I still have mine but a confirmed buyer will have it at the end of the month. The TL has been sold to a friend.

So.. we're down to the TSX wagon and in a few weeks our CR-Z will be arriving. Time to get serious about the S2000

 

Nooooo, everyone is leaving me

 

Jimmay, given the cars everyone is jumping too (much smaller, more fuel efficient) it's amazing it took this long for them to bail.

I like the RLs RLness and wouldn't trade it straight up for a new Honda that wasn't anything but a recent TL or any RL. While there are ways the RL could improve, I really have no complaints. Well, maybe milage, but I drive 4k/year, so that's not that expensive.

I'd probably consider an LS, but the thing I've noticed about them is that they are never a good deal, similar to a BMW 7 series, they are always too expensive for what they actually are.

 

I guess. Im kinda stuck with my car at the moment. Im in school and dont work that much so I dont want a car payment. Probably in a year or two Ill be getting a newer car. I really like 2003 TL-Ss. They get good gas mileage to. But I do want 4wd for our winters in Chicago. We shall see.

 

In Chicago, other drivers are so bad in the snow that there is no way a 4WD doesn't get you into more trouble than it is worth.

But a 2003 TL? Isn't that still in bad transmission country?

 

Tires tires tires.

Get a lightweight FWD car with snow tires. You'll be miles ahead of those SUV's.

 

I just got new tires on my car so well see how it does this year.

I steal my girlfriends jeep somtimes in the winter, its pretty nice, especially when the roads arent plowed. Last year my car couldnt get out of the drive way and hers just plowed right through it. And depending on when it was manufactured i believe, they might be ok. If not ill try and do a 6 speed swap in it.

 

Most of the '03 TL's are supposedly free of transmission troubles. My '03 was fine but I switched to an '05 after only a year.

 

Hmm, is it a new design, or people just didn't have as many problems with it? The 03 is an odd duck, right. I'm not that familiar with the car.

As for snow, I've never seen snow in a city that I'd want to have to break in that I couldn't accelerate in. Remember, 4WD doesn't help you out at all with breaking.

But I grew up in the north and am very used to snow driving techniques, and if you are not, it is very dangerous. I've literally driven 100 miles on a highway with a disabled vehicle about every 100 feet so. There were more people in cars not moving than in cars that were still moving (very slowly).

 

The '03 TL got a redesigned transmission or at least the clutch-packs and oil flow was redesigned. Two Acura master techs said it was much improved.

 

Im aware it doesnt help with braking, but it does help with turning and acceleration. I learned how to drive in the snow. I live out in the suburbs though.

 

Turning? I've only had trouble in turns with 4WD. In a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD I used for awhile, I found that accelerating around a corner in heavy snow (with any gas at all) lead to all four wheels breaking loose and commensurate massive understeer/side slip--no thank you.

I do have to agree with Ken1997TL that low weight can also help a lot, and I've heard (but don't know myself) that snow tires matter a lot.

 

Snow tires do make a huge difference for several reasons.

- Deeper tread
- The rubber stays soft in cold temperatures. All-seasons will get hard and slippery. 4WD/AWD will not save you or help if they can't grip to begin with.
- Tread pattern is optimal for snow.

 

Well, I stopped working on the RL. Picked up a weekend toy for the meantime. Got it boosted already, holy jeebus it's fun!!! Got to work out a few things and get the tune less aggressive, get a hiflow cat and resonator, but besides that it runs great! My stick driving on the other hand needs some more work, haha.

 

Looks sick! Any engine shots? Whats all done to it if i may ask?

Were you in 4 low? Ive only had good experiences with it in the snow. Maybe it was the tires? Or maybe you just had a bad experience. If i had another set of rims id get winter tires, but I usually can manage with my all seasons. Im curious to see how my Continentals do in the snow. They have good reviews for snow.

 

I'll get engine shot soon.

Here's just a bit of the mods list, way too hefty:
Custom TD06 20G Turbo
Greddy V-SPL Intercooler
ETD Custom Manifold
Greddy downpipe w/ Tial 38mm Wastegate dump and flex section
Boost Controller
JWT ecu
PhatKat Top Feed Fuel Rail
Aeromotive AEI-13101 Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator
Custom 3" Exhaust
Tomei S14 255lph fuel pump
ACT 500HP capacity clutch
Custom flywheel
Nismo Transmission Mounts
300ZX brake conversion setup
ST Swaybars
Tanabe Sustec Front Underbrace
Custom KTS SC Damper Beta Coilovers
Greddy GREX Strut Tower Bar
Battle Version Tension Rods w/ Baker Precision boots
Battle Version Rear Upper Control Arms w/ Baker Precision Boots
Thermoplastic Sub-Frame Bushing Collars
Taka Motorsports Stainless Clutch Line

 

WOW that's a sick 240!

I agree with Ken. Snow tires are #1. I'm in WI and winters obviously get pretty bad up here. I'd rather have RWD with snow tires than a AWD with all seasons.

I'm actually putting snows on both the RL and the GS by the end of the weekend, time to do it, it's getting cold.

A few years ago, I had a 2006 Mazda 6 that I put some Blizzaks on. I was zooming past Suburbans on the hwy, 100% confident.

 

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted here.....

So I have an 01 RL that's tinted and looks like this:






HOWEVER, I was thinking of doing something a little different...... 2007 Accord EX-L V6 rims -- tires are 215/50r17. And Rims are 7'' wide just like the oem 16's.

Here are pics of the rims in question:








Has anyone ever had these on the 1G RL?

I believe they were used on 06 and 07 models.


Any thoughts on the design, and on the tire size. Changing the tires is not an option, but will it leave a massive gap in the wheel well? Stock is 215/60r16 right now

How does $275 sound for all 4? How much would you pay/negotiate that.....

going to see them on Saturday

Any and all feedback is appreciated!


I just want to modernize the look a bit

 

i had a set of pirelli snows on my 03 rl and it was a tank. There really wasn't a hill i coulldn't climb. Now, if there was a really steep hill where i stopped i had some issues but was still able to accelerate

 

Ended up buying the 06-07 accord v6 17'' rims & tires on Friday. Paid $220 and plan to sell my 99-01 style rims for more than that!





Can't wait to get them installed

 

I am super jealous of those rims. I just put new tires on my stock rims so Im not to sure about getting rims now. Post pics when you get them installed!

Also I to replace a coolant hose that goes from the engine to the heater valve. What a *****. The fuel filter was in the way the entire time and i didnt want to take it completely out. Thankfully, it was 65 degrees today and sunny. I have no idea how that hose was leaking. It was like something punctured it but i have no idea what could have done it.

 

That's a great price! I think RYK had these on his RL prior to getting different rims.

 

R_R4,
We need installed pics!!

 

So I'll be keeping the 16's on for the winter, and by spring the 17s should be mounted. Here are what they should look like, just had them standing next to the car. Looks more like an 04 now My car is an 01
















RYK had the 18'' rims from the 08+ accords, those go for around $800-over $1000, and I like em better. But hey for $220, can't go wrong with these 17s Should be selling my 16s in the spring with tires for around $300

07 accord v6 17'' rims

P.s sorry, haven't washed the car in 3 weeks, so it's a little dirty

 

So... my instrument panel dims sometimes when there is another draw on electricity. i.e. it goes the opposite of the turn signal first thing in the morning. It goes away if I rev the engine. Any ideas?

 

Old dry alt belt.

 

Hmm, interesting. But wouldn't you expect a belt squeak then?

 

Not necessarily, try tightening the alt belt and see if that helps

If not get your charging system checked.

 

I don't own a torque wrench or a belt tension gauge, so I'll probably just ask at a shop this week. Thanks.

 

I have never used a tension gauge. Might be bad to some people but ive never had a problem. Just like what old hatch said, if its not the belt its most likely the charging system. The grounds on this car are ok, but could defiantly use some beefing up.

I used to get dimming with my stereo system, but once i upgraded the grounds it pretty much went away.

 

I want to swap this over to the RL but there's no space available in our engine bays!

 

Oh you can make space. Lol

Give me about 5-8 grand nd ill make it happen.

 

OMG...if someone did this...id be amazed lol. Would our transmissions even hold up with the extra power?

 

Lol Dennis, I was talking to Bisi and he said it'd be way too much work. I could quite possibly supercharge it and make a cutout on the hood... but man this 240's damn fast already haha. Brakes aren't that great though even with the z32 conversion! My RL stops much better.

 

I threw my snow rims and tires on today. They are from a 2005 Altima but with some hub centric rings, they fit fine. I was hoping the hub caps would fit also but they don't due to the different lug nuts so for now it just has steelies on it. I don't know if I'm going to put caps on or not, I kind of like how they look



Also picked up a set of wheels/tires for the GS.



A few weeks ago, I was traveling around NC, I found a white RL with accord wheels on it. I meant to upload it a while ago but I've been extremely busy

 

vas25tl, with black steel wheels on a black car your car looks a little like a cop car.

 

That's actually exactly what my brother in law said. My wife drives the car, I might throw some hub caps on it.

 

Cars are looking good man!

Cool that you found the same accord wheels I just bought! Can't wait for the snow and ice to go away so I can get them on!


And yup, definitely looks like a crown vic with those steelies on.



P.s. I spy someone putting up Christmas lights

 

The black RL with the Unique Steelies looks kinda like a crown vic..... If anyone needs any civic wheels off an 2008 ex, I have 4 of them that I need to get rid of. They would be great for some winter wheels, minor curb rash on 2 of them (i think).

Anyway I am lurking in this thread cause I am looking to get a 2000-2004 RL after I get rid of my 98 2.5TL.

Mike

 

Mike, feel free to ask me any questions since I've owned both cars!