Has anyone bought all or parts of the a-spec package after owning/driving the RL stock? If so what did you add and can you comment on your likes/dislikes with the parts you added. I'm thinking of getting the wheels/tires and the suspension but am wondering if the ride quality is negatively affected enough not to want it. I'm not really a big fan yet of the body kit mainly because when coupled with the 1" lowering of the suspension kit, I hear it's prone to scraping a lot. Anyway, I'd just like to hear from folks that have experience with both the stock and a-spec'd RL's and what the real world difference is with everyday driving. Thanks.

 

I went with the entire A-Spec package. I chose the summer-only Michelin Sports when I ordered the wheels, mostly because they were the manufacturer's recommended tire. I had driven the car with the original equipment (non A-Spec) from February through around the June/July time frame and then did the upgrade to the A-Spec. Although everyone has differing opinions, I prefer the 'look' of the new package (I'd call it 'meatier'). The A-Spec wheels (I chose the black version to go with the Carbon Gray) look much better than the original equipment wheels. The suspension is definately different than the original suspension. As expected, it is a 'firmer' ride and you definately feel the road more. I like that; my wife prefers the original ride. Shortly after receiving the A-Spec wheels and mounted Michelin Sports, I ordered the Pirelli PNero Zero A/S tires and I expect to put them on in the upcoming weeks in preparation for winter. I chose these because I had read and heard that they are excellent tires and will likely reduce the road noise that the Michelin tires are known for. In summary, I am very happy with the A-Spec package and would recommend it to all RL owners. In my opinion, it takes a great car and makes it that much better! Good luck with your decision!

 

I have added only the rear spoiler and suspension for now. The handling is better with less body roll. You do feel the road more. I will be upgrading the tires/wheels next. Overall, I am happy with the sport suspension.

 

I am happy with the ASPEC . The 18" Michelin Pilot Sports went away a week after
I bought the car - I went with the Pirelli PZERO NERO all season...I'm sure the
Michelin A/S would be good too. The Michelins were too aggressive for this car...tramlining and too much road feedback were the issues for me. I have
noticed the Pirellis tend to flat spot after a couple of days of not driving the car but
they smooth out in a couple miles.

Steve
Seattle

 

I have the same tires & I love them...

 

I am glad to hear all good comments on the Pirelli tires... I just ordered them.

 

Got any pics Peter_L? I'd love to see the them on Carbon Gray.

If you can't post them, email them to me and I will host them - asuitedpair@comcast.net

Thanks!

 

There is an interesting and positive article in the current Road/Track about the Pirellis and they use the zero nero M/S as a standard for comparison with several other Pirelli tires. They note that A/S tires are not all the same with some leaning towards more of winter tire and others more towards a summer/performance tire. I believe their implication was that the saw the zero nero M/S on the summer/performance tire side of things.

I retained the OEM wheels and suspension but recently added the Michelin Sport A/S tires and have been very pleased with them. No tramline or other ill effects at least in my 17" experience and with standard suspension. I think hothonda's experience was in the 18" size and with the aspec suspension. My only regret is that I did not change out the tires much earlier. There is a considerable difference and it is all positive.

 

None available right now. We got a new camera a month or so ago and I'll be darned if I know how to use it. I'll have to work on that and see if I can get something posted. Sorry for now, though!!