So, I keep reading that Tein SS coilovers are about the only set of coilovers for the 02/03 Max where a "stock like" ride can be achieved.

Would anyone care to share what the damper setting would be for this "stock like" ride? I have a set on the way and I would like to start at this level as a baseline and fine tune from there.

Thanks!

 

Turn the dampening screw on the top of the coilover all the way to soft.

 

How low did you set the coilovers? The spring rate depends on how low the car is.

 

really? Are u sure about that? I think hieght adjustment and spring rate are not dependent on each other, atleast thats they way it is on most quality coilovers.

 

I thought it was. Could be wrong...

 

What does spring height, not rate, have to do with compression/rebound dampening? I don't see the relation.

If you you want to know, it will be around -1.6 front and -1.0 rear. Very moderate drop. Lots of room for travel in the struts/shocks.

 

The manual that is shipped with the coilovers from Tein has suggestions to how to set-up the dampening. Just a suggestion

 

Yep, I know. Just wanted to hear if there was an overall consensus of what this "stock like" setting would be.

 

Coilovers allow for the same suspension travel regardless of drop height. The stroke of the damper isn't changed when you lower a coilover, so compression/rebound remains the same with height changes.

 

lol. All of you are correct to an extent...

zero2sixtyZ is getting these Tein SS confused with the Tein Basics for the 4th gen.

Tein SS offer independant adjustment of ride height and spring preload just most other coilovers on the market. They ride real comfortably, but dont go as low as other coilovers. (they still can drop the car lower than the lowest drop spring)

Tein Basics basically adjust ride height the same way you do with ground controls "spring over shock" coilovers. You have to compress the spring, thus deminishing strut travel, thus deminishing ride quality because of bottoming out. They ride really good though if you dont try to max out the preload/slam it.

 

I stand corrected. I can not adjust my rear too soft due to rubbing for now, but I rode in a car with the setting 11 all around, and it was perfection. Stock comfort without the bounciness.

 

Are y'all fine tuning your coilovers on corner scales after installation for maximum performance, or just eye-balling them for ride height?

 

12 all around here, perfect ride

 

This is strictly a street only, family car. It'll never see any track time. Absolutely no corner balancing required. Complete waste of money and time for my requirements. I've got my ZX-12R for track use.

I'm just looking for user input on dampening settings.

 

This is probably where I'll start off with, 12-14, and go from there.

 

12F/15R or something like that. I'm far from Stock, but on point to my comfort level.

 

I have mine set 8 in the front and 8 in the rear.. even with 19's the car rides very comfortable.. not bouncy at all ,the best 1,500 i spent. i wish i didnt waste my money on other struts and springs set up's before i purchased these... i can still go about3/4 of an inch lower up front.. the rear is at its lowest height

 

Nice stance u got there, if u push those rear wheels out alittle it would look incredible.

 

Thanks for the info. Ya, I wanted to make sure I do it right the first time without regrets after the fact. I was originally looking at Illuminas/H&R combo but decided to wait and save the extra cash to get, in my opinion, the top suspension kit for the Max. I'm sure it'll be worth it.

 

My new suspension that will be installed soon.

 

Those lock collars look so much better than the older versions. Is Tein now including those upper mounts with the set? I don't remember mine coming with all that.

PS - nice Thomas the Train adventure playboard, I think my son has the same one. LOL.

 

I am curious about the top hats as well

 

No upper mounts included. Those are all OEM from DAVEB.

Nothing like Tein and Thomas! My son is right into that. Nice piece of cardboard to lay on while working under or around the car. Easier on the old body than concrete or asphalt.

 

If you're talking about the top hats within the rears, they are OEM as well. Anything above the springs, other than a collar and nuts for the dampening shafts, is all OEM.

 

Finally got them installed. Took me less than 5hrs. Would of taken less time if it wasn't for the rusty bolts I had to contend with.

All I can say is wow! They're awesome. So smooth yet lots of feel. I can finally take a corner at speed and not feel like I'm going to roll over the opposite direction. The body roll is pretty much gone. I'm sure a rear stabilizer bar will fix the roll completely.

Dampening initially set to 14F/14R and drop of -1.75"F/-1.0"R.

Before:


After(Don't mind the green tape above the wells. Used to measure drop):


Suspension pics of old compared to new:

 

so whats the consensus? Was it worth the money?

(I already know the answer)

 

I would definitely recommend them if you're looking to change what you have. You know how the saying goes, "You get what you pay for!". I've always lived by if you're going to do something, do it right the first time.

 

COTDANG THATS HOT!!!!!

to the OP looks good.