Driving impressions of tien basics with 336/336 standard springs

Edit and update [skip the story if you like: summery at the end of update]

After driving approximately 1500miles of combined city and rural driving
I remembered I was driving around on the “drag set up”
Since it was so good as it was, I wondered how Travis set them up
So I went out to check the adjustments [settings] and record them


Time to eat some crow,
I discovered these are tein basics [non adjustable for dampening]
And the drag set up as far as height is the standard 12.8 inches from the wheel center to the fender.
So these are tein basics set at standard height[ as per instructions]

In light of these facts
I would have to say the ride quality for DD is toward the harsh side compared to stock
They are the harshest part of the car around town
Tar strips at slow speed are abrupt and surprisingly jarring

On the highway and at speeds above 55 they are a joy
The car seems tight and secure [my wife LOVES that feeling] the ride leans toward Grand Touring and softens and smoothes out noticeably
At a Georgia cruise [3200 in 6th] they are luxurious with, no float
Over big bumps they reveal some harshness and bottoming at highway speeds
Keep in mind
My car with the roll bar, v6, two people, carrying full interior and mounted slicks and spare in the trunk; With my air tank and tools in the back seat ,and a full gas tank weighs  almost 3200lbs


As far as handling goes, it’s like a different car
Turn in is better, rotation better, lean on normal corners is about gone.
Dip on braking is much less
The launch on slicks at 6000rpm is totally controlled

Down sides:
A little rough in town
Some rubbing, very minor over big bumps at speed where bottoming occurs
With 42 mm offset 17x7 wheels with 225/45/17 rubber

Upsides:
Tremendous improvement in handling feeling and driver confidence at all speeds
Less understeer
Higher speed, handling feels, secure and almost luxurious.



original below



On the high way they give the spec a locked in solid feeling and turn in is improved even with the same a/s tires [compared to stock parts nearly 60 thousand miles old]
Very solid w/ drag set up on the road
Harsh at this setting in town yet very comfy on the hwy at 70-80mph
Sits at present time low enough to slightly drag pipes over some speed bumps
High speed accel runs feel more solid and secure than stock, despite vastly increased power [v6 swap]
I have had them on for about a day and 550miles or so
And will report back as I gain more experience with them

Last edited by Yogi B (2008-12-12 10:04:57)