Speaking of Tein, I have ridden on basics and SS, the basics were in a 2006 TSX and the SS where on a 2007 TSX and 2004 TL, the latter having EDFC. For the basics I was not to impressed, first they seem to have a chronic issues with developing a squeaking issue in the rear on TSX set-ups and second, they have no dampening force adjustment. Granted, Basics are an entry level coil over and at around $750.00 +/- $100.00 they are a fairly good budget choice.

The SS on the other hand I have to admit are much nicer than my K-Sports. Softer and smoother rebound, very nice spring rates and dampening force adjustment via EDFC or the old manual method. This should be expect of a coil over system costing over $1000.00 on average. The ability to use EDFC even though listed as incompatible with TSX SS applications is a definite convienience.

The K-Sports offer a wonderful middle of the line coil over, I’d say falling somewhere between Tein Basics and Tein SS. Another advantage to the K-Sports is you can adjust the shock body for ride height as opposed to adjusting the spring perch seen with most Tein set ups (to see how this works read the K-Sport manual by clicking here). This allows you to keep the full amount of suspension travel and lower your ride height to a near bagged appearance.

Over the course of my two weeks of ownership I have dropped another half inch for a total of about 3 inches of drop (7.62 centimeters) and still have about another inch and a half (3.81 centimeters) to go before the K-sports are tapped out. With this now lower stance I have noticed a bit of fender rub over bouncy corners at a higher rate of speed, to remedy this I have adjust the dampening force to be firmer to compensate for the added body roll of a hard turn into a bump.

Adjusting ride height with the K-Sports is fairly simple and straight forward. Raise the vehicle up and place it on stands, remove the wheels (you can get away with leaving the font wheels on), take a flat head screw driver (K-Sport suggests a brass punch), and a hammer then tap the base collar counter clock wise to loosen it. Adjust the collar up to the amount of drop you would like to add, now grab the collars and spring in your hand and turn clockwise until your base collar is pressed against the shock body. Take your hammer and screwdriver and tap the base collar clockwise to lock it and check to make sure the spring perch collars did now loosen. That’s it. It took me about 45 minutes to adjust all four corners.

Overall; these coil overs are impressive for their price and should be considered by anyone looking for a decent set of coil overs on a budget, because lets face it, we can’t all afford a $1600.00+ set of coil overs but would sure like to have some of the high end coil over adjustments.

First the facts on the springs:

TEIN High.Tech springs utilize the latest spring and material technology to optimize comfort, performance, and quality. Designed and tested in North America to be used in conjunction with OEM or similar shocks for excellent ride comfort and slightly increased handling. The line is produced with Vanadium (SAE9254V), which is durable, lightweight, and has properties to retain more spring stroke. High.Tech springs are designed for those seeking a slightly lowered stance while maintaining high ride quality at a reasonable price. Most vehicles will attain a 1.2 inch drop for a more attractive appearance, added performance, and excellent comfort. Includes a one year limited warranty.

• Chrome Vanadium SAE9254V Construction
• Progressive Spring Rate Design
• Includes Silencer Rubber on certain applications
• Gold Powder Coat Finish
• Developed to be used in conjunction with OEM or OEM replacement dampers
• 1-year Manufacturers Defect and Sag Warranty
Covers over 5mm sag, breakage, deformity, and noise.
Does not cover powder coat finish and rusting.

Spring Rate (F/R, kgf/mm): 5.7/3.4, Lowering F/R: -1.1/-0.7 Inches.
*sourced from Tein’s Web Page

The springs do provide the specified drop, 1.1″ in the front and .7″ in the back, or approximately those numbers. In laymans terms your stock CL9 (TSX) has an average of about 3 – 3.75 finger widths of wheel gap, the H-Techs will reduce that gap to 1.75 – 2 finger widths of gap. With the A-Spec lip kit, or Euro-R lip kit this drop may visually appear to be a bit lower. I do get comments from other CL9 owners with H-Tech’s that mine looks lower with the A-Spec kit, which is somewhat true but mainly due to an optical illusion.

I have the H-Tech’s mounted on my OEM dampers and the springs provide a very soft ride comparable to OEM ride quality. Not much bounce if any, they will stiffen up around the corners being a progressive type spring. My 2 year old and my wife never noticed much of a difference with the H-Techs over OEM springs for comfort. However; they are not intended and do not provide the handling results of a more advanced spring/damper combo. There are times if I lay into a corner to hard I can feel the spring get to a point where it no longer compresses and it feels like a bit of snap over steer may occur which can lead to a lack of confidence in the twisties.

Now that about 3 months have passed I can feel my OEM dampers getting a bit strained with the drop. Tein does not endorse the use of any aftermarket spring with OEM dampers, however; a 1″ drop is usually the maximum you can get away with on OEM dampers. I am beginning to notice some knocking in the front and I am not sure if it’s the damper going bad or something else, but the amount of bouncing has increased which is leading me to believe the dampers are on the way out. You’ll have to acknowledge I put the springs on dampers that were already 32,000 miles in to their lifetime which is not suggested.

I would reccomend that if you are in the market to be lower and are looking for the same drop as the H-Tech’s provide then you should also consider a set of aftermarket dampers like Koni Yellow’s to go with the springs. This way you can get adjustable dampening and longer life out of your set up. The koni’s also provide an additional 20mm of drop (~.8 inches) with their adjustable spring perches. You will get a better handling car and still be able to retain close to OEM comfort.

Also consider the Tein CS coilovers. OEM comfort, up to 2.1″ drop, and EDFC compatible, that would be the ultimate set up for seeking a comfortable ride, moderate drop, and an overall good suspension set up.

Overall I’d rate the H-Techs a 8 – 10 which is by no means bad, and would probably be a 10 – 10 if I had ordered aftermarket dampers at the same time.

Drop with H-Techs on my car:

CL9 (accord, TSX, Euro R) on Tein H-Techs

CL9 (Accord, TSX, Euro R) on Tein H-Techs