This is a great forum and very helpful. I own a 1997 RL (never had any problem with it and will soon give it to a family member) and just recently purchased a brand new 2007 RL. I love both cars but was hoping that the 2007 RL had a "sportier" ride. I'm deciding on whether or not to upgrade to the A-Spec suspension. However, because of where I am located, there are a lot of step driveways and speed bumps, I am therefore concerned that the A-spec suspension will lower my car too much. According to the 2007 - 2008 RL A-Spec brochure, the lowering height of the suspension is 10MM, this I can live with. Please let me know if this is the case because all the reviews that I had read indicate that the vehicle will be lowered by about an inch (an inch I believe may be too much for the area in which I live). I’ve also discussed the discrepancy with my dealer and the dealer also believes that it will lower my car by about an inch. I called Acura Customer Service and they confirmed that the lowering height will only be 10mm and not even close to an inch? Help… As an alternative to the A-spec suspension, does anyone know if there is a more robust aftermarket sway bar for the 2007 RL?

Thanks,
CG2007RL

 

*Paging NeuronBob*

STAT!

 

(Rushes over in response to page, white coat on....)

Cliff's notes:
The A-Spec suspension totally rocks. Do it. End of story.

Longer note:
This brilliantly engineered, then totally ignored and unmarketed , suspension system reduces dip and squat, firms up the steering, and all without significantly impacting ride quality. It makes the car handle brilliantly. The drop is 3/4-1 inch which is more like 25 cm. Don't worry, it looks good and....

You want to talk about potholes? I live in Cleveland! You won't find more potholes than here after a long winter. I've had no issues other than with tires popping on potholes. Yes, you will feel more bumps. However, the ride is not harsh at all. My wife couldn't tell the difference from her customary place in the passenger seat. I haven't scraped anything at all.

There's no aftermarket sway bar for the RL, market is too small.

For pictures, click on the links in my signature.

BTW, welcome to AZ and we hope you post more.

 

neuronbob,
Thanks for replying – I enjoy reading your posts. As I stated before, there are many steep driveways around where we live and in particular, ours is pretty steep. I’m barely clearing the bottom of our driveway as it is… I did have an opportunity to test drive a used a-spec rl, it handled beautifully (the firmer ride is not an issue with me). Any chance in your opinion that the 2007-2008 A-spec is closer to 10mm than 22mm (1inch)? What to do???

 

Not a chance. There have been no suspension changes in the RL since the 2005 model. I still think you should do it. As I said, I've not scraped the underside of my car. I'd worry more if I had the A-Spec front spoiler.

Did you try your driveway with the A-Spec RL you test drove?

 

OK - I've ordered the a-spec suspension and should get it this week. Will be on vacation next week and as soon as I get back will have it installed. I do hope that I will not scrap the bottom of my car. Visually, can you tell that your car has been lowered by the a-spec suspension?

On a separate matter, do you know what my rights are regarding TSBs? I have an E500 and there are many outstanding TSBs. However, at the last service interval I asked my service advisor to take care of any outstanding TSB. He advised that they will not repair per TSBs unless I am specifically experiencing problems covered by such TSBs. Is this correct? What if the TSB is none mechanical related (e.g., a bolt and washer need to be replaced, etc.)?

Thanks

 

Yowser! 25cm drop! You will be more than scraping pavement, you will be digging it up!

I had to say something! A 10 inch drop would definitely be radical!

 

You caught me in an unplanned typo! AAAAAAAAAAGH!

CG, there is a small, but perceptible drop. When combined with 18 or 19 inch wheels, it looks quite good. Click on the "CarDomain page" link in my signature to see pictures.

 

No worries Bob has one of those hydraulic systems that raises and lowers the RL. With appropriate music it will dance, hop and boogie at stoplights.

 

I have done much worse myself!