Does anyone have any ideas of what would make a regular 03 TL perform like a TL-S? I'm only looking for minor enhancements, just what would make the regular TL equal a type S. Thanks in advance.

 

nothing minor about it. im not sure, but you might be able to keep up with headers and CAI. youre looking at 1300 right there for good quality stuff.

 

paultl, now would that only equal it or surpass it w/ the products you listed?

 

trade it in ?

With the money that you spend on mods, you could get a stock TLS.

Just my $0.02

 

Go to a junkyard and find a totaled TL-S from the rear... Buy the intake manifold, throttle body, and cams. Go get a port-and-polish and bolt those parts on and it should be very close to a Type S (without the 6800 redline of course)... Also get h/i/p afterwards for even more gains. Trading in you would lose money IMO.

 

If you do engine work wouldnt you void your powertrain warranty? That's a big sacrifice if you ask me.

 

Only superchargers and turbos void your powertrain warranty... Just called the Acura dealer as a matter of fact..

 

If you are looking at minor modifications that'll make you happier with your TL...the FIRST suggested upgrade is the suspention. You may not be as fast a stock TL-S...but at least you'd be able to corner better than one.

*IF I was in your shoes...
I'd get springs first...then sways. While springs are cheaper sways, the labor will be more...so in the end, they'll both end up costing the same.

 

brizzle,
with basic bolt-ons, you should be able to keep up. I would suggest looking for comptech headers & sways, AEM CAI, and springs. if you can find used, you'll able to save 30 to 40% retail.

 

Not completely true. Some dealers will honor warranties with aftermarket mods like Comptech.

 

I agree with edgalang...a full blown suspension upgrade with performance tires will provide the most excitement when you are making high speed turns. A stock TL-S will outrun you, but you'll be able to keep up with a TL-S in the corners. The only other suggestion I would add to Edgalang's advice is to add Cusco lower tie bar and some Tokico or Koni shocks.

 

Pat, how big of a difference could lower tie bar make? Plus you can't install them if you have headers correct? I'm looking to upgrade grade something soon and maybe lower tie bar if it would fit and make some sort of difference.

 

Actually Pat you should go out and test drive an 03 TL-S... It's really not THAT much of a difference. Most people that have one are like "WOO MAN I GOTTA TYPE S, DON'T MESS!" When in reality it will only beat a stock 03 TL-P by maybe 1 car length at the most. It's only 35 more hp at the crank.


It's nothing like a Camaro/Mustang V6 VS. an SS or SVT. That's a MUCH bigger difference. The type-S is just more sporty and handles better. You will sacrifice a lot of luxury tho because a TL-S will never ride as smooth as a TL-P, and the TL-P seats are MUCH more comfortable for long drives, etc. Take it from someone who has driven both. And if you really want a fast car, save up for the 06 NSX as a 2nd ride like me

 

I find the lower tie bar does indeed makes a difference. High speed turns are tighter. Yes you can install the Cusco lower tie bar with headers - I have both installed (see my sig). PM me your e-mail address, I'll send you a pic I took (I got the pic on my home computer somewhere).

 

bacardi:

Good point! Yeah I hear you, the new NSX is gonna be mighty sweet! Do you know if the 06 NSX will come with SH-AWD?

 

For acceleration: headers, CAI, crank pulley will get you close!

 

the seats are nicer.

i always thought the stype seats were a good option.

 

did they say anything about the Unichip?

 

I'm not sure if you're serious, but those are going to cost a pretty penny. They're suppose to be quite a step up from the current generation. I'd LOVE to have one too, but that's not gonna happen for quite a while. If you happen to have A LOT of money, then more power to ya, not gonna hate.

 

I'm not too sure about the 06 NSX... I know that there's no way I can afford one in the next decade though But you can always get the satisfaction of test driving one in a few years...


I didn't ask about the unichip, but I'm sure it wouldn't void the warranty.