Slagboy

Hello All,

I've noticed that there are a number of you who own TL's in Houston. I was just wondering if any of you guys or gals can tell me a reliable place in Houston to get my timing belt changed. My friends and I are somewhat mechanically inclined, but are not confident to do this ourselves. My car is coming up on 90K miles and figure I should go and make friends with a reliable Acura mechanic. I am somewhat apprehensive about taking it to a $tealer, but if the mechanic is honest and reliable, I'll put on my optimistic hat and take it in there. But I'd prefer a third-party place. Any inputs or suggestions are welcome.

TIA,
Slagboy

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I own a '97 3.2TL.

TLBaller

hey, welcome to the forum, slagboy! my car is about to hit 60k so i haven't done a tune up yet. are you just getting new timing belt or are you going to do a tune up? well a tune up does consist of a change in timing belts... i want to say go to a dealership but they charge an arm and a leg. its cheaper to go to a local place. i want to advice you to NOT go to the ghetto mechanic places but its usually the ghetto shops that do a good job! just shop around and ask friends. don't just choose a shop without hearing positive things from the place. when my time comes, i'll ask you where you got yours! hehehe

Slagboy

Hey TLBaller,

Thanks for the welcome. I haven't decided on whether or not I'm just going to get the belts replaced or do a complete tune-up. I guess it depends what is done at the 90K tune-up interval. Anyone have a list or link? I've replaced all the fluids, but that's about it. I guess another factor will be the price difference between a complete tune-up or just a belt change. If anyone can post these figures, I'd appreciate it.

Well, it looks like I'm going to have to pursue this the ol' word-of-mouth method. Hope someone here still has a suggestion though

Lates,
Slagboy.

neokinetiks_00

So far I had all the work i did'nt want to do...Done at Carboy..They are very quick and reliable, and keep the same mechanics for longer than 2 wks.
Camber kit, all belts including timing, and many other challenging jobs..

TLBaller

how much did they charge? you drove all the way down here to get a tune up at carboy?? whoa?! i got some springs installed by a mechanic named ben. i dont know if he's still there though but this was back in like nov of 95

Dasha

Hey Guys,
I would recommend Japan Car Care @ 12818 Veterans Memorial Dr. The phone number is 281-444-4708. My girl and I take our 94 Legend GS to him. He does excellent work at reasonable prices. I don't know where in Houston your located, but if your not near by it's definitely worth the drive. He is Acura/Honda certified. His name is Phong Le. Goodluck!

D.

TLBaller

Dasha, welcome to the board!!!

hey so, the guys vietnamese?? i trust most vietnamese mechanics...most of them do a good job. im not saying that b/c im vietnamese but i just notice that. i might give the guy a try...its a far drive for me though b/c im in sw

Slagboy

Sweet! Thanks for the replies. I don't mind the drive as long as the mechanic's honest and reputable. I guess I'll be giving either Carboy or Japan Car Care a ring soon.

One quick question for those that got their belts changed. How long did you have to leave your car?

Thanks again everyone!
Slagboy.

Dasha

Hey guys,
Thanks for the welcome. Yeah, TLBaller he's Vietnamese. I'm not Viet, but my girl is. I'm Hispanic/Greek. I don't have a TL nor does my GF, but I just like to check out different forums to learn stuff. We have a Legend. I know I mentioned in my first post. We actually are members or Acura-Legends.com and Legendary Legendz.com .

Slagboy, You have nothing to worry about if you take your car to Japan Car Care. You'll only find Great, reputable service @Japan Car Care!
Peace,
D.

TLBaller

legends are nice cars!! correct me if im wrong but legend engines are the same as RL's... i love legends!! some people like the legends body more than the RL but id choose the RL over the legend though. There is a legend around here with some 20"s...its off the hook

Din

When I had my 96TL before I bought it I was looking for a Legend, went to the dealer looked at the Legend it was really nice but then looked at the TL and ended up getting that.

Go Houston

magiviper

dude theres a legend around here with spinning twenties.. only problem is its a 4 door.. I like the 2 doors better.. I heard that the 2nd gen had 240 hp.. that true?

TowerOfLove

Hey Yea... Japan Car care... i've been doing all my TL and integra stuff there. Great guy know him personally... does great work and VERY reliable. Besdies that... he lives RIGHT IN FRONT of my house litterally hahaha.... actually around the corner..

TowerOfLove

Hey TLBaller... wat color is your car ? i think i've seen you around before. The electronic blue legend with 20's lives in a hood next to mine.. very clean. There is also a chameleon one with chrome rims living around the 1960 and I-45 area. The cleanest legendd i've seen was a black one with dual exhuast !!! _-_ My Tl was the one with the drop and black headlight housing... which no longer roams the streets (R.I.P.)

TLBaller

oh i don't believe you've seen me... well maybe? im in the sw area.. sugarland area or sometimes i go to alief (bellaire)

TowerOfLove

yea i got some buddies down there. We used to roll down there alot. Did you go to that TL meet a while back ?

TLBaller

i went to every meet we had.. you talking about the last meet on hwy 6 next to john eagle dealership? yes i was there... i was the only 1st gen there at the time.

as a matter of fact, i got an appointment with them tomorrow. my freaking engine light keeps coming on!! its pissing the hell out of me!!