I am wondering if there are a set of springs out there that could firm up the suspension of the RL without lowering it.

H&R Sport Springs are the only ones listed for the 2005 RL on the tirerack site. They lower the RL by 1.5 inches, which is not what I want.

 

Perhaps the A-Spec package when it comes out will be to your liking. It does wonders for the other cars that receive it and in some cases ride quality is improved.

 

Get some adjustable shocks like Koni or Tokico with stock springs.

 

My recomendation would be wait for A-Spec shocks. If not then wait for a full coilover system, where you can adjust the height and the damping force. Soon to come probably teins or zeal.

They have these for Acura TL, but not currently for the RL, will see in the next few months:




Function-B6 (View Chart)

Our easy-to-read and use, 6-Way Piston Valve Shock (PVS) Dial mechanism adjusts the rebound/compression force with its Piston Valve Shock Technology, Level 1 being the softest and Level 6 being the stiffest. Dial can be turned either direction infinitely. Our lightweight, Aluminum Rigid upper mount with rubber bushing decreases noise level and eliminates vibration through absorption. (Strut-type uses Pillow Ball camber adjustable upper mounts for direct feel of suspension motion while helping to decrease piston rod tension). Rubber dust boots protect piston shaft against debris and other forms of damage to help increase life. ID60 Basic Spring (Street or Hard rates) maintains stroke and ensures a "seated" fit with upper and lower portions processed to a flat cut. Our new and improved lightweight, single, monotube-type, chromoly-coated, steel-type shell casing Shock Absorber with a very large piston for direct feeling and steering response now also includes a DIV Free Piston inducing more pressure inside the shock and causing less on the spring enabling more responsive movement and a softer, smoother, more natural feel. DIV Free Piston also separates nitrogen gas and oil within chamber for increased life. Driving feel and circuit times have improved. The Adjustable Shock-Stroke System is a separate, adjustable lower cup/bracket used for height adjustability which eliminates problem of sacrificing stroke and altering spring tension. Spin the mechanism over the threaded shock casing up to lower (and down to raise) vehicle height. All Zeal Function Series systems include this height-adjustable system.

I like these at about $5k



Black and blue with a super lightweight aluminum body and lightweight SWIFT springs, this is the ultimate flagship Function Series model

 

The A-Spec will lower the ride, which I prefer not to.

I have much to learn to understand suspension. Is it usually necessary to match the springs with the shocks? Do that mean that you have to change out the OEM shocks once you change the springs?

$5k for a coilover set up? If the A-Spec shocks were better, then the whole A-Spec package would be a better value.

Do you think the A-Spec shocks would be better than coilover?
Thanks.

 

I'm only talking about the shocks not the A-Spec package. The shocks will not lower your ride by more than 1/4" is anything.

Yes it is very important to match the shocks and springs. Well there are too many variables to tell you if you need new shocks when you buy new springs. One big reason is if you buy new springs (A-spec for example) is that they are going to be smaller than the OEM springs. For that reason, the shocks will have 25-35% less play for rebound/compression, because the shocks will already be somewhat compress. See where I'm getting at. So technically, you should buy shocks that match those springs. That is why I always recomend buying a full set coilover system.

The coilovers above are top of the line, but there are sets outhere for $800-$2k. Just remember that coilovers only mean " coil over shocks" but the term is use as adjustable coil over shocks that have a lower threaded cup/bracket to adjust the height.

A-spec shocks are a good alternative to OEM shocks.

I have My original shocks on 1.75" lowering springs. I had them for over 100k miles with no problem.

 

Would you consider the top of the line coilovers ($5k) to be better than the A-Spec shocks or anything else OEM? I just don't have experience with aftermarket suspension systems, but if they are that much better than OEM it is worth it.