Whats Better: TEIN RA or TEIN MonoFLEx

[queen]

I just wanted to know which one is better for track and street purposes.:smile:

 

[Big_D]

I think that the monoflex are more for the track and the RA is more for a combination of street and track use. The monoflex is a single tube damper that is larger in diameter and its stiffer.

 

[SWIFTVISION]

I have the RA's, I thought they were technically "higher" on the scale.

They will do track and street just fine.

 

[swbatte]

I have the RA's and had them installed at Sean Hyland motorsports (of dream car garage fame on Speed). The set up and suspension tuning has made a world of difference. I track my car, but drive it quite a bit on the street and find it a nice balance.

You'll feel the bumps on the rough roads, but if you set it up right, you'll have a very hooked up NSX.

 

[Patricio]

I have the RE's which are very very similar to the RA's main diffrence is:
RA's tuned and designed by Tein's american division
RE's tuned to the JDM TEIN tuner.

RE's are slightly stiffer than RA's
RE/RA's are a higher quality suspension and 28lbs lighter than OEM making them one of the lightest suspension options around.
Tein Flexes are inferior quality and are considered TEIN's budget setup and are heavier than RE/RA's

Think about it TEIN RE/RA's were 1900 new when the dollar was 100% stronger it is now meaning its replacement would have to be priced at $3600 for same build quality considering todays economy. (hopefully you understand that economic comparison) TEIN's Flex are comparable to what cost $1000 3-years ago

My car handles on par if not better than a 996 TT X51 with Bilstein Coilovers and slicks, thanks to the NSX's obvious Better chassis design, less weight, MR engine, and TEIN RE's. I run the same lap times even with 100hp less.

On my 2nd time at summit point / Shenandoah, the Porsche instructor said my car was "mindbogglingly glued" and could not lose me around the track in his 911 turbo track car.

TEIN RA/RE is the way to go. especially for the price used.

Buy the RA's and you will have a car with a Suspension designed to do what the car is supposed to do. And if someone posts that the RE/RA over steers, I will respond NO, thats what it's is supposed to do...

You want great suspension advice on a rear engine or MR cars listen to the Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus tuners. Lots of them have 30+ years of suspension tuning experience they will tell you you need slight over steer.

 

[MvM]

I have the RE's which are very very similar to the RA's main diffrence is:
RA's tuned and designed by Tein's american division
RE's tuned to the JDM TEIN tuner.
RE's are slightly stiffer than RA's

My car handles on par if not better than a 996 TT X51 with Bilstein Coilovers and slicks, thanks to the NSX's obvious Better chassis design, less weight, MR engine, and TEIN RE's. I run the same lap times even with 100hp less.

On my 2nd time at summit point / Shenandoah, the Porsche instructor said my car was "mindbogglingly glued" and could not lose me around the track in his 911 turbo track car.

TEIN RA/RE is the way to go. especially for the price used.

Buy the RA's and you will have a car with a Suspension designed to do what the car is supposed to do. And if someone posts that the RE/RA over steers, I will respond NO, thats what it's is supposed to do...

Hi Patricio,
Nice to read that your car is doing so well on the track (with you that is :smile: ). Have some questions for you.

What springs do you have on your TEIN ?
And what settings do you use for street and track ?
Could you tell me what alignment settings you are using as well. Might make a difference too.

I have had the TEIN-RA setup on my car for about three years now and am verry happy with them. The ride is pretty hard on bumps and holes in the road but in general, I don't find them really uncomfortable at all. Of course, the ride is harder than in my Prelude but that doesn't say it's that bad.
I am running the TEIN on the recommended settings of 8 clicks back from full hard. The car is very neutral in corners and corners VERY flat.

 

[Big_D]

I have the RA's, I thought they were technically "higher" on the scale.

They will do track and street just fine.

Its confusing to me. I always thought that a monotube design was better.

Tien website doesn't list the RE/RA anymore.???

Here is the monoflex description.

The MONO FLEX coilover kit has been developed for entry-level competition motorsports and advanced street driving. Features include 16-way damping force adjustability (combined compression and rebound), a mono-tube internal design, pillowball upper mounts, and EDFC compatibility. There are independent adjustments for ride-height and spring pre-load settings for increased suspension tuning. The new Mono Flex also includes TEIN's latest technological innovation, Micro Speed Valving (MSV) system, which allows the driver to feel a greater difference in damping force adjustments. Designed and developed for consumers seeking aggressive handling on the street and at the track.

I Mono Tube Internal Design -
A Mono Tube internal design is utilized for increased oil capacity, improved heat dissipation, and larger valving. Other features of the Mono Tube design are quieter operation, and ability to use stiffer spring rates for racing applications.
Increased rigidity on strut type vehicles, in which an inverted coilover construction is utilized.

 

[Patricio]

Hi MVM,
I gonna have to check with my suspension Tuner who built cars for RUF & Brumos.
I haven't changed anything since he set it up.
I know their the original 12kg-R / 10kg-F.
I'm lowered around 2 inches.
Car weight of under 2800lbs also plays a major difference.

The exact Toe right now I don't know because I adjusted by hand at the track. The Front and Rear Toe settings are extremely sensitive on this car.
These are the approximate settings right now but need to confirm next time I get an alignment:

Alignment
Toe
Front out -2mm
Rear in +3mm

camber
front neg -2 deg.
rear neg -3 deg. or Lowered best possible.

Castor at 8 or 9

Wheels - Volk GT7s 18's/19's 19lbs/23lbs

Tires
front 225/35/18 Goodyear F1 GS-D3 (best Stopping distance)

Rear 275/30/19 Continental Conti Sport 2's
(lightest tire in this size by 5lbs each @25lbs each and best lateral stability)


Will get more info once i get my car back from getting the new CF Marga hills front bumper on.

Hi Patricio,
Nice to read that your car is doing so well on the track (with you that is :smile: ). Have some questions for you.

What springs do you have on your TEIN ?
And what settings do you use for street and track ?
Could you tell me what alignment settings you are using as well. Might make a difference too.

I have had the TEIN-RA setup on my car for about three years now and am verry happy with them. The ride is pretty hard on bumps and holes in the road but in general, I don't find them really uncomfortable at all. Of course, the ride is harder than in my Prelude but that doesn't say it's that bad.
I am running the TEIN on the recommended settings of 8 clicks back from full hard. The car is very neutral in corners and corners VERY flat.

 

[Chris NSX]

Tien website doesn't list the RE/RA anymore.???

Both the RE/RA were discontinued by Tein. The Mono Flex used a steel body construction versus aluminum body tube on the RE/RA.

RE is like the RA, but with the height adjustment is a separate setting of the height and spring preload.

The Mono Flex can be used with the EDFC to adjustment of the suspension's valving from inside the car. If someone looking for that feature.

I have Tein RE with 10k/10k springs. I like this setup, but I would say the SOS-Spec JIC coilovers are a better ride IMO.

 

[swerve2007]

a bit 'off the track' question but
-how would you compare the sos-jic to stock type-s setup?

 

[Chris NSX]

a bit 'off the track' question but
-how would you compare the sos-jic to stock type-s setup?

I haven't driven a stock type S suspension, but you can adjust the SOS JIC setup to your choice and the height is adjustable. PM (Byran) I1O101I or Brandonson they both have JIC coilovers.

 

[NSXGMS]

a bit 'off the track' question but
-how would you compare the sos-jic to stock type-s setup?

I want to say that in talking with SOS I believe the Type-S/Zanardi performance was the target in designing the JIC setup. I also understand that the final product delivers a firmer ride than the Zanardi/Type-S but has comparable if not slightly better performance.

 

[enkrypt3d]

I've been considering the TEIN Flex system (not mono) .... in order to make my ride a bit smoother since my 95 NSX still has the stock 16 year old shocks I'm pretty sure they are shot by now!

On the softest setting, how would one compare the TEIN Flex to the OEM? (then add 16 years of usage)... the car is a bit too shaky at the moment... it makes my gf motionsick. So I want something with a little more comfort and still retain that performance option (adjustibility with ride height and dampening).... would this be a good choice? I would love to take the car on the track now and then as well but mostly LA street driving... the streets in my area are filled with bumps and pot holes.... :redface:

 

[NSXGMS]

I've been considering the TEIN Flex system (not mono) .... in order to make my ride a bit smoother since my 95 NSX still has the stock 16 year old shocks I'm pretty sure they are shot by now!

On the softest setting, how would one compare the TEIN Flex to the OEM? (then add 16 years of usage)... the car is a bit too shaky at the moment... it makes my gf motionsick. So I want something with a little more comfort and still retain that performance option (adjustibility with ride height and dampening).... would this be a good choice? I would love to take the car on the track now and then as well but mostly LA street driving... the streets in my area are filled with bumps and pot holes.... :redface:

Yes, your shocks are probably toast! I'm sure floaty is an understatement.

The Tein Flex is a great setup and I understand the ride is very comfortable on the soft settings. If you want to spend the money on coilovers and want the adjustability they give you then I'd recommend that setup. The JIC is significantly harsher in ride quality and more expensive although you'll probably see better performance. The Tein Flex will still be more than adequate for the track.

If you can live without the adjustability and want a cheaper route--one that gives you better-than-stock performance but is gf-friendly go with the Bilstein/Dali progressive spring combo. It also gives you a 1.25" drop.

 

[enkrypt3d]

Yes, your shocks are probably toast! I'm sure floaty is an understatement.

The Tein Flex is a great setup and I understand the ride is very comfortable on the soft settings. If you want to spend the money on coilovers and want the adjustability they give you then I'd recommend that setup. The JIC is significantly harsher in ride quality and more expensive although you'll probably see better performance. The Tein Flex will still be more than adequate for the track.

If you can live without the adjustability and want a cheaper route--one that gives you better-than-stock performance but is gf-friendly go with the Bilstein/Dali progressive spring combo. It also gives you a 1.25" drop.

Well its not too floaty- on the freeway its firm and smooth.. its only rough when I'm on the local streets and the pavement isn't perfect... I pretty much feel every bump. I've gotten used to it though, but my gf said she doesn't like riding in my car now :redface:

So I would love to have the option to adjust my suspension and all that...

Would you say that the TEIN Flex on the softest setting is somewhere near the OEM type setup?

Also what is this I hear about pre-load settings? All these terms are kind of new to me..... I'd have to have a pro tweak my ride after the install right? Corner balance etc?

 

[Ko-nsx]

I have Tein flex coilovers and i feel they are a great addition. Easy to adjust for ride aheight and dampening. I'm not sure about the inferior in quality statement but my ride is very smooth and stable on good paved roads. No so forgiving on bumpy roads, but neither was the OEM setup. Ihave no complaints and my car rides about 3.75 inches from the ground.

 

[BladesNSX]

How easy is it to adjust height with the JIC suspension?

 

[NSXDreamer2]

I have RA for 3 years, and I'm waiting for my new suspension to replace it.

I really don't have too much compliant about it... I loved how it performed on track and spirited driving, but many passengers or other nsx owners thinking it being too "hard-core". good thing my na1 doesn't have cup holder, with my settings, (1-2 clicks away from full firm for track, 4-7 clicks for street) if I have any starbucks coffee, it'll splash all over as soon as i went over speed bump.

my buddy used to have the same set up on his first nsx, the 2nd nsx came with HKS hipermax and he also got a set of monoflex when it first came out... His comment is monoflex feels a little smoother yet giving better control than Tein RA on his first car. However his 2nd nsx is SOS poster car, so it had wider tracks, bigger size tires, and other suspension mods.

Not sure about who developed RA or RE, They are identical, RE is full length height adjustable. (meaning you could change ride height without changing the spring preload).

Please note that MonoFlex is not the same as the lowly Tein Flex system.

In pure performance perspective, Tein Flex is only a better system than Tein lowering spring with the shocks matching the spring rate.. But don't kid yourself that Tein Flex will be anywhere close to OEM comfort, physics dictate everything esp. suspension, more spring rate will be a harsher ride... one could only drive on glass smooth road and ignore the harsher NVH... RA/RE is next step up in performance, (and next step down from creature comfort.) It's probaby impossible to have your lady put on lipstick in a RA/RE equipped car when it's in motion.

MonoFlex is the newer generation system from Tein. think of 2007 technology. They are probably very closed to RA/RE, the only drawback is that monoflex doesn't have the light weight aluminum shock body, thus heavier unsprung weight... which is possibly not acceptable for some who spend 3-4k for na2 R rims, or some CE28.:smile:

Tein introduced Super Racing for those who's more demanding and more track oreinted. I believed that's marketing decision not to make a new RA/RE with MSF technology that was used in monoflex.

I knew all this because I was in the mkt. to replace my RA, so I did quite a bit of research and talk to tein usa rep. I was going to be the first one who have the SuperRacing in US, (so the Tein Sales rep told me if I order back in Oct.), but then with the price, I bit the silver bullet and opt. for something even better from diff. manufacturer.

 

[NSXDreamer2]

Well its not too floaty- on the freeway its firm and smooth.. its only rough when I'm on the local streets and the pavement isn't perfect... I pretty much feel every bump. I've gotten used to it though, but my gf said she doesn't like riding in my car now :redface:

So I would love to have the option to adjust my suspension and all that...

Would you say that the TEIN Flex on the softest setting is somewhere near the OEM type setup?

Also what is this I hear about pre-load settings? All these terms are kind of new to me..... I'd have to have a pro tweak my ride after the install right? Corner balance etc?

Pre-load is how much the spring compress when it's sitting there. (sorry, I don't have a "correct" defination.) Most coil over system, if you lower the car, you only adjust one spring perch, so your spring will have to compress more if want a lower ride. As you know more you compress a spring, more force it will exert when it bounce back.. say when your car go over a bump or a dip, it will handle differently. To most people, they want to lower the car for cosmetic reason, or imporving aerodynamic; having unwanted handling charateristics is not acceptable.

Full height adjustment is either you have 2 perch upper and lower, then you could raise and lower the car with compressing the springs.

If you want ride comfort yet lowering the car, I believe the Koni Yellow with after market spring, or the ground contol coil over is the way to go.

 

[enkrypt3d]

Pre-load is how much the spring compress when it's sitting there. (sorry, I don't have a "correct" defination.) Most coil over system, if you lower the car, you only adjust one spring perch, so your spring will have to compress more if want a lower ride. As you know more you compress a spring, more force it will exert when it bounce back.. say when your car go over a bump or a dip, it will handle differently. To most people, they want to lower the car for cosmetic reason, or imporving aerodynamic; having unwanted handling charateristics is not acceptable.

Full height adjustment is either you have 2 perch upper and lower, then you could raise and lower the car with compressing the springs.

If you want ride comfort yet lowering the car, I believe the Koni Yellow with after market spring, or the ground contol coil over is the way to go.

Right, so the TEIN from what I understand, allows you to reduce / limit the pre-load spring compression when you lower the car right?

 

[NSXDreamer2]

Right, so the TEIN from what I understand, allows you to reduce / limit the pre-load spring compression when you lower the car right?

depends... the RE and super racing, yes... not sure about the monoflex, you could check on their usa website.