GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Finally had the time to install the set of 4- Tein Basic Damper Coilovers I ordered last month. Installation was fairly straightforward (with some minor help from the MO crew), similar to a normal spring swap. I set the height to the recommended level from Tein - the drop equals that of the Tein S-Tech springs I had on previously (around 2.2"-2.4"). With the Basic Damper setup, the only adjustment is height compared to the height AND damper adjustments on the Tein Super Street Coilovers. I chose the Basic setup since I wasn't too interested in the dampening adjustment, they were a little cheaper than the Super Street model, and I wanted the height adjustment as well as the new spring/shock absorber setup ultimately.The ride is definitely improved - less bounce on bumps and the suspension handles road imperfections much better than the stock shock/aftermarket spring setup I was running for a couple years.I've attached a pic of the rear setup finished with the new coilover. My other pics didn't come out too well since I only had my camera phone present. Other than that, the exterior appearance of my Vibe has essentially stayed the same so since the Vibe was dirty anyway, I didn't feel any additional pics were necessary. Next will be an alignment in a week or two once I finalize the ride height I want to stick with and everything has time to settle.

Attached files

Nice job, Nick! Looks great! I was wondering about the ride quality of the basics since you can't adjust it. Glad to hear they ride good. I may do this in the distant future when my stock struts start wearing down. Is the setting you have it on, the highest setting? or can it go higher?

Thanks... I started noticing more bouncing and harsher bumps on my stock shocks and Tein S-Tech springs. I have been lowered for a few years now so I'm sure that added stress was just wearing down the shocks a little quicker than normal. I'm near 65k miles.The dampening adjustment on the Basic coilovers set from the factory is about in the middle when compared to the range the Super Street coilovers will allow you to adjust. I find it adequate for my style of driving. I would assume the dampening adjustment would be good for those that autocross, etc.

thats cool. I've always wondered what kind of choices my next suspension upgrade will be.