Dan Martin

I know the topic of making a Frequently Asked Questions for the TSX has come up a number of times. I would like to take the initiative to start one. Here is an outline for what I think should be in it:

General info
- General specs (height, weight, dimensions)
- Engine specs (displacement, torque, hp)
- Transmission specs (6MT, SS, gear ratios)
- available color combos (exterior and interior)
- maintenance schedule (severe duty, regular duty)
- CDN and US differences (std equipment, options, colours, maintenance)
- easter eggs

Navi info
- tips and tricks
- accuracy
- dead reckoning
- effects of tinting windows on satellite reception

Problems and Fixes
- rattles
- trunk rust and paint chips
- center console
- Misc (brakes, clutch, transmission)
- where to find TSB info

Mods
Engine
- ECUs
------ Hondata
------ Apexi
- Intakes
------ Manufacturers
------ CAI vs. SRI
- Exhaust
------ Cat-back systems and mufflers
------ Headers
- Forced induction and NOS

Suspension
- lowering springs
------ rubbing issues
- camber kits
------ why get one
- swaybars
- strut bars
- dampers
- coil-over kits

Brakes
- pads
- rotors
- big brake kits
- warped rotor myth

Wheels and Tires
- offset, wheel width, bolt pattern
- tire sizes
- winter wheels & tires (sizes/recommendations)

Exterior
- body kits
- CF hoods
- lip spoilers
- LED mods
- fog lights (OEM DIY install, other kits)
- HID bulbs (4300k vs 6000k, life expectancy)
- JaTe’s and BDI’s corner marker mod

Interior
- stereo
------ Subwoofer installation info
------ Speaker sizes and upgrades
------ Dynamat/sound damping
- seat replacement (effects on SRS system)
- dome lights / neons
- trim kits
- shift knobs






Please feel free to suggest topics that should be in there and anything you would like to change. Once we have an outline established we can sticky this thread and start filling in the details. I would like to sub out the various sections to people who know the topics best so volunteers would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

jiggaman

glad to see you came out of the closet Dan. oops, that says faq not fag. my bad. hehe.

Dan Martin

For whatever reason the title wouldn't stay in all caps when I posted. I emailed domn to make the change but people may have the wrong idea until then... :ghey:

Dan Martin

PS, I think we should add a section dedicated to the Booty. JiggaMan I'm volunteering you for it....

jiggaman

i'd love to and would be honored. i just don't think it would fly with the people that run this site.

dom

Title changed.

There is already a framework for an FAQ section setup. Soopa made it awhile back. There were alot of volunteers at that time and I'm sure we can get a few now as well. I think its just a matter of filling it in with FAQ's and have Soopa make it Live.

Dan Martin

Thanks Domn. I thought somebody tried to start one but I couldn't find it in my search. Anyhow I think this is a step in the right direction.

xizor

Don't let Crazytree write the problems section, it might never end

Some suggestions for topics:

-Differences between Euro-R and TSX

-Hondata Heatshield Gasket
-- How does it work

-ECUs
--fake ebay resistors and why they don't work

-dynos
--How to read one
--what is WHP
--what is wideband
--what is air/fuel ratio, stomiometric ratio

-wheels
--stock wheel weight
--stock tire weight
--what is sprung weight

-short shifter
--manufacturers
--how does it work

-FOB
--arming the alarm
--press lock twice

Dan Martin

Good suggestions Xizor.

dom

Yes, I'd also like to have some sort of catalougue of aftermarket performnce parts and accessories available for the TSX and maybe some prices.

captainjack

I'm not an expert on anything so I don't know if I could write a portion.
I am, on the other hand, a semi-professional copywriter. I'd be glad to edit finished articles for accuracy, clarity, and conciseness.

Dan and Domn, just let me know.

xizor

I'll write some parts, I am however also writing my Master's thesis until the end of the semester and that should be my first priority. Buts its not... heh.

ClutchPerformer

I know the feeling

Here's my addition:
Q: have you guys seen this cool "cog" commercial with the JDM Accord wagon?

A: YES!

Dan Martin

Ok clutch, that is going in there for sure!

xizor and captainjack we'll be in touch in the near future. I'm going to get started on it this weekend (probably Sunday).

Dan Martin

Ok guys this is what I have so far:

General Specs
Engine Specs
Transmission Specs
Wheel/Tire Specs
Colors (interior and exterior)

Maintenance Schedule coming soon.....


PM me if you notice something incorrect/missing.

Dan

Dan Martin

Dimensions (HxWxL)
57.3"x69.4"x183.3"
Minimum Ground Clearance (unloaded): 6.2 in (157.5mm)

Curb Weight
Manual: 3230 lbs (1465 kg)
Automatic: 3318 lbs (1505 kg)
Manual with Navigation System: 3241 lbs (1470 kg)
Automatic with Navigation System: 3329 lbs (1510 kg)

Weight Distribution (% front/rear)
Manual: 60/40
Automatic: 61/39


EPA Estimated Fuel Mileage (city/highway)
Manual: 21/29 mpg
Automatic: 22/31 mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.1 US Gallons (65 liters)
Premium unleaded 91 octane or higher

Headroom (front/rear)
37.8 in (960 mm) / 37.3 in (947 mm)

Legroom (front/rear)
42.4 in (1076 mm) / 34.2 in (868 mm)

Hiproom (front/rear)
54.4 in (1381 mm) / 54.4 in (1382 mm)

Shoulder room (front/rear)
55.4 in (1406 mm) / 53.5 in (1360 mm)

EPA Passenger Volume
91.0 cu. ft.

EPA Cargo Volume
13.0 cu. ft.

Dan Martin

K24A2
Aluminum Alloy in-line 4-cylinder
16-Valve, DOHC, i-VTEC
2.4L
200-hp @ 6800 rpm
166 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm
Redline: 7100 rpm
Fuel Cut: 7400 rpm under load, 5500 rpm no load
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Drive-by-Wire Throttle System

Dan Martin

TRANSMISSION CHOICES
- 5-Speed Automatic with Sequential SportShift (MCTA)
- Close Ratio 6-Speed Manual with Magnesium Transmission Case (ASU5)

Gear Ratios

1st
SS: 2.652
6MT: 3.267

2nd
SS: 1.517
6MT: 1.880

3rd
SS: 1.082
6MT: 1.355

4th
SS: 0.773
6MT: 1.028

5th
SS: 0.566
6MT: 0.825

6th
6mt: 0.659

Reverse
SS: 2.000
6MT: 3.583

Final Drive
SS: 4.440
6MT: 4.760

Dan Martin

Brakes
4-Wheel Disc with ABS (front/rear)
11.8-inch ventilated/ 10.2-inch solid

Wheels
17"x7" Aluminum Alloy
55mm Offset
24lbs

Tires
215/50 R17 93V All-Season Radials (Michelin HX MXM4)
Inflation(f/r): 32psi/30psi

Suspension
4-Wheel Independent Double-Wishbone/Multi-Link Rear
Stabilizer Bars, diameter (front/rear): 26.5 mm / 14.0 mm

Dan Martin

Exterior:
NH-623M Satin Silver Metallic (US & Canada)
NH-624P Premium White Pearl (US & Canada)
NH-658P Carbon Gray Pearl (US Only)
B-92P Nighthawk Black Pearl (US & Canada)
B-502P Indigo Blue Pearl (Canada Only)
B-507P Arctic Blue Pearl (US Only)
B-522M Meteor Silver Metallic (US Only)
R-81 Milano Red (US & Canada)

Interior:
Ebony w/aluminum trim (US & Canada)
Parchment w/wood trim (US & Canada)
Quartz w/aluminum trim (US Only)

Canada has limited interior/exterior combinations:
SSM/Ebony
PWP/Ebony
NBP/Parchment
IBP/Ebony
Milano Red/Parchment

Dan Martin

Canada:
http://www.acura.ca/AcuraEng/Owners/...=0&odoDisplay=

US:
I really don't feel like typing out the whole schedule for the US so if anyone knows where one is online or if someone feels inspired to type just let me know.

xizor

1. Intakes
1.1 Cold Air Intakes
1.1.1 What is a Cold Air Intake (CAI)?
A cold air intake replaces the stock air intake which sucks in air from the engine bay. Engine bay air is hot and less dense, inhibiting the amount of air the engine can use. A CAI is a long tube that moves the air opening to inside the front left fender where it can suck colder, denser air, improving performance.
1.1.2 What are the benefits?
On average a CAI gives a max of 10WHP and can give ~5 ft/lb torque at high RPMs. The CAI will also make a deep growling noise @ WOT.
1.1.2.1 How loud is a CAI?
A CAI is only louder than stock @ WOT. The noise is entirely controlled by the throttle, under normal driving you may never hear that it is installed until you floor it. If your CAI is making noise at idle or weak throttle check to make sure your bolts are tightened and the intake is not vibrating against the chassis.
1.1.3 What are the disadvantages?
Because the air intake opening is closer to the ground it is possible to hydro-lock your engine. Hydro-lock occurs when the CAI opening is submerged in water causing the engine to suck in water instead of air. The engine will seize and repairs can be very costly. A CAI can cause a very slight loss of torque at low RPMs because the long tube extends the initial time it takes for air to reach the throttle body.
1.1.3.1 What is an air bypass valve?
Air bypass valve sit between the intake opening and the throttle body. It virtually eliminates the possibility of hydro-lock by allowing air to be sucked in the CAI if the opening is submerged into water.
1.1.3.1.1 Is an air bypass valve available for a TSX CAI?
No
1.1.4 How long does a CAI take to install?
About 1-2 hours. It requires removing the stock air intake and resonator, then assembling the CAI and installing it. There is two ways to install the CAI, you can either 1) remove the front bumper or 2) remove the front left inside tire well cover.
1.1.5 Who makes Cold Air Intakes for the TSX?
Injen: http://www.injen.com/
K&N: http://www.knfilters.com/
1.1.5.1 What are the differences between manufacturers?
Injen CAI dynos are about 2WHP more than the K&N CAI. The K&N includes a drycharger. Both CAIs come with K&N air filters.
1.1.5.1.1 What is a drycharger?
A drycharger is a fine mesh bag that covers the air filter. This can protect your CAI from sucking up drops of water, which could cause hydro-lock. The actual value of a drycharger is unknown, but it does give peace of mind. K&N sells a drycharger (part #RX-4730DK) that can fit the Injen CAI for ~$30.
1.1.5.2 Where can I find dynos?
Injen: http://www.injen.com/webpages/testin...les/rd1430.gif
K&N: http://www.kandn.com/dynocharts/69-0025tp.jpg
1.1.5.3 Where can I find instructions?
K&N: http://www.knfilters.com/typhoon/69-0025.pdf
1.1.6 How much does a CAI cost?
About $200USD or $250CND shipped.

2. Definations
2.1 What is WHP?
Wheel Horse Power (WHP) is the amount of power an engine can use to rotate the wheels. This is different than horsepower at the flywheel (or crank) because an engine loses power at the drivetrain. WHP is used when referring to a dyno, since actual HP cannot be measured without removing the engine.
2.2 What is WOT?
@ WOT means at wide open throttle, ie: full throttle, pedal to the metal etc.
2.3 What is I/H/E?
Intake/Headers/Exhaust. Typically these aftermarket modifications are done together to improve engine performance.

xizor

Put up the faq stuff I've done. I might try to setup a Wiki later (webpage that can be edited by anyone) since it is a good way to make a FAQ.

Dan Martin

That's awesome. Thanks xizor!

I was trying to figure out what would be the best way to display the FAQ because it can be a pain in the ass trying to find what you're looking for. A wiki would be great.

TSX Hokie

Might I suggest an acronyms section that explains all the acronyms people use when talking about cars, rather that defining the acronyms within each section.

Jab31169

zizor...drops of water do not cause hydrolock. Your engine would need a BIG gulp of water to hydrolock.

xizor

link to TSX FAQ Wiki

just threw it up quick, will get to customizing it tomorrow. it can be edited by anyone. if Soopa wants to host it, that'd be cool too, its on my home server for now on apache/php/mysql. maybe a nice dns from faq.acura-tsx.com would be cool

check out the source to get a feel how things are formatted in wikitext. try to keep the format for now, but don't worry about the numbering.

xizor

edited the drycharger question, hopefully anyone will be able edit the faq themselves w/ the wiki to correct things in the future

Dan Martin

cool I'll copy over my sections tonight. Is there any way to password protect the wiki once we have it done? I just don't want it to be hacked at some point.

fdl

I think soopa has already setup a FAQ database. Maybe PM him to give you access to input all this.

xizor

yeah, I'm going to look for some authentication, plus automatic backups

kiteboy

AT-Sport Shift

1 What is the Sport Shift mode?
The Sport Shift allows the driver to select gears on the AT manually. It is attached to a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter. It is not an SMG (sequential manual gearbox).
1.1 General Usage
1.1.1 How do I activate SS?
From D, move the gear lever left to M. The gear indicator on the bottom-centre of the dash is activated.
1.1.2 How do I use the SS?
From M, tap the gear lever forwards to upshift, backwards to downshift. When released, the lever springs back to the middle position. There is no clutch pedal.
1.1.3 Are the gear ratios different in SS?
No, the gear ratios are fixed and the same as the regular AT mode.
1.1.4 Is the redline different is SS?
No, same as the MT, 7100 redline, 7400 rev limiter.
1.1.5 At what speeds can I engage SS?
SS can be engaged from D at any forward speed, including stopped.
1.1.6 Can I start in a gear other than first?
You can start in 2nd gear by upshifting at rest. The car will remember this and will auto-downshift shift back into second at the next stop, instead of first. You cannot start in 3rd or higher.
1.2 Behaviour
1.2.1 Does the SS ever shift by itself?
The SS never auto-upshifts by itself. It will auto-downshift as the car slows down. It may downshift when the grade level has changed.
1.2.1.1 At what speeds does the auto-downshifts occur?
5 -> 4: 52 km/h (33 mph)
4 -> 3: 32 km/h (20 mph)
3 -> 1: 10 km/h (6 mph)
The SS does not auto-downshift into 2nd on level ground, except when the last start was in 2nd gear, as described above.
1.2.2 Does the SS ever prevent a shift?
1. If an upshift would cause the engine to lug, the SS prevents the shift.
2. If a downshift would cause the engine to exceed redline, the SS prevents the shift. In both cases, the gear indicator blinks.
3. When the SS auto-downshifts, it locks out manual downshifts for about one second to prevent unwanted double shifts. In this case, the gear indicator does not blink.
1.2.3 Do hills affect the SS?
Hills raise the threshold speed of the auto-downshift. The actual increase depends on the severity of the grade. The max auto-downshift speeds are:
5 -> 4: 72 km/h (45 mph)
4 -> 3: 52 km/h (33 mph)
3 -> 2: 20 km/h (12 mph)
Therefore, it is possible for an auto-downshift to occur at constant speed, if the grade changes and the threshold auto-downshift speed rises above the current speed.
Note that SS will shift into 2nd gear on a grade, whereas it never does when level.
1.2.4 Does cruise override the SS?
No, unless you hold decelerate button on the cruise and slow below an auto-downshift shift speed, or the grade changes as described above.
1.3 Other Questions
1.3.1 Why do I sometimes I see the revs change even though I haven’t shifted, accelerated or decelerated?
That is the torque converter engaging and disengaging.
1.3.2 How does the SS compare to the MT?
No clutch.
The option to drive in full-auto “D” when desired.
Only 5 speeds, compared to 6 for the MT.
Higher gear ratios than the MT, especially top gear. Slower acceleration, but better fuel economy.
Approx. 100 lbs. heavier.
There is a torque converter, so more drivetrain loss.
1.3.3 How is the TSX SS different than other cars?
It accomplishes the actual shift faster than many cars (0.7s)
It does not start in 2nd gear by default (e.g. IS300)
It does not upshift automatically (e.g. 2003 TL-S)

Dan Martin

Sweet. Thanks Kiteboy! This is going to be one monster sized FAQ when were done...

soopa

xizor whomever... I gave Dan access to our FAQ admin.

anyone else who would like the ability to add to it... PM me.

Dan Martin

Guys, I've started uploading stuff to the FAQ. Sorry it has taken so long but I guess later is better than never....




Thanks again xizor, Kiteboy, and soopa! It will be a valuable resource to the community.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

How about some technical stuffs like ECU pin outs, wiring color codes, fuse box schematic and various circuit diagrams? Also, what do you think about adding torque specifications for suspensions, engine and brakes for the DIY guys?

Dan Martin

That's all good stuff. If you would like to write some of it I'd be happy to upload it.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Haha... Since I mention it, I will do my part to provide the info.

Dan Martin

Sweet. I think your Hondata Gasket install should go up there too. I'll have to make a new category for it. I need to figure out how to make sub categories so it's a little more organized.

meteorman

Bump bump.

What is the status on this? A TSX FAQ will be an invaluable resource to this site.

Once complete, a link to the TSX FAQ should be provided on the "post new thread" page for any member with less than 20 posts. Maybe that would help keep some of the redundant questions off the board. And of course, I'll help with any section not complete.

Some additional items I'd like to see in the FAQ:

- What is a good price / What should I pay / How much did you pay / Is this a good deal?
- Link to TSX Wheel Gallery
- Rep points info
- A-Spec info
- Can you add nav to a non-nav car?
- Can/should I run any other gas besides premium?
- 2005 info
- TSX vs Accord