Does anyone know if the A-Spec package option was ever offered for the 2006 RL with the CMBS/ACC? This car normally comes with the PAX system, so I doubt it, but I wonder if they ever offered it as part of a de-pax option.

Also, did the A-Spec 18" wheels only come in the chrome looking color? My local dealer said that's the only color available, but I could have sworn I have seen them in the same color (non-polished silver) as the normal 17" wheels.

Can someone familiar with the A-Spec enlighten me? Thanks!

 

My A'Spec rims are chrome... I don't think they came in other finishes

 

I had the A-Spec suspension and wheels on my non-PAX 2006 RL. It was not meant for the PAX/CMBS RL as we think that the suspension was a liitle different for that car and lowering it might have led to mis-aiming the CMBS system. No dealers seemed sure of a definite answer on this the last time it was brought up years ago. Chas2 is out resident PAX/CMBS expert and will probably chime in as well.

I believe the wheels came in dark chrome and chrome-look. There's a thread with pix that can be found with a search.

 

A-Spec's for the RL come Ebony and Chrome check ur dealer the part no. is different check out the ebonys on my car...

 

I just looked at your album pics. Are those the ebony? They still look kind of chrome-shiny. How dark are they actually compared to the stock 17"s?

 

I had the ebony chrome too. Click on the "RL's CarDomain page" link in my signature so you can see they look like.

 

I believe that A-spec wheels only come in chrome, but if you really want it a different color you can always get them repainted. Its not cheap to do it properly. Calchrome does this. You actually get the chrome stripped first (I think it cost 35 bucks for that). Then it can properly be painted.

 

The A-Spec suspension package was specifically not recommended for the CMBS/PAX equipped cars, though no one ever could tell me why. The glossy fly sheet on the A-Spec suspension also had a note that said NA for CMBS/PAX cars. I have theorized it is because lowering the suspension can potentially upset the pointing of the radar beam, but I do not know.

That being said, the A-Spec suspension does fit. I researched with my dealer parts manager and we concluded every interface to the non CMBS/ACC cars is exactly the same part number as the CMBS/ACC cars, and even determined that the only suspension differences was the rear shocks, which are allegedly valved a little softer than non PAX cars, because the PAX units are so darn HEAVY at 75 lbs each.

I have successfully retrofitted A-Spec suspension to my 06 CMBS/PAX car. I also dePAXed the car. The CMBS and ACC still work, but I am not sure about the operating distances. The warnings times may be different.

Acura never offered a dePAX option, and still does not recommend or endorse dePAX. The reason is safety related. They have no easy way of changing the software in the MID. If you dePAX, and you have a low pressure condition, the software will tell you can still drive, even with 0 lbs of pressure for 125 miles at up to 50 mph...which can be deadly with conventional tires. You who may have dePAXed will know, of course, but any other driver may not, nor will anyone that you next sell the car to know the nuances.

WRT to wheels, some research I did over the years with online parts catalog from www.acuraoemparts.com is described below. My research is incomplete because I do not have all the part numbers, specifically for the Gun Metal, though that may be the same as Ebony Black. It is not really clear to me if Sparkle Silver is the OEM silver color or another name for Chrome Look. I believe they are two different wheel finishes:

Available in various years in colors referred to as “Sparkle Silver” (2005, 2006, 2007 P/N 08W18-SJA-200A), "Chrome Look" (2006, 2007 P/N 08W18-SJA-203A), "Ebony Black" (2007, 2008 P/N 08W18-SJA-203B) and “Gun Metal” Wheels Made by Enkei

Diameter and Width: 18" x 8J"
Spokes: 10
Est. Wheel Weight: 26 lbs
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 245/45-18 96Y Ultra High Performance class All Season Radials (Est. weight 27 lbs)
or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 245/45-18 96Y Ultra High Performance class Summer Radials (Est. weight 27 lbs)
Est. Total Wheel and Tire Weight: 53 lbs

 

Thanks Chas!

 

If I am de-paxing... do I need to get new lug nuts then as well for the A-Spec wheels?