Hi, ive been looking at the japanese toyota soarer model, and found the car came with an interesting option called TEMS suspension. It is able to lower and raise the car via electronically controlled airbag suspension, does anyone out there know of a good site to find more information on this,, or possibly the actual limits of this suspension e.g, how low the car can sit ?

Thanks

 

TEMS Suspension comes in various models. On GT model (my one) the TEMS only adjusts damper and rebound levels, so you have a slighty harder setup and more overall control of the car. (This TEMS doesnt adjust ride height). The TEMS on some V8 models is airbag suspension where you can lower and lift the car from a button inside the cabin. So it you were gonna go bush, you'd use the high setting, and when you want to cruise/race then use the low(sport) settings. I dont have the airbag suspension, but I've been told it lifts/lowers the car by about 1 inch either way... so if you get pulled over by cops.... " <flick>, no officer... My car isnt too low... " Then there's active hydraulic TEMS which is similar to airbag, but is actively adjusting when you drive as well, so when you pitch the car at corners it will always stay level. (not many of these were made though).

Hope that clears it up.

Toan.

 

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, i have chosen a toyota soarer 93, with the 32 valve v8, with airbag and TEMS on it, it will be with the jap touch screen e.t.c. I have heard about aftermarket suspension controllers for the TEMS which enables the car to drop below its standard settings? anyone ever heard of these before???? what are they like?. If anyone else out there owns a soarer do you have any ideas on 1/4 mile times? ive read that the sc400 runs around mid 15's but i ve got a magazine review stating the soarer (v8 4spd auto) runs a dissapointing 16.93 seconds!!!! i dont want my car to get beaten by 4 bangers!\

thanks

Blake

 

Blake, you can find Toan and more info. on TEMS at this site: www.jkwebdesign.co.uk/lexusclub
In the UK they have to import soarers, ditto down under.

 

If you dont want to get eaten by 4 bangers, get a TT. they are usually cheaper and have lots of benefits. They run about 14 sec stock. add in an exhaust, larger intercooler and boost it up to 12 PSI and you have a truly fast street car for little outlay. The challengers you'll be looking for will all be turbo cars. Even LS1 (5.7 Gen III) engined cars dont really pose that much threat... We have one Soarer TT owner who spent about AUS$6000 (about US$3000) and is getting 225kw at the rears... that's nearly 400hp at the fly. The older model V8's have a lower HP rating, thus the lower 1/4 times. The newer models ('96 an up) have a bit more power, Then there's the VVTLi and stuff. The only differenced the V8 has over the GT (Twin Turbo) is the touch screen TV/satnav, suspension, heated memory seats and electric steering wheel adjustments. Ask yourself how often you change drivers or will neeed to lift/lower the suspension. The TV/Satnav unfortunately will not work outside japan since the satnav CD isnt availiable for any other countries. The TV frequencies are also Jap specific NTSC. If you are in Aus (PAL) then you need a converter which is alot more $$$. The best option is to get a Soarer GT, and fit an Alpine/Clarion TV single din with a single CD/MD in the other din, and have a stacker at the back.

Yes the Jap SC also have really CRAP CD stackers. They skip EVERYWHERE. Although I think I've nailed it to not getting enough power to the system. IE. the small ground cable. Not sure tho. Havent pulled the electrics out recently.

Toan