2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Opinions on the FLA-2T JIC suspension?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 1, 2007 | 05:26 PM
  #1  
Asterisk's Avatar
Thread Starter
iRussian
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: midwest IL, USA
Opinions on the FLA-2T JIC suspension?

So, I priced out some ground control coil over sleeves/springs and some Tokico lumina shocks/ cusco camber plates, and came to a realisation that if I got suspension, I might as well go for something nice
like a se of JIC's.

So, does anyone here own a set of these? I know a guy who bought em brand new for his 10th Ani. and after a ride in his car, I realy liked em. I also realy like JIC's page on them, here: http://www.jic-magic.com/ViewProduct...24&CarMakeID=5

The only thing I don't like though, is a $2,000 price tag! Also I was wondering if there were any possible mounting/ general issues with em that anyone experienced? I am planning to get a pair after I get an SAFC and a tune.

EDIT: I was also thinking of getting some used, but I ponder upon the fact that they might be realy worn out, and might need to get sent in to be rebuilt, hence nullifying the money I saved on em in the first place.

And, sorry this isn't in the suspension forum, I forgot we had it on here! :lmao:
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2007 | 05:59 PM
  #2  
Asterisk's Avatar
Thread Starter
iRussian
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: midwest IL, USA
anyone please move this?
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2007 | 07:54 PM
  #3  
Jaiyurai's Avatar
Endure Persevere Succeed
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (30)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 37
From: Berkeley, CA
I worked for the JIC magic US distributor a few years back when they first came out in the USA.

The first shipment of FLTA2s were great. Rode nice and lasted pretty long. Then JIC USA gets the stupid idea to add helper springs/longer shock tube without any real testing, and screws up everything.

We had a lot of issues with the US version FLTA2s not lowering the car enough (meaning there was still 2-3 finger gap at the lowest setting) thus many customers were unsatisfied and unhappy.

If you do go with them, try to get a good condition used set of Japan version FLTA2s or call a distributor if you can special order a set to send to you.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2007 | 12:13 AM
  #4  
Asterisk's Avatar
Thread Starter
iRussian
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: midwest IL, USA
Ah, thank you for the info.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 03:18 AM
  #5  
Bunchies's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
From: CA
I would go for a ground control setup with koni sport shocks anyday before buying JIC coilovers. I've heard some good things about their performance (though the dynos seem to say otherwise), but absolutely nothing good about the build quality.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 04:55 AM
  #6  
RETed's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 26,664
Likes: 22
From: n
JIC stuff was a joke when they broke into the US market, and they probably still are.
Even the Japan guys prefer Cusco and Tein over JIC.
Even though that dumbass in the other shock thread thinks they are the best thing to come out of Japan since sushi...not really.


-Ted
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 10:37 AM
  #7  
alexdimen's Avatar
TANSTAFL
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 128
From: Richmond, Va.
My friend is running them in his LS1 swapped car. They have beautiful stance and the car is a blast to ride in at autocrosses. It feels very linear and responsive.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 11:19 AM
  #8  
Black91n/a's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 6
From: BC, Canada
They've also had some real reliability and customer service problems in the past, so due to that I'd avoid them.

I'd suggest going with Tein coilovers, they're durable, they've got good damping, they're rebuildable and revalveable in the US and they're a bunch cheaper than JIC's.

I went with Flex's and changed the front springs to 7kg/mm ones and am very happy with it. Another option is the Super Drift, same basic coilover, but slightly stiffer (8/6 vs. 6/5 stock Flex rates).
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 02:29 PM
  #9  
vipers's Avatar
IIMMM BBAAACCKKK!!
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,904
Likes: 1
From: redlands, cali
i have a set on my evo.... flt-a2's...... which doesnt help you out much, but i can say i absolutely love them! JIC ftmfw!
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 04:51 PM
  #10  
Asterisk's Avatar
Thread Starter
iRussian
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: midwest IL, USA
Well, ****, the JIC RX-8 recieved a damn good review by the car magazines, and independant racing drivers who drove it on the track, etc. Bummer, they seemed like a good, reputable company. I still don't think that they are ****, but will probably go with a pair of lightly used Stance coils. Yes, I know that's not quite "Ohlins" but imo seems better than TEIN's stuff. I just dont like TEIN and get a wierd vibe from them, like I do from LS1 swaps...
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 07:51 PM
  #11  
Black91n/a's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 6
From: BC, Canada
Stance is a relatively new company making lower end stuff. Tein has a much longer history and makes everything from top end remote reservoir double adjustable coilovers to low end stuff. There's plenty of long term users to attest to their durability and all the shock dynos I've seen have been pretty darned good. I'd place them in much higher esteem than Stance, as they've not really been around long enough to see if they're truly durable, plus I've never seen a shock dyno, so who knows how good they really are.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Postman09
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
0
Sep 29, 2015 11:23 AM
izzolaw
1st Gen General Discussion
2
Sep 27, 2015 08:33 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:31 PM.