18 years old, Recieved a black 2001 TL with only 51k Mileage on it, been driving it for about 3 months, only problem i had was some shaking and i took it to a shop and the guy told me to keep an eye out and that something was wrong with my coils, but that's alright..

Anyways, I'm looking to make some modifications to my car. I really love it and I want to get a new paintjob, rims, an exhaust, bodykit and maybe some headers and some little tweaks here and there. The car is in great shape, just some dead paint and dings. Anyone have a checklist of things i MUST DO from top priority down to lower priority, what kind of headers, engine boosters or cosmetics to get? I don't really know much about cars, or how to install things and bodyshops are extremely expensive! help a brother out. Oh and I have a few thousand to drop on my car <3.

Sorry for the questions and thanks for the help!
-Dylan

 

Get headers first, they're definitely the most bang for the buck.

 

My vote is for heavier sway bars and end links. Performance over cosmetics.

 

When was the timing belt changed?
Did you shaking problem go away or was it fixed?

The list of mods are in the DIY thread.

 

Hey Dylanz287, welcome and good luck with the TL.

First things first.....make sure that the car is mechanically solid and in perfect running condition before moving on to all the fun mods and stuff. Spend some time reading the DIY's and previous posts concerning potential issues. You have a great starter car and some money, use some sense.

I realize that it's easier to just jump into the goodies, but if you're in it for the long run, make the best out of your funds to be sure that the TL will last awhile. Do the basics first !!!!

 

How can I make sure that the TL is in good condition? The engine wasn't starting yesterday. It took me 20 minutes.. And also, how can I make sure it's mechanically sound and find out what kind of other problems there are? Help me . I worry about my car haha

 

Well, for starters....as mentioned previously by TheMightyQuinn, ya need to find out if the T-belt servicing has been performed due to the age of the car. Next on the list....check your TL's vin# with your local Acura dealer to inquire if the tranny recall was completed.

A full tune-up with NGK plugs, air filter, pcv valve and tranny drain & fill with DW1 fluid would be advisable. Have an alignment shop check out the car's undercarriage and suspension, especially the motor mounts. Have any local parts store check the codes and do a load test of the electrical charging/starting system. Make sure that the coolant is fresh and full, along with checking the fans to make sure that they work.

Ya get the idea, now...huh ???? Ya gotta make sure things have not been neglected by the previous owner. Previous documentation of any "PM" service is always beneficial when and if available. Download a factory service manual for reference and read up on the "DIY"s and forum's wealth of info on any question that ya may encounter. Once ya feel comfortable with the mechanicals, then let the mods begin !!!!

 

Thank you so much! I will look Into everything mentioned

 

Ok, start with the simple stuff and work your way through it.
Tell us more detailed info pertaining to the engine not wanting to start....maybe we can help !

 

So I was at the mall and I turned my key in the ignition and it wouldn't start, it made weird noises like it was desperately tryin to start. I tried this about 8 times, walked around the mall, came out and it worked. This has happened once before. Is there a possible way I can go to a mechanic and tell them to check whether the car is in good condition or not? Or what I need to fix ? I went to a mechanic and he told
Me that the shop couldn't check or predict things that Hasn't happened yet.
Such as going into a physical for your health, testing well and then dying the next day of a heart attack. Is this true?

 

Been there, done that +more. The TL isn't a great platform to build on. If I were to do it all over again, I would not touch performance on the TL. And this is coming from a guy that had a supercharged 6speed tl-s.

As for the health of the motor, just simply do a compression test.

 

Hey Dylanz287, the best thing that ya can do is learn the basics of your car.

Hang out with some friends or just read all the info you can find. There's a ton of it available right here on this forum. Get a Factory Service Manual or even a simpler Haynes book on your car. Study the general mechanical and electrical systems involved to make the car operate.

It's not rocket science by any means. The more ya know, the easier it'll be to diagnose a problem as it arises. Even if ya can't make the actual repair yourself, you'll be more educated on telling a mechanic what the issue is. Good Luck !!!

 

Thanks guys! Any other mods besides headers and CAI? Also what rims are recommended

 

a drop
headlight modding
tail light swap
lighting
shift knob
steering wheel
jdm goodies
exhaust
and things you'd like.

Wheels are based on what the owner likes.

 

Thanks !! Keep the info coming

 

Yeah, an update on how the car is presently running and what it took to fix it. This would be good info for ya to pass along to help others needing assistance.

So, what direction are ya headed with general basic "PM" stuff and some minor "modding" ??? Do ya have a checklist ~ wishlist prepared yet ? Show us a pic showing the present condition of your car's body and paint. Ya got $3000 to spend, won't go very far....so make sure that ya prioritize !!!

 

Well the 3k is reserved for the paintjob and body exclusively. The car was given to me for free so ever since then my parents have decided they would spend a few thousand to remodel the exterior paint and dents for me. Out of my pocket i have a few extra thousand i'm willing to spend and those thousands will be covering some of these items:
Exhaust
CAI (I just purchased it and will be installing as soon as it comes in)
Rims
Coilover
Headers

And yeah, through my trials and tribulations i'll be sure to help the next generation of newcomers and people alike

 

heres those pics everyones looking to see how it could be $9k LOL

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8415844...ge1/?details=1

 

doesn't look that bad, get the car detailed first.

then just get the rear bumper resprayed when you find a complete set of the oem lip kit and or do a jdm front end.

 

...... ...... The best thing ya could do is get the CLS 6 speed.