When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Which rear arms were the lightest.
Did you take weights ?
Those Powertrix chrome ones look awesome.
I did take weights, but lost the info. I know the Oem and ingall's were the lightest because of rubber bushings. The Hardrace and powertrix weigh more because of metal bushings. For this part I would not be as concerned with weight as how well the part performs for your intended use. If you want the lightest go with Oem or ingalls. I didn't really like the rear end wiggle you get with ingall's under heavy braking.
For drag racing oem is probably good unless you need adjustability.
I can weigh oem and powertrix arms if you like. Sold ingall's and hardrace are on the car.
Got the weights for you. I will say, the Powertrix arms are really beefy and look show quality. They have the most adjustability and beefiest bushings. Think after holding them that the Powertrix weigh the most, followed by Hardrace Pillowball Arms.
Decided I wanted to move the rearview mirror to a new position. I had a few passengers bang their helmets on the mirror so I decided to move it closer to the windshield.
First thing on order was to remove the OEM mirror.
Sanded down the metal plug in preparation for paint.
Painted plug flat black with a touch-up brush. Marked off the new rearview mirror mounting points.
The mounting brackets have a gap to the roof. If you just mount up the mirror it will vibrate too much. I used some aluminum spacers and wedged them behind the brackets. The spacers have a hole in the middle for the bolt to go through.
Ditched the brackets that came with the mirror and also the home depot brackets. Made my own brackets from angled aluminum. I even added extra holes to the brackets to save weight and for a cool look. Used all stainless hardware.
Damn! That's one hell of a bill! But I'm sure I'd do it too if I was in your position. Car is looking dope though, keep it up!
So here is a suggestion about the roll bar color, on my legend when I installed my cf hood I had my painter paint my grill. My car is granny gold so instead of just painting it black to match he added a slight gold to it. I'm not a paint expert but I'm sure there's a proper term for it. But it was almost like gold flakes in the sunlight only. So if you did something like matte black with either blue, red or silver in that type of fashion it might look good. Personally that blue looks sweet, especially with silver. Oh and much props on the weigh in. You have literally proven that every bit helps!
Last edited by bigdaddyKA8; 12-13-2014 at 09:26 PM.
Reason: I can't spell!!
Very very impressive documented build! Your what I call a "real" car enthusiast that takes great pride and quality in your work. You go to the extreme to make it perfect.
Reminds me of myself...
Just some recommendations:
-never heat to remove sound deadening, use big bags of ice! It would of took you 1 hr to remove it all.
-Instead of AutoX, do road course trackdays! The CL/TL is just too big and long for U-turns around cones....it will never be competitive plus don't you wana get out of 2nd gear?
Road course your 6-speed you will never AutoX again.
-and how the hell do you find the time to do what you did on this build??
Damn! That's one hell of a bill! But I'm sure I'd do it too if I was in your position. Car is looking dope though, keep it up!
So here is a suggestion about the roll bar color, on my legend when I installed my cf hood I had my painter paint my grill. My car is granny gold so instead of just painting it black to match he added a slight gold to it. I'm not a paint expert but I'm sure there's a proper term for it. But it was almost like gold flakes in the sunlight only. So if you did something like matte black with either blue, red or silver in that type of fashion it might look good. Personally that blue looks sweet, especially with silver. Oh and much props on the weigh in. You have literally proven that every bit helps!
Thnx. I am just planning on painting it myself with can spray paint, nothing fancy.
Originally Posted by ECRD
Brian6speed,
Very very impressive documented build! Your what I call a "real" car enthusiast that takes great pride and quality in your work. You go to the extreme to make it perfect.
Reminds me of myself...
Just some recommendations:
-never heat to remove sound deadening, use big bags of ice! It would of took you 1 hr to remove it all.
-Instead of AutoX, do road course trackdays! The CL/TL is just too big and long for U-turns around cones....it will never be competitive plus don't you wana get out of 2nd gear?
Road course your 6-speed you will never AutoX again.
-and how the hell do you find the time to do what you did on this build??
I know how fun road courses are. That is the goal this year. I still have a desire to autocross and try to keep improving. Driving on track seems more natural to me. I have more trouble with autocross. I know the CL is big for autocross, especially ones I do with miata club. The CL does really well at everything but really tight corners, but that might just be setup. I was getting within a second of a lotus exige and RX8. I think that isn't too bad. Think with some R - Comps up front could get a few 1-3 finishes.
I am not really trying to run SCCA and class the car. That would be pointless. It is all for fun, to learn, and improve my driving. I enjoy the people at the events, such a different scene than the car show scene.
It is hard to find the time. I don't sleep very much. Right now I'm about to work on the car at 4 in the morning.
Re-did side view mirror panels. For the previous panels I bought sheet of CF from APR. That is just Fiberglass with a layer of CF on top. It is thick at around probably 1/8".
Purchased a 1/16" thick 12"x24" Rigid Sheet with Patterened Smooth Finish from McMaster-Carr.
It was pricey at $106. Used it for both mirror panels and switch panel. Still have some extra. It is all carbon fiber and much better quality.
The 1/16" thickness is perfect fit for the rubber backing/seal.
Here is a pic from 2014 National Meet that shows it.
Current pic other side.
Removed the metal backing plate. It only weighed .08 lbs.
Masked for paint.
Painted.
For the backing nuts I bought some thumb nuts. Makes it easier to install and remove mirrors without tools. McMaster-Carr
I got the car ready to drive today, but decided not to since it has been raining all day. Hopefully I will take it out tomorrow.
Lexan Panel Re-installed.
I used all stainless hardware to install panel. I used rubber washers on both sides of the panel to reduce vibration and help with water seeping through.
Panel before installing.
Installed.
Here you can see the outside hardware. Used over-sized washers and rubber washers underneath.
I will try and get better pics when I can. I want to get one looking up at the sky when it is clear out.
Last edited by brian6speed; 12-14-2014 at 08:26 PM.
I always wanted wiper arms that were slimmer at the mounting point that did not stick up on the windshield.
Noticed some new Honda/Acura vehicles now come with arms that mount from the side instead of the top like the CL.
Next step was to do some research and see what new models came with side mounting wipers and match them up to the CL lengths.
Did my research on Hondapartsunlimited.com.
Spent a good amount of time going through every car model looking at diagram pics to see if it was side or top mount. Then I just checked lengths to see if they match CL.
Took the car out for a drive today. The exhaust actually isn't that loud. It is just a deeper tone now. There is a little rasp at 3k rpm but not much. It is rather docile. That big muffler does its job.
I didn't expect to notice a power difference but could definitely feel it in the mid range RPM's.
The roll bar makes the rear feel stiffer and you can tell the suspension is working more instead of the chassis flex being part of the suspension before.
Transmission is shifting great. Taking it easy for now, just normal driving.
Went with Stack Professional Motor Analogue Gauges. Water Temp & Voltmeter. I will probably add an oil gauge later on and switch the voltmeter gauge over to the switch panel.
Bought these books used for a good price. Still need to get the aerodynamics book. The used ones are too pricey(very sought after it seems). Think cheapest used I saw was around $300 and some even over $2k. They are coming out with a new 3rd edition in May so I just pre-ordered that one.
Have always wanted to get some Simon McBeath books.
^IMO, this turned out impressive. The gasket idea really imparts a 'clean' professional result.
How many 'templates' did you cycle through before arriving at that final fit in size?
I made 2 templates out of cardboard, and 1 or 2 out of hardboard.
For Lexan, just cut it slightly bigger than the hardboard. Then test fit it, remove, sand down, test fit again. Repeat process till it just barely fits snuggly. I probably test fit it at least 20 times. If the panel is too small/not snug enough in some areas you can try pushing that trim out from the Lexan to seal better on that section.
I keep changing my mind on wheels. I think Volk might be too popular and gives off that show car feel. I want something more unique.
Think the SSR GTF01 ' S might be a contender. You rarely see them and they have very limited sizing available, but perfect sizes for me. I currently have SSR wheels and always loved their products.
Have been driving the car the last few days and it drives amazing. I have a grin on my face the whole time. I tried some slalom manuevers and the improved stiffness seems to help. Bet it can go thru slalom a few mph faster.
Made my biggest purchase ever yesterday for this car(not including King bill or Paint bill). Thanks to everyone who bought parts from me, you helped me finance it.
That is all I will post now. More info to come.
Last edited by brian6speed; 12-19-2014 at 09:39 AM.
I was going to tell you not to go green, but you figured it out. Although I'm not much into colored wheels, those blue ones look really good, and blue goes well with silver. Those bluish grey ones look good too. Either way I'm sure it will look clean.
Nope, not wheels. Sorry to disappoint, but I think it is just as exciting.
Originally Posted by Oldsman71
I was going to tell you not to go green, but you figured it out. Although I'm not much into colored wheels, those blue ones look really good, and blue goes well with silver. Those bluish grey ones look good too. Either way I'm sure it will look clean.
Yea blue and silver go well together. I will go with something blue, silver-ish, or black. Colored wheels would probably get me awards at car shows. My silver on silver without being slammed ruins it. I am somewhat kidding but would like to get a few awards besides Azine meet ones.
BTW I dropped your last package off at USPS today. I added in an extra part for making you wait so long. Will PM you tracking.
Originally Posted by gnuts
custom rear splitter?
No. Rear diffuser isn't that big of a purchase.
It is something for the track that also adds a bling factor. It is made for the 04-08 TSX and 3rd gen TL but should work on my car. Should say will work on my car because I will make it work.
Last edited by brian6speed; 12-19-2014 at 01:45 PM.
Nope. I don't want that extra weight up front or the heat that goes along with it. Only weight I really want to add is Aero and cooling from now on. Maybe some added weight for safety later on.
They might be lighter, not sure. The rotors are 2-piece and 328 mm x 28 mm. Calipers are 4 piston.
Here is what I ordered. Stoptech Trophy Sport Kit. These calipers are even lighter then normal ST-40 calipers by 1 lb. I also ordered titanium shims to protect dust boots from heat. XLR8 gave me a great price on the kit. StopTech Trophy Sport Big Brake Kits
Still need to decide on pads.
Last edited by brian6speed; 12-19-2014 at 03:42 PM.
Nice the silver calipers will look good behind the wheels. I just painted the calipers on my third gen tl silver. Doesn't the trophy kit come with pads or is it just rotors and calipers?
Yea pretty close. Fitment might be tight and require new wheels. I refuse to run spacers.
Originally Posted by Stephen00TL
Nice the silver calipers will look good behind the wheels. I just painted the calipers on my third gen tl silver. Doesn't the trophy kit come with pads or is it just rotors and calipers?
Those look nice. The Trophy comes with Anodized calipers, not painted ones(more like anthracite than silver). Kit comes with everything but fluid. Calipers, Rotors, Street Pads, Lines, and Brackets.
I feel like the brakes are the weak point of the car atm. I want more initial bite and better pedal modulation.
Need to decide what pads to run front and rear. Eyeing Carbotech XP10 or XP8. Might need to use 2 sets and have to swap at the track.
Last edited by brian6speed; 12-20-2014 at 09:22 AM.
Would you be willing to cut a CF hood?
A former member did it on a TL
He also mentioned it is best to place said vents closer to the radiator. Of course having the scoops underneath will help with hot air.
Would you be willing to cut a CF hood?
A former member did it on a TL
He also mentioned it is best to place said vents closer to the radiator. Of course having the scoops underneath will help with hot air.
Can cut OEM or CF Hood. Vill0169 did it on his TL track car and so do s2000 owners. You would cut based on where the skeleton/frame is behind the hood.
It would be to allow hot air to escape, not an induction vent.
Might want to add an airdam made from aluminum. Could add rain trays that are removable. Could just tape vents up when raining.
Great build as well as very nice numbers. Car must be a blast to drive.
You can't really trust the 1/4 mile calculator considering it doesn't add into account wheel torque or drive wheels, but your car definitely has the ability to run 12s. Will you be taking it to the dragstrip any time soon?
Great build as well as very nice numbers. Car must be a blast to drive.
You can't really trust the 1/4 mile calculator considering it doesn't add into account wheel torque or drive wheels, but your car definitely has the ability to run 12s. Will you be taking it to the dragstrip any time soon?
Thanks
Car is very fun to drive. Know not to trust the calculator, it is just for shits and giggles. Want to go to track just to put down some numbers. Would be more motivated if I had a group to go with. With autocrosses, car shows, track days, and working on the car not sure how much free time will be left for drag racing.
I thought about installing the TB Motorworx final drive(like you) when having my tranny rebuilt but decided against it because of cost and also it would lower my top speed in 2nd gear(not great for autocross).
That final drive plus lwfw would help power and times quite a bit, but that is not really my focus. I find driving fast in a straight line rather boring. I tend to drive slow when the roads are straight and speed up through the curves/corners.
Am also doing some work on my Focus and will use that for autocross also.
On a side note when I look at that 2g TL with the vented hood all I see is the Pontiac GTO hehe. Can't say I like the look without supporting aero mods.
Last edited by brian6speed; 12-22-2014 at 12:27 PM.
12-12-2014, 04:52 PM
I tried some slalom manuevers and the improved stiffness seems to help. Bet it can go thru slalom a few mph faster. 
Now just need to sell more parts.
