Megan or Tein suspension

[elmercurrie]

Question? I'm trying to find the best suspesion to lower my Yaris, the "Tein Basic" looks pretty good, but offers no adjustment to the shocks (dampening, I guess you would call it) only ride height, I've heard a lot of good things about it though. Megan Racing has a coilover kit too, it's called the "Megan Coilover Damper Kit " and you can adjust the ride height and shock dampening. I haven't heard of either of these companies before, until I found this site (Yaris World), and I've read no reviews of the Megan suspension. If anybody has knowledge of both systems or even is using one or the other and can offer an opinion I would greatly appreciate it.

Many thanks, Elmer

[Imagine]

The one thing to keep in mind is the ride quality. I was researching the two and noticed that the Megan coilovers have a much higher spring rate then the Teins did. This could attribute the a much more harsh ride, but it would be good if you planned on racing it.

Thats really all I know. Tein is a lot more well known, and probably a more comfortable daily driver suspension. Good luck with your decision let us know what you decide. I'd be VERY interested to hear some reviews on the Megans.

[ToTo]

Ive got a good ride quality on my Tein Damper Coilover kit, much more comfortable than what I though it would be... Go get it!

[R0ME0]

I'd go tein all the way!

[brickhardmeat]

Well, I have decided on Megan but it will be another month or two before I get them installed. :biggrin:

[churp]

Do you have to contact the company direct to get info? I have Megan springs (NOT coilovers) and haven't found any info on spring rates. It's much firmer than a stock AW11 MR2 but softer than my 80 RX7 (but this RX7 is firmer than others I've driven..don't know what's been modified), but exactly how I like them...street/daily driver and no racing. Let me know if there are any sites listing comparisons of rates...I'm interested.

[brickhardmeat]

Do you have to contact the company direct to get info? I have Megan springs (NOT coilovers) and haven't found any info on spring rates. It's much firmer than a stock AW11 MR2 but softer than my 80 RX7 (but this RX7 is firmer than others I've driven..don't know what's been modified), but exactly how I like them...street/daily driver and no racing. Let me know if there are any sites listing comparisons of rates...I'm interested.


Megan Coilovers Spring Rates: 6kg Front and 5kg Rear and Tein F:4k R:3.1k


matter of fact here are all the specifics

Megan Coilovers Features:

Spring Rates: 6kg Front and 5kg Rear
32 Levels of Adjustable Damper
Rubber Dust Covers.
Adjustable Ride Height
Aggressive Spring Rates
Single-Cyliner Design
Aluminum Brackets
32 Levels of Adjustment:
1-8: Suggested for track use.
9-16: Suggested for mountain/aggressive use.
17-32: Suggested for common street use.

All coilover damper kits come with 1 year manufacture-defect warranty.
All Hardware is Included
SELLING PRICE : $895.00 per set.

Tein Specifics

Spring Rate:
Front: 4 kg/mm / 224 lbs/in
Rear: 3.1 kg/mm / 174 lbs/in

Ride Height
Front: -1.9 in
Rear: -1.9 in

Ride Height Adjustment
Front: -1.3 ~ -2.8 lbs/in
Rear: -1.2 ~ -3.0 lbs/in

TEIN Type BASIC damper is for the driver that is seeking high performance with a reasonable price. The Basic damper MSRP starts at $750.00, which includes 4 springs and 4 shocks. Compared to the "sleeve type" coil over, the Type Basic has a more exclusive set up for a better balance of suspension travel and damping force.

High performance and cost effective.
Ride Height adjustable.
New paint coating for rust prevention.
Exclusive design for USA vehicle specifications. (only available for the U.S.A Market).
Available for overhaul.

Contents of damper kit
Height Adjustable shock absorber x4
Main spring x4
Lower spring seat x4
Seat lock x4
Thrust washer x4
Bump rubber x4
Dust cover x4


just for fun the Tanabe DF210 are Spring Rates F/R 3.0 / 2.2

[churp]

Do the coilover rates have any similarity to just the lowering coil rates? (say for the Megan springs?)

[brickhardmeat]

Well, judging by the Tanabe spring rates I listed yes I guess so but the Megan Racing Springs say for the Yaris, (Note: Spring rates and drop amount vary by different vehicle application and chassis load.)

They do however list spring rates for other applications. Leads me to believe the spring rate for Yaris is yet to be determined.

Various spring rates for megan racing springs I have found are anywhere from 200 to 350.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

don't feel like reading through the replies right now, but from my experiences with these two companies, i'd go with Tein. i had lowering springs from Megan on my GTI when i had it, and i have Tein springs on my Yaris. the Megan springs promised a two inch drop, but i only got, at most, a 3/4 inch drop. the S.Tech's did what they said they would. oh, and the Megan springs were not at all stiffer than the OEM springs.

[brickhardmeat]

don't feel like reading through the replies right now, but from my experiences with these two companies, i'd go with Tein. i had lowering springs from Megan on my GTI when i had it, and i have Tein springs on my Yaris. the Megan springs promised a two inch drop, but i only got, at most, a 3/4 inch drop. the S.Tech's did what they said they would. oh, and the Megan springs were not at all stiffer than the OEM springs.


but we are talking about adjustable coilovers for the most part here, that is how the thread originated

[ColinT]

From what I see the megans are a better choice. Stiffer, threaded strut mount (dosnt limit travel when lowering) and they seem to be of alright quality. The shocks are made by Bor Chuann ( http://www.bcec.com.tw/ ) which are rumored to make Apexi shocks but I don't know for sure. Also the springs look to have a very similar finish and text to the Cuscos. Once again I don't know if that means anything. The thing that really needs some improvement is the instructions, pretty vague and written in poor english.

I be putting a set on Friday and Ill give a review then. Please bear with me as my composition skills are not the best.

The only thing that bums me out on them is that all of Megans other applications come a lot more cool stuff for the same price. (pillow balls)

[Kaotic Lazagna]

but we are talking about adjustable coilovers for the most part here, that is how the thread originated

i know, just giving feedback about the companies. then again, Megan can suck with springs, but excel in coilovers.

[ToTo]

Tein Basic's would be a better choice for a daily driver...

[ColinT]

i know, just giving feedback about the companies. then again, Megan can suck with springs, but excel in coilovers.



Megan seems to be a company that outsource everything they sell. So quality can vary greatly from product to product.

[Imagine]

I be putting a set on Friday and Ill give a review then. Please bear with me as my composition skills are not the best.

Awesome! I'll be looking forward to hearing your thoughts.:w00t:

[brickhardmeat]

Do the coilover rates have any similarity to just the lowering coil rates? (say for the Megan springs?)

off subject somewhat for this thread but how did your springs settle? did you end up with 1.5 drop a little more less? have you measured?

[churp]

off subject somewhat for this thread but how did your springs settle? did you end up with 1.5 drop a little more less? have you measured?

Measured after a couple weeks and its probably more like a 1.375 drop both front and rear. Carried a load of 4 truck tires w/rims to a friends today (parting out Big Bertha the van, who needs a truck when you have a LB)....actually think I would have to try hard to ever bottom out. Firm, the way I like it.

[dngz]

i think ill be going for the megR coilovers. The quality of the tein basic is probably the same as the megan racing for I believe they are both made in the US. Only the higher model teins are made in Japan. If you want super quality and you want it nice on the street, Id say go with cusco. I'm just going with the Megan Racing cuz I want the option of adjusting the dampness..

[ToTo]

My Tein Basic Coilovers are definitely made in Japan, although Im in Europe so that is why maybe we get the authentic Japanese Tein's even with the Basic's, in the US I'm not sure, but my Basic's are for a fact Japanese made, top quality!

[brickhardmeat]

Well, vanderkitten has the megan coilovers installed and we should be in for a full review very soon. Also holding out for a review from colint think he installed this weekend also.:thumbsup:

[dngz]

My Tein Basic Coilovers are definitely made in Japan, although Im in Europe so that is why maybe we get the authentic Japanese Tein's even with the Basic's, in the US I'm not sure, but my Basic's are for a fact Japanese made, top quality!

Ooh, okay! I stand corrected!

Still no reviews for the MeganRacing Coilovers!!! :mad:

[brickhardmeat]

TEIN

Type Basic Damper

* Exclusive design for USA vehicle specifications.
(only available for the U.S.A Market).

I am still window shopping but Megan looks like it has some huge advantages over these Tein Basics.

[Vanderkitten]

Here's my quick and dirty for the Megan's on install:
You have to drill 2 x 1" holes in the sheet metal over the top of your struts (under the plastic fascia at the bottom of the windshield) in order to drop the adjusters in the top of the shaft (piston). This is not for the faint of heart! They measure about 3/4" in OD, so you have some wiggle room. The small price of 32 position adjustability.

The Megan's are Made in Japan... JDM baby!

CON: They do not come with ANY installation instructions... which SUCKS!! You end up using a lot of parts off of your stock strut (Like the TEINS) as far as little bits and pieces. We actually used th TEIN installation guide to try and get it all sorted!! Well, you don't have a review because we ran out of time... tomorrow night we are going to try and finish up, and if we can do mine, we'll take photos of the whole process and the a Megan install guide, Vanderkitten style!!

I can tell you the quality looks great! More in the coming days...

[brickhardmeat]

vanderkitten,

eww, drilling required, please post some pictures of this when you get a chance, I'm not thrilled with the idea of drilling

are you doing this for accessability or is it just for fitment? I believe Megan sells a special tool for reach these adjusters in tight spots.

[Dezod]

Shhhhhhhhhh you did not hear this from me, but the Megan are made in the same factory as the following brand(s)

Buddy Club
A'PEXi

There may be more, but these are confirmed.

[ChinoCharles]

Shhhhhhhhhh you did not hear this from me, but the Megan are made in the same factory as the following brand(s)

Buddy Club
A'PEXi

There may be more, but these are confirmed.

Ah, the inner workings of the aftermarket industry never cease to amaze me.

For that matter, go look at Megan's full catalog. Great company, great products, low prices. Its obvious they're a glorified reseller, but if that means a buck saved then so be it!

[dngz]

SOLD!!!!!!!!!! getting a set right after i pay my bills!!!!

[Vanderkitten]

Shhhhhhhhhh you did not hear this from me, but the Megan are made in the same factory as the following brand(s)

Buddy Club
A'PEXi

There may be more, but these are confirmed.

yeah, they told us that they were "Very similar to some other brands that will be making their way here". Which means that you pick your service and price point, preferred color and brand image and go!

Thanks for the head's up, Dezod...

[Vanderkitten]

vanderkitten,

eww, drilling required, please post some pictures of this when you get a chance, I'm not thrilled with the idea of drilling

are you doing this for accessability or is it just for fitment? I believe Megan sells a special tool for reach these adjusters in tight spots.

MR says there is a way to tighten the locknut on the top of the shaft with the adjuster knob in place... I just don't see that happening myself. We are going to check it again tonight, but we both feel the holes are necessary and it's best to cut them (takes about a minute per side) with the stock strut in place. Pics and install coming tomorrow!:clap:

[Vanderkitten]

OK, first ride was home on the highway for 17 miles... HARSH!!! I need to click up the damping! I am 4 clicks in on the front and back (28 out for your reverse counters!) and the back is bit bouncy and the front needs more compression damping...

Took the off ramp coming home at shit-my-self speed and the car wanted MORE!

[Dezod]

Ah, the inner workings of the aftermarket industry never cease to amaze me.

For that matter, go look at Megan's full catalog. Great company, great products, low prices. Its obvious they're a glorified reseller, but if that means a buck saved then so be it!

Yep. Crazy Charles isn't it?

yeah, they told us that they were "Very similar to some other brands that will be making their way here". Which means that you pick your service and price point, preferred color and brand image and go!

Thanks for the head's up, Dezod...



Welcome fellas! Just let me know when your ready. We have them all for ya

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

interesting, i just bid on some tien's off ebay.......

[brickhardmeat]

Yep. Crazy Charles isn't it?





Welcome fellas! Just let me know when your ready. We have them all for ya

what are you selling the Megan coilovers for? Please pm.

[ColinT]

Hey all, Ive been running the Megans since Friday and Im pretty happy with them. As it has been said the instructions need some work but other than that they seem they will work fine. You will need to transfer the front top mounts from the oem struts to the coilovers but that seems about it.

The front height adjust is very easy and smooth. The clicks on the dampening adjust could be a little more "clicky" but they seem good.

As for drilling holes I dont understand and maybe I didnt read it right, but why? I just took of the entire under cowl and didnt have a problem accessing everthing.

But all in all a good buy in my opinion. I have a track day at Pocono in a month and I will give my impressions after that.

Oh and they are stiff........no body roll and not for the faint hearted. Pics up soon.

[Astroman]

There is a used set of Megan's on ebay with a buy it now of 500 or so.

[brickhardmeat]

Hey all, Ive been running the Megans since Friday and Im pretty happy with them. As it has been said the instructions need some work but other than that they seem they will work fine. You will need to transfer the front top mounts from the oem struts to the coilovers but that seems about it.

The front height adjust is very easy and smooth. The clicks on the dampening adjust could be a little more "clicky" but they seem good.

As for drilling holes I dont understand and maybe I didnt read it right, but why? I just took of the entire under cowl and didnt have a problem accessing everthing.



But all in all a good buy in my opinion. I have a track day at Pocono in a month and I will give my impressions after that.

Oh and they are stiff........no body roll and not for the faint hearted. Pics up soon.


I didn't think the cutting would be needed. Thanks for clarifying. I love a nice stiff ride. May not even need any bars from what you are saying. Nice.

I see you have some bars and braces though.

Megan coilovers are manufactured in Taiwan. I contacted Megan and that is what they told me.

[CASTREX]

Hey Brick, check this out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/USED-Megan-Coilover-Damper-Kits-Toyota-Yaris-06-07-2006_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33582QQihZ012QQite mZ220114862257QQrdZ1

[brickhardmeat]

Well, it looks like I will probably be going with Teins after the review I read tonight. I plan on driving my car on the street.:redface:

[Black Yaris]

have you gotten a true opinion about the tein's though yet brick, like the one that was given on the Megan's?

[brickhardmeat]

have you gotten a true opinion about the tein's though yet brick, like the one that was given on the Megan's?

ha ha, no I'm pm'ing people for the TRUTH:smile:

I know by comparing the spring rate there is a big difference there. Megan I believe has the ability to go somewhat lower than the Tein coilovers. They are max at 2.8 and 3 in the rear but that is where I want to be a full 3.

[Vanderkitten]

Well, it looks like I will probably be going with Teins after the review I read tonight. I plan on driving my car on the street.:redface:

Guys, please re-read the review. I went out and made changes tonight and made some updates. Sorry about the bad info... it did not change everything, but created a much better set-up...

[JosephDoc]

I am think to go with a set of Tein...
Just go off topic a bit, how is the ride with Tanabe's spring? I wonder since everyone says Tein coilover is better for daily drive.

[brickhardmeat]

E-mailed Megan Racing to find out how much drop can be obtained out of the Megan Coilovers for Yaris, below is there reply...


There's about a 3" range in the front and 2.5" range in the rear for that car.

I am disappointed about this. Looks like I'll be going with the Tein Basics. Better for street (comfort) and more drop in the rear.