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Very little commonality in parts; these are two completely separate models.
Really. Hmmmm... So the 3.5RL is like a one off? Different from everything else? There has to be some commonality of some parts, engine, suspension, something?
Really. Hmmmm... So the 3.5RL is like a one off? Different from everything else? There has to be some commonality of some parts, engine, suspension, something?
The TL has a 3.2 liter motor, the RL has a 3.5, and yes, pretty much everything is different, suspension included. Keep in mind, the 2G TL is basically a 6th Gen Honda Accord, the RL is an entirely different platform.
Really. Hmmmm... So the 3.5RL is like a one off? Different from everything else? There has to be some commonality of some parts, engine, suspension, something?
If you want more information, read up on these links:
Beside the fact the RL is a larger and heavier car, there are another few really significant differences:
The RL has a longitudinal engine and transmission layout, the TL has a transverse layout; this means there is literally zero interchangeability of body and suspension parts.
The RL uses the old C-Series engines in the form of the C35A, the TL uses the newer J-Series engines in the form of the J35A1 and J35A2 (Type-S); this means there is literally zero interchangeability of engine and transmission parts.
So, to your final question, no, there doesn't need to be any parts commonality, however, there may be a few; say the turn signal stalk, but beyond that, no, sorry, there is no commonality.
That 'era RL was very different than the TLs. IMO, if you were shopping for either a 2002 RL or 2002 TL I'd take the RL hands down given both cars were well cared for by their pervious owners.The RL is far superior mechanically and has far fewer TSBs and pattern failures among parts than those TLs did.
See how confused I am? LOL!
I bought this rig off the side of the road for $600. Most of the good stuff works, windows & sunroof, cruise control, seats. But the navigation & stereo, interior lights, VSA do not. The biggest issue though is the steering. Very hard at low speed (parking lots, ect.). I took it into a reputable local Japanese shop today. Gonna cost $200.00 to find out... whatever. All knowledge comes at a price.
At this point I am assuming that there may be some parts compatible between 1st Gen RL's ('96 - '04), but with such low production/sales numbers, roughly 100k units, I'm thinking parts may be hard to come by.
Any experience or opinions? Any wrecking yards in the Seattle/Tacoma area specializing in Acura? I love the car, runs like a top and the doors, etc close like new. Really want to fix it up, but I'm not much info out there. All input would be welcomed!
Almost NOTHING in common between the 1999-2003 TL and RL from this era. The 1996-1998 Acura TL with the 3.2 V6 engine and transmission are very similar to the RL's.
Most parts among 1996 - 2004 RL's are interchangeable. The big difference being the 2004 navigation and climate control units are unique.
Engine/transmission all swap. Same with suspension. Most interior parts swap. This is basically a newer version of the 1991-1995 Acura Legend. And it was still called a Honda Legend elsewhere.
Last edited by Ken1997TL; Sep 25, 2020 at 05:10 PM.
Parts availability for older First Gen RL's gets worse every year however, you can find parts for them with online Acura parts dealers, ebay, Amazon.com, and now most junkyards (and pick-a-parts)of old are all online now. You can Google used online auto salvage and find places that will either have what your looking for and some that will even do a nation-wide search for you. A 2002 RL for $650.00 is a steal and worth repairing, good luck. My 2000 with 111k miles below.
