decky243

Did any of you have money left over after the spring install to buy a digital camera? We need PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!:toothless

neuronbob

I posted this in another thread but really want some answers as people are having their springs installed in the next week:

OK guys...here's the info I need about the Comptechs before I pull the trigger:

1. Squat on acceleration and dip on braking. With the stock springs, there's hardly any squat already, but quite a dip (you can even see this in Acura's "Roads" TV ad). How's this change with the CTs?

2. Body roll in steep turns. It's present, but not severely, with the stock springs. Any improvement?

3. Number of bounces over a moderate bump at freeway speed...I notice 1-2 bounces before the car settles with the stock springs. Any improvement?

4. "Quickness" of steering: does this improve after the springs? There's something of a numb spot when the steering wheel is centered on both my old and new TLs; this disappeared when I put Comptechs on my last TL. Again, any change with the CTs?

Thanks for the information.

danno

I had another post started, "COMPTECH SPRINGS COST$$" and had the dealer do the install. After hearing how much I paid for the work, and what other people are paying, don`t go to a dealer. They have a set hour of install from the service manual,(approx.6hrs). At 70.00 -95.00 per hr. depending on the dealer, this adds up. Comptech reads on their website 2-3 hrs install time, from what are posted here, it seems true.

Anyway, I have to say the springs greatly improve the handling. Hard braking does little to front end drop. And cornering keeps roll to a bare minimum. I had a 99 M3, and this TL has about 98% of the characteristics the M had. Very happy with this part.

As for the ride comfort, there is definitely a difference. More of a "firmer" ride. To me, it doesn`t bother me. To get the "look and feel" of the qualities of this option, its worth it. To others, if your main concern is the limit of the ride and comfort of the TL at present, is reached, don`t do it.

neuronbob

I'm looking for a shop in the Cleveland area, but both shops I know of that do such work are no longer doing springs (including the one that installed the springs on my prior TL, which shut down). I may not install the springs at all now because my only option here in town is to go to the dealer and spend more than I should.
Or I can travel. Anyone in Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown, or Detroit have any options?

danno

NEURONBOB, if you can get it done,do it. It sounds like the interest I had and even though I got ripped off by going to a dealer, happy with the results. Maybe check with local garages. As long as you know whats involved and amount of time, you could kinda lead them along.

VTEC=happiness

There are so many different kinds of places that install springs...I cannot imagine that no one around you can do the work. Even tire places like Americas Tire Co. will install suspension...check around a bit for any sort of racing/rim shop, and I promise you will find someone to do it. Make sure to pay no more than $220 for springs and about $150-200 for install.

decky243

40+ posts and not 1 pic.

decky243

Is this thread dead?

VTEC=happiness

Not yet!!! Man, I am only about a week short of install and I am equipped with the digi cam....so, hopefully it will still be around come picture taking time

XjoEnX

iTrader: (2)

word. id also like to see some pics

markiemark

where did you get the springs for $175. Website? phone number? I'm thinking about ordering a set.

Fellow TLr

Hellow TLrs. I'm scheduled to have my springs installed tomorrow (Friday 1/30/04). Borrowing there's no speed bumps between now and then, I will make it a priority to post a pic over the weekend.

danno

FELLOWTRr, which springs,how much?

Fellow TLr

I went with the Comptech springs. I purchased them on Comptech's Internet site.

2k4TLkev

if you look at acura-tl.com under suspension you can get them cheaper. =)

ndabunka

Are you saying that they are listed under the "For Sale" items or under "Tires and Wheels"? There is no "suspension" catagory. Didn't see anything obvious in the other two. Since it's this site, how about a direct link?

svtmike

Click on the word "Suspension" that's at the top of every web page on this site.

Mike

machete

To all with comptech springs installed. I assuming you all went and got an alignment and if so, what did the rear camber measure and was a camber kit recommended? Thanks.

VTEC=happiness

I have the springs but have not had them installed, but I wanted to answer the camber kit question....there is not camber kit needed/recommended for this install. Even the Acura dealer told me that there was no need.

danno

I concur. Even after getting ripped off at the dealer!!!

VTEC=happiness

Hey Danno....any luck with pics?

danno

I`m waiting to paint the grill black, hopefully this weekend then show the finished product

vash68

Is anybody replacing their shocks along with the springs?
If yes, what type?

danno

I probably would if I was lowering more than 1". Being they are brand new, I left them alone. A set of Konis or Bilsteins in addition, would be the ultimate though.

2k4TLkev

anyone know if later on you can get the aspec shocks and spring combo only? i'm thinking bout getting the comptech but than its just the springs no shock..

danno

So Far its the whole package. Like I posted before, Konis or Bilsteins are top of the line

Fellow TLr

OK TLrs. I have some new pics in my gallery of my 2004 TL droped with the Comptech Srings and my 19s back on. If you haven't viewed my gallery, select the link to the left. I look forwrd to you're replies.

bdowell

Will installing these void the factory warranty? I assume they would since installing almost anything aftermarket does? I don't want to have to switch them out anytime I need work done

dcarlinf1

I called h-o-n-d-a-c-u-r-a-w-o-r-l-d.com today to inquire about an order I made. While I had them on the phone I asked about this specifically. He said they cannot sell the A-spec spring/shock combo by itself. You must purchase the entire A-spec kit to get them. The A-spec kit is available now for those of you who are interested in a DYI A-Spec kit. They want ~$4200 for the kit. I think it includes everything A-spec related except tires. Looks like I am going to have to get aftermarket springs and shocks. Before I do that I must check out some place called velocityresources.com. This was recommended to me by the guy on the phone as a possible place to get the A-spec springs and shocks by themselves. We'll see.

dcarlinf1

Spoke to the guys at velocityresource.com. No luck. They are aftermarket only But, they suggested Comptech for the spings and Koni for the shocks (the yellow adjustable ones). Unfortunately, Koni's for the 04TL are not available yet. Shouldn't be much longer though. Comptech's website has info on the yellow koni shocks for the 03TL Type-S.

lovepo9e

Hey whiteTL, i stay in Sac and where did you get the springs at for $175.00?

Fellow TLr

Hello TLers,
As you’re all aware, I had my 04 TL lowered using Comptech springs. Went to the Acura dealership for the four-wheel alignment. As you would expect, I was treated like gold. I was put in a loaner etc… Prior to the alignment, I put my stock wheels back on my car in anticipation of the service department not being able to accommodate my 19s.

Got my car back. The first thing I noticed was the steering wheel was not at the favorable 12 o’clock position. It was approximately at the 11:57 position. No big deal. However, when I put my 19s back on, I notice the car had a slight pull to the right. Not bad, just enough to require me to compensate to the left.

I told the service manager that took care of me. He’s set an appointment for me this Friday. He made a suggestion. He asked me to try rotating the front tires to the back. He’s thinking that I may have a bad tire. I told him I would try it. If it doesn’t take care of it, I will have the car checked by service department with the 19s on the car. He said their alignment machine would accommodate the 19s. Anyone else had a similar encounter?

I’ll keep you posted.

lovepo9e

Fellow TLr, got to say nice ride. What size tire's did you go with and how much rougher is the ride?
I also had a problem with my stock tires. it took 3 trips to dealership and a meeting with the district service manager to finally have my bad tire replaced.They called it radial pull. Just keep bugging them and i guarantee it will be taken care of. They will tell you to go to a bridgestone dealer. I made up some story on how they(bridgestone) told me to go back to the dealer, because they can't do anything about it . The DSM got involved and next thing you now my tire was here.
The dealers out here in Sac. are not to cust. friendly. Not sure if it's because I don't fit the "Acura Driver" profile......LOL. Hope you have better luck.

Please keep me posted, Later

Fellow TLr

The size of my tires are P235 35 ZR19s. If you’re asking if the ride is has changed because of the short side wall, the answer is ….. I feel the imperfections in the road that the stock tires and wheels useally absorb.

The Comptech springs lowered my TL approximately one inch. The ride has changed from a smooth stable "stock" ride, to a "sporty" more stable ride. Besides, the car looks way cooler this way. Am I happy? You bet. Would I recommend it? Yeeees!

Do you have any pics of your TL?

harddrivin1le

The OEM shocks won't be able to cope with the higher spring rates.

harddrivin1le

The OEM shocks won't be able to cope with the higher spring rates. The car will be under-damped until someone introduces a decent set of shocks.

harddrivin1le

Anyone who installs/uses them with the stock shocks is heading for trouble (and a lousy ride):

http://www.hstuners.com/news/wmview.php?ArtID=50

Fellow TLr

harddrivin1le,

I read the article you posted. Thank you. It made for some interesting reading. However, the Comptech springs lower the 04 TL one inch. That’s one inch! That’s no worse than having 3 passengers along for the ride. I believe if you lower the car 2 1/5 inches then you’re definitely risking dampening range and "stock" shock absorber failure.

I don’t know about any of you, but I don’t drive my new TL at the track. I cruise my baby. I’ve had several Hondas in the past ten years, and I never once have I had to replace a shock absorber.

It’s my opinion that this article is referring to the lightweight performance tuner that releases their machine on the track and underground racing. Marketing!

harddrivin1le

This topic has been covered time and time again in various suspension tuning books, etc. Springs and shocks work together; each must be tuned to match the characteristic of the other if they are to work properly.

The Comptech springs are significantly stiffer than the OEM springs; the stock shocks will be overworked, will run hotter and wear out much quicker with those springs. They also won't be able to properly dampen the stiffer springs; the stiffer springs will want to "over-run" the stock shocks. The harder you drive, the worse it will get.

You'd be better off with a set of Konis (once they come out with TL shocks) and the stock springs than you'd be be aftermarket springs and the stock shocks.

http://www.godspeedinc.com/suspension.html

"Keep in mind, however, that if your car is newer, the stock shocks will wear out quite a bit faster since they are trying to handle more load than they were designed to do...For most enthusiasts, springs are great for looks but simply put, will not increase your handling all that much and may cause some loss of performance in quick transitional cornering loads as the stock shocks can not handle those increased loads that the springs put on them. "

http://www.turnfast.com/tech_handlin...springs2.lasso

"Using Springs to Lower the Car

...Speaking of shocks, it is generally necessary to buy stiffer shocks at the same time you change the springs. Springs alone will lower the CG, and will reduce body roll, but neither is the primary function of the spring. For road imperfections, shocks work in conjunction with the spring, and are designed with each other's ratings in mind. Going over bumps, a stiff spring may resist the first compression well, but without sufficient shock capacity, the car will bounce more than it should afterwards which ultimately reduces the car's handling performance. Also, stiffer springs will prematurely fatigue stock shocks. They'll last a while, but will eventually get weaker and decrease the handling performance.

If you can only afford shocks or springs, either keep saving to get both, or start with the shocks. Performance shocks alone which provide firmer bump and rebound control, and greater control over weight transfer rate, will improve handing performance more than stiffer springs alone will."

J0KER

Hello everyone!
Great to find this thread, as I have been doing research on just this topic! In the process, found this board. A match made in heaven
Greg - who'd like to see some pic's of the TL's on Comptech springs