Hi All,

Firstly, I want to thank anyone who reads and responds to this posting. I think this is a great website and I have had a kick reading through all the postings and trying to absorb all I can.

I am really recent college grad who just started working and was able to get my dad's silver on black 2001 CL Type S as a trade/graduation present. My previous car was a 1991 Nissan Maxima with 370,000 miles so this is a really nice upgrade for me. I have always loved my dad's CL and have basically maintained the car since he brought it home from the dealership. I have always used Mobil 1 Synthetic, Slick 50 Oil Treatment and Lucas gas treatment. The only bum thing is that my dad has a always kept his car stock.

My dad was never handy with the wrench and hence I have a lot to learn myself which is why I am here asking for advice in considering all the possibilities. I am looking to make this car sleek and sporty but not over the top- I would like to keep this are classy with some flare.

So I have read every single blog on the 2nd Generation CL and here is a list of modifications have done and I think I would like to go ahead and do. Please let me know what you think:

Already Done
Tinted Tail Lights (Like the Ron Jon CL)
Tinted Windows (20%Back, 35% Sides, 70% Front)
PIAA HyperWhite Bulbs (Driving Lamps)
Debadged Trunk

Would Like to Do
Injen Intake
Greddy EvoII Exhaust- received word from CL Community member who has it on
their CL that it is compatible and works without problem
Drilled Rotors (Read the Post and realized my rotors were warped- thanks guys)
Smoked Headlight Tint (xpel.com- check the website out its pretty cool)
Paint upper/lower front Grilles Silver (to Match Car)

My biggest concern of the moment is lowering the car. The CL really does look like a 4x4 and I think lowering it would make it really agressive, but I live in NY and I have never lowered a car so I really dont want to mess it up. Some of the kits don't look low enough but some people say that the Eibachs are too low? And there has been no definitative answer this if I do lower the car 2" whether I need a camber kit or not (btw- I just found out what a camber kit was from the postings.)

Anyways, if you've read this long- thanks for your time, I really appreciate it. As well, thanks in advance for your suggestions. I hope to get a page with pics and info up soon. Hope to hear back from everyone!

 

get some headers and skip the exhaust as there will be like 2 hp gain from it..


if you think the CL looks like a 4x4 you're nuts and no further advice should be given to you

 

ummmm, a stock cl does look like a 4x4 when its not lowered, nice 4 finger wheel gap when its stock lol

 

I would definately get headers and an intake before you get the exhaust.

As for lowering it....I live in Jersey and I was dropped with H&R Sport springs and then with Teins Coilovers. Never had a problem. It definately was stiffer than stock, but I liked it better than stock.

I would suggest going with the H&R Sport springs. And depends on the mileage of the car, you may need struts/shocks as well. Koni Yellows or Tokico Blues should work well.

 

nah, this is a 4x4

 

Hey- thanks for your postings thus far. I think I am going to try the XS Power headers that everyone has been talking about on other postings.

Well the car does have high miles and the shocks will need to be changed but can someone tell me why the Koni Yellows are much more then the Tokico Blues. Also if I get the Eibach do I need the camber kit and rear sway bar?

Thanks

 

first off, welcome to the forum and congrats on your newly acquired CL

As mentioned by others, intake and headers are definitely the best ways to start when it comes to performance. Those are pretty much the best bang for the buck in performance upgrades and you will definitely feel a difference with them installed. As far as lowering goes, it depends on what you're planning on doing with the car and if it's going to be your only car. I personally, went with Tein SS-P coilovers, but that may/may not be the right choice for you. If you want adjustable ride height, coilovers are definitely the way to go, but they're a lot more expensive than springs and shocks. However, they also handle better and you are a lot more flexible with the ride height and with the overall ride in general.

The exhaust, as mentioned above is really not a necessary modification to our cars, since you will only gain like 1-2 hp. However, if it's sound you're looking for, than exhaust is definitely the way to go. Personally, I have Comptech, but i've also heard very good things about the Greddy Evo IIs.

As far as tinted headlights, check the black market under group buys/sponsors. I'm pretty sure rockblocker has one going on, if not, you can always order from them and they're pretty good to deal with.

Sounds like you've got a pretty good start already and a pretty good idea of what you want. Good luck with it and most importantly have fun with it, these cars are great!

 

and dont forget to add new shoes to your list....every car needs new shoes.... but if i were you....depending on your money i would go with drop and intake since you have it tinted out already that will atleast complete the look of the car then you can always work on the engine and interior of the car later....but those would be the quickest most effiecent mods to do...

 

I honestly couldn't agree more with EVERYTHING Ravi said.

Welcome to AZ bud!


EDIT: A stock CL is not a 4x4, it's a freakin' monster truck!

 

Hey Fellas,

Thanks for your messages! I have read a lot of your postings in other forums and have learned about about my car from you guys already. Thanks again for taking the time out to respond to my post.

I forgot to mention in my initial post that I do have Silver 18" Axis Rims with 235/40/18 toyo tires. I have drilled rotors and black caliper paint waiting in my closet at home until I figure out what I should do about the spring situation. How much to drop- and what I will need.

I guess its kinda on my mind because I can get the Eibach springs for my car for $150. I know a guy who ordered them, doesn't really want them now was going to cut me a break- brand new in box still. I have read postings in the suspension forum dealing with the pro/cons and lowering, and if the 2" drop is too much.

This will be my daily driver, but I have seen postings of people who have lowered their car and it doesnt look like much of a difference. I know I need to lower the car because I hate the way it sits everytime I look at it. Eibachs are suppose to be good springs but did they go to low on the CL and will I be bottoming out all the time with them? Also, yes/no to the camber kit if I lower the car 2" and do I need a rear sway bar?

Again thanks for all your advice. Please give me your honest opinion I will not get mad and have an attitude if I lower the car and then it rubs a little. You guys have more experience with these issues and I value that knowledge in the final decision I make.

Thanks for all your responses thus far! Already addicted to this site

 

If you can try to resell the Eibach springs and go with the TEIN Basics. You will need to replace your shocks (if this is the guy that called me yesterday). Tokico Blues are non-adjustable. KONI yellows can be adjusted in a few ways: ride height (3 different perches for a difference of a .25" I believe) and also they have 3 differenet adjustment for the damping of the shock. However, a set of KONI yellows will cost you $600 at least. So you're better of selling hte springs and getting TEIN Basics (4 shocks, 4 springs) and you will have ride height adjustability but with a firmer ride.

 

exhuast=no gain so just get headers

 

If I was going to mod my 6spd, I'd go with the XS power headers, H&R Sports (50103's) and tokico blues.... maybe a mesh grille...

I'm in New England, so lowering is a concern I have too, but as long as your aren't going to slam the CL on teins, you should be ok. Search for the H&R part numbers or the various spring makers names in the photo gallery forum for pics of the different ride heights.

The injen intake is a screamer, but if that's what you're looking for then that's ok, but you can get some gains from a k&n drop in air filter and removal of the stock intake resonator.

You know that the AMC eagle is 4 wheel drive, right ?? I always wanted one of those...

<--- American Motors Fan (and CLS 4x4 owner)

Monster truck Here's one:

 

^^^ Perfect example.

 

^^^^^^LoL

here's another!

 

I say thumbs up on injen cai it sounds very nice and another yes on headers but have you had any tranny problems so far???

 

Like everybody has said, Header and intake is a great mod as far as engine. But, i think you might want to eliminate that "Monster Truck" look first.

I have Tein HTech, and bilstein sport shocks. As far as drop, HTech are one of the most conservative one. Here is my car with Htech and bilstein on 18" wheel:



The ride is very close to stock, just a tad stiffer.

One more thing, UR lightweight crank pulley is another "best bang for the buck" mod

have fun

 

Hi Again!

It's been an amazing getting all this feedback and information on different aspects of the CL. I have taken everyones advice and ordered an Injen Intake and the XS Power Headers. I will just play it safe and go get the gaskets for the headers from Acura. Since I was ordering all this I decided to get the Greddy EvoII exhaust as well because I really would like a rich sound.

I have ordered the protective smoke headlight and driving lamp tint from xpel.com to match the tail light tint. And I have installed the PIAAs in my driving lamps.

To answer tranny question- the tranny was rebuilt at 100,000 miles. The car has 145,000 miles on it now but I keep on top of this car maintainence wise 100%. Tune-up, fluid changes, belts, etc.

***One more issue that arose in this lowering debate was my rim offset. I have 18x7.5 rims but they have a 40 offset. They dont stick out of the wheel well but they definitely take up the well. I have been advised that in I lower the car with Eibachs I might have a rubbing problem. I dont know if I would still have a problem with the H&R sport springs or the Tein HTech. Anyone have any experience or advice with this?***

I really have to thank you for all your replies and PMs- they have helped so much. I can't wait to start posting picks.

 

Hmmm 40 I think I have 45 it rubs in the back though but I think there is a DIY thats can solve it you have to cut and paint. bim6180 hey is that a CF hood where do you get them things at??? Well back to the topic man you have nice new mods coming better then mines hope you have nothing but good times with your car.

 

A who has read and done his homework.


This one will do well. Now post some pics!

 

it looks like the angle of the shot, but i dont tink so.
and you can roll or shave the rear fender, but the front is going to be my main concern for you. not much modifications you can do to the front.

 

Naa....that's not CF hood....probably just the angle and the lighting ...I was thinking of that as one of the mod on my list, but with all the fitment issue, i'll pass. I'd better spend my money on something more usefull....like Header .....

I really can't wait to finish the mods..header, supercharger, and BBK, then I'm all set

 

So I have read more of the posts on the Springs and coilovers, slept on it and have narrowed things down.

So I would like to go with springs and have narrowed the choices down to:

1. H&R Sport Springs
2. Tein HTech Springs

Which would you recommend between these two and why?

Please keep in mind I do live in NY and the roads aren't always the best.
The wheels have a 40 offset.

I have done my research but I havent actually seen how the cars look with either of these springs on. If you have seen these springs- did the car still look too high with these spring? I am looking for aggressive but NY driveable.

Thanks!

 

Well, you've seen my car with Htech, for comparison, search for user name nitequill, he has the same wheels and shocks as mine, with HR Sport springs. It's a tad lower than Htech. (look at this website: http://www.ronjonwheels.com/, under vehicle gallery, look for the white CL with Chrome RJ Servo wheel)

40 offset is too low. Plus, with 18" wheel, since you live in NY, you might want 40 series tire instead of 35, just to protect your rim. So, try to get wheels with 45 offset or more, and try not to roll you fender, since that'll increase the probability of rust and paint chip.

 

Congrats on your CLS... they are a lot of fun to modify. I went with the Eibach springs (2" drop) and the car looks a lot better... but you will need a camber kit or you will be wearing tires unevenly. Ingalls is best for the camber kit and go with the adjustable control arm rather than the adjustable ball joint.

Regarding shocks... the Tokico blues are great... not adjustable, but the adjustment for the rears requires you to pull out the back seat... handy huh? I went with the Tokoco 5s which are adjustable like the Konis and a lot less money.

 

First- I would like to thank everyone for their endless help in this process, all the feedback and PM, I really appreciate all your time. Its been an amazing couple of weeks getting my car ready and watching my apartment turn into an auto storage facility.

I am hoping to put everything on in one big bang at my mechanic so first I ordered the parts now I am waiting for everything to come in and for my next paycheck to pay for the labor but here is what I have.....



Injen CAI
XS Power Headers w/ Acura Gaskets
Greddy EvoII Exhaust (Back Order)

Drilled Rotors/Brake Pads
Black Caliper Paint

Tein H Springs (Back Order)
Tokico Blues


The things I have already Done:

Xpel Protective Smoked Headlight Tint
Tail Light Tint





Things I am debating:

I have no automotive skills whatsoever, I am a book worm who loves cars, is it really a rip off paying a mechanic to do this stuff? Or are some of these mods like changing a light bulb?

Is there a repair book that shows me how to take apart me car? I have seen some listed on a couple of thread but which is the best?

Do I need a camber kit with the Tein H Springs?

Now that my headlights are tinted do I need brighter bulbs and if so what kind?

I have searched for the recommended thread on how to change your driving lamps but haven't been able to find it. I looked really stupid this morning trying to figure things out myself.


Thanks again for all your help guys- I will put pics up ASAP once the parts are in and work is completed.

PS- just a shout to to my listing on the black market. I am selling the brand new Eibach I ordered and never used for $185 shipped if anyone is looking for that stuff- check out the listing!

 

Hey just a heads up. You have the TEIN High Techs and Greddy EVO exhaust as back orders but I can get both products for you shipped today. Let me know.

 

As far as suspensio, DIY, and you'll save between $200-$400, depending on where you are. There is a detailed DIY instruction with pic in this forum. For Camber kit, it's not suspension specific, rather it's a car specific. You won't know until you do full allignment after you've installed your suspension. So, just install it first, get it alligned, and see if you need one. For my car, I only need the rear sets.

 

Hey All,

So the date is set for Thursday, October 12, 2006 when I will be getting all my goodies installed. I just had a question about preparing for the instillation of the XS Headers....

1) I ordered Acura Gaskets from OEMAcuraPart.com, but do I need OEM ring gaskets as well?

2) I have read numerous postings about the horrible bolts that come with the XS headers. Which bolts work as replacements? I think I read 7/16" bolts but I was wondering if anyone could verify this for me.

Thanks!

 

this is really easy, like 10 mins tops.
here's a link to a good walkthrough

http://wizardsworks.org/chod/acura/m6/

 

and as for your headlights, it's up to you whether you think they're bright enough or not
if your visibility is impaired because of the film, you could try a different set of HID bulbs
Excelerate sells some