One year Review: Tein Flex Z Coilover on 2019 WRX

Summary

In this detailed review of the Tein Flex Z coilovers, the reviewer shares their experience after one year of use on their daily-driven car. Highlighting the affordability, ease of installation, and impressive adjustability (camber and damping), the reviewer explains why the Tein Flex Z offers excellent value for money. The coilovers provide enhanced handling, reducing body roll and improving cornering confidence, while still maintaining a comfortable ride for daily use. With proper maintenance, they offer long-term reliability. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends the Tein Flex Z for those seeking budget-friendly, performance-oriented suspension upgrades.

Takeaways

• 😀 The TEIN Flex Z coilovers are a great option for budget builds, offering quality at a reasonable price (~$770–775).
• 😀 TEIN has a long history of reliable suspension products, making it a trusted brand for many car enthusiasts.
• 😀 The Flex Z coilovers come with **top hats** and **dampening adjustability**, offering more value than many others in the same price range.
• 😀 The installation of the coilovers is relatively easy, with a difficulty rating of 3/10 for a low-mileage car, but can go up to 5-7/10 for older cars.
• 😀 The ride comfort is acceptable for daily driving, with an 8k spring rate front and rear, but will never match factory suspension comfort.
• 😀 The dampening adjustability allows for a customizable ride experience, with settings from soft to firm (up to 15 clicks).
• 😀 For daily driving and occasional spirited driving, the Flex Z coilovers provide improved handling and reduced body roll.
• 😀 The Flex Z’s significantly improve cornering confidence, but the setup may not be ideal for serious track use, depending on specific needs.
• 😀 Regular maintenance is crucial, especially for Northeast drivers, to keep the coilovers in good working condition. Clean the threads every 3-6 months.
• 😀 Despite a stiffer ride, the coilovers are still comfortable enough for longer drives, though passengers not accustomed to performance suspensions may find them harsh.
• 😀 Overall, the TEIN Flex Z coilovers are highly recommended for anyone looking to improve handling, reduce wheel gap, and maintain a good balance between comfort and performance.

Q & A

Why did the reviewer choose the TM Flex Z coilovers over other options?

The reviewer chose the TM Flex Z coilovers due to their affordable price, the brand's reputation and long history, and the adjustability they offer, including top hats and dampening control, which were important for a budget build.

How easy was the installation of the TM Flex Z coilovers?

The installation was relatively simple for the reviewer, rating the difficulty as a 3 out of 10 due to the car having only 300 miles on it, which made the bolts easier to work with. For others, the difficulty might range from 5 to 7 out of 10 depending on the car's age and condition.

What impact did the coilovers have on ride comfort?

The reviewer finds the ride comfort to be acceptable and good for daily driving, giving it a 7 to 8 out of 10. The spring rate of 8k is ideal for daily driving, offering a balance between comfort and performance. The ride may be too stiff for some, but it's manageable for the reviewer.

What is the spring rate of the coilovers and why is it significant?

The coilovers have an 8k spring rate in both the front and rear. This spring rate is ideal for daily driving, as it provides a balance between comfort and performance. A higher rate would lead to a stiffer ride, which is less comfortable for daily use.

What does the reviewer think about the handling after installing the coilovers?

The reviewer feels the handling has significantly improved with the TM Flex Z coilovers, especially in terms of body roll and confidence during turns and bends. While not ideal for track use, they are great for spirited driving and daily use.

How does the reviewer maintain the coilovers?

The reviewer recommends checking and cleaning the coilovers every three to six months, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. Keeping the threads clean and free of debris ensures smooth adjustments and prolongs the coilovers' lifespan.

What are the disadvantages of coilovers mentioned in the video?

The main disadvantage is that coilovers will never ride as smoothly as factory suspension. The reviewer mentions that while the Flex Z coilovers are relatively comfortable, they are still stiffer than stock, which may not be ideal for all drivers, particularly those who prioritize comfort.

How did the reviewer set the dampening adjustments on the coilovers?

The reviewer set the dampening on the TM Flex Z coilovers to 8 out of 15 in both the front and rear. The dampening is adjustable between 1 (hardest) and 15 (softest), with the reviewer finding this setting suitable for daily driving.

Did the reviewer experience any issues with the coilovers after a year of use?

No, the reviewer reported no issues after using the TM Flex Z coilovers for over a year. They are happy with the performance, comfort, and overall value, and they recommend them for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, adjustable suspension system.

What should potential buyers consider before purchasing the TM Flex Z coilovers?

Potential buyers should consider their expectations regarding ride comfort, as coilovers are generally stiffer than factory suspension. They should also think about the level of adjustability they want, including dampening and camber adjustments, as well as the maintenance required to keep the coilovers in good condition.