Greetings from Tanabe Racing Development!

[TanabeUSA]

Greetings 240SX owners!

We are happy to become a new member of the Zilvia community, and a supporter of Zilvia.net!

We will be posting information regarding the Nissan 240SX, as well as technical information on the products we have available! We will also be posting technical information based on some of the R&D we have performed on the chassis, as well as any other useful information that can assist the 240SX owner and enthusiast!

We don't always have the luxury of spending lots of time on the forums, so we might not be able to answer every single question-- if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to send email to [email protected] and we will do our best to assist you!

[sw20>>s14]

yea! tanabes the shiet!

[A Spec Products]

tanabe rules!

now if only they would sponsor our cars :cough:

sup guys!

[Giant Robot]

Awesome!

Tanabe makes awesome parts. I have the Pro DD coilovers, tc rods, sway bars, toe, etc...and everything is solid :) TanabeUSA customer service is top notch too and always helpful

[m0rex]

Tanabe kicks ass. Now if you can just hook us up with some good discounts.

[infinitexsound]

how about doing a GB on some coil-overs to kick things off to a good start????

[Dousan_PG]

i love my Tanabe DDs
they rule
thats the only tanabe part i have
i use spl parts
but tanabe folks are cool and sponsor some of the best drivers rockin!

[revat619]

omg, i'd love to have a set of Tanabe DD's. Friggin HE's...:rolleyes:
Oh well, gotta get my diff and some other stuff first, then i'll make the switch.

Aaron, i hate you. :D

[kingsol]

yay for tanabe!
i love my multi-link, can't wait for the DD GB's!!!:D

[sdtouge]

i liek my tranbe coilovers but you guys should do a pha group buy for the drift spec sway bars. that would be cool.

welcome!

[BOMEX180]

Hi there Tanabe!!

[Yoshi]

Welcome! Welcome!

So good to see manufacturers using forums as a source of direct feedback from us end users. Props.
:bowdown:

[ootranceformeroo]

yo! welcome!

I see Tanabe group buys in the future ;)

[ThatRicerDaniel]

my sustec's are cool. still thinking about that master cy.

[matlock]

Welcome to Zilva that is cool that there will basically be tech help right on the board now....I am not currently running any Tanabe parts but I can still welcome can't I?

[justinhustle]

yay

i love my tanabe sways :D

[DRFT180]

great I have the Tanabe ruca's and a group buy on the sways would be great

[King 240]

AWESOME!!
Let me know when you guys have some new goodies for the 240s :love:

[trsilvias13]

a ruca owner here. i 2nd a dd group buy, im looking to buy coilover soon

[WILDACEX187]

tanabe rules. good to see u guys here

[SauN]

im too poor to afford coilovers but i do have tanabe springs! Good stuff

[SpeedMonkeyInc]

Yeah! Tanabe is hella rad. Welcome!

[BOROSUN]

hi tanabe guys, whats new in the chassis department?
neways my (s13) front swaybars bushing is crackin, how about some poly-bushing

[sideview_180sx]

Hehe such a shame, I mite be jumping ship Jay. Over to some discontinued Apex'i N1 type Pros, hehe if things play out nicely. Big ups to Tanabes and the gorgeous sway bars that will snatch my paycheck from me so I can get them hehe

[revat619]

hahaha no shame in jumping ship man!! I'll be right behind you in due time. :bow:

And just for the record, I support the idea of a possible DD group buy 110%. K thanks bye. :D

[SochBAT]

Welcome Tanabe!

I guess no one is stupid enuff to post those "first of all, SEARCH" messages.

Start a GB on coilovers to get associated with the members. 500bucks per coilover for your first GB!
Everyone agrees.

[broken_s13]

ooh yeah..i love my tanabe sticker..made my car get soo much angle when i drift..haha J/K please dont flame me.

[biggie]

Good to see.

Yall make great stuff (I have front sway, RUCAs, and SMR cat-back -- Love everything).

[Project D]

Welcome to the site! I currently don't have anything Tanabe (or anything aftermarket) for my vehicle, but a group buy on say, the SMR or SMH exhaust to make it cheaper than the price I found on the Espelir (475 shipped) would be sooooo cool.

[Saisoku]

I agree with everyone else...Tanabe makes some awesome stuff! I do wish I could afford a set of their coil overs tho. I guess RSR springs will have to do for now. :(

[infinitexsound]

i dont think they are coming back

[TheSpeedFactor]

the guys at Tanabe get swamped. They are a great group of guys with great products.

[Dee240sx]

i dont think they are coming back


I was going to say the same thing...

I highly doubt they'll be back much...

also highly doubt you'll see and group buys or discounts either from them.

[A Spec Products]

I was going to say the same thing...

I highly doubt they'll be back much...

also highly doubt you'll see and group buys or discounts either from them.

as said above, they are quite busy and on many other forums as well.

they can't really sell on the boards directly, as it would clash with their distributors.

they are great guys and its good to see a vendor reaching out to help answer questions and whatnot.

[bboyt3nsk]

Yay for Grip feeling springs!

[infinitexsound]

well its good they posted, but still its a community.. were all here to help each other out.. and talk amongst ourselves.. i dont think them doing a 1 time GB would put a severe dent in the market.... but lets see if it happens...busy or not its just good to see a big name gain intrest in the forums..

[TanabeUSA]

Hello everyone

Thank you for the warm welcome! As we have said in our introduction, we don't have infinite amounts of time to post by the hour, but we will do our best to help you guys out!

Since we're a manufacturer and not a vendor, we don't directly sell anything out of our R&D and distribution facility to the public.

Please remember :D, This doesn't rule out the possibility of us, Tanabe, holding something special for the Nissan community-- be it directly, or through one of zilvia's registered vendors-- You guys are one of our core supporters, so we would like to do as much as we can to help, so we can continue making high quality reliable products! Please look forward to our posts, we will try to post as often as we are capable


BOROSUN:
Re: Swaybar bushings
Please call us or one of our authorized dealers regarding your bushing issue, if you need a replacement, we can help! Solid bushings have the possibility of transferring high stress to weaker parts of the chassis/suspension which can result in expensive damage. Stabilizer bars are intended to twist, as the anti-swaybar is actually a type of spring, with a spring rate. Some compliance in the bushings is recommended.

[420sx]

interesting. i'd like to see Buddy Club USA and Tein to be on the board as well.

[ghambino]

Hello tanabe? Nice to have you here. If you ever have a group buy I too would like to recommend DD coilovers and transmission bushing kit, or rucas.

[twisted_240]

i like my DD's too
and my ruca and toe arent bad either and my rear sway haha.
i still think the DD's should go lower :P

welcome Tanabe :hsdance:

[aa87]

I want DDs'!

[TheSnail]

Hello tanabe? Nice to have you here. If you ever have a group buy I too would like to recommend DD coilovers and transmission bushing kit, or rucas.


Why did you put a question mark after tanabe? The way it flows has been bugging me for the past 15min reading it over and over. I cant stop trying to read it, and it irritates me when I read it, so I figure telling you, will help me let it go.

[HyperTek]

I wanna see Tanabe use input from the forums for R&D!!! that would be far better then just hosting group buys in the forums. =D

[ghambino]

Why did you put a question mark after tanabe? The way it flows has been bugging me for the past 15min reading it over and over. I cant stop trying to read it, and it irritates me when I read it, so I figure telling you, will help me let it go.

:rofl: Sorry for messing with your head dude. I don't know what I was thinking. I think there was a conflict between my head and my fingers. Apparently my fingers were thinking question, but what I wanted to say was: hello tanabe. There, did that set your mind free?

[Project D]

Im waiting for their "one time" group buy and I hope they include an exhaust system.

[Pacman]

Tanabe uses KYB inserts for there coilovers right? Isn't KYB not the best, or is that just the struts?

[yudalicious]

Tanabe uses KYB inserts for there coilovers right? Isn't KYB not the best, or is that just the struts?
KYB makes a variety of struts and shocks for many different purposes, "the best" isn't something clear cut, but I would highly trust KYB's products.

[TanabeUSA]

We work closely with Kayaba Japan and have them manufacture our performance based dampeners to our specs. KYB is a very wonderful company to work with, and they have been a respected authority for their hydraulics and dampener technology for a very long time (founded in 1919) They are one of the largest hydraulics and automotive dampener manufacturers in the world, and have an outstanding track record for safety, reliability and function. (They produce hydraulics and dampeners for planes, trains, the majority of all automobiles in the world, and even make spacecraft equipment!)

They share our sentiment for strictly producing only extremely reliable parts that most importantly, serve their purpose. (This is why Tanabe USA has no need for a rebuild/overhaul facility, as the failure rate is virtually in the mere fractions of a percent-- many are reporting 5+ years of useage) For the Tanabe dampener, the function is performance.

The KYB AGX is a performance OEM replacement shock that is valved for only near OEM spring rates (~3kgmm). Our suspension uses all of our specifications and are very different internally from the AGX, and are designed with much higher tolerances. Our standard adjustable systems for the 240SX are valved for a standard ~8kgmm spring rates, and our DD model is valved for 10kgmm+ spring rates.

Bottom line, Tanabe dampeners are a world apart from a USDM OEM replacement AGX. Many Zilvia members who use Tanabe suspension can vouch for them being very different from a simple spring+AGX combo.

[Pacman]

Thanks for the info. I always hear that people blow there AGX's, and was wondering if thats the quality of the strut or the ignorance of the owner. From what I hear, your coilovers are a good brand and grea quality. Are the coilover rebuildable? If I could afford these I'd get them.

[Dousan_PG]

yeah are my DDs rebuildable or do you sell the shock replacements for it?
i heard rebuild facilities would be availble in USA at one point but didnt really care when i bought them, my friends who are sponsored by Tanabe love their products so i just bought them, after checking them out.

thanks

[yudalicious]

1. (like everyone else), I'm assuming you guys sell replacement dampers (just dampers, without springs, perches, etc) right?
2. I know that you guys sell the lower models with the option of 6/4 or 8/6 spring rates, can you guys also sell the DD model w/ 8/6 rates instead of the 10/8 (at no extra cost)?
Thanks.

[kandyflip445]

I think that if they did do that that they would want to revalve the damper for the springs to offer an optimally matched pair. Cause they don't like to put out half-assed products. But if they did, I'd buy them. ;)

[atom]

So is Tanabe USA gonna make any changes with SSR wheel distribution in the USA?

[S_14.5]

So is Tanabe USA gonna make any changes with SSR wheel distribution in the USA?

You read my mind!
I wanted to know if Tanabe was going to be the investor for SSR? I'm waiting to get more wheels! I got an e-mail stating that SSR are still in court and still dealing with transferring their assets/production line...? True?

[ICKY]

Saisoku - Why didn't you get the S0-C Type II coilovers? Only $100 bucks more than AGX+RS*R Race Springs. I got myself a set thats going on this weekend. They Definately beat GR2+Stock springs. Yay for Tanabe.

[r-b-x]

hey tanabe, I'm interested on what your thoughts are on matching sway bars with springs or coiloevers. would your one model of sway bars work just as effectively on stock or gf springs as it does on coilovers with rates upwards of 8/6 and 10/8 kg/mm? is there any truth to the idea of spring rates overpowering the sway bar rates?

[publicenemy137]

Tanabe rocks! one of my fav suspension companies. So far running their front+rear sustec strut bars. Plan to get your sway bars soon

[Touring240]

bump for more SSR info please. The only thing I've heard is that the date keeps getting pushed back due to court delays.

[TanabeUSA]

yuda, PacMan, Dousan

The Sustec Pro DD's are a rebuildable unit, and the S-0C, S-S, (Type II incl) and DD have replacement shocks available should you get into an accident or the rare chance that there is a fault in craftsmanship.

We don't readily offer overhauls or rebuilds, nor did we feel the need to have a facility dedicated to that-- For the price you have to pay for a quality suspension, that suspension should always perform the function exactly as it was intended for, and should never need to be rebuilt or overhauled. Our philosophy on our suspensions is to build functional suspensions that are most importantly, extremely reliable.

kandyflip

As far as the valving on our dampeners-- the valving of our suspensions is fairly unique. While the number of 'clicks' of adjustment may not be large, each setting is widely different from each other and makes a big impact on the handling. Describing a shock dyno is complex and probably deserving of it's own thread, but basically, a shock dyno shows the speed, force and type of compression and rebound. (linear, digressive, etc) The actual range of speed and dampening force of our type of valving covers a very wide area, which can accomodate for various spring rates.

r-b-x

There is a lot of truth to spring rates overpowering stablizer efficiency. This is evidenced on lightweight race cars with extremely high spring rates 16kgmm+. As the springs become stiffer, they dampen body roll more and more, but require smoother and smoother roads to keep proper tire contact patch and ride quality. The beauty of stabilizers, is that they eliminate body roll without compromising the efficiency of the spring's ability to keep the tire in contact with the road on various surfaces. There is no absolute best setup out there, but a good setup usually involves various components working harmoniously with each other.

The spring rates we offer on our various suspensions for the 240SX are very reasonable for the weight of the vehicle, and our chromemoly stabilizers have proven to be very effective on cars with stock springs, to modified cars with our 10kgmm DD setups.

If anything needs clarification, please let us know or send us an email!

[TanabeUSA]

Re: SSR

Unfortunately, we cannot discuss any information about the afforementioned company nor confirm or deny and information that has been heard. If there is any information, or public announcement, it will be found on our website.

Sorry folks!

[TurDz]

I think it's great that Tanabe has taken the time to step into the world of their customers. Your claims that your coilovers were designed to prevent any rebuilds makes me much more confident to buy them. Thanks!

[mamono]

Re: SSR

Unfortunately, we cannot discuss any information about the afforementioned company nor confirm or deny and information that has been heard. If there is any information, or public announcement, it will be found on our website.

Sorry folks!

boo!!! I see you! :mepoke: I like double D's.

[kandyflip445]

So you're saying your DD could possibly come with lower spring rates for us people that would like a more "gentle" ride, in the future? :)

[S_14.5]

Re: SSR

Unfortunately, we cannot discuss any information about the afforementioned company nor confirm or deny and information that has been heard. If there is any information, or public announcement, it will be found on our website.

Sorry folks!
It was worth the try to find out what's really going on!...I'll be sure to keep an eye for any news...thanks!

[Dousan_PG]

So you're saying your DD could possibly come with lower spring rates for us people that would like a more "gentle" ride, in the future? :)

seriously
DDs have a very smooth gentle ride on the mildest settting, firm yet not backbreaking still comfy

on highest setting VERY stiff very solid
its a very well setup suspsneion

thanks for the info no rebuilds, if something DOES happen any estimated time i'd be looking at fo rebuild? i do track the car often. on my s13 it wsa 2-3 events a month plus mountain time.so always plan for the worst.

thanks for taking the time!

[kandyflip445]

Good to know Dousan. I wish I could ride in them though.

[TanabeUSA]

The DD's will always come with the 10/8 rates, but if you do need custom spring rates we will more than likely have them in stock by the pair.

Surprisingly, actually a lot of people who bought our S-S suspension (http://www.tanabe-usa.com/coilovers/s-sII.asp) are playing around with different spring rates. We've seen a few 8kgmm / 8kgmm setups, 10kgmm 6kgmm (heavier motor) and others.

Kandyflip,

If you are looking for a gentler ride, the S-S is always an option, since they come with 8/6 standard and cost significantly less than the DD's, just with less adjustable options. Definitely worth checking out. I believe "Mr. Migs" one of the Socal members here who attends lots of track events has had very good experiences with his set with lots of different spring rates.

Dousan,

We'll look into estimated ETA for a full overhaul or replacement for you for reference. In the two years that these have been released, we have yet to get a single rebuild, or even replacement inquiry. With the amount and type of driving that you do, if an accident/crash were to happen, we will always try to get you back on the road ASAP.

Surprisingly, the DD suspensions on the Signal Auto 180SX are still in great condition, even after experiencing several crashes. Of course, we never condone risky driving behaviour, but the DD's are built ruggedly enough to take some abuse.

[phreze]

Tanabe makes great parts I have most of there sustec line myself and would have DD coil-overs if there wasen't going to be a 2-3 month wait when I ordered my other coil-overs.

[Var]

Is there going to be a DD line for FC Rx7?

[zenkiDori]

We'll look into estimated ETA for a full overhaul or replacement for you for reference. In the two years that these have been released, we have yet to get a single rebuild, or even replacement inquiry. With the amount and type of driving that you do, if an accident/crash were to happen, we will always try to get you back on the road ASAP.

Surprisingly, the DD suspensions on the Signal Auto 180SX are still in great condition, even after experiencing several crashes. Of course, we never condone risky driving behaviour, but the DD's are built ruggedly enough to take some abuse.
this is very good news. i'd be very interested in a DD set for the FC3S now.

[mamono]

When is comes to prototyping any suspension, chassis, or exhaust for any car... finding a straight and clean test vehicle to prototype on is nearly impossible for a car that is 10+ years old. Highly unlikely that there would be DD's for an FC, but there are plenty of "clean and unabused" FD's that "could" be test vehicles. If there's enough demand, then I beat someone would make the product to supply it.

[Var]

what makes you think there is no chance of finding unabused fc's? i just found one. Same as finding a clean s13. Easy to find.

[Mervyn]

Woot woot, I like Tanabe =]

[TanabeUSA]

No FC DD's available as of yet, but when our engineers arrive from Japan in the next couple of weeks, we will discuss the possibility, if any of developing suspension systems for that vehicle.

[zenkiDori]

ah oh well. looks like i'm buying Tein again. ;)

[r-b-x]

The spring rates we offer on our various suspensions for the 240SX are very reasonable for the weight of the vehicle, and our chromemoly stabilizers have proven to be very effective on cars with stock springs, to modified cars with our 10kgmm DD setups.

If anything needs clarification, please let us know or send us an email!

so stiffer springs are more effective at reducing roll compared to softer springs, and so stabilizer bars would have less to do -- can that perhaps even be interpreted as stabilizers being less of a requirement in the presence of stiffer springs? would it be wise then to compensate with even larger diameter stabilizer bars? you say your bars are proven for various spring rates, but their overall effectiveness on handling behaviour must have varied.

and so do you guys have any plans for different size and/or adjustible stabilizers bars?

[kenshinS14sks]

so stiffer springs are more effective at reducing roll compared to softer springs, and so stabilizer bars would have less to do -- can that perhaps even be interpreted as stabilizers being less of a requirement in the presence of stiffer springs? would it be wise then to compensate with even larger diameter stabilizer bars? you say your bars are proven for various spring rates, but their overall effectiveness on handling behaviour must have varied.

and so do you guys have any plans for different size and/or adjustible stabilizers bars?


As the springs become stiffer, they dampen body roll more and more, but require smoother and smoother roads to keep proper tire contact patch and ride quality. The beauty of stabilizers, is that they eliminate body roll without compromising the efficiency of the spring's ability to keep the tire in contact with the road on various surfaces.

i would say that you can only go so stiff before you start sacrificing your ability to keep your tires on the road. so go with a balanced setup of springs/stabilizer bar

[kenshinS14sks]

oh yea... and Welcome!!! tanabe, will dance/work/do grunt work for DD's...