Tein Coilovers - Street Basis Z, Street Advance Z, Flex A, Flex Z - What are the differences?
When considering Tein coilovers, if you've ever wondered:
- What is the difference between Tein Flex A, Flex Z, Street Basis Z and Street Advance Z?
- Which Tein coilovers are best for racing?
- Which Tein suspensions are best for comfort?
Then this section is for you!
Tein coilovers are always worth looking into when you are looking at upgrading your car's suspensions. But with all the ranges available, it's easy to get confused as to which model is best for you.
Lucky for you, we have the solution for you thanks to our Tein coilover comparison!
We will be looking at the Tein Street Basis Z, Street Advance Z, Flex A and Flex Z.
Tein Street Basis Z
The Tein Street Basis Z are made for street use. They are the entry range of Tein coilovers and offer only height adjustment.
They feature a thread type height adjustment, a twin tube structure for suspension strength and comfort (longer stroke), and use the OE mounts from your car for installation.
The Street Basis Z have a sealed structure, and thus are not rebuildable. This is part of Tein's new production approach to reduce manufacturing costs and thus lower the final price of the coilovers.
These are entry-level, affordable coilovers for users who want a lowered ride for daily use, without breaking the bank.
Find Street Basis Z for your car on the shop!
Tein Street Advance Z
These are the upgraded version of the Street Basis Z and offer damping adjustment on top of the height adjustability. They are also made for street use, but the damping control makes spirited road driving predictable and enjoyable.
They feature a thread type height adjustment, 16 levels of damping control, a twin tube structure for suspension strength and comfort (longer stroke), and use the OE mounts from your car for installation. Being damping adjustable, they are compatible with the EDFC system (check your model for notes).
The Street Basis Z have a sealed structure, and thus are not rebuildable. This is part of Tein's new production approach to reduce manufacturing costs and thus lower the final price of the coilovers.
These are great coilovers for those who like a lower ride with better control to enjoy their cars on B-roads.
Find Street Advance Z for your car on the shop!
Tein Flex A
The Tein Flex A are built for comfort above all else. Using their WRC experience, where cars have to handle big jumps without losing control, Tein has developed the "Hydro Bump Stopper" (HBS) to deliver a comfortable street driving experience.
The HBS feature has been tested and proven effective in the world's harshest motorsports including World Rally Championship and European Rally Championship.
When a lowered vehicle goes over big bumps, urethane or rubber bump stopper often cause a big upward jolt and/or rebound, which can lead to unexpected handling. On Flex A coilovers, the H.B.S. mounted inside the shock absorber effectively generates damping force near and/or at full-bump to smoothly absorb big impacts.
The result is a comfortable and predictable ride at all times, even when the car is heavily loaded.
The Tein Flex A feature a full length height adjustment, 16 levels of damping control and a twin tube structure for suspension strength and comfort (longer stroke). They come with camber adjustable pillowball or reinforced rubber mounts (depending on the car model). Being damping adjustable, they are compatible with the EDFC system (check your model for notes).
The Flex A are rebuildable coilovers.
These are great coilovers for those who need comfort as a priority, yet still want to enjoy a lowered ride, or those who often carry passengers and want to have control at all times.
Find Flex A for your car on the shop!
Tein Flex Z
The Tein Flex Z are built for street and racing use. When precision and reliability on track is needed, the Flex Z are the ones to turn to.
They feature a full length height adjustment with little to no change in ride quality, 16 levels of damping control and a twin tube structure for suspension strength and comfort (longer stroke). They come with camber adjustable pillowball or reinforced rubber mounts (depending on the car model). Being damping adjustable, they are compatible with the EDFC system (check your model for notes).
The Flex Z have a sealed structure, and thus are not rebuildable. This is part of Tein's new production approach to reduce manufacturing costs and thus lower the final price of the coilovers.
These are great coilovers for those who enjoy taking their daily driver to the track and want precision and control even at the limit.
Find Flex Z for your car on the shop!
For quick reference, here is a table with the main points between all 4 coilovers:
Coilover | Usage | Height adjustment | Damping Adjustment | Mounts | EDFC Compatible | Rebuildable |
Street Basis Z | Street | Thread Type | N/A | OE | No | No |
Street Advance Z | Street & Spirited Driving | Thread Type | 16 Steps | OE | Yes | No |
Flex A | Street | Full Length | 16 Steps | Camber Adjustable Pillowball / Reinforced Rubber | Yes | Yes |
Flex Z | Street & Track | Full Length | 16 Steps | Camber Adjustable Pillowball / Reinforced Rubber | Yes | No |
- Benjamin Attard