Hey guys,

Looking for some input, I recently picked up a set of 18x8” aftermarket rims, though I love the way they look my TSX they do weigh a considerable amount. I was looking for suggestions on what I can do to my vehicle to make it feel like it did before I put the aftermarket wheels on, such as pulleys, throttle body spacer etc? I am looking to improve bottom end torque and overall responsiveness.

btw; I do know that picking up a set of heavy 18x8’s wasn’t the smartest thing to do but they’ll have to do for now, hopefully when I save up enough money I can sell these and look into a lighter more sportier styled rim, volk, work, eneki etc.

Its a 2005 Auto, engine mods consist of a Injen CAI.

 

The problem you face is simple...heavier rims and often heavier tires equal slower response. Best thing is to look into 17" lightweight rims...

Your solution to add power is simply gonna wear out the engine sooner and reduce you gas mileage.

X O
Look Pimping <------------------------------------------------------------------>Go Faster

Choose a point on the spectrum...X is now, O is before the rims.

 

first, post pics
second, get the suspension dialed in (the tsx shines in this aspect)
- rear sway bar
- shocks/springs or coilovers
third, pulleys (because it really frees up some power for us auto trannys)

 

I have posted pictures before but;



I am running tokcio hp blues, rs*r down springs, and a h&r rsb.

 

Are pulleys worth getting with an automatic transmission care to explain? Will I feel a noticeable gain?

 

you'll be able to rev a bit more freely due to less parasitic loss
responsiveness will improve as well
pulleys and headers are simplest ways to achieve higher torque numbers

 

ive got an 04 auto w/ comptech icebox (best of all the intake IMO - dont loose much compared to the other CAIs), throttle body spacer, p2r thermal intake gasket, hondata gasket...improved throttle response a good amt for those small mods

 

look into hondata, and you might not be disappointed. doh 05 at

04 ecu =)

pulleys and headers will help enough. Other than that lightweight rims and tires.

 

you can tighten the throttle cable that goes to your DBW system.. there is alot of slack in it.. that will help your response alittle while youre in the auto mode vs sport shift.

 

I had the same problem before
I bought a set of havey 18s and I seroiusly lost some "take-off power".. but now I replaced them with much lighter wheels.
Once u get the $ I suggest u go same route as well

 

If you want better low-end grunt, I'd ditch the Injen and switch to a Comptech Icebox. It won't sound as mean as the Injen, but you'll definitely gain back some low-end power and response.

After that, I'd agree with godfather's recommendations and add a header + pulleys .

 

Comptech icebox.

 

I could tell you now that with your new Heavy rims and tires, you are not going to regain the responsiveness you've lost. Whenever you raise the unsprung weight of a car, you lose a bit. Plus with larger diameter rims and tires, you effectively raise the final drive ratio losing the peppiness. I'd say go with lighter 17in rims and tires.

 

Well, assuming he put 235/40/18 tires on 18x8 wheels (which looks to be the case based on his pic), the difference in diameter between his current wheel/tire setup and stock would be negligible depending on tire selection.

Also, I don't know if I would correlate final drive ratio with peppiness. The OP is asking about low-end power loss, not top-end .

 

time for lighter wheels @@

 

This thread makes me glad I bought 19lb 18x8's.

However, I agree that pulleys would help. I'd say look into an RT Cat as well - for an 05 that will free up some power nicely.

 

^ what wheels are you running? my enkeis of the same size are 20lbs

 

Is the Comptech Icebox's loses compared to any Cold Air significantly different at the wheel? Because that was my second option.