TexasTL1984

Hey Guys and Gals! Just bought a 1996 Acura TL 2.5L from friends mother in law, and the car is a steal. 188 thousand miles and some change for only 650 bucks. Thing is, I want to make this car last...and am competely un car modification savvy. I checked the Forums but seem to have issues finding the info I need. I know the D4 light does not come on, it is an automatic, which is fine by me. The first gear is somewhat sluggish and the R.P.M. goes up to around 3500 when the engine is cold and trying to shift to second, or get up around 30 miles an hour. CD player doesn't work...but Im buying a system after I get regular car maintenance done (new tires, oil change,probably a tune up) I want to know what after market parts I can get that can help general acceleration, and whatever slight tweaks I can do to enhance the MPG, even by a bit. Any help would be stupendous, and I want to make this my little project car. not a racing "ricer" but a solid ride that has perhaps a bit more get up and go then it looks like it should. Thanks in advance and I hope to become a regular commenter up in this bee otch .

main70072

Sorry to say that there's not much that you could do aftermarket wise to that car. The main thing that I would take care of right now is transmission and engine. Basic things like spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap, rotor, and a fresh oil change would do wonders. Drain and refill ATF, if you want to take it a step further drop the pan and change the screen. Welcome here, and put up some pics when you can. Btw, very good price.

pro_found973.2TL

true. theres not much aftermarket for looks or performance available for our cars. 2.5 and 3.2's that is. for now just worry about getting it into shape engine and transmission wise. change plugs(NGK Iridiums are good), new wires(2.5's), new oil, all filters(oil, air, fuel,transmission) Transmission drain and fill(Honda ATF Z-1 or whatever the acura dealer sells now) timing belt(this is critical if you dont know if its ever been changed) new water pump, thermostat,Brake pads, Rotors, Tires, New PCV valve, new battery(from acura) hmm thats all i can think of for now real quick. plus these are all the things i did to my 3.2 immediately when i got it...well it took a little bit of time because of course that all costs money but its worth it in the end because the car will be like new. i would say get all parts from the dealer or an acura dealer online that is cheaper. im an OEM part kind of guy i dont trust autozone, o'reilly, napa, etc shitty parts. ive had a problem with aftermarket thermostats so be aware of that..they will fit but theyre not the same. they lack the bleeder valve that the OEM thermos have. anyway good luck..keep us updated on your progression.

TexasTL1984

alrighty,first speed bump. Tomorrow I was going to get all radiator flushed, oil changed and all the fluids and have my mechanic buddy check it out,make sure it really was the steal that it seemed to be. It drove smooth as all get out,besides the sluggish acceleration when the engine was cold. I just got done running errands 2 and half hours ago, go to pick up my old lady, and it will not start. lights come up, windows roll up. it hums, so I think the fuel line is ok. And when I bought it, they said it hadn't been in use for a year and a half, but they put a new ignition in their...or ignition switch, something along those lines. So, I am quite perplexed. Still working on the pics, but the only interior problem was front seat leather was torn from people getting in and out. and the black scoop or whatever over the sunroof was cracked. pristine pretty much..or so I thought.

TexasTL1984

ok...feel real dumb,but the problem was a user malfunction. had the E brake on...never bothered to put the car in park. very dumb yes. lol anywho! I feel as dumb as I sound. should have pics up on the car after they I pass the 15 day waiting period the site has going apparently

main70072

Upload them to photobucket and paste the link here.

Ibz

Welcome - I think you should get her running well first, then deal with the looks.

Natske

I am parting out a 1997 Acura TL 2.5 I have broken the entire car down I have everything that you would need for you auto so send me an email and we can plan out your project. I am very negotiable and all prices will be very low since this site appreciates the TL..

Naturalartworks@yahoo.com