Frosty

iTrader: (7)

Thanks dude! As cheesy (and :ghey as it sounds, I'm in love with the car all over again.

Honestly, I attempted to buy that exact shift knob from TWO different places (eBay AND Amazon). Both places said in stock, ready to ship, and took my money. And both places emailed me about a day later saying they were backordered nationwide. So I went with the Skunk2, and I'm happy with it. I think it's heavier than the Mishimoto anyways

About getting the title changed, I actually looked at my title the other day, and it makes no reference to the transmission anywhere. I think that's all found in the VIN, and I doubt I can get that changed. It did cross my mind though.

Sorry that I left the Poor Man's CAI clan . I do like my new one a lot better. It has a deeper grunt on WOT, and whistles less (which I'm happy about). Looks cooler too.

And hey, if you remember, I DID eventually come around and try the cheapo ground loop isolator MONTHS ago! It made no difference then. I'm still in shock that it worked this time, but I'm not complaining.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

hey, as long as it worked!
Yeah, that intake is fantastic and since it's custom...it actually fits!



Skunk2 is a great knob, man...
Funny...I shared with a lot of S2K guys and they bought them...we depleted inventory!





If you don't like the red, tape a circle so around the numbers...then spray paint white or black or whatever...then use a paper towel lightly soaked in goof off to carefully wipe up everything BUT the indented numbers...make sure it's not TOO soaked so none of the goof off pools or goes into the number trenches.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Looks great Frosty!

CBP08TL

iTrader: (2)

I'm jelly! Thanks for sharing.

Do you have a check engine light due to the swap or did you get a new ecu to match?

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Absolutely amazing. I wish my TL was a 6-speed

I'm glad you're enjoying it!

King Lopez

Random question but how is the vinyl after a year or so? Debating if I should vinyl my roof or just have it sprayed.

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

The way I have it setup, I'd have to remove the entire center console to access the tightening nut under the knob. I used a rubber grommet and ziptie to keep the boot from falling down, and the nut is hidden by that. So whatever I do has to be done while it's inside the car. That pretty much rules out spray painting. I'm gonna see if they have sharpie pens that use actual paint, and then just color in the numbers.

No check engine lights. The ECU was replaced.

Thanks, Tyler!

It has not changed since the day I got it. Holding up very well. Paint will be glossier though (more glass-like).

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

just use touch up paint with a small artist's brush then.

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

That might work.

Headed to get a quote on my passenger seat repair right now. What an eyesore! Does anyone know if the car can be turned on without the passenger seat installed? I know it will throw airbag codes with the driver seat removed, but I'm not sure about the passenger seat.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Since they both have side airbags in them, I'd venture to guess yes. Or, NO rather.

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

Over the past week, I got a few small things done on the car. I had my passenger seat reupholstered, and it looks fantastic. After installing it, I've been having a hard time believing that the interior of this car is 10 years old. It really looks brand new! I still need to do a full detail on the inside, but wow.





I never realized how dirty the seatbelt release buttons get. Absolutely filthy!




Also, I FINALLY painted my center caps to match the powdercoated Aspecs. I've been rollin' capless since December . I separated the A's from the circles, and sanded everything down with a dremel. After painting, I glued them back together, and put a few more coats of clear on top to seal everything in. They turned out really nice, and match the wheels quite well. I also replaced my passenger side axle nut because it clicked every time the car experienced a change in momentum. I'm glad that was an easy fix.






I went to a car meet last Sunday that was at an old mental asylum. It's only 30 min from me and I didn't even know it existed. They really should turn it into a haunted house or something.
(and yes, she's the nicest of the bunch :wink





My new LED DRLs will be here Monday. I have a feeling that they're gonna be stupid bright, and I may even use them for my Inspire fogs instead of HIDs (depending on brightness and color).

BlueAc

iTrader: (2)

Your car looks good man, nice work!

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

Car is looking great!

Definitely the greatest of the bunch

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

Thanks, guys!

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Frosty, everything looks fantastic, especially the seats. How do they feel?

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

They feel brand new! I've always loved how the TL seats hold you in so well. I can't stand the look (or feel) of seats that are completely flat on the back with no side bolstering.


I installed my new LED DRLs today, and I am extremely impressed with them. The color matches my stock HIDs quite well. I bet they would be a perfect match for CBIs, which I may get someday. But what surprises me the most is how incredibly bright these are. When I went to test them out for the first time, I literally thought I had switched on my HIDs by mistake (not kidding!). Originally, I only planned on using these as DRLs, and then turning them off at night. But after seeing how much they improve the visibility, I see no reason to ever turn them off. I was going to get some 5000k HIDs for my inspire fogs, but instead, I just ordered another set of these. I love 'em!







DRLs only



HIDs (low) only



DRLs and HIDs (low)





DRLs and HIDs (high)



Randoms

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Looking good, Luke.
Nice fogs...
I went the opposite route, amber, CBI, amber. I love it.
How you enjoying that manual?

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

I considered amber for the DRLs also. I just knew I had to get rid of a color. Amber, white, AND yellow was just too much color for one headlight. But I'm also just sick of yellow in general, hence the replacement of the lower fogs as well.

As for the manual, I like it more and more every day. I'm starting to learn the art of downshifting / rev-matching. It's really fun, especially when you nail it perfectly.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Yes sir...
well, barring a total of 13 months of 2 auto cars, I've been driving nothing a manual every day for 18 years. It's natural to me and still makes me smile.

TLrascal

Ah, I wish I could do a 6MT swap. I just don't have 4500 to fork out lol

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Dude, it's like you've got a new car!


I like the new pics.

YooNek1's

okay so i read and followed all 11 pages of your thread i have had my tl for about a year now and will be posting pictures once that option is available car looks awesome i have an 05 with an at and if it goes i will invest the money as well into making it a manual tl forsure awesome worl clean job bro

Damin1123

Probably one of my favorite tl's on azine. Really surprised that I have yet to see it in real life considering we both live in Canton lol

TurnerDan

You've made such good progress with your WDP. DRL's look great! What did you use to clean your exhaust? I'm looking to clean up the tips of mine.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Excellent work as always

Moar shots at the mental asylum!

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

^^^ Haaa

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

Thanks!

Let's meet up sometime! I'm always driving around town.

Thanks, I used Barkeeper's Friend. (liquid and powder types simultaneously )

I really need to! Such a cool place.




I ordered another set of my DRL LEDs and put them in my Inspire fogs. Who needs HIDs?!

So many different combinations! I love light.







Inspire Fogs Only


Inspire Fogs and DRLs


Inspire Fogs, HIDs (low), and DRLs



Inspire Fogs, HIDs (high), and DRLs


The Inspires look good as DRLs too. I shall alternate between these and the upper.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Love those Inspyres.

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

I'm getting pretty good at shifting, but the car still shakes a lot when going from 1-2, and also when driving around parking lots or heavy traffic in 1 or 2. I figured it was just my driving, and it will be less and less noticeable as I get better at driving stick, but something just hit me... I have no engine torque damper installed on my car (which the 6MTs came with from the factory).

So, I will not only be ordering a torque damper (and a 6MT engine bracket to make it work), I will be ordering the XLR8 polyurethane torque damper. I've read great things about them, and how much of an improvement they are over the factory rubber torque damper. I can only imagine how much of an improvement it will be going from NO damper, to a poly damper. Then I'll be able to see how much of it is truly my shifting

Side note: the clicking noise when starting from a stop has returned. I never replaced the driver side axle nut, so I'll probably do that first before I dig any deeper.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

The damper is actually like a baby shock, if it's the one I'm thinking about. I swapped mine and was glad I did because the OEM one had absolutely no rebound left in it.

Did you have the checkvalve removed from the slave cylinder before he installed it? Your description of having trouble of smoothly coming out of 1st and 2nd strongly reminded me of my woes back when I first got the car, prior to removing the checkvalve and at that point I had 12 years manual honda driving experience.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/113-removal-slave-cylinder-check-valve-734300/

TLin401

Your car looks great Frosty.

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

Right, I guess I was referring to the poly bushing that goes inside the damper. And yes, the check valve was removed. The shifting is not THAT bad, I just feel it could be smoother. I can't imagine this damper not helping helping the cause.


Thanks!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

It'll definitely help the cause...
don't be so hard on yourself, man. You just learned manual!

350

iTrader: (4)

Sorry if I missed it, but do you have a link for the DRL LEDs you used? They look great, I have HIDs in mine now but just want to use LEDs and leave them on all the time. Car is looking great.

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

I will actually be starting a new thread soon to let everyone know about them. I've worked out a deal with the supplier, and you guys will all be able to get them at a discounted rate compared to what I paid. I would dare to say that these are the best LEDs on the market for DRLs and fogs, and it wouldn't be right to keep them all to myself, now would it?

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

I created a separate thread regarding my new LEDs. If you want to read the whole thing, it can be found HERE.

Otherwise, the LEDs can be ordered from HERE, and make sure to use the coupon code GTXM2 to receive 20% off and free shipping.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Outstanding.....

TheBlueBomber

Just got to following this thread. Your car is so clean. Congrats on the 6spd and keep the updates coming

Frosty

iTrader: (7)

Thanks a lot. Will do!

dezymond

I just got done going through this whole thread and I am at a lost for words. Just wow...

I can't believe how young you are and have so much knowledge and no fear of tackling just about any maintenance your car required. Seriously, it's impressive and I wish I had the tools, the knowledge, and the guts to do the same with my car.

You been through alot with your car and I'm glad you can finally really enjoy it the way you intended. One of the cleanest looking TLs I've seen and you're definitely one of the most knowledgeable car people I've encountered.