MXtypeSIX

I've been doing research on the CL as I'm hoping it will be my next car. So my question is, What did Acura change throughout the years. So far I've noticed that 97's have a different grille than the 98,99 and that the 97 has less wood in the interior. I was wondering what years came with the stock bodykit though, I couldn't figure that out and how many different stock spoilers there are. I noticed the rim change but I'm going to change those out no doubt so that's not a concern. Lastly, what body style is the 2000 CL? I did a search on autotrader.com and I couldn't find anything, was there no production for CL's in 2000? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

MXtypeSIX

dustbuster4

Basically, the 1997 model was a "bastard" model. When Honda changed the Accord in 1998, the CL also had a number of changes.

Here we go (front to rear):

Grill changed from 1997 to 1998/1999

Front brakes changed from the 1997 design (hub over rotor--a real bitch to change the rotors) to the 1998/1999 design (rotor over hub--much easier to change) [However, the 1998-2002 V6 Accord uses a 5-lug design and the 1998-2002 4-cylinder Accord uses a 4-lug design. The CL continued the 4-lug design for BOTH the 2.3 AND 3.0 models.]

There are several under the hood differences, mainly in the location of several items I can't remember--not really noticeable).

There are wheel differences not only between the 2.2 and 3.0 models, but from all the years.

There are several interior changes. The center console is different--not only in it's shape, but the clock, hazard button, seat heater switches and fog light switch are in different locations from the 1997 model to the 1998/1999 models. The shifter plate is of different design on the 3.0 with the 1998/1999 having a flush plate with wood and a chrome trim ring. The 1997's plate is recessed with no wood or chrome.

The 1997 has NO radio controls on ther steering wheel. The 1998/1999 models do.

The 1997 model does NOT have the Home Link system (garage door opener located near the rear view mirror). The 1998/1999 models do.

There are also exterior paint differences between the years, but mostly between the 1997 models and the 1998/1999 models. For example, Cypress Green Pearl was a 1997 color only. Cardiff Blue was not available in 1997, etc.

This is all I can think of at the moment. Maybe others will contribute.

CLUofI

the lower molding is painted on 98/99's while it is black on all 97's

azn5ucka86

steering wheel horns changed between the two models too?

dulux

only 3.0's can have heated seats

MXtypeSIX

thanks for the info, but when you say the moldings weren't painted, did all CL's come with that small lip kit all around. It looks flat near the front wheel then it lips out right before the rear wheel, that is a stock kit right? Also is there only one style wing that the cl came with?

MXtypeSIX

dustbuster4

Yes, all CLs came with "ground effects" that you're referring to. They were all black on the '97s, but painted body color on the 1998/1999 models.

There was only one single spoiler design for all 3 years. However, there are several aftermarket spoilers for the 1st gen CL (noteably from Wings west; the Type 'R' wing and their version of the OEM spoiler w/ LED brake light).

BTW: There was no 2000 CL. You could pick up a '99 CL throughout 1999. The 2001 (2nd Gen) was released in early 2000 (sorta like a 2000 1/2--like the 1964 1/2 Mustang which was marketed as a 1965 Mustang).

AcUrALiTy

yea we got the crap model, im trying to do a full 99 conversion (excluding brakes) so far ive got 99 grill, painted all the skirts, next is a 99 center console, hey dustbuster what do you mean the hazards are in a different place? if i were going to do the 99 console conversion how much different pieces do i need?

dustbuster4

My bad!

The Hazard switch is in the same place. However, it's the clock (right next to it) that's different.

On the '97 model you have (from left to right): hazard switch, clock, clock controls (w/ flip-down door).








On the 1998/1999 models, you have (from left to right): hazard switch, clock (and clock controls), and optional fog light switch (or a blank plate cover ing the recessed switch location).

RippinRide

There wasnt a base model in 99 either, all came w/ leather heated seats and such.

MXtypeSIX

I think I'm going to opt for a 98,99 3.0, I have one more question about the seats and the rear seat, does just the armrest come down to expose the trunk on all 3 years? I think I could incorporate that into a custom sub display somehow. And as for the seats did any 3.0's come with black leather? I seen a lot of tan and gray on here but no black. Thanks.

MXtypeSIX

dustbuster4

Yes, the armrest comes down on all 3 years (to expose the trunk).

On the 1997, the interior choices were Quartz or Charcoal, only.

On the 1998/1999, the interior choices were Charcoal or Parchment.

ju5tchi11in

Also 3.0 only comes in automatic... 2.3 has both... but auto is a waste of time and money. All years.

dustbuster4

Really!?!?!?

How's that?


Wanna race! :P

TypeSH

anyone try swapping the 98-99 consoles onto a 97?

and did the 98-99 CL's use rear multi-link suspension like the 98+ accords, or did they use rear trailing arms like the 94-97 accords?

ju5tchi11in

I said 2.3 auto is a waste.... of time and money... true. Uve got a 3.0

dustbuster4

Gotcha. I read it wrong.

suXor

I believe 98/99 started the better alarms with the imobilizer setup?

Vitamin CL

There was a 2000 MY CL in Canada which was basically a 1999 carryover.

wingman

Yes, you can swap the 98-99 consoles onto the 97. You need many parts and you need to rewire the clock, and re-position the terminal in back of the ashtray (sounds harder than it is).

TypeSH

does the center console bolt up to the rest of the front dash of the 97 CL's?

i have a 94 accord, and so I'ma lways looking for nicer CL parts taht would fit up (97 CL being the closest thing to it).

wingman

If you're asking if the CL's center would fit a 94 accord, I don't think it would. The CL's center appears to be wider. I've never measured it, but by sitting in a friends 95 Accord it appears to be narrower (the Accord).