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I’m posting all this in an effort to document everything I do to this car. Also to get advice and tips from experienced Acura owners.
Im a do it yourself type, so I enjoy starting with a solid, dependable vehicle that has the features I want used, then build it up from there.
My personal motto is
“Function before Form”
When I bought my 1st gen 02’ Toyota Tacoma about 6 years ago, I immediately joined “Tacoma World” forums so I could get the same type of advice, and I was not disappointed! I’m hoping for the same result here.
I just picked up an 03’ TL type S not long ago that I’m going to build for my wife. She LOVES these cars, especially the pearl white!!!
An affordable, powerful car with leather interior and a bunch of bells and whistles! What’s not to love?
I, on the other hand, was wary of buying it because of the transmission problems they have.
Since she loves it and I enjoy a challenge I pulled the trigger. We got the car for a great price with Really nice black leather interior in really good shape!
About The Car..
It has 260,000 miles WOW! But seems to be in really good working order. It has a few interior console pieces missing, it’s missing the radio, and I’m hoping I can source Those from a “pick and pull” yard.
I have immediate, intermediate, and long term plans for this car...
••Already replaced••
-All 4 struts (TRQ brand)
-Sway bar end links (Mastercraft)
-Several vacuum lines
••Immediate “to do” list••
- Replace Idle air control valve
- Disassemble & clean air intake system
- Spark Plugs & spark plug wires
- Replace leaky valve cover gaskets
- Replace leaky oil pan gasket
••Intermediate “to do” list••
- Replace Catalytic Converter (The original was
deleted) I can’t stand abide engine lights!!!
- Timing belt, water pump, and the pulleys
associated with that.
- AV6 transmission swap (hopefully more long term)
••Long Term Goals••
- AV6 swap
- Rebuild Engine, or replace w/ salvaged
engine with <70k mi.
- Headers w/ performance exhaust system
- Fully Adjustable coilovers on all 4 corners
- Simple performance upgrades that won’t
compromise reliability = 300hp++
Nice list. you may be able to get away with disassembling and cleaning the IACV. The 2003 Acura TL has ignition coils at the plug, so there isn't a need to change any wires; unless there is some damage to the wires leading up to?
If you're going to replace the valve covers (and remove the intake manifold) I would suggest the EGR system cleaning. and since you are cleaning the EGR system (please replace the gaskets) you might want to check the CAM thrust cover for leaks as well.
Lastly, those bigger leaks down below: you may find that the leak isn't coming from an silicone or RTV type of gaskets but more likely one of the o rings. Here are two that I can think of:
There is an o ring that leaks deep in between the engine and transmission; often confused with the rear main seal. It's actually right above the rear main seal.
The oil pump and Vtec oil system also have various o rings that harden up, and begin to leak.
Nice list. you may be able to get away with disassembling and cleaning the IACV. The 2003 Acura TL has ignition coils at the plug, so there isn't a need to change any wires; unless there is some damage to the wires leading up to?
If you're going to replace the valve covers (and remove the intake manifold) I would suggest the EGR system cleaning. and since you are cleaning the EGR system (please replace the gaskets) you might want to check the CAM thrust cover for leaks as well.
Lastly, those bigger leaks down below: you may find that the leak isn't coming from an silicone or RTV type of gaskets but more likely one of the o rings. Here are two that I can think of:
There is an o ring that leaks deep in between the engine and transmission; often confused with the rear main seal. It's actually right above the rear main seal.
The oil pump and Vtec oil system also have various o rings that harden up, and begin to leak.
Got a new oem R F door gasket for $40 put in today.
It was a perfect fit with new clips already installed. Always go oem with gaskets and weatherstripping! Before 😫 After 😍
Last edited by 03’ Acura build; Mar 24, 2021 at 04:20 PM.
I replaced all four of mine because although they looked fine, I suspected that I had become complacent with the wind noise there were allowing into the car; I was right! the doors require a little more umph to close and the ride is much quieter.
btw...I believe the rear drivers side is no longer available, if you're interested in replacing the others I would suggest to do it soon and search ebay for those discontinued; you might be able to find one.
I replaced all four of mine because although they looked fine, I suspected that I had become complacent with the wind noise there were allowing into the car; I was right! the doors require a little more umph to close and the ride is much quieter.
btw...I believe the rear drivers side is no longer available, if you're interested in replacing the others I would suggest to do it soon and search ebay for those discontinued; you might be able to find one.
look at the chrome trim above the door.. I’m guessing someone habitually locked their keys in the car, and that was where they jimmied the door open over and over again!
So I think in my op I said the carpet was soaking wet because of the shredded weatherstripping..
Currently, The entire interior, excluding the dashboard, has need removed, cleaned thoroughly, and is now being dried out in a guest bedroom. I am using an air mover to focus dry all the individual parts, then I’ve got a dehumidifier running continuously on high to really dry things out!! It is working like a charm. The carpet actually feels crispy to the touch it so dry!!
Note the Bose Speaker mod^^^
Overall not bad under the carpet!
The soundproofing material on the passenger side is brittle and busted, that’s ok I’m going to remove it and put down a double layer of Noico 80mm sound deadening material.
I did that to my Tacoma a few years ago and now you can hear a pin drop at 80mph
Next step after drying everything out is to wipe clean every square inch of exposed metal before reinstalling the interior.. I have a BIG can of industrial degreaser and cleaning wipes just for the job!
Before removing and cleaning I wasn’t sure the carpet was salvageable...
After 2 cans of Pro Carpet cleaner/ spot remover, lots off deep scrubbing, and about $10 at the car wash using “Rinse” at the pressure washer, it looks WAY better!!!
••Long Term Goals••
- AV6 swap
- Rebuild Engine, or replace w/ salvaged
engine with <70k mi.
- Headers w/ performance exhaust system
- Fully Adjustable coilovers on all 4 corners
- Simple performance upgrades that won’t
compromise reliability = 300hp++
03’ Acura build, I know it is premature; however, down the road regarding your 'long term goals', if you decide not to 'rebuild' you can replace the current J32A2 engine with a J35A3 from an '01-02 Acura MDX. The J35A3 will bolt right up to either your current OEM automatic transmission, or an 06-07 Accord automatic and it will bolt up to the six speed manual transmission of the CL-S as well.
03’ Acura build, I know it is premature; however, down the road regarding your 'long term goals', if you decide not to 'rebuild' you can replace the current J32A2 engine with a J35A3 from an '01-02 Acura MDX. The J35A3 will bolt right up to either your current OEM automatic transmission, or an 06-07 Accord automatic and it will bolt up to the six speed manual transmission of the CL-S as well.
Really? The J35A3 MDX engine is a direct swap?
Does that swap require any modifications?
Does it work correctly with the computer?
What benefits are there over the J32A2 v-tech engine?
Excellent tip!
You would not use the intake manifold spacer, that comes with the MDX j35A3, to get the hood closed. You would need the connecting pipe & water passage from your J32A2 because the MDX ones have different outlet locations. Use the J32A2 EGR; Throttle Body; Map sensor (MDX has different electric connector, IIRC'ly)
Originally Posted by 03’ Acura build
Does it work correctly with the computer?
Originally Posted by 03’ Acura build
What benefits are there over the J32A2 v-tech engine?
More torque down low; .3 ci increase in displacement. Some members have swapped over the J32A2 heads with cams because they are better, performance wise, then the J35A3 heads. Or you could just swap over the J32A2 cams into the J35A3 heads if you don't want to deal with separating the heads. The J32A2 cams would give you a J35A3 Type-S.
geezus! how did it get so torn up!? 
