vtr1000sp2

I'm all done "modding" and I'm happy with the result.
Sorry for the poor quality, it was taken with my BlackBerry
and I don't own a working digital camera.

Before:


After:

Chas2

Looking good! now come on, you have to say what parts you used in your pictures, put it all together for us! Don't make us guess and go through all the old threads.

23109VC

how did you clear your headlights? did you buy them from the JDM market, or did you add some kind of film to the outside to cover the orange, or did you DIY and take them apart? i like the cleared look.

what kind of wheels - how much did that setup cost?

big question - how HOW HOW does the ride differ - both PROS & CONS vs the stock setup on 17s...

i always think how good my RL would look lowered and on 19s...but then I take a long freeway trip and I enjoy how plush and comfortable my car is.... and I know if I went to aspec or H&Rs and put on 19s...that the ride woudl probably suffer a LOT.....be honest..is it SUPER stiff vs stock...or is it actaully not much different?????

vtr1000sp2

Sure thing, here's the list:
- 2006 RL purchased mid-february, all stock
- Ceramic tint 2 weeks later
- Wood wheel following weekend
- A-Spec suspension installed 4 weekends later
- 19" wheels made by Rays for Prodrive following weekend

Lighting upgrades:
- 3x3 SMD board in rear dome
- T10 5 SMD in front map lights
- T10 6 SMD in doors
- T10 1 SMD in trunk (both)
- T15 License plate bulbs
- Xenon-white reverse bulbs
- 2500k fogs and DRL/High Beams

What you see in the pics is a photoshop'd amber corner marker. Next long weekend I have, I'll be taking the headlights off to replace the igniter/ballast and also take apart the headlight and spray tint the amber section.

Blazing GT

Nice look. Definetly do the headlights. I think I am the only one on the forums with Blacked headlights. 1 other guy has his headlights cleared. It is a great look and a way better alternative than the JDM headlights.

vtr1000sp2

can't edit my post above, I thought I'd add a note about the tires I've gone with. With a few available options in 245/40-19, I narrowed down my choices between the Continental ExtremeContact DW and the Michelin PS2 with the main factor being road noise. The lack of reviews for the Continental left me with only one viable option, the Michelin. So far I'm happy with the ride quality of the Michelins. They're quiet, sticky, but the sidewall is a tad soft for my driving style. I am entering corners/ramps much too quick however that is probably not how an RL is to be driven, I'm still adjusting to the whole SH-AWD thing.

To answer a question above about the ride quality of stock with 17"s vs A-Spec with 19"s, I'll say that it's certainly different, noticeably stiffer over bumps, dips, etc. Any imperfections are noticeable but the ride is still silky smooth when driving on good roads, that part is all tires which is why I went with the Michelins. As for cornering prowess, the A-Spec does allow the RL to keep it's composure but if I were to do this again, knowing what ride quality is lost, I'd go for the next step up, maybe Tein coilovers? As for going any lower, I'm from the school of thought that AWD vehicles shouldn't be lowered more than a 'sport' drop but with the lower profile on the 19" rubber, the wheel gap is more prominent than when I had the 17"s.

This is a quick reply from work so pardon the lack of flow in my writing.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

It might be me but the tire pressures might be a little low. Did you fill to the stock recommendation psi? If so...you can probably up it by 10 as the max psi on a lower profile tire will usually be 50 instead of 44. That should help with a stiffer turn.

Nice looking car btw.

Treblig

+10 might be too much IMO. That would put you at around 42-44 lbs. When the tires heat up, that will add a couple more pounds and that will be a pretty stiff ride.

vtr1000sp2

I did pump it up slightly last night. I'm now running 36psi all around, it's slightly improved the cornering but my expectations are high.

eVTEC

Hi, can you please provide the full spec for your Prodrive Rays rims? The offset for this car is crazy and there aren't many compatible rims that can clear our oversized calipers.

What I am looking for is:
1. Model
2. Width
3. Offset
4. Weight
5. Hub Diameter (if hub ring is requires)

I was going to go with that setup but I can't get a confirmation on the claiper clearance from the seller.

Also, if the offset is +35mm, can you please take a front shot to see if how much the wheels are extended out from the fender?

Thanks a lot and these are awesome wheels.

vtr1000sp2

Model: GC-014i
Width: 8.5"
Offset: +35
Weight: 19.2lbs
Hub diameter 72.6mm

In terms of clearance for the front caliper, plenty.
As for a front shot, bare with me, I'll get one soon.

eVTEC

Thanks for the reply.

I think I saw you installed A-Spec suspension by yourself in the other thread. Do you have any rubbing issue with these wheels?

vtr1000sp2

no rubbing at all.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Aspec doesn't lower enough to rub.
About the 44psi...I used to run 44 cold in my RSX w/18's and the ride was fine. Nice and crisp and keeps the gas mileage up! I would bump it up more if the MAX is 50 on your tires.

vtr1000sp2

eVTEC, here are 2 pics of the front wheel/body line:

eVTEC

Thanks a lot for the pictures! Really appreciate it.

Right now I have Bremmer Kraft 19x8 +45mm on my RL, bought from Tirerack a while ago, and the clearance between caliper and rim is like only 2-3mm! What about your clearance?

I am thinking about changing to lighter and stronger set when my tires are due for change because the Bremmers are soft like cookies. I easily got dents driving over pot hole at low speed (less than 25mph).

Again, thanks for taking the pictures.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Nice.