Tein Flex Z Coilovers Honda Civic Type R EP3 01-05

TEIN Flex Z Coilovers for Honda Civic Type R EP3 (2001-2005) – Full-Length Height Adjustment, 16-Way Damping

TEIN Flex Z replaces the original dampers and springs on your Honda Civic Type R EP3 with a height-adjustable coilover kit, so you can set the stance you want and tighten up the handling without making the car uncomfortable. TEIN specifies 6 kgf/mm front and 8 kgf/mm rear spring rates for this application.

Flex Z is TEIN's street coilover built around a sealed twin-tube damper. Twin-tube construction gives a long stroke with low gas pressure, so the damper moves freely over broken surfaces and the car stays comfortable even when lowered on bigger wheels. Ride height is set by screwing the damper body in or out of its lower bracket (full-length adjustment), so you can lower the car without using up bump travel or changing spring preload.

The damper bodies get TEIN's two-layer powder coat, and the height-adjustment threads are protected by TEIN's low-friction ZTP coating, which resists rust and stone chips and helps stop the spring seats seizing. TEIN springs are cold-formed from SAE9254 spring steel and powder coated, and TEIN designs them to resist sagging over time.

Specifications

• Damper type: Twin-tube, gas and oil
• Height adjustment: Full-length (case-length) adjustable
• Damping adjustment: 16 levels (compression and rebound together)
• Spring rate, front: 6 kgf/mm
• Spring rate, rear: 8 kgf/mm
• Ride height as supplied, front: approx. 30-60 mm lower than standard
• Ride height as supplied, rear: approx. 15-65 mm lower than standard
• TEIN recommended height range, front: 20 to 70 mm below standard
• TEIN recommended height range, rear: 5 to 75 mm below standard
• EDFC motor kit: EDK05-12140 (sold separately)
• Top mounts: Vehicle-specific top mounts included where required (rubber or pillow-ball); some cars reuse the original mounts
• Part number: VSA22-CUSA1

Spring rates and ride heights are TEIN's application data. Heights are measured against the car's standard ride height and are a guide only: the result on your car depends on its condition, wheels and tyres, and load.

Key Features

• Full-length height adjustment: ride height changes without shortening the damper stroke or altering spring preload
• 16-level damping adjuster on top of the piston rod, changing compression and rebound together (0 = stiffest, 16 = softest)
• Sealed twin-tube dampers tuned for a supple ride on the road with stability at higher speeds
• Compatible with TEIN EDFC electronic damping controllers using motor kit EDK05-12140 (sold separately)
• TEIN SAE9254 springs matched to the car, powder coated and designed to resist sagging
• Vehicle-specific top mounts where needed; pillow-ball front strut mounts allow camber adjustment
• ZTP-coated threads and TEIN-green powder coat to fight rust and seized spring seats
• Built at TEIN's own factory in Yokohama, Japan

What's in the Kit?

• 4 x Flex Z height-adjustable dampers
• 4 x TEIN coil springs
• Top mounts (vehicle-specific, where supplied for your car)
• Ride-height adjusting spanner with a 12.7 mm (1/2 in) square drive
• Fitting instructions

Please note: image for reference only.

Fitment

• Honda Civic ES1 (2001 to 2002), 4-door, 4-cylinder, 1.7L FWD
• Honda Civic ES2 (2001 to 2002), 4-door, 4-cylinder, 1.7L FWD
• Honda Civic EP3 (2002 to 2005), 3-door, 4-cylinder Si, 2.0L FWD
• Honda Civic Type R EP3 (2001 to 2005), Type R, 2.0L FWD

TEIN also lists this kit (VSA22-CUSA1) for: Honda Civic EM2 (2001-2005).

Not suitable for: the Honda Civic EH2, Civic EH3 (1992-1995), which needs TEIN Flex Z VSA00-CUSA1; the Honda Civic EK2, Civic EK3, Civic EK4 (1995-2000), which needs TEIN Flex Z VSH00-C1SA3; the Honda Civic FN2 (2007-2011), which needs TEIN Flex Z VSHA2-C1AA1; and the Honda Civic FC2, Civic FC3, Civic FC1 (2016 on), which needs TEIN Flex Z VSHH6-CUAA4.

Installation

The kit replaces the complete original strut and damper assemblies. Set the ride height on the bench by screwing the damper body in or out of its lower bracket, then fine-tune on the car. TEIN pre-tightens the lower bracket lock rings only, so they must be fully tightened at fitting and checked regularly. Never shorten the body beyond TEIN's stated range. Tighten the top nut with a torque wrench while holding the piston rod on its flats; over-tightening can damage the adjuster. Leave suspension arm bolts loose until the car is back on its wheels, then torque them at normal ride height so the bushes aren't preloaded. TEIN advises lowering by no more than 30-40 mm to start with, keeping the front level with or 5-10 mm lower than the rear. Let the springs settle for a few days, recheck the height and lock rings, then have a full four-wheel alignment done. Fitting needs spring compressors (where strut assemblies are rebuilt), a torque wrench and a good understanding of the car's suspension. We recommend professional fitting.

Vehicle-specific notes from TEIN:

• Front: the left-hand spring seat and lock ring have left-hand threads, so tighten them anticlockwise.

Upgrade Further

Add a TEIN EDFC5 controller with motor kit EDK05-12140 to adjust damping from the driver's seat. Contact us for pricing.

Will this kit fit my Honda Civic Type R EP3?

This kit (TEIN part VSA22-CUSA1) is listed for the models in the Fitment section above. Check your chassis code, year and trim against that list, along with any notes under it. If you're unsure, send us your registration or VIN before ordering and we'll confirm.

How low will my Honda Civic Type R EP3 go?

As supplied, TEIN's data puts the car approx. 30-60 mm lower than standard at the front and approx. 15-65 mm lower than standard at the rear. TEIN recommends staying within 20 to 70 mm below standard at the front and 5 to 75 mm below standard at the rear. Wheels, tyres and the car's condition all affect the final height.

Can I adjust the damping?

Yes. The 16-level adjuster changes compression and rebound together: 0 is the stiffest setting and 16 the softest. Start from TEIN's recommended setting and change it a few clicks at a time.

Does it work with TEIN EDFC?

Yes. You'll need TEIN's EDFC5 controller kit plus motor kit EDK05-12140 for this car, both sold separately. EDFC lets you change damping from inside the car.

Are top mounts included?

TEIN supplies vehicle-specific top mounts where the car needs them. On some models the original mounts are reused, so check them for wear before fitting.

Do I need a wheel alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing ride height alters camber and toe, so have a full four-wheel alignment done once the springs have settled and the height is final.

Are TEIN coilovers road legal in the UK?

Coilovers can be used on UK roads as long as the car stays roadworthy: keep a sensible ride height, enough clearance and correctly aimed headlights. Modifying your suspension should be declared to your insurer.

Will Flex Z make my Civic Type R ride harshly?

Flex Z is TEIN's comfort-focused street coilover. The twin-tube dampers are tuned for a supple ride, and you can soften or firm it up with the 16-level adjuster. Lowering the car a long way or fitting low-profile tyres will firm up the ride more than the dampers themselves.

What warranty do TEIN coilovers come with?

TEIN UK covers its suspension for 12 months from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Keep your invoice, as it's needed for any claim.