Question...TL A-Spec Suspension Kit worth it?
05-03-2013, 09:14 AM
#81
Well now I'm questioning whether I got the right one from Curry back in 2008! I got the 201A set:
And really, I didn't get much of a drop. It would explain a lot if the 201A set was for an Automatic and installed on my 6MT.
I'll probably end up replacing mine again this summer and I'll see if I can find a 201B set.
And really, I didn't get much of a drop. It would explain a lot if the 201A set was for an Automatic and installed on my 6MT.
I'll probably end up replacing mine again this summer and I'll see if I can find a 201B set.
05-03-2013, 11:57 AM
#82
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^^i think the 202 kit supercedes the 201A kit. it appears that there is really only ONE kit available now for all the 3G TLs. i have the 201A kit purchased from curry acura. i've done some searching...seems like all the recent kits sold are the 202 kits. prior to this yr and the end of last yr, it was only the 201 kit (or so it seemed). i posted something of my findings in another thread somewhere. the original kit for the 04-06 MT TLs was 200A while 200 was for AT. curry informed me that the 201A kit superceded the 200A kit. and now one of the posts in here says that the 202B kit is the only one available and supercedes the prior part number.
BTW, i have those wheels.
BTW, i have those wheels.
05-03-2013, 05:02 PM
#84
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^^i have the 201A kit on my 6MT...my car dropped about 3/4"-1" all around. my arse sits a touch lower than the front. i did measure the height before and after, so i know there was definitely a drop, albeit subtle.
05-04-2013, 07:11 AM
#85
I took pictures right after the install and the drop was in the 1/2-3/4" range. Things may have settled more than that, but I haven't measured. Now I'm curious. I'll have to go re-measure.
EDIT: So I just took a measuring tape to the front and rear wheels. There was no real significant change from when I installed them almost 5 years ago. But the fronts are definitely higher (26 1/4") than the rears (26"). If the 201A is indeed meant for an automatic, it makes sense that installing these on a heavier auto transmission would cause the front end to drop a little lower, perhaps making all four corners the same. With my 6MT, the fronts just ride a little higher.
EDIT: So I just took a measuring tape to the front and rear wheels. There was no real significant change from when I installed them almost 5 years ago. But the fronts are definitely higher (26 1/4") than the rears (26"). If the 201A is indeed meant for an automatic, it makes sense that installing these on a heavier auto transmission would cause the front end to drop a little lower, perhaps making all four corners the same. With my 6MT, the fronts just ride a little higher.
Last edited by AndrewA; 05-04-2013 at 07:20 AM.
05-04-2013, 07:35 AM
#86
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^^mine sit around 26" at all corners with the fronts maybe 1/8"-1/4" higher, at my most recent measurement. mine was installed spring 2011. however even with stock suspension the car sits high up front (i see this across all makes and models, as well).
the 202B kit is not designated for AT or MT.
the "A" designation from what i understood was for MT. so unless someone from higher up in the acura parts world (those engineers and parts assigners at corporate) tell us what in the world all these part numbers means, we're only guessing. parts guys at dealers really don't know they are only guessing.
the 202B kit is not designated for AT or MT.
the "A" designation from what i understood was for MT. so unless someone from higher up in the acura parts world (those engineers and parts assigners at corporate) tell us what in the world all these part numbers means, we're only guessing. parts guys at dealers really don't know they are only guessing.
05-12-2013, 04:58 PM
#88
I have an 05 AT and need shocks anyways and I'm looking to drop it no more than 1" around, I want a stiffer ride with much less sway going through corners but still keep it "cushy" enough as a DD.
I've read this entire thread... and Aspec was the way I'm leaning until I saw a few people mentioning Koni yellow on stock springs and I see it's less expensive than the aspec kit is.
..I just had a baby, so I'm short on cash and I'm trying to go the most cost effective (Like I said, I have to buy shocks anyways bcuz mine are done. ...time to upgrade to what I want and not spend too much more than if I were to just get a stock replacement)
05-13-2013, 09:16 AM
#89
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I'm just curious how it would differ in handling from the A spec kit. Better shocks but worse springs I'm guessing. Still not a bad idea, Konis + lowering springs would be way too low for me. I'm torn between A spec and Tein Basis at the moment.
05-13-2013, 09:21 AM
#90
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^^just keep in mind that Aspec is tuned for the TL...Acura spent money on the R&D to do it. just another one of those factors to account for. IHC has the koni yellows with Aspec springs i believe (justnspace i think might have the same set up).
05-13-2013, 09:48 AM
#91
Race Director
Well now I'm questioning whether I got the right one from Curry back in 2008! I got the 201A set:
And really, I didn't get much of a drop. It would explain a lot if the 201A set was for an Automatic and installed on my 6MT.
I'll probably end up replacing mine again this summer and I'll see if I can find a 201B set.
And really, I didn't get much of a drop. It would explain a lot if the 201A set was for an Automatic and installed on my 6MT.
I'll probably end up replacing mine again this summer and I'll see if I can find a 201B set.
^^i think the 202 kit supercedes the 201A kit. it appears that there is really only ONE kit available now for all the 3G TLs. i have the 201A kit purchased from curry acura. i've done some searching...seems like all the recent kits sold are the 202 kits. prior to this yr and the end of last yr, it was only the 201 kit (or so it seemed). i posted something of my findings in another thread somewhere. the original kit for the 04-06 MT TLs was 200A while 200 was for AT. curry informed me that the 201A kit superceded the 200A kit. and now one of the posts in here says that the 202B kit is the only one available and supercedes the prior part number.
http://www.dchautomotiveparts.com/oe...08w60-sep-201b
Last edited by nfnsquared; 05-13-2013 at 09:54 AM.
05-13-2013, 01:34 PM
#92
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^^i won't argue with ya since no one seems to have the numbers straight. i'm just reporting what the curry acura guys told me (not that i whole heartedly believe what they've told me, but what else do i have to go on?).
aside from the subtle aesthetics between the two kits, i don't think it will necessarily deter from the overall handling experience that some of us seek.
can you provide further insight into the varying parts numbers (all of the them from over the years)? i'd like to see what you came up with. i'm not sure if anyone really knows unless it's from some Acura parts number assigner (note: i'm not trying to be argumentative here, i am curious as to your findings).
aside from the subtle aesthetics between the two kits, i don't think it will necessarily deter from the overall handling experience that some of us seek.
can you provide further insight into the varying parts numbers (all of the them from over the years)? i'd like to see what you came up with. i'm not sure if anyone really knows unless it's from some Acura parts number assigner (note: i'm not trying to be argumentative here, i am curious as to your findings).
05-13-2013, 02:09 PM
#93
Race Director
^^^ read post 58 and 60. It's 3 to 1 (The 3 being: Buerkle Acura, DHC Automotive and Park Acura, the 1 being Curry) saying that the "A" is A/T.
And as I indicated, Curry can't even get their stories straight. They have shipped both the "A" and the "B" to folks who have specifically requested the ASPEC kit for M/T.
I don't have any additional info beyond that. FYI, Park Acura is still advertising the 202A as "A/T only":
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=171027069083
And as I indicated, Curry can't even get their stories straight. They have shipped both the "A" and the "B" to folks who have specifically requested the ASPEC kit for M/T.
I don't have any additional info beyond that. FYI, Park Acura is still advertising the 202A as "A/T only":
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=171027069083
05-13-2013, 07:04 PM
#94
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i'm not buying what the dealer is exactly saying^^ i need better evidence than anecdotal stories of who said what...i want a clear explanation.
if you look up the part number for the aspec suspension for the original 04-06 for MT...the number is 200A. so i'm not buying the "A" stands for AT. not sure if it's even searchable anymore. i distinctly remember the 200A for my car. or maybe it's all some secret code. who knows?
if you look up the part number for the aspec suspension for the original 04-06 for MT...the number is 200A. so i'm not buying the "A" stands for AT. not sure if it's even searchable anymore. i distinctly remember the 200A for my car. or maybe it's all some secret code. who knows?
05-14-2013, 07:47 AM
#95
Race Director
i'm not buying what the dealer is exactly saying^^ i need better evidence than anecdotal stories of who said what...i want a clear explanation.
if you look up the part number for the aspec suspension for the original 04-06 for MT...the number is 200A. so i'm not buying the "A" stands for AT. not sure if it's even searchable anymore. i distinctly remember the 200A for my car. or maybe it's all some secret code. who knows?
if you look up the part number for the aspec suspension for the original 04-06 for MT...the number is 200A. so i'm not buying the "A" stands for AT. not sure if it's even searchable anymore. i distinctly remember the 200A for my car. or maybe it's all some secret code. who knows?
The guys at Curry were unprofessional and refused to look up the part succession history. Their only answer to my question of why they shipped out "A" and "B" to guys with M/T was that the two are the same part.
Not sure where you are getting "A" stands for A/T. It's just a part# and purely coincidental AFAIK.
05-14-2013, 08:55 AM
#96
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^^^ read post 58 and 60. It's 3 to 1 (The 3 being: Buerkle Acura, DHC Automotive and Park Acura, the 1 being Curry) saying that the "A" is A/T.
And as I indicated, Curry can't even get their stories straight. They have shipped both the "A" and the "B" to folks who have specifically requested the ASPEC kit for M/T.
I don't have any additional info beyond that. FYI, Park Acura is still advertising the 202A as "A/T only":
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=171027069083
And as I indicated, Curry can't even get their stories straight. They have shipped both the "A" and the "B" to folks who have specifically requested the ASPEC kit for M/T.
I don't have any additional info beyond that. FYI, Park Acura is still advertising the 202A as "A/T only":
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=171027069083
05-14-2013, 10:33 AM
#97
Race Director
^^^ ahh, I see where you got that now. Sorry, wasn't my intention to imply that "A" meant "A/T". I just meant that the 202A was the part they are selling and that in the auction they specifically say that the part they are selling is for the A/T only.
It'd be really nice to have the opportunity at a meet, etc. to be able drive both a TL with the ASPEC suspension and a TL with the Koni yellows . Probably not going to happen
It'd be really nice to have the opportunity at a meet, etc. to be able drive both a TL with the ASPEC suspension and a TL with the Koni yellows . Probably not going to happen
05-14-2013, 10:29 PM
#98
Pro
good information here. i ordered the 202A last week and I am having it installed tomorrow on my '08 type S, AT. i will try to post up some pics. I'm hoping I dont regret not trying to find the 201A or B or whatever it was that was for the MT. Why the shit couldn't Acura make these things 100x simpler to distinguish?! Guess that's part of the fun???
05-15-2013, 06:04 AM
#99
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info i posted in another suspension thread:
if anyone else has anything to add or clarify...feel free contribute.
after doing a little research... (what a novel idea)...
Aspec suspension parts numbers from what i gather:
last 4 digits-
...-200 (04-06 AT)= discontinued
...-200A (04-06 MT) = discontinued
...-201B (04-06 MT, may have superseded the prior part number 200A) =discontinued
...-200C (04-06 AT, again may have superseded prior part number 200) = discontinued
...-202A (07-08, per OEM parts stores (through acura parts data base NOT ebay ads), not designated for either AT or MT, will fit all 04-08 TLs) = the only one that seems to be available.
the 202A appears to be the only one available currently for the entire 04-08 TL lineup (regardless of tranny or base/type-s). descriptions off the OEM parts sites are vague at best. ebay ads are confusing.
IF one happens to find one of the earlier "discontinued" parts, more than likely the dealer or individual is selling old stock. most non-internet OEM dealers usually special order parts, since they do not want extra stock of items that do not move off their shelves.
unless someone else can verify (ie perhaps tim at peoria, a vendor here) what the current part number(s) for the available Aspec suspension for the TL (and if they differentiate from AT to MT and base to type-s) all we have is a little research and what people have been told.
i was told that the 202A part number superseded the prior 200A part number (per Acura dealer). they did not know why. most likely b/c acura consolidated the parts (cost savings) since the suspension kits weren't flying off the shelves and generally being purchased by enthusiasts which is a small % of the population of 3G TL owners.
Aspec suspension parts numbers from what i gather:
last 4 digits-
...-200 (04-06 AT)= discontinued
...-200A (04-06 MT) = discontinued
...-201B (04-06 MT, may have superseded the prior part number 200A) =discontinued
...-200C (04-06 AT, again may have superseded prior part number 200) = discontinued
...-202A (07-08, per OEM parts stores (through acura parts data base NOT ebay ads), not designated for either AT or MT, will fit all 04-08 TLs) = the only one that seems to be available.
the 202A appears to be the only one available currently for the entire 04-08 TL lineup (regardless of tranny or base/type-s). descriptions off the OEM parts sites are vague at best. ebay ads are confusing.
IF one happens to find one of the earlier "discontinued" parts, more than likely the dealer or individual is selling old stock. most non-internet OEM dealers usually special order parts, since they do not want extra stock of items that do not move off their shelves.
unless someone else can verify (ie perhaps tim at peoria, a vendor here) what the current part number(s) for the available Aspec suspension for the TL (and if they differentiate from AT to MT and base to type-s) all we have is a little research and what people have been told.
i was told that the 202A part number superseded the prior 200A part number (per Acura dealer). they did not know why. most likely b/c acura consolidated the parts (cost savings) since the suspension kits weren't flying off the shelves and generally being purchased by enthusiasts which is a small % of the population of 3G TL owners.
05-15-2013, 06:12 AM
#100
Race Director
^^^^201B is not discontinued and is in stock according to the 4 parts departments I spoke to in March.
05-15-2013, 06:15 AM
#101
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Updated 
the 201B kit MAY not have been available during the time AndrewA (2008) and myself (2011) purchased our kits. the only factor we don't know here is when these parts numbers changed and the time frame in which these kits were available. not that it would help, but if curry acura is wrong (which it appears they might be), then they've been selling the AT kits to MT owners unknowingly. i find that rather annoying considering the money spent.
after doing a little research... (what a novel idea)...
Aspec suspension parts numbers from what i gather:
Last 4 digits-
...-200 (04-06 at)= discontinued
...-200a (04-06 mt) = discontinued
...-201b (04-06 mt, may have superseded the prior part number 200a) =available per nfnsquared's info
...-200c (04-06 at, again may have superseded prior part number 200) = discontinued
...-202a (07-08, per oem parts stores (through acura parts data base not ebay ads), not designated for either at or mt, will fit all 04-08 tls) = available.
Aspec suspension parts numbers from what i gather:
Last 4 digits-
...-200 (04-06 at)= discontinued
...-200a (04-06 mt) = discontinued
...-201b (04-06 mt, may have superseded the prior part number 200a) =available per nfnsquared's info
...-200c (04-06 at, again may have superseded prior part number 200) = discontinued
...-202a (07-08, per oem parts stores (through acura parts data base not ebay ads), not designated for either at or mt, will fit all 04-08 tls) = available.
Last edited by TLtrigirl; 05-15-2013 at 06:21 AM.
05-15-2013, 04:00 PM
#102
Pro
Just got my car back! LOVE IT!!!
I forgot how to post pics on here. It's been years since I have. Hopefully this works???
https://www.facebook.com/adam.kroege...type=1&theater
NOPE. Guess not. Ugh. But the 202A is PIMPIN, IMO. I'm very pleased with the look, and of course feel.
I forgot how to post pics on here. It's been years since I have. Hopefully this works???
https://www.facebook.com/adam.kroege...type=1&theater
NOPE. Guess not. Ugh. But the 202A is PIMPIN, IMO. I'm very pleased with the look, and of course feel.
Last edited by Kro; 05-15-2013 at 04:03 PM.
05-16-2013, 08:59 PM
#104
Pro
05-18-2013, 06:21 AM
#107
05-21-2013, 06:01 AM
#109
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^^that's what we dont' know. unless we have some early type-s owners with the aspec suspension (AT and MT) chime in with kit numbers, we're left to figure out the mystery.
there is no description for the 201B kit except "sport suspension" on the parts sites.
there is no description for the 201B kit except "sport suspension" on the parts sites.
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08_TL (05-31-2013)
05-31-2013, 08:13 PM
#117
it has 61 k miles and as for tire and rim size i am competently stock as of right now. I'm not sure if your planning of going with this a spec suspension but if you are i would highly say go for it if your going for performance over depth. I am really happy with this set up.
06-01-2013, 01:32 PM
#118
it has 61 k miles and as for tire and rim size i am competently stock as of right now. I'm not sure if your planning of going with this a spec suspension but if you are i would highly say go for it if your going for performance over depth. I am really happy with this set up.
06-01-2013, 07:05 PM
#119
Your measurement are a lil low and your car already had the a spec lip kit on already so most likely it has the suspension as well. so your probably got it already or the strut/ springs u have now have some good milage on them and lowered a bit. The only way for sure is to check the part number on them. And my tire size is 235/45 r17 and seems like yours are a bit wider then mine.
Last edited by j_u; 06-01-2013 at 07:12 PM.
06-05-2013, 11:56 AM
#120
If you don't mind the small gap between the tire and fender, it is a very firm and responsive suspension. I will actually be selling mine with about 30k on it. No rust California car. Shoot me a text if your interested (619)890-3539