MIATL

Hey Everyone. Picked up a 1999 TL-P a couple of weeks ago. I've found this site to be very helpful for fixing up my car so far. I sold my Trailblazer SS and spent a lot of time on the TBSS forum when I had it; I've already found solutions to everything I've had questions on by searching this forum.

I've included some pictures of the TL and SS below. Quite a change from a supercharged AWD, but I've enjoyed the TL thus far and I'm honestly impressed with the car. I had a '94 Legend that was very reliable, so I'm hoping I get the same out of this one.

So far I've put tail lights from an '03 on. I also picked up a rear view mirror out of the same '03 they were parting out, as mine was distorted - got it wired in and works great.

Picked the car up with only 68,500 miles on it. Grandpa-owned, dealership-maintained for most of its life, South Florida car. Had to dump some money into it at first, as expected, to get things up to par. This site was great in helping me to find and fix the issues, like a disconnected/shrunk sunroof drain tube. Going to replace the hood struts today. Next up is a good tint.

I have a few hundred dollars to put into it right now. I'm trying to decide between putting the money into a CAI/mid-muffler delete or a new receiver. CD's won't play in my car, not sure why (neither regular nor burned).

I had a trans cooler on my TBSS, but I've heard it's not worth it on this car because the issue is lack of fluid and not necessarily temperature. Anything else you guys do or do not recommend? I only drive the car about 50 miles a week to work, city driving.

Thanks, and I look forward to spending time on here.

ryan5003

That is one clean TL.. Same with your Trailblazer SS. This car will treat you well. Many owners are upwards of 200k miles. I'm at 235 myself.

As far as recommendations go, check to make sure the transmission is in good shape by checking fluid for color and making sure its not burnt. The 4 speed in your 99 is supposed to be more durable than the notorious 5 speed in other years though. I wouldn't expect trouble in your car but just to stay on the safe side. Aside from the transmissions these cars are incredibly reliable.

If there's condensation in your headlight housings seal up the edges with some clear silicone. The HID components do not like water. I know the 02-03 housings will leak eventually, not sure how they fare on the 99-01.

I can't think of anything else for the time being.. I'm sure more members will chime in with more info or with something I've missed

Edit: You can remove the intake resonator for a slightly more throaty intake noise under acceleration. It's subtle but free and takes all of 15 minutes. It's in the DIY section. It may tide you over on the CAI if you go the receiver route. I personally use a cassette tape adapter and plug my phone in. I don't think my CD player works anymore either

Skirmich

How about the timing belt? any service records on hand?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i bet you miss the torque! lol

thelastaspec

Your left tailight is from an 02-03 TL while your right taillight is from an 99-01 TL. The amber part is clear on the 02-03 TL's... They are cheap to get if that bothers you!

MIATL

Thanks, guys. The picture of the different lights was just while I was switching them. I don't have a lot of service records but have called Acura and the service dealership but it's the holidays and they haven't been available when I've been able to call...I'll hopefully be able to find out about things like the timing belt.

I'm glad there's an active forum for this car-helps a lot. Seems like some of the products that people used to discuss a lot aren't as available as before.

ryan5003

If the timing belt hasn't been done recently definitely swap it. Acura says every 105k or 7 years, so even though you'd be below the mileage, you're way past time

MarcDavidoff

Those SS trailblazers are beasts. Bet you miss it.. But nice pickup on the cleanTL. Good luck with it

thelastaspec

Deff do this. These are interference engines and they grenade if the belt snaps...

MIATL

Never used a tape adapter before, but I picked one up at your recommendation and it works great. Thanks.

PearlWhite904

Hey MIATL, nice ride! The great thing about the TL is they did't look too dated from the factory, so even today they look great of they're in good shape like yours. Sounds like you're gonna follow a similar path to what I did, doing minimal but impactful mods.

Love that youre starting with 03 tails and tint, thats exactly what I did. Also, look into the mesh grille mod in the DIY forums - might be my favorite mod next to my wheels!