So what single mod would add the most hp (besides S/C) for an 03 TLS? I think someone said headers, but I wasn't sure. And if it is headers, would the same gains be realized w/o upgrading the exhaust?

Thanks,

Joe

 

headers hands down, then cai

and yes with the exhaust question. the factory exhaust is really freeflowing

 

Easy question...headers.

 

Exactly as fsttyms1 said plus UR crank pulley!

 

Single Mod that would provide the most HP (Except S/C):

Easy - Engine swap



Of course, this would be the "money no object" approach.....

 

Thanks for the quick asnwers. Anybody wanna try and venture an estimate what the gains would be?

 

around 30 hp i think...

 

hehe... and i'm superwoman!

if you're lucky, 20hp...expect around 10-15 actual hp.

 

this exact thing is all over this site...that being said, the Comptech graph for the TL-P shows this...http://www.comptechusa.com/images/dyno/1999TLplot.pdf

with a TL-S you can expect a few more WHP

 

dynos have shown the tl-s to be around 27hp at teh wheels gain

 

mdx stroker kit.

 

kinda hesitant to say that i dont know much about headers.....how much are they and how hard to install by a mechanic? thanks

 

400-1200 depending on what brand, 1-3 hrs by a mechanic

 

Im getting sick of getting negative points from people who dont give a comment or say who it was from. Thats fucking gay. I am never rude or mean on this site - I try to give my opinion and whenever possible back it up with links to my facts. Not like I really care about my "points", but its the principle of the thing - if you are cool enough to give negative points then step up and say who you are or at least for what reason.

I dont know how I got negative points for my post in this thread, but if the thread starter did - get a life - I thought I was being helpful

 

I think everyone here is WRONG! NOS is the correct answer!!! Although I don't approve of the before mentioned answer due to warranty issues on a car that more then likely will have major mechanical failure, ie tranny.
BTW OBX header was my weapon of choice to inch very close to 300bhp, oh ya and i paid $320.00 total and installed myself in about an hour and a half.

 

thank you to the mystery rep. giver to make up for the mistaken negative. I dont want to sound like Im crazy mad or anything - this site is great, I just want mutual respect. now I can go drink happy tonight

 

definately get the headers....

 

other than NOS, engine swap, or custom turbo-job (which i highly NOT recommend on 2000-2003 TL's weak transmission)--headers first, then pulley and cai.

 

headers (next job for me), Pulleys (on right now), CAI preferably Icebox due to looks... (have AEM V1 CAI)

 

would it matter which kinda headers? like ceramic vs stainless steel?

 

stainless i've heard is better.

Comptech is always first choice if you have the $. Alphawerks' reputation is going up and so is the price. Many have reported cracking with OBX's and there are some positive feedbacks on Megan's.

 

You will NOT go wrong with Comptech headers, other brands like Alphawerks, Stone Racing, OBX, and now Megan have came out with copy designs for our engines.

OBX - has had long time crack problems (although some have not had problems in over a few years)
Stone Racing - had many fitment problems in the first few batches, now seem to be all good - I have the last batch and they are near perfect
Alphawerks and Megan - very new - Megan is the newest, though no problems so far with either - though neither have been on our engines for long enough to know for sure.

In other words, unless you have lots of money, go with an off brand vs. Comptech because of the price difference, and they all give the same performance

 

I will plan to get Headers for my 99 next summer.

 

i am too

 

Save up for an 06 faster, newer car next summer.. The TL is FWD and whoever spends thousands of dollars on the engine is foolish. I can't wait to see what the new is300 looks like.

 

I don't understand why you remain on this Acura board, when all I see you do is make the effort of telling people to spend their money on other thing beside their Acuras.

 

Headers just make sence to me. The 3.2SOHC only has VTEC help on the intake valves leaving the exhaust choked down. Think about it replacing one exhaust conponent gets you 27hp AT THE WHEELS! that's almost 40hp gain to the motor. My tl-s' mpg went up 3-4 on the highway as soon as i installed headers and the increased power is undesputable but to me is was letting the engine breath better.
BTW the reason it doesnt come this way from the factory is emisions, the stock manafold is solid and made to heat up quickly and retain the heat longer to assist the cats burn-off and extra fuel.

 

comptec is pricy, but if you can afford it, i would recommend mods in the order listed above. i say comtec because the other brands of headers have shows issues of cracking, or rusting.

if budget is an issue, i would do the icebox first, because it is a mod which you can install yourself, therefore saving some cost.

another low cost mod which i highly recommend is plugs (NGK iridium ix,) or springs

here is the cost of some mods and their installed labor charges

UR Racing Pulley $180.00 shipped + $60 installation
ICEbox by comptec, Paid $200 Shipped for a new one + installed it myself
H&R OE Springs $160.00 Shipped, + $80 for installation
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs $35.00 + installed it myself
Comptec Headers i believe are around $1200 new, but someone recently sold a set for $700 on the acura-tl.com last week. copycat headers are as low as $200 here and on ebay occasionally.

hope that helps.
b

 

Hey guys if you are interested I have GB's going on both Alpha Werks headers and UR pulleys. Check my signature for both links and links to dynos too there. Thanks.

Josh
Excelerate LLC

 

are they the sam AW s that were $200 a few weeks ago?

 

sorry we all can't affor new cars....;(

 

I'm lame? Ok go ahead and spend $5k+ on your engine and still run 14s 1/4 mile... 13s with a S/C, AND torque steer.

 

Totally.. stop wasting money on cars. Buy a jet, anything else is just slow plus all that friction from the ground just slows you down.