fun03TLS

I'm considering buying a carbonfiber hood from OE Tuning. Now, a silly question. Can you paint over carbonfiber? I would like to have the hood the same color as the car (white diamond pearl). Any suggestions on how or if I can do this? Also, what other mod's have been done besides the typical (sway's, C.A.I., Suspension)? I would be interested in a VTEC controller, EGR block-off plate, Throttle body, etc. I'm learning so please be kind!

Chris

2003 TLS
Comptech Sway's
Comptech Icebox (on order)
Tein SS w/ EDFC (on order)

thsiao

Yes you can paint the CF hood any color you want. You can also paint parts of the hood. But I think it will take away the cool thing about CF hoods...

fun03TLS

Thanks for the responce. Although I enjoy the looks of the car, my intentions are to improve the performance and learn along the way. I don't want everyone to know what I have invested in the car just to take it from me. Of course, when I pass them they will undoubtedly figure out it isn't stock. Just looking for an edge without breaking the bank and totally voiding the warranty.

Chris

njtls

pick up some headers instead for some performance...dont waste your money on cf....the weight savings from a cf hood is hardly sufcient to add any real performance gain to a 3500+ pound car...if you want to save some weight look into your brakes and wheel/tire combo...thats where it counts most on our cars

fsttyms1

there are better ways of getting an edge than a CF hood. (header, springs, sways, intake ect..) the CF hood is mostly cosmetic on our cars.

fun03TLS

Thanks to all for you input. Some of the stuff I've read on this forum about the exhaust systems available do not convince me there is significant HP gains. Obviously the hood doesn't either. Is there any data for the tl-s with intake and exhaust gains? I'd like to put my money where I could improve the most.

Chris

kltorch

dude, when you get your hood please take a pic and post it, i am really interested in how it turns out!

njtls

exhaust on our car is for sound mostly...i say get it anyway...other things besides what you have are headers definetly...they give a pretty good gain for the moeny....also a big brakekit...improved braking and lighter rotational mass aswell as unsprung weight....along those lines lighter, larger diameter (18) wheels will help improve acceleration, braking and handling....and if you got the money..supercharger would be a big improvment

thsiao

Chris:

I am thinking of getting sway bars and I was wondering why you choose the Comptech ones... I want to get Eibach, what you think?

fun03TLS

NJTLS:

I don't have plans to add a supercharger. The car is still new and I have quite a while left on the warranty. I'm making improvements on this car to take-up the slack in time until I get a late model Supra TT. I'll dump the knowledge, experience and dollars into that. This car is a daily driver that has the comfort and sport feel that will hold me over until the real project comes. Just shy of a SC I'll do almost anything else and report to the forum. I love this car and think it's the best bang for the buck! I drive it hard and expect it to last for at least 5 years. I just hope the tranny holds up and the wife doesn't wreck it.

Chris

fun03TLS

Why did I choose the Comptech sway's? To be honest with you, I've read so much about their reputation I wanted to try them. I don't think I'll experiment with purchasing another brand just to compare. I'm not Consumer Reports and I certainly don't have the budget. I have read many things on this forum and searched the internet for pro's and con's on different brands. Hands down comptech knows their stuff. They do not design the most aggressive stuff for the TL-S, but they offer conservative upgrades that some/most dealers honor towards Honda warranty. You can certainly go more aggressive. Just keep in mind what the car was intended for (luxury-sports sedan). It is not a race car! I've been looking into the RSX-S with a friend. That has the potential to be very aggressive. We test drove that off the lot. Pretty cool! Lot's of stuff for upgrades at all levels. Not much luxury though. I'll stick with my TL-S.

Chris
Comptech Sway's
Comptech Icebox (due in 8-Jan)
Tein SS w/EDFC (on order)

fsttyms1

the header and intake have been dynoed at the wheels at or above 32hp

JimmyTLS

You can paint the hood and still have the affect of the carbon fiber. Paint it with a candy white. Candy is kind of translucent and you will still be able to see the CF weaves. Just dont put too many coats on it. My friend has a blue supra and painted his cf hood blue. Candy!!

JimmyTLS

Kinda of da subject of paint but, I am installing my hood this weekend. Anyone have DIY for installing a hood prop?? Much appreciated.