The Top 10 "MUST HAVE" CL Modifications

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-19-2010 | 03:11 PM
  #1  
Ed_the_Infamous's Avatar
Thread Starter
10th Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
The Top 10 "MUST HAVE" CL Modifications

I thought it would be interesting to see what kind of lists people would come up with and why they chose the mods they listed.

This is assuming that you have a bone stock Acura CL with no mods.
Old 04-19-2010 | 03:21 PM
  #2  
98JDMCL's Avatar
Justin's
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 3
From: Toronto,Ontario
Well prob most popular are:

Intake, exhaust, headers, springs,shocks or coilovers, sway bars, strut brace, wheels, and supercharger hehe
Old 04-19-2010 | 03:26 PM
  #3  
SG81's Avatar
Missing My CL-S
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,376
Likes: 13
From: Toronto
-brake upgrade
-pulley's
-lip kit
-roof spoiler

Last edited by SG81; 04-19-2010 at 03:29 PM.
Old 04-19-2010 | 03:45 PM
  #4  
kyle77777's Avatar
Gonna cost to catch up
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,859
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, WA
#1 Lower the car. Should be done before anything IMO
Old 04-19-2010 | 03:46 PM
  #5  
JBlueCLS6's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 50
The car is a pig and you'll notice the most difference in improving the braking and handling characteristics. If I were to start fresh I'd do it in following order:

BBK
Coilovers
Sway Bars
Header
Intake

After that depends how much you want to spend. These should be a standard though.
Old 04-19-2010 | 04:01 PM
  #6  
civicdrivr's Avatar
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36,357
Likes: 8,496
From: VA
For a 6MT:

1 - PSpec short shifter
2 - Corsport shifter bushings
3 - Syncromesh tranny fluid
4 - Headers
5 - Intake
6 - 2.5" exhaust
7 - Drop it
8 - Wheels
9 - BBK
10 - TL lip kit

For 5AT:

1 - Swap in 6MT.
2 - Follow steps 1-9 on the list above.
The following users liked this post:
CL0198 (06-11-2023)
Old 04-19-2010 | 04:13 PM
  #7  
StreetKA's Avatar
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 574
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
For a 6MT:

1 - PSpec short shifter
2 - Corsport shifter bushings
3 - Syncromesh tranny fluid
4 - Headers
5 - Intake
6 - 2.5" exhaust
7 - Drop it
8 - Wheels
9 - BBK
10 - TL lip kit

For 5AT:

1 - Swap in 6MT.
2 - Follow steps 1-9 on the list above.
HAHAHA

the 3 minimum for me is

Headers
Drop
BBK
The following users liked this post:
CL0198 (06-11-2023)
Old 04-19-2010 | 04:22 PM
  #8  
CL-S progression 01's Avatar
lowrd on tein CS biatch
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,766
Likes: 138
From: Mississauga
lol IMHO

Headers is NUMBER 1.... 20+ hp for a single bolt on is a must.
intake
BRAKES (all around.. pad and rotors at a minumum)
option underdrive pulley
progress rsb
MOOG end links
exhaust

those are the MUST HAVES in my experience now that I've owned a stock CL-S 13 months ago and now it's modded to the tits now.

I didn't choose that order but looking back that would be the exact order.

MY order of mods (main mods... not little things, to the best of my knowledge) however are/were:

injen CAI
option underdrive pulley
p2r plenums
p2r throttle body spacer
Progress RSB sway
Ebay mesh grille
Moog end links
p2r thermo gaskets for tb and manifold
DBA fr, EBC rr.. Adaptive One pads (napa)
Comptech Headers wrapped with DEI
Comptech front sway.


the best mods for the money ARE:

option pulley about 10hp for 70-80$ (including belts)
headers 20+hp for 400-700 (depending on brand and condition)
CAI intake 10+hp (i'd buy one used if i could find one)
Progress RSB (car feels like a WHOLE NEW VEHICLE) my most impressive mod for sure... right behind the option pulley.

I hope this helps

FYI

headers is like adding the biggest smile on ur face I SWEAR TO GOD it did for me!!!

intake... nice sound.. meh

option pulley... omfg what a difference all around. I am astound it made more of a difference than the intake.. MY WORD.
people think differently tho cause the sound makes them feel like they are going way faster... as sexy as that sound is

Last edited by CL-S progression 01; 04-19-2010 at 04:26 PM.
The following users liked this post:
CL0198 (06-11-2023)
Old 04-19-2010 | 04:44 PM
  #9  
Rejckt's Avatar
Pro
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Originally Posted by 98JDMCL
Well prob most popular are:

Intake, exhaust, headers, springs,shocks or coilovers, sway bars, strut brace, wheels, and supercharger hehe
Supercharger only good if your auto. After my 6mt swap, I wanna sell my ctsc for a turbo setup.
Old 04-19-2010 | 05:06 PM
  #10  
StreetKA's Avatar
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 574
Originally Posted by Rejckt
Supercharger only good if your auto. After my 6mt swap, I wanna sell my ctsc for a turbo setup.
you mean that SC is better for auto ? why ?

and when your are going to sell it
Old 04-19-2010 | 06:20 PM
  #11  
civicdrivr's Avatar
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36,357
Likes: 8,496
From: VA
Originally Posted by Rejckt
Supercharger only good if your auto. After my 6mt swap, I wanna sell my ctsc for a turbo setup.
Oh really?
|
v

Last edited by civicdrivr; 04-19-2010 at 06:23 PM.
Old 04-19-2010 | 06:36 PM
  #12  
CL-S progression 01's Avatar
lowrd on tein CS biatch
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,766
Likes: 138
From: Mississauga
correct me if i am wrong but u don't need (tho it would help) a tune to run a supercharger ??? just the FPR ... if you are running 8 psi or less.

or is it more complicated than that?
Old 04-19-2010 | 06:37 PM
  #13  
Rapture's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 214
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
For a 6MT:

1 - PSpec short shifter
2 - Corsport shifter bushings
3 - Syncromesh tranny fluid
4 - Headers
5 - Intake
6 - 2.5" exhaust
7 - Drop it
8 - Wheels
9 - BBK
10 - TL lip kit

For 5AT:

1 - Swap in 6MT.
2 - Follow steps 1-9 on the list above.
Yeah because those transmissions are just scattered all over like condom wrappers on a playground.
Old 04-19-2010 | 06:46 PM
  #14  
civicdrivr's Avatar
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36,357
Likes: 8,496
From: VA
IIRC 04-06 TL 6MTs are the same, so youre not looking for just one model year with limited production.

You could also pick up an Accord tranny and buy the LSD elsewhere.
Old 04-19-2010 | 06:52 PM
  #15  
cube's Avatar
Cruisin'
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
For a 6MT:

1 - PSpec short shifter
2 - Corsport shifter bushings
3 - Syncromesh tranny fluid
4 - Headers
About #4.. If getting a set for a 6MT was easy I probably would have them by now. Does anyone actually make these anymore?
Old 04-19-2010 | 07:02 PM
  #16  
CL-S progression 01's Avatar
lowrd on tein CS biatch
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,766
Likes: 138
From: Mississauga
comptech does or u'll have to find some used comptechs or used xs headers.

or get any set and cut the pipe on the rear header that needs to be modified and geter welded up
Old 04-19-2010 | 07:10 PM
  #17  
Jacobpockros's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,648
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, CA
The top 10:

1.) Lowering
2.) Brake Rotors
3.) Rear Sway Bar
4.) Exhaust
5.) Headers
6.) Ice Box
7.) Crank Pulley
8.) Wheels and Tires
9.) Motor mounts
10.) RWD
Old 04-19-2010 | 07:17 PM
  #18  
Rapture's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 214
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
IIRC 04-06 TL 6MTs are the same, so youre not looking for just one model year with limited production.

You could also pick up an Accord tranny and buy the LSD elsewhere.
Still, I really dunno how common or uncommon manual transmission TLs are.

Also, I heard with the Accord trans you have some fitment issues.... afaik. Just heard that if you swap in an Accord manual trans, it's really more work than it's worth.
Old 04-19-2010 | 07:37 PM
  #19  
e30cabrio's Avatar
LFG RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 2,011
From: Earth
Everything in my sig plus better motor mounts/radius rod bushings are essential.

And if I can find a suitable donor 6mt, that too.
Old 04-19-2010 | 08:56 PM
  #20  
Rejckt's Avatar
Pro
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Originally Posted by StreetKA
you mean that SC is better for auto ? why ?

and when your are going to sell it
Because when you step on the clutch, the bov go pssssst. And the auto tranny can't handle a turbo imo. As if our tranny doesn't suck enough, I believe gear ratio would be a factor in denying a turbo it's full potential. 3rd gear auto = 4th gear manual. In otherwords, auto = turbolag.

Originally Posted by CL-S progression 01
correct me if i am wrong but u don't need (tho it would help) a tune to run a supercharger ??? just the FPR ... if you are running 8 psi or less.

or is it more complicated than that?
Don't need a tune if you are running 5psi pulley. 8psi you need to change voltage clamp to either (ct suggest 2.88, members here 2.7-2.8) On top of that, emanage is a cheap insurance to make sure you run correct AFR. If you can afford 4grand for FI, dump an extra $500 for a piggyback. It really isn't hard to tune a car once you play around with it a little.

Right now I use rc440 w/ emanage blue, no problems... but my luk clutch/ flywheel is slipping. I have a cm stage 3 sitting next to me tho.
Old 04-19-2010 | 08:57 PM
  #21  
Rejckt's Avatar
Pro
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
Oh really?
|
v
I've been trolling that thread
But I want a new pc
Old 04-19-2010 | 09:30 PM
  #22  
RUF87's Avatar
Lead Footed
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,415
Likes: 15
From: Plano - Texas
Originally Posted by e30cabrio
Everything in my sig plus better motor mounts/radius rod bushings are essential.

And if I can find a suitable donor 6mt, that too.

LOL . . . Better mounts . . yep if we can ever get a working set they would be on my top 10, maybe even top 5.

My on brakes is that the OEMs are weak and an upgrade is a top 10. However I'm not a fan of BBK . . . they add unnecessary weight which negatively impacts acceleration, steering and braking feel and or response.

Ruf
Old 04-19-2010 | 10:30 PM
  #23  
e30cabrio's Avatar
LFG RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 2,011
From: Earth
Originally Posted by RUF87
LOL . . . Better mounts . . yep if we can ever get a working set they would be on my top 10, maybe even top 5.

My on brakes is that the OEMs are weak and an upgrade is a top 10. However I'm not a fan of BBK . . . they add unnecessary weight which negatively impacts acceleration, steering and braking feel and or response.

Ruf
That is part of why I went RL aluminum calipers. They are lighter than stock.
Old 04-20-2010 | 01:07 AM
  #24  
Rejckt's Avatar
Pro
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 5
From: NYC
Originally Posted by RUF87
LOL . . . Better mounts . . yep if we can ever get a working set they would be on my top 10, maybe even top 5.

My on brakes is that the OEMs are weak and an upgrade is a top 10. However I'm not a fan of BBK . . . they add unnecessary weight which negatively impacts acceleration, steering and braking feel and or response.

Ruf
I can't tell the difference between my bbk and my oem except that I stop sooner.

Rotora bbk front, 2pc rotor
rotora rotor rear /w teflon lines.
Old 04-20-2010 | 08:08 AM
  #25  
brian6speed's Avatar
Lone Wolf
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,982
Likes: 498
#1-Acurazine stickers, after that who cares.
Old 04-20-2010 | 10:42 AM
  #26  
phee's Avatar
I got the Shifts
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,203
Likes: 230
6 speed
1. drop
2. FULLL exhaust (headers, cat, pipes, muffs)
3. tires
4. Rotors and pads
5. synchromesh
6. valve adjustment
7. intake
8. Mounts
9. engine dampener
10. pulley

Last edited by phee; 04-20-2010 at 10:47 AM.
Old 04-20-2010 | 10:46 AM
  #27  
fuzzy02CLS's Avatar
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,847
Likes: 223
From: South FL
It's all subjective.
I would only do 2 things if I did it over.
Headers
Good tires in 235-45-17.
I wouldn't touch anything else.
Old 04-20-2010 | 10:47 AM
  #28  
civicdrivr's Avatar
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36,357
Likes: 8,496
From: VA
Originally Posted by Rejckt
I've been trolling that thread
But I want a new pc
PCs dont make awesome pssssssshhhhhhh noises.
Old 04-21-2010 | 02:48 AM
  #29  
LUTHOR-CL's Avatar
Chapter Leader (NY/NJ)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 772
Likes: 8
From: brooklyn, NY
debadge
intake
drop
rims
custom front grille
headers
exhaust
tint
audio
steel braid brake lines
back window spoiler
Old 04-21-2010 | 01:39 PM
  #30  
manny3010's Avatar
10th Gear
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Jacobpockros
The top 10:

1.) Lowering
2.) Brake Rotors
3.) Rear Sway Bar
4.) Exhaust
5.) Headers
6.) Ice Box
7.) Crank Pulley
8.) Wheels and Tires
9.) Motor mounts
10.) RWD
How do you do #10 and is it possible in a automatic base model?
Old 04-21-2010 | 01:42 PM
  #31  
brian6speed's Avatar
Lone Wolf
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,982
Likes: 498
Originally Posted by manny3010
How do you do #10 and is it possible in a automatic base model?
If you have to ask then you most likely will never do it. Only 1 person so far has ever done it and the car isnt street legal. On a side note anyone else notice this has turned into a thread of ppl listing the mods they have done.
Old 04-22-2010 | 12:24 AM
  #32  
civicdrivr's Avatar
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36,357
Likes: 8,496
From: VA
^ lol yea it has. I didnt do the lip kit.








Yet.
Old 04-23-2010 | 01:05 AM
  #33  
Bonez21's Avatar
Advanced
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Haven't had the chance to put my 01 5AT CL-S under the wrench yet but if i had the $$$
(and this is based on what i've seen and researched so far...)

1) Drop (Full coilover setup w/tophats preferably Tein SS-P or KSport Control Pro'z AND Rear camber kit)
2) Brake upgrade (Rotors, SS Lines, and padz)
3) Wheel/Tire setup 235/40/18 wheels take ur pic...
4) Headers (CT or XS)
5) Intake
6) upgrade factory sways and strut bar
7) TL Lip kit conversion
8) Sarona Rear Roof spoiler
9) 6MT TL or Honda Odessy Trans swap
10) CT S/C setup

and depending on what yr u have I'd also do
11) 03 blk housed headlights
12) 03 tailights

and Audio is a MUST for these cars IMHO with that crappy 1ohm Bose setup!
Old 04-23-2010 | 05:57 AM
  #34  
CL-S progression 01's Avatar
lowrd on tein CS biatch
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,766
Likes: 138
From: Mississauga
lol i happen to think the sound system is damn good... for a stock 2001 ride... the system was definitely ahead of its time
The following users liked this post:
Longtall (08-13-2023)
Old 04-23-2010 | 10:29 AM
  #35  
civicdrivr's Avatar
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36,357
Likes: 8,496
From: VA
I have no problem with the speakers themselves. I think you just need to replace the headunit to take better control of the equalizer. I havent replaced the stock speakers yet because they sound pretty good, and until they blow I wont put my Infiniti's in (which says alot, because the Infiniti Kappa Perfects are IMO the best speakers out there).
Old 04-23-2010 | 12:35 PM
  #36  
Bonez21's Avatar
Advanced
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by CL-S progression 01
lol i happen to think the sound system is damn good... for a stock 2001 ride... the system was definitely ahead of its time
Ahead of itz time...ehh maybe but damn good i'd have to disagree on that looking at it from an upgradeable standpoint.

Originally Posted by civicdrivr
I have no problem with the speakers themselves. I think you just need to replace the headunit to take better control of the equalizer. I havent replaced the stock speakers yet because they sound pretty good, and until they blow I wont put my Infiniti's in (which says alot, because the Infiniti Kappa Perfects are IMO the best speakers out there).
Which headunit did you upgrade to and did your CL come with the factory Navi?
Old 04-23-2010 | 12:57 PM
  #37  
civicdrivr's Avatar
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36,357
Likes: 8,496
From: VA
No factory navi (and Im glad).

I got a Pioneer Avic F90bt. Its not bad but its definitely not the greatest.
Old 04-23-2010 | 02:39 PM
  #38  
97BlackAckCL's Avatar
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 92,262
Likes: 4,489
From: ShitsBurgh
Originally Posted by CL-S progression 01
lol IMHO

Headers is NUMBER 1.... 20+ hp for a single bolt on is a must.
intake
BRAKES (all around.. pad and rotors at a minumum)
option underdrive pulley
progress rsb
MOOG end links
exhaust

those are the MUST HAVES in my experience now that I've owned a stock CL-S 13 months ago and now it's modded to the tits now.

I didn't choose that order but looking back that would be the exact order.

MY order of mods (main mods... not little things, to the best of my knowledge) however are/were:

injen CAI
option underdrive pulley
p2r plenums
p2r throttle body spacer
Progress RSB sway
Ebay mesh grille
Moog end links
p2r thermo gaskets for tb and manifold
DBA fr, EBC rr.. Adaptive One pads (napa)
Comptech Headers wrapped with DEI
Comptech front sway.


the best mods for the money ARE:

option pulley about 10hp for 70-80$ (including belts)
headers 20+hp for 400-700 (depending on brand and condition)
CAI intake 10+hp (i'd buy one used if i could find one)
Progress RSB (car feels like a WHOLE NEW VEHICLE) my most impressive mod for sure... right behind the option pulley.

I hope this helps

FYI

headers is like adding the biggest smile on ur face I SWEAR TO GOD it did for me!!!

intake... nice sound.. meh

option pulley... omfg what a difference all around. I am astound it made more of a difference than the intake.. MY WORD.
people think differently tho cause the sound makes them feel like they are going way faster... as sexy as that sound is
Guys this isn't list every mod on your car, it's list the top 10 mods you would choose for your car
Old 04-24-2010 | 09:38 AM
  #39  
df44's Avatar
Intermediate
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: ATL
03 cl-s 6mt

Guys I am new to the forum so bare with me… I got a black 03 CL-S about 4 months ago and want to really getting into modding it this summer. So far I have only put 06 TL wheels on, PSPEC short shifter, tint, those supercomputer pedals and custom sub and amp rack enclosure. I am coming from a lifted truck so this is all new to me. What I want to know is what you would suggest being the next things for me to do. The top ten lists are helping out but I would like some advice. Like my brakes are going so bad so that might be a first for me, also the car doesn’t shift as smooth as I would like, could that synchromesh help. Thanks in advance for the help everyone…
Old 04-24-2010 | 09:53 AM
  #40  
richardparker's Avatar
3.7L Nitrous Breathing CL
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,658
Likes: 160
If brakes are next.
Go with a cross drilled rotor set up and ceramic pads.
Rotor will run cooler and stop beter.
ceramic pads will have very low brake dust and their quiet.
Also you can get a whole cheap brand set up for $160.


Quick Reply: The Top 10 "MUST HAVE" CL Modifications



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:06 AM.