I just picked up my TL-S last weekend with the factory tail installed. The problem I have is the weak springs in the trunk, I can't seem to keep the trunk open probably due to the additional weight of the tail. Is this a common problem is this is something I should get the dealer to fix?

Thanks for the answers

 

They should have re-tensioned them when they did the install. If it doesn't stay open, I would have them check it out.

 

Thanks. I will have them check it out.

 

The factory tail kit should include a set of stiffer spring bars to offset the extra weight of the tail spoiler. Properly installed, the trunk would open in the same way as if the spoiler isn't there. In your case, it looks like your dealer forgets to replace the springs.

 

Here is a questions: Can those springs be adjusted so that when you pop the turnk, it opens so that you don't have to lift it? I see this in some cars, but notice this isn't the case for the TLs

 

Here's an off the subject question. How much does the spoiler weigh and how much does the body kit weigh? I'm wondering what the affect on acceleration is. Is it reasonable to say a TL-S without the body kit is faster than a TL-S with kit?

 

The two springs are in fact two long rods. The two ends of each are bent into a hook shape. One hook latches onto the trunk arm and the other onto the car. The spring force is actually the twisting force of the rod. The rods are installed under tension when the trunk lid is closed. Thicker rods have more tension when twisted to the same position.
So the only way to increase the lifting force is to use two thicker rods. But leave the installation to professionals. I tried to remove one from a car and it almost took out my fingers because its under tension all the time.

 

Thanks to all those who replied. I took my car back to the dealer and it turned out that they traded my car from another dealership and the car came with an aftermarket spoiler. The other dealership never installed the spring kit. So the dealership in Austin ended up replacing my car with a brand new factory spoiler with the spring kit. It all worked well now. They did all this without me having to complaints at all..
So far my experience with David McDavid Acura in Austin is pretty good.

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-Dinh

 

The trunk open position is not only determined by the torsion spring constant (which is determined by the material and the diameter) but also by the angle between the hooks at the ends of the rods. Honda/Acura typically tries to get the trunk to open the same amount with or without the wing. They also try to avoid having an extremely strong spring that may catch someone off guard standing too close to the trunk when it opens.

P.

 

When I got home from the dealer, I decided to open my trunk since I'd heard all this racket back there on the 120 mile trip home.

WHOA! There was a family of circus freaks in there whooping it up. I was ticked but it turns out that they're very nice.

They twirl plates and do back flips and make funny sounds with their arm pits.