When people think of the big three in the Japanese performance market, most instantly see the names of HKS, GReddy and A'PEXi. Granted, they pump out lots of money to make products but nobody ever thinks about some of the smaller Japanese companies that are essentially at the same level as these big corporations. If most people think the way I do, seeing is believing, and on a recent trip out to Japan I was able to visit the Tanabe headquarters in Osaka and their manufacturing plant in Shiga. Assuming I was going to see a small-time operation, I was floored by what I witnessed. From Tanabe's exhaust facility to their spring division, every single component is machine made and hand built. Even their quality control exceeds the normal standards. While many companies often inspect the final product to ensure a perfect vehicle fit, Tanabe tends to inspect each part before final assembly, then finish up with a final fitment check. If owning the most dope manufacturing tools is a way to flex a company's strength, then Tanabe might very well be Mr. Schwarzenegger. We started out in the header and exhaust division where we witnessed all flanges being cut out by laser. No outsourcing of header and exhaust components here, everything from tube bending, welding and on to muffler construction is in house. It would be honest to say that the only parts that are not of Tanabe make are the nuts and bolts. The newest toy installed at the Tanabe facility is a Bosch four-wheel dyno. This allows them to see how well their product development checks out. If there is one thing Tanabe is well known for it would be their spring manufacturing. While they have their own line of springs, they are also contracted out to manufacture springs for many other companies. The main reason is the accuracy in quality control and the fact that they are one of the few companies that owns a Wafios spring roller. Springs are made from SAE 9274, which is the highest quality material available for this type of application. From the raw material to the finished product, the process of creating a quality spring is an amazing assembly line, starting from coiling and ending with the double shot peen process. As I stated earlier, seeing is believing, so check out what I saw on my visit. This company can go toe to toe with the best. Header primary tubes are loaded into a jig, then notched by a computer-controlled plasma cutter.Header primary tubes are loaded into a jig, then notched by a computer-controlled plasma c All Tanabe's flanges, from the exhaust system to headers, are laser cut in house. From start to finish, Tanabe products are hand checked to ensure an accurate fit. Muffler canisters are also slip rolled and packed. End caps are bead rolled and welded in house.Muffler canisters are also slip rolled and packed. End caps are bead rolled and welded in One of the many things that puts Tanabe above the rest is the ability to make their own springs with this Wafios machine. Tanabe is one of the few that actually have the credibility to own this machine which runs in the seven-figure range--we are not talking Yen.One of the many things that puts Tanabe above the rest is the ability to make their own sp Once the springs are made they are then heat-treated then shot-peened for strength. Is particular shot peen machine is a one of a kind made by Tanabe.Once the springs are made they are then heat-treated then shot-peened for strength. Is par After being shot-peened, the springs are then fully compressed to ensure they do not sag. Standing by the spring when it's compressed is a little scary. Once again, this process is the end result of Tanabe's quality control.After being shot-peened, the springs are then fully compressed to ensure they do not sag. Last but not least, the finished product is checked one more time by computer to verify each batch of springs is at their proper specification.Last but not least, the finished product is checked one more time by computer to verify ea Newest toy to Tanabe is their Bosch four-wheel dyno. This became a key element to testing Tanabe exhaust components.Newest toy to Tanabe is their Bosch four-wheel dyno. This became a key element to testing Soon to hit the States is Tanabe air/coil over suspension for the Scion xB. Look for an up coming feature on this suspension set up.Soon to hit the States is Tanabe air/coil over suspension for the Scion xB. Look for an up Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
