Hi Everyone,
I'm new to this forum and recently bought a new TSX 2008 2 months back. It's been amazing so far. My story is kind of weird, I went to buy a Acura TL but didn't like the way the car drove. So I tried the Acura TSX 2009 and though the exterior is nice but the grill is damn ugly and the drive wasn't inspiring, so I tried the '08 and within 2 minutes the choice was an easy one. I think 2009 is a down-grade when it comes to driving dynamics, plus the 2008 interior is way much better IMO...

Anyway, I'm happy to be part of the TSX gang here..Now I'm planning to mod my car so need some advice from you guys here. I need some new wheels, preferably 18 inches. Can you suggest me some manufactures. My budget can vary but would like to keep it close to $500 per wheel. Also, is 35% tinting your windows considered good? or more would be better? how do you find out how much tinting is good for your car?

Thanks everyone and I hope to contribute to this forum over the years!

 

Welcome to the forum!

I'd checkout the TSX Wheels Gallery for some ideas: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12125

My personal favorites -
If money were no object (BBS RGR): http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Brand

Around your price (Mugen NR or RonJon Legends - both in this thread): https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41742

I'm also partial to the A-Spec wheel: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=wheels

There's lots of threads on tinting - if you do some searching you'll get a lot of information and pictures on the different tints. Whether 35% is good depends on your taste, the laws of your state, and whether you want to adhere to them.

Here's mine with 35%:

 

100% in agreement. I was waiting for the '09 to arrive and as soon as I saw the interior and exterior shots I rushed to the dealer to get a great deal on an '08. My recent trip to the dealer for my first oil change confirmed my doubts about the '09. I actually don't think the front grill is as fugly as I first though, but it is still not an improvement and the interior is Honda Accordish at a premium price. The metal trim is so dull and cheap looking!
I never test drove the '09, but your comments are in line with with most of the negative atomotive press it has been getting.

 

BTW, as a fairly new member to the forum myself I can attest to the great info to be found here. In particular have a look at the Easter Egg post... tons of great stuff on the known and not so known features of the car.

 

You made the right choice. Acura is trying to move from the sporty/performance side to the luxury side. They got rid of the RSX (successor of the integra), and with the TSX, they're marketing it as a luxury vehicle for young professionals. It's slightly bigger, which gives it a boat-feel like the TL. The first generation TSX was marketed as an entry sport/luxury vehicle with race-inspired suspension. If you want a great drive, the 1G TSX is the best choice.

As for tinting, that depends on your state laws and your preferences. Alot of states restrict your tint to 35% or more. However, in some places, they don't care about your tint, and you can go dark as you want. I went with 20% all around, and it's perfect for my CGP. Had I gone with 35%, I'd be hitting myself because it'd be too light and I would have wasted my money (I have ceramic tint all around).

Welcome to the forums!

 

Hey bro..

Welcome to the forum..

I just bought my TSX a couple months ago myself.. I bought an 08 CGP w/Navi. I love it man.. I've been modding it out since I bought it. I've done a lot to it.

18" RonJon Inspyre Wheels. They are made specifically for honda/acura cars only. So no fitment issues that you would get with universal wheels. But, their wheels look clean on the TSX. You have a high budget for your wheels, but at only $250/wheel, the Inspyre's look great.. and they also look more expensive!
(www.RonJonWheels.com)

I installed the TEIN super street coilovers. I definitely recommend lowering the car.. It made the car look sick bro. Plus the Tein SS's have an adjustable damper system.. so you can adjust how soft/stiff you want the ride. When I got these installed, I was expecting a big difference in the ride.. but I can't really tell the difference. It still feels smooth..
(www.ProStreetOnline.com) - these guys gave me the best deal!

I got 20% tint all around.. this is a must! It looks hot..

I have installed all LED lighting on my car. I put the blue ambient lighting in the interior.. (looks good!).. and I also put some new reverse light LED's and changed out the vanity lights and converted those to LED (super bright white) as well. This just makes the car look clean and customized..
(www.SuperBrightLEDs.com)

I also installed some excellent racing pedals. I found a company that has quality pedals (and they customize too!) I had the 'ACURA' name imprinted on the dead petal, the Acura "A" on the brake pedal and "TSX" imprinted on the gas pedal. These look solid man..! I got these from 'Ultimate Pedals' out of Florida. They have the best looking pedals around!
(www.Ultimatepedals.com)

My next mods are installing some new ap2 tips on the exhaust (they are wider..looks more aggressive) and Im about to install some JDM headlights (from honda japan).

If you want any more information or want to see pics of my car.. just let me know! Modding the car is a lot of fun... but be prepared to spend some hard earned cash! lol..

Welcome again, bud..

 

I'm really surprised at how nice you all are here! Thanks everyone for welcoming me and giving me all the nice details on modding.. Thanks bros for that @ TonysTSeX and 1Louder.. Those RonJon wheels sleek dude. I'm definitely gonna check them out in more detail soon. I've been looking at other wheels like Mugen, Work etc.. I think I'm gonna bring down my budget to $300-$400 per wheel at max... TonysTSeX, you're right buddy, those RonJon wheels are a great deal at $250/each... To start off, I'm gonna tint the windshield, rear/side views etc.. I have a carbon gray with black leather, so was wondering how much tint will look good with this color? Will 35% be a little too much or should I got with 20%? Also, can I get my car tinted from autozone or a similar shop? Can you suggest me a few good ones? I live in San Diego and not sure if anyone here is from this area.

Another thing is that did you guys buy 4 new tires when you modded your wheels? if yes then do you have any recommendations and how much do they costs? I'm assuming the cost is gonna be around $2K to mod the car with 18' wheels and tires...right?

TonysTSeX, thanks for sending me those links. They're really helpful and I'm gonna check them out in detail over the coming weekend. Just wondering if you have any pictures of your car posted on the Forum anywhere?

Thanks again friends!