I read all the posts here and I do use the search function. If this question is a repeat, I apologize.

I live in Toronto. And I love my TSX...

I am looking to mod my suspension. I did not go for the A-spec package when I bot the car cause the only thing I wanted was the skirt and I was undecided on the suspension. Everything else did not really appeal to me.

So I am still undecided on the suspension.

I went to Acura Woodbine who quoted me a price on installing the Aspec...but if I go with Aspec I would just go back to Acura 2000 in Brampton since I have a great relationship with them (my last 3 cars have been purchased through them and all have been serviced there) so I am guessing they would be able to beat Woodbine in price.

But my understanding of the Aspec package is that it only stiffens the ride slightly and does not lower the car much. Now, I dont want to lower the car just for the sake of lowering it. I want new suspension to close the wheel gap to improve the look and improve the handling. If I could do that with a better package elsewhere, I would rather do that.

Woodbine was showing me Comptech springs...but I am wondering if I should go with more than just springs.

So I am looking for opinions as well as recommendations for shops in Toronto that would do good work since if I go outside of Acura, I would be losing any warranty coverage on my suspension.

Ideas are welcome...and when I do get it done I will put up pics. Thanks!

Chris

 

I have a-spec on my TSX and I love it. It only lowered for around 1" but it not just improve the handling, it also improve the ride too. The a-spec is more stiff and less bouncy as the stock suspension. If you want to go lower but dun mind about the ride then you can get h&r spring and koni shocks but if you also want comfort ride too then you need to go for some high quality coil over which will cost double + need extra care on it due to Toronto winter. I didn't go for coil over because I dun want to swap my suspension twice a year or need to wash my car every couple days during winter to keep all the salt away. And never just get lowering spring, it will kill your shocks fast + very bouncy ride that make you vomit everyday. BTW, comtech spring also only lower the car for 1" too. And you can get a-spec suspension from ebay for $575US + shipping and install it somewhere else other than dealer for around $150Cdn.

 

go for coilovers or springs + struts if you want both the look and handling improvement.
the downside for just springs is that you'll have a bumpy ride due to the stock shocks are not compatible with the stiffer spring rate.
downside for the A-spec suspension is that it doesn't lower the car enough to improve the look, but it rides good and it improves handling.
and if you are going to bring it back to the dealership to install your aftermarket parts, they'll charge you sky high labour cost...
i hate acura at markham cause they're the best hustler ever, and i'm serious!

 

How much does Acura Woodbine want for the A-Spec suspension + install?

 

that's why i didn't buy the car from them, i aint gonna pay 40k+ and get lectured by the manager.

 

you made a great decision.
i got my lesson learnt from the hard way..
the service manager at acura markham is such an ASS!

 

$1200CDN...I am assuming before taxes.
I am getting my TSX serviced this weekend at 2000...so I will talk to the Parts manager while I am there about what they would charge me for the Aspec.

Thanks, useful info so far.

 

I'll be there tommorrow morning at 8, see you there.

 

Keep your stock suspension, if anything outside of the aftermarket shocks/springs goes wrong, reinstall stock suspension, drive to dealership, warranty still intact.

 

Get lost! Are you serious? LMAO!



I guess it's a good thing I have only ever said good things about Acura 2000 around here!

 

I don't work there, just going for an oil change and to have something looked at.

 

Ah....cool....sorry for the misunderstanding...but it would have been hilarious.

Sort of like someone from Markham or Terrace Gate posting here...I have seen bad reviews for those dealerships.

 

heh @ Acura in Markham, they forgot to rotate my tires, but I got a free oil change out of it. My friend got it bad though, rear bumper got scratched, but they repainted it for him.

 

 

Dun worry about the warranty on the a-spec too much. It is still oem Honda parts. I bought my a-spec kit from US and install it by myself and North Toronto Acura still willing to warranty the rattle issue due to the defect clip from the side skrit. But if you can get the dealer install it for ~ $1000 (parts + labour) then it sounds a good deal.

 

Roogs, go with the Buddy Clubs.

www.defcon-racing.com
ask for Dave, and tell him Herm sent you...

Warranty issues?? provided you find the right dealer warranty won't be an issue with modifications.

 

Aren't the Buddy Clubs about twice the price ($2400ish) of A-Spec in Toronto?

 

For shocks most people (myself included) go with the neuspeed konis which are adjustable so you can get a nice even drop from just about any spring. I just ordered a set of shocks and neuspeed sport springs last week for $599 shipped which I thought was a pretty good deal.

 

I think that's a great deal and would offer decent ride and excellent handling (similar to the KYB AGX / H&R Sport combo I had on my old Civic)... but shipping to Canada would probably add a lot to that price. I'm contemplating the Neuspeed Koni / sport combo or Tanabe coilovers. Considering I'm like most where I'd like to "set it and forget it", the Neuspeed set is looking more and more attractive.

Anyone know of local Neuspeed distributors in the GTA?

 

horro: The prices for buddy clubs are pretty well priced. There's 2 choices:

1. N+ (under $2000)
2. Racing Spec. (over $2000)

 

Compared to $1400USD for Racing Specs via Online vendors and $1180USD MSRP for N+, I can't really justify buying it locally

 

Yah that's always the thing though, very tough to beat online pricing.

I still support the Canadian locals, especially if they're my buddies. =)

 

I agree...besides there is always the point about having a shop in your area you can trust when you find yourself in a bind. I buy stuff online all the time but I still find it nerve-wracking to drop $2-3k online as opposed to buying something for $50...

Thanks for all the info...it has been useful.

In talking about it with a friend over the weekend, he may be able to get me a deal on Tein SS coilovers. I will look for reviews using the search feature.

Gracias to all.

C

 

^^ haha just make sure it is a reputable seller and you dun need to worry. I bought a lot of stuff online including bodykit, suspension, wheels, electorics...etc. And I even bought something for 20G on line. For installation, you can try Gilman Auto in Scarborough, they are well known for Honda tuning and have been in Business for more than 18yr.