Fibonacci

Okay, I own an '04 5AT purchased new. It's been a reliable and cheap pack mule to and from the office for four and a half years. The only previous mods were minor: K&N filter, brembo brakes/axxis ultimate pads.

I purchased the A-Spec suspension brand new from a fellow member a while back thinking I would put them on someday...

Fast forward, was thinking about selling the TSX and getting something a bit more frisky (this is the longest have owned the same car) but have decided that I still enjoy the car after multiple comparisons in the same price range. Still want to get a weekend fun car, but can't make up my mind : and with an infant keeping me busy, it's kinda lost a sense of urgency.

Anywhoo, have 65,000 miles and the stock suspension was starting to feel a bit floaty. My dealer wanted $672 labor to install the suspension, but my local garage said they'd do it for $400 hundo - done.

Cliffs: mechanic said the stock suspension still had about 1/2 life left

Feels like a new car. Ride is not noticeably harsher. Turn in is def sharper and can feel it has significantly less roll in the corners. Bottom line - definitely satisfied and will probably get a rear sway next.

Honestly, my only regret is not getting the 6MT, but with rush hour traffic seeing 80% of my seat time, it was prob a wise choice.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

Is "harsher" the right word to use when comparing a new suspension to an old one? I bet it feels night and day, but harsh is such a harsh word. The A-spec is a relatively soft suspension. New stock should would have been harsh compared to the old ones.

Anyway, I am glad you've been able to inject new spirit into your TSX. There are not many cars like it.

The rear sway will help a TON and should not impact your ride. Also, I might suggest some chassis bracing to help make that suspension work the way it is supposed to!

Marcus

zxxxboy

To MrHeeltoe:
chassis bracing? please can you explain how would the bracing help? do I need it if im runing coilovers?

To Fibonacci: good news that you like the Aspec suspension. Post some pictures brother

dom

A always forget Fibo has a TSX since you're hardly in here.

Good to hear. I always figured I'd get an A-Spec suspension installed when the stock one gave out. If I keep it long enough.

BTW - A rear sway in highly recommended.

ianS

$400 to put on suspension! It is a rip off! It shouldn't be more than $100 to put the a-spec suspension on since the shock & spring are already assembled

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

Chassis bracing will tie together the parts of the chassis that flex during cornering to reduce the "5th spring" that can isolate suspension movements and road feel. Anyone can benefit form bracing, even with stock suspension.

Marcus

chuson

Dealer installation price is right as I have also called Acura stealership for quote, more expensive than a set of TEIN Basic coilover. However, regular mechanic shop charged avg $150 and $200 max, and that's in Canada, so it should be cheaper in States.

Fibonacci

I was just in Toronto last week, shoulda had it done there apparently.

I'll have to hit up Mr. Heeltoe for a sway soon.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

80s Michael Douglas is so gangster. Wall Street....Black Rain....the man haha!

Fibonacci

There was talk of a Wall Street sequel about a year ago but I think it got nixed because of a crappy script.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/05/mo...prod=permalink


So how much should I expect to pay to have a sway installed or can a mechanically disinclined person such as myself do the job?

acura_ak

i agree that the A-spec suspension is much harsher than the stock suspension. i feel it is actually more "stiffer" on bumps than on my other car with H&R OE springs/KYB Shocks.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

They made it already. Called it "Boiler Room." Well, move was made in the same spirit anyway, and Wall Street got mad plugs in it.


Anyway, I'd figure the sway to be in the $140-$160 shipped range, and install should be no more that $60 (psst....you should install yourself, it ain't hard).

Sway bars available

Marcus

jlukja

Hey Fibo. We've got a DIY thread on the Comptech Swaybar. Check it out here:
Comptech Swaybar DIY
Its pretty straightforward, the only trouble I can forsee is getting the endlinks loose. I would imagine your 04 has got some rust on the threads.