Hey guys! If you're rolling a Forester and you're looking to seriously upgrade your ride's handling and overall performance, then you've probably stumbled upon the name TEIN. Specifically, the Street Advance Z4 coilover suspension kit. This is a popular choice for a reason, and in this article, we'll dive deep into what makes the Street Advance Z4 a fantastic upgrade for your Forester, covering everything from its features and benefits to installation considerations and real-world performance. Let's get started!

Why Upgrade Your Forester Suspension?

So, why should you even consider upgrading your Forester's suspension in the first place? Well, the stock suspension is designed to be a jack-of-all-trades, meaning it's good for a bit of everything, but not particularly great at any one thing, especially when it comes to performance driving. It's built for comfort and everyday practicality. Upgrading your suspension can transform your Forester into a more capable and enjoyable vehicle, whether you're hitting the trails, carving corners, or simply want a more controlled and confident feel on the road. The stock suspension, while perfectly adequate for general use, often suffers from excessive body roll, nose dive during braking, and a generally vague feeling, especially during spirited driving. This is where the TEIN Street Advance Z4 comes into play, offering a significant improvement over the factory setup.

Upgrading your suspension is more than just about aesthetics, though a lower ride height often looks fantastic. It's about enhancing your car's performance in several key areas. Improved handling is probably the most noticeable change. The Street Advance Z4 provides more precise control, reducing body roll and improving your ability to navigate turns with greater confidence and accuracy. This translates to a more engaging driving experience and a vehicle that feels planted and predictable. Then there's better ride quality. While some might assume a performance suspension sacrifices comfort, the Street Advance Z4 is designed to strike a balance. It offers a firmer, more controlled ride without being harsh or jarring, especially compared to some other performance coilovers. You'll feel bumps and imperfections in the road less, and the car will feel more composed over uneven surfaces. Finally, a suspension upgrade can also contribute to improved braking performance. By minimizing nose dive under braking, the Street Advance Z4 helps keep the tires in contact with the road, allowing for shorter and more controlled stopping distances. You'll feel more confident in emergency situations and experience a more responsive braking feel in general.

TEIN Street Advance Z4: Key Features and Benefits

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the TEIN Street Advance Z4 itself. This coilover system is packed with features designed to deliver a superior driving experience. Understanding these features will help you appreciate why the Street Advance Z4 is such a popular choice for Forester owners. One of the main features is its monotube design. Unlike twin-tube designs, monotube shocks use a single tube to house the piston and oil, which improves heat dissipation and allows for more precise damping control. This means the shocks can maintain consistent performance even under demanding driving conditions, resisting fade and ensuring a stable and predictable ride. TEIN's ADVANCE needle technology is also a key feature. This allows for precise adjustment of the damping force, enabling you to fine-tune the suspension to match your driving style and the road conditions. You can dial in the perfect balance between comfort and performance, making the suspension more compliant for daily driving or firmer for track use. Another notable feature is the height adjustment system. The Street Advance Z4 allows you to adjust the ride height independently of the spring preload, so you can achieve your desired stance without compromising the shock's performance. This means you can lower your Forester for a more aggressive look and improved handling characteristics, all while maintaining optimal suspension travel. The kit typically comes with pre-set damping settings, but the adjustability allows for easy fine-tuning. This adjustability is a significant advantage, allowing you to tailor the suspension to your specific needs and preferences.

Furthermore, the Street Advance Z4 is designed with durability and longevity in mind. TEIN uses high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure the coilovers can withstand the rigors of daily driving and spirited use. The shocks are typically finished with a corrosion-resistant coating to protect against the elements, extending their lifespan and maintaining their performance over time. Also, TEIN provides comprehensive support and documentation, including detailed installation instructions and technical support, making the installation process as straightforward as possible, even for those with limited experience. The quality of materials and the meticulous manufacturing process contribute to the durability and reliability of the Street Advance Z4, ensuring that the investment pays off with years of improved performance and enjoyment.

Installation Considerations: What You Need to Know

Okay, so you're thinking about installing the TEIN Street Advance Z4 on your Forester. That's awesome! Before you dive in, let's talk about the installation process and what you need to consider to make sure everything goes smoothly. While the Street Advance Z4 is designed for relatively straightforward installation, it's a project that requires some mechanical aptitude and the right tools. If you're not comfortable working on cars, or if you're not familiar with suspension components, it's always best to have a qualified mechanic perform the installation. You'll need the right tools, including a jack and jack stands, a wheel chock, a socket set, a torque wrench, and possibly a spring compressor. Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you start, and familiarize yourself with the installation instructions that come with the kit. These instructions are generally quite detailed and will guide you through each step of the process. Before starting, gather all the required tools and equipment. This will prevent unnecessary delays and frustration during the installation. Proper preparation is essential for a successful installation. That includes reading the instructions thoroughly, watching videos (YouTube is your friend!), and familiarizing yourself with the components.

The installation process typically involves removing the existing suspension components, including the shocks, springs, and top hats. The Street Advance Z4 coilovers then replace these components. You'll need to pay close attention to the orientation of the coilovers and ensure that they're installed correctly. The kit often includes camber plates or adjustable top mounts, which allow you to fine-tune the camber angle for improved handling and tire wear. Once the coilovers are installed, you'll need to adjust the ride height to your desired setting. This is usually done by rotating the threaded collars on the coilovers. Be sure to measure the ride height on each corner of the car to ensure that it's even. After the installation is complete, it's essential to get a wheel alignment. This is crucial to ensure that your wheels are properly aligned and that your tires wear evenly. A professional alignment shop will be able to set the alignment to the optimal specifications for your Forester, taking into account the new suspension components. After the installation is complete and the alignment is done, take the time to test drive your Forester. This will allow you to get a feel for the new suspension and to make any necessary adjustments to the damping settings. Remember that the adjustment of damping is an important aspect of fine-tuning the suspension for your driving style and the road conditions.

Real-World Performance: What to Expect

So, what can you actually expect in terms of performance improvements with the TEIN Street Advance Z4 installed on your Forester? You're going to notice a significant difference in the way your car handles. The reduction in body roll is immediately apparent. You'll feel more confident navigating corners, and the car will feel more stable and composed, even at higher speeds. The steering response is also improved, making the car feel more direct and responsive to your inputs. The car is going to feel a lot more planted. The suspension will effectively absorb bumps and irregularities in the road, providing a smoother and more controlled ride. This enhanced control also translates to better braking performance, with reduced nose dive and shorter stopping distances. Acceleration will also be improved. This means the tires will maintain better contact with the road surface, allowing you to accelerate more effectively. The Street Advance Z4 suspension kit is designed to enhance your driving experience in various aspects, which are evident as soon as you hit the road.

The overall experience is one of enhanced control, improved comfort, and a more engaging driving experience. Many users report a substantial improvement in handling, with reduced body roll and a more precise steering feel. The adjustable damping allows you to fine-tune the suspension to your liking. You can dial in a comfortable ride for daily driving or firm it up for spirited drives on winding roads. The Street Advance Z4 is a very versatile suspension system. The combination of improved handling, ride quality, and adjustability makes it a great choice for Forester owners looking to enhance their car's performance and driving dynamics.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership

Like any high-performance component, the TEIN Street Advance Z4 requires some level of maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Regular inspections are key. Check the coilovers periodically for any signs of leaks, damage, or wear. Inspect the springs, shocks, and mounts for any cracks, corrosion, or unusual wear patterns. Cleaning the coilovers regularly, especially if you drive in harsh conditions, can help prevent corrosion and maintain their performance. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth can go a long way. Make sure to clean the threads where you adjust ride height. This will prevent them from seizing up over time. If you live in an area where road salt is used, consider using a protective spray on the coilovers to help prevent corrosion. Regular lubrication can help keep the coilovers functioning smoothly. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the threads and moving parts to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. However, be careful not to over-lubricate, as this can attract dirt and debris.

Depending on your driving habits and the condition of the roads you drive on, you may need to rebuild your coilovers eventually. Rebuilding involves disassembling the shocks, replacing worn components, and reassembling the shocks. The frequency of rebuilding will vary depending on use and conditions. It's a good idea to consult with a TEIN authorized service center for any major repairs or rebuilding. Proper maintenance will help ensure that your investment in the Street Advance Z4 coilovers pays off with years of reliable performance and enjoyment. Following a regular maintenance schedule and paying attention to any unusual noises or behavior will allow you to address issues early on and prevent more significant problems down the road.

Conclusion: Is the TEIN Street Advance Z4 Right for You?

So, after all that, is the TEIN Street Advance Z4 the right upgrade for your Forester? If you're looking for a significant improvement in handling, ride quality, and overall driving experience, then the answer is very likely yes. It offers a winning combination of performance, adjustability, and durability, making it a popular choice among Forester enthusiasts. The Street Advance Z4 will transform your Forester into a more capable and enjoyable vehicle, whether you're cruising on the highway, tackling winding roads, or even hitting the occasional track day. It's an investment that will pay off with a more engaging driving experience and a vehicle that feels more connected to the road.

However, before you make your decision, consider your specific needs and driving habits. If you're primarily concerned with comfort and don't plan on aggressive driving, then the Street Advance Z4 might be more suspension than you need. If you're a serious track enthusiast, you might want to consider a more track-focused coilover system. Make sure you understand the installation process and are comfortable with the required tools and skills. If not, it's best to have a professional install the coilovers. If you value a balance of performance, adjustability, and ride quality, then the TEIN Street Advance Z4 is an excellent choice for your Forester. It's a proven upgrade that will significantly enhance your driving experience and allow you to enjoy your Forester to its full potential. The benefits of the TEIN Street Advance Z4 suspension system are numerous, ranging from improved handling and reduced body roll to a more comfortable ride and enhanced braking performance. If you're looking to take your Forester's performance to the next level, the TEIN Street Advance Z4 is definitely worth considering.

Alright, that's it, guys. Hopefully, this guide has given you a good overview of the TEIN Street Advance Z4 and helped you decide if it's the right upgrade for your Forester. Happy driving!