cwallace1

Hey all,

I am not sure if you all know what I have done or have had a chance to look at all my topics but I have been thinking about doing something performance wise next to my car. So far I have added new coilovers, 18in wheels with new tires, a spoiler, and fog lights. I also already had a AEM V2 CAI which has helped a little.

What I am thinking of next is: (these are not in order I am just listing them off the top of my head)
-New Headers
-Exhaust Mufflers
-supercharger
-New Spark plugs
-New Fuel Injectors
-Performance Chip

These are just the ones I can think of that I might replace not all at once but over time. If you know any others that I should consider that will give me some more performance please let me know. If you want you can also list in order what you think I should start with.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

there is absolutely no performance chip for our cars.

and if you want to install a supercharger you would need some type of engine management

your best bet for performance would be to do:
-headers
-a cat back exhaust
-six speed swap.

cwallace1

Justnspace thanks for the reply. Alright so as I see it, its best to start with replacing the headers, then new exhaust, and maybe a six speed swap.

Again my car just hit 101,000 Miles.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

if spark plugs and timing belt havent been done; I'd do that first.

cwallace1

Timing belt has been done at 88,000 and sparks at 70,000. I think they need to be done but I also want to do something for a HP gain/performance. I think I should start with headers. So I was driving around this weekend and I had a little shake when switching from 2nd to 3rd gear. So I had the trans fluid drained and replaced. Do you think my transmission is about to go at 101,000? I have kept up with all the maintenance of the car.

ParaSurfer1979

I'd start with changing the 2nd/3rd gear pressure switches first before modding anything when you could possibly need that cash for a rebuilt transmission. If after changing the switches and tranny fluid with the new Honda synthetic or Redline Racing D4 fluid the transmission shifting is back to normal, then continue with the headers/exhaust. You don't wanna do it ass backwards. Headers are the biggest cork in J-series motors. Adding the brings you upwards of 30hp. You wouldn't want to add all that HP to a failing tranny. So service the transmission 1st.

cwallace1

Alright will do thanks!

cwallace1

So should I have the pressure switch for 2nd and 3rd replaced? Or just 2nd?

Stephen00TL

Both of them and when you get into upgrading performance parts start with headers first

cwallace1

DO you think that once I have these replaced it will be back to smooth when it switches gears?

3.2TLc

Have you inspected the motor mounts yet ?
Check with your local Acura dealer if your TL had the tranny recall performed. With your car's VIN#, they will be able to tell you if the tranny was replaced then.

All of a sudden, there's been a switch in gears......from going WOT, to now back-pedaling with tranny concerns. It would be in your best interest to feel confident about the tranny before jumping into performance mods, IMO.

cwallace1

Yes you are correct 3.2TLc. My biggest concern now is getting my car back to normal running conditions and I am taking it into the dealership next Monday. I talk on the phone with them today and they said that it could be a bunch of different things going on with the tranny and its best for us to diagnose it when you bring it here so we can perform what is needed to repair your transmission.

3.2TLc

When doing the drain & fill, did ya use Honda DW1 fluid ?
How was the AT fluid's level and how did the old fluid look & smell ?

So ya got a week to try cleaning the tranny's shift solenoids or replacing pressure switches. Worth a shot, along with another drain & fill, IMO.

Chances are that the dealership will charge you more for a diagnostic than what you could replace these parts for yourself. Check other posts !

AcraAdi93

6spd swap ftmfw. Can't stand auto

cwallace1

3.2TLc I took it to my local shop to have the oil changed and trans changed so I dont have to worry about the disposal of the fluids. Although, I think if the car doesn't get any better within the next week I am going to take it to the Acura dealership for service.

3.2TLc

Is it really that bad.....?
If it is, be prepared for the inevitable worse case scenario......especially when dealing with the dealership.
Best of luck, and may God bless you and your car.

DanTL-S

Dealerships love milking people for their money. They should be your VERY LAST RESORT!

cwallace1

Yes I know, but since this is a serious deal I want to make sure that it is done correctly and that if it continues to happen they will make it right before they return it.

3.2TLc

To each his own choice, they'll attempt to make it right.....but it'll cost ya big !

cwallace1

Yes currently cost isn't a big deal. My parents pay for maintenance of the vehicle so if I was paying for it yes cost would be a factor, but i'm not.

3.2TLc

Well in that case, go for the best !
Now are they also going to subsidize all the performance and appearance mods also ?

If so, we can help ya make a very good wish list !!!

cwallace1

Yes they have given me up to 20,000 to spend since my younger sister got a new car. The only catch is what ever I use from that 20,000 the less I will get when I want to buy a new car. Now they will pay for maintenance for the car, but any aftermarket part I put in that's not needed is put towards the 20,000. Keep in mind installation cost as well for the things I cant do myself. So please feel free to make me a list so that one I have had this transmission issue fixed, I can continue modding my car.

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

Ballinnnnnnn skip a new car. Do 6mt swap and spend the rest on the TL!

cwallace1

Hey 3.2TLc are you going to make a list in the order i should get them. I am going for performance next so lets start there then add what ever you think would be good to do after.

3.2TLc

Yeah, top the list with a CL-S 6 speed stick as Mil Dave suggested. Next, go for the supercharger for the gusto !

And get the headers and cat back exhaust for a mean growl.

Do that, and then come back for some more !!!

cwallace1

To be honest i dont think a 6speed mt is for me. So supercharger kit with headers and exhausts. Whats the difference between a catback system and just regular mufflers?

cwallace1

So i took my car to the repair shop today and they said whats causing your cars shift problem is the two shift cylinders A & B. I am having those done along with a tune up and trans flush since the oil is burnt again.

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

A&B??? What gears are those??

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

Don't get the trans flushed... It will make it worse. Do a drain and fill.

03tLsNBP

iTrader: (9)

shift cylinders?

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like the mechanic is fleecing you. Ask for your old parts back. Either he just doesn't know the proper verbiage and he replacing your pressure switches which run bout 45 bucks each and you can easily replace alone. If not it could be the 2 solenoids which run like almost 200 each I believe and can also be easily seen to be replaced.

cwallace1

Is it bad that a trans flush is being done? My dad and the mechanic think its fine for it to be flushed. Worst case i bring it back to the mechanic and he makes it right.

03tLsNBP

iTrader: (9)

Yeah you don't flush a high mileage tranny.

jra8858

When was the last time your fluid was burnt as you describe it? In all my expirience, burnt fluid = toasted trans. Transmission fluid under normal conditions will darken and loose lubrication as it ages, but NEVER should smell burnt. I have put 17,000 miles on my tl since i bought it, and have done 3 1x3s along the way. Never once was my fluid burnt, just a little orange. The only vehicles which Ive expierienced to have burnt smelling fluid only lasted a few more miles until either one or all the gears would give out.

3.2TLc

There actually is a "Lock-up Shift Control Solenoid Valve A" and also an "A/T Pressure Control Solenoid Valve A/B Assembly" ....both of which are listed within the service manual.

Replacing these parts won't help much if the tranny fluid is showing distress in color and smell. Have the fluid analyzed for composition of material within it.

cwallace1

Alright. Thanks all for the continued support and help. My dad and i had a long talk this evening and decided that if i have to replace the transmission its not worth it. He said he got a quote today from a tech and it was 4k for new one installed but they said its not worth putting in a new trans since the car is 13 yrs old. It pissed me off when he called today because he told me that making this repair is a 50/50 chance of fixing the issue. So it wasnt a great day once i received that message. I will know tomorrow if the repair worked. I will keep you all up dated. Fingers crossed it worked.

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

Step one: get a new mechanic. Step 2: install 06 accord transmission for about 1500-2000 total.

3.2TLc

Hey man, if ya take a car to any garage for a tranny issue .......be prepared for the worse case scenario, as you are at their mercy ! But, with a drain & fill along with a new filter and cleaning the solenoid valves .....may buy ya some time. Ya never really know for sure. Ol Mil gave ya the most cost effective long term solution for an ailing tranny diagnosed as bad. Cheaper than a new car payments.

xakura21

Lucky! I'm on my own & everything comes out of my own pocket when it comes to mods, insurance & car payments. But working for something is better than having it "handed" to you.

3.2TLc

So hey what's up Cwallace ????

A few days have past as it's now Friday (3/15/13) and we have yet to hear how your situation turned out. Please update with the verdict !