cause the car to nose dive more under braking, front will go down faster and rear will come up faster. In general obviously a softer ride is more comfortable. So if you are not tracking the car go a little softer and then if you go to the track go stiffer. Most likely you will never take full advantage of the shocks unless you have big brakes, big bars, and the frame all stiffened up!

HTH,
Seth

 

[projectsupra]

http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets6.html

 

[Keros]

I've read time and again in many different places that adjustable valving in shocks is like doing a vasectomy with a chainsaw. It can be done, but the results... well... not so nice.

 

[supra90turbo]

I've read time and again in many different places that adjustable valving in shocks is like doing a vasectomy with a chainsaw. It can be done, but the results... well... not so nice.

:nono: I don't think that's the case... lol

 

[honestabe]

I have TEIN Flex's and I have them set to full hard. I've adjusted the height as low as I can go without usually scraping and the pre-load on the springs are about as stiff as I can get them to be. That being said, I rather enjoy my ride quality. I feel the road and the Supra handles beautifully.

 

[sethron71]

I've read time and again in many different places that adjustable valving in shocks is like doing a vasectomy with a chainsaw. It can be done, but the results... well... not so nice.

You do realize every real racecar in the world runs adjustable shocks right? Even an F1 car still has adjustable shocks! The biggest thing most people don't understand before they start adjust shocks is that you have to already be in the proper spring range before you start adjust the valving. The valving is simply for fine tuning once you have the proper setup on the car. It should not have drastic effects on the car just fine adjustments to get a car perfect. For most street cars the only reason I agree with adjustability is for those who street and track their cars which give them the abitily to run stiff springs for the track and then just soften the valving way up for the street. It is still a harsh ride but what high performance car isn't? Needless to say as I mentioned before for the street the fine tuning is really minute and almost useless.

HTH,
Seth

 

[IJ.]

Notepad and a pen helps....
(and an understanding of what each adjustment actually does)

 

[Alec]

What's the perfect spring rates for our cars? I'm planning on getting Stance coilovers soon and they will let me pick the spring rates.

 

[honestabe]

What's the perfect spring rates for our cars? I'm planning on getting Stance coilovers soon and they will let me pick the spring rates.

Wouldn't that all depend on what kind of driving you want to do with your Supra? Example, you'd want really soft springs in the rear for drag racing but for road course racing you'd want stiff springs.

 

[Alec]

Wouldn't that all depend on what kind of driving you want to do with your Supra? Example, you'd want really soft springs in the rear for drag racing but for road course racing you'd want stiff springs.

I guess so, if it matters, this is a street only driven car but I want it kinda on the stiff side. I might take it to a track event sometime so I want it to handle amazing but yet not TOO stiff where it's not enjoyable to drive. You know what I mean?

 

[honestabe]

Even as stiff as my Supra is, I think it's very comfortable. My shocks have about an inch of travel and that seems to be pretty nice.

 

[Clip]

i've loved every minute of my flex's so far. these things perform beautifully. its stiff enough to let me know they're there but not so stiff i need to get my fillings replaced. 12/6 spring rates

abe, are yours the flex's or mono flex's?

 

[supisarethebest]

do not hold what im about to say against me please,ive heard that driving on stiff suspension helps out on the fuel side of things,supposedly you get better mileage?is this true

 

[Alec]

So does anyone know what spring rates I should get for the Stance coilovers?

 

[lewis15498]

do not hold what im about to say against me please,ive heard that driving on stiff suspension helps out on the fuel side of things,supposedly you get better mileage?is this true

I dont know who told you this, but never listen to that person again.

 

[adampecush]

I dont know who told you this, but never listen to that person again.

well in theory, less energy lost to the stiffer suspension translates to more energy for moving forward, so this is somewhat true.

if you don't beleive me, ride a hardtai and full suspension bike up a hill. see which one takes more energy to get to the top.

 

[supisarethebest]

well in theory, less energy lost to the stiffer suspension translates to more energy for moving forward, so this is somewhat true.

if you don't beleive me, ride a hardtai and full suspension bike up a hill. see which one takes more energy to get to the top.

you have a point!

 

[Turbo Habanero]

well in theory, less energy lost to the stiffer suspension translates to more energy for moving forward, so this is somewhat true.

if you don't beleive me, ride a hardtai and full suspension bike up a hill. see which one takes more energy to get to the top.

I can see what you are saying but in a car i THINK it would make such alittle difference you could never tell.

 

[sethron71]

well in theory, less energy lost to the stiffer suspension translates to more energy for moving forward, so this is somewhat true.

if you don't beleive me, ride a hardtai and full suspension bike up a hill. see which one takes more energy to get to the top.

I am pretty sure this has been proven false time and time again, I even think on Mythbusters! The energy is simply transferred but not lost. The energy "lost to the shocks" is transfered back as the shocks return. Such that some of your downward force makes the suspension compress yet the energy is returned when the shock springs you back up. The real difference is in the weight between the 2 types of bikes. Hardtails are usually much lighter.

As for the perfect set of springs it is all dependant on driving. Like mentioned drag, road course, street, and then when you get into it a rough road course will take a softer spring and a smoother will allow you to run a stiffer spring. Also depending on the rim size and tires you run as they offer a set spring rate(or should say infinate spring rate).

Again for a street car get when the tein offers and if you are unsure go with their middle of the road spring and you will be happy.

HTH,
Seth