Revalving Jap Spec Ohlins is a No-Go, BUT....

[MR2Mania]

Hi all,

A while back, I was talking about a couple of friends that were going to try and source Jap Spec Ohlins and have them revalved over here by Ohlin specialists, but since we've found it's a No-Go, because the JapSpec Ohlins aren't actually coilovers!

I therefore went to see my contact at the Autosport Show, and he did confirm that he had also since found out that the quality of these JapSpec Ohlins wasn't exactly up to Ohlins' standards.

However, we do have another option. That would be to modify existing stock struts to take inserts, and have adjustable towers. This would take some development work (and cost!), which I may be interested in helping them with, but I just wanted to know if people out there would be interested in the final product.

One of my friends has opted to go for the TRD coilover setup, which looks great, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he finds them when installed on the car, but I'm still wondering whether an Ohlins-based setup would be an alternative option.

Comments appreciated...

[Lauren]

I'll accept your apology now Dino...

Told you!!

[MR2Mania]

I'll accept your apology now Dino...

Told you!!

LOL! Yes, Lauren, you were right (you can pick up a Gold Star, and a virtual pat on the back).

What he meant though was that the quality of the chroming process used on the strut's rod wasn't to the quality that Ohlins Worldwide would do. This wouldn't affect performance as such, but Ohlins being Ohlins, they had to state this.

Anyway, this won't be an issue for the proposed idea, because you could use the standard Toyota-Bilstein Strut bodies, and all the internals would be replaced.

[PW@Woodsport]

A while back, I was talking about a couple of friends that were going to try and source Jap Spec Ohlins and have them revalved over here by Ohlin specialists, but since we've found it's a No-Go, because the JapSpec Ohlins aren't actually coilovers!

Ive got a full set of Jap spec Ohlins,can you explain what you mean by "arent actually coilovers" because the ones i have certainly look like coilovers? They came from an MR-S if that helps.

Also if it is indeed true that these arent bonifide ohlins coilovers how do they get away with using the ohlins name on them if they are inferior quality,surely thats a legal minefield if something goes wrong?

[MR2Mania]

Hi Paul,

Ive got a full set of Jap spec Ohlins,can you explain what you mean by "arent actually coilovers" because the ones i have certainly look like coilovers? They came from an MR-S if that helps.

I'm talking about the Mk2 (my bad in not recognising the other 2 MR2s! ). For that particular model, it seems the only ones they supplied were similar to the stock struts (ie they use the same diameter springs, and have a non-movable cup at the bottom of the spring). Of course, those too are strictly "coil-overs", but I'm just following the usual misnoma of referring to the types that have adjustable cups (for adjusting ride height).

When I started looking into all this, I thought the Ohlins for the Mk2 were proper "coil overs", but have since been told by several sources that they're not.

Also if it is indeed true that these arent bonifide ohlins coilovers how do they get away with using the ohlins name on them if they are inferior quality,surely thats a legal minefield if something goes wrong?

Just like the stock struts on the Mk2 from Rev2 onwards were "Bilsteins", made under license outside of a Bilstein factory. From what I understand, the Ohlins for the Mk2 are made in Japan under license, and are most probably designed more for drifting.

I'm not sure what was available for the Mk1, and what is currently available for the MR-S.

[MR2Mania]

WTF is going on?

I've just had a PM from a very good friend in Japan, and indeed he's sent me a pic of proper Ohlin "coilovers". Am I confused now, or what!!!

[MR2Mania]

Anyone got the 2nd edition of HyperRevs, and can see if they list an Ohlins coilover set? I've got the 1st edition, and the ones in there are plain struts, but it could be they released them later.

[SimonPearse]

wrongly using the term 'coil-overs' to refer to units with adjustable spring seats...
The ohlins I have do not have adjustable spring seats, and these are the only model I have actualy seen (on 4 cars so far), but I believe that there are (or were) 3 other models as well, including coil-overs and coil-overs with remote resevoirs. I'm sure I saw details of these on a jap web site about a year ago, but I can't remember exactly where.
What makes you think that they cannot be revalved? Mine have been.
Just checked and the fronts are model CH5-S010

[MR2Mania]

wrongly using the term 'coil-overs' to refer to units with adjustable spring seats...
The ohlins I have do not have adjustable spring seats, and these are the onle model I have actualy seen (on 4 cars so far), but I believe that there are (or were) 3 other models as well, including coil-overs and coil-overs with remote resevoirs. I'm sure I saw details of these on a jap web site about a year ago, but I can't remember exactly where.

I've just seen Ohlin coilovers for the SW20, so they defo exist, but being sold for 400,000yen New, I can see how feel people would have had them fitted.

What makes you think that they cannot be revalved? Mine have been.

That's *me* using the wrong words, again! Of course they can be revalved. What I should have said (wrongly again, now that I know it's not true!) was that the Ohlins were only available as struts.

I'm having a good day, huh? At least the datalogging today on my ST205CC went a lot better, as did my mapping.

[Hedgehog Dodger]

Dino fellla.

I have Ohlins inserts on my Tubby, but I think I am using standard springs. They definitely look standard anyway!

[Fonzy]

hi guys this is what i found out!
Ohlins Sweden will not supply kits that can be found on jap import cars because they are actually made by Ohlins Japan which is a different setup, Ohlins Japan are building to differnet specs for different vehicles, my freind who is a rep for ohlins can do a full rebuild on the non coilover and coilover sets but cannot is not allowed to import the kit because Ohlins sweden wont allow the retail of Jap specs stuff in Europe. As an alternative we have been working and a Custom Ohlins setup for the mr2 which should be availble this summer. Any questions please dont hesitate to call James 07881942241

[dudeone]

Hi Fonzy,

I also have the Jap Ohlins on my Rev3 2, can you send me some details when your up and running mate

Cheers Dave

[Fonzy]

well i can get them serviced now if they need anything!