octoher12

I have a 1999 acura tl 3.2 all stock with 136,xxx . Car is fast on its own, but what would be the first mod to increase its power?

Any help will be really appreciated

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I understand the car's weakness.
which is; a poor 5speed auto tranny.

this is the limitation. Not really a go fast kind of car.

it's pretty powerful for what it is.

Skirmich

^^he got a 99 so its 4 speed..


If you want an overall and noticeable increase in power I will recommend getting headers.. Is by far the best bang for the buck..

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

It's really not.

Skirmich

+7 seconds for 0 to 60 is almost the same as a Honda Civic :S

3.2TLc

Welcome Octoher12 !!!
Ya may wanna check the many various threads within the 2nd Gen's subforum specifically for " Performance " Parts and Mods. Check it out.

It all depends on how much ya have to spend and the desired end result. Personally, I'd suggest sticking with the more basic less expensive mods such as CAI and headers to help the motor breath better.

If ya really want power, save your money for a lighter V-8 ponycar project !!!

octoher12

I am new to this forum and to acuras also.
I had one more question if i changed my headers would changing my exhaust sytem be benefical??

Skirmich

^ Nope unless you want more sound.. Get CAI instead to help the Headers.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

oh man, even worse.

sucky 4 speed.


OP, if you really really wanted to increase power, you would swap the ancient 4 speed for a six speed manual. this will GIVE YOU THE BEST GAINS without even messing with the engine.
it will be lighter and have a better gear ratio than your automatic transmission, as well as be more reliable.

if you are serious about adding power, this should be one of the first mods.

fsttyms1

Headers, Intake, Pulley, Exhaust, 09 TL intake manifold and 76mm throttle body and a set of TL-S or with slight modification cams from a 3.7 mdx.

octoher12

Which specific pulley are you talking about? This car is old, so i would like to try replace some old parts little by little.
Changing my tl to manual would be great if i had the money for another tranny. Is auto really all that bad?? I know manual cars are known for being faster and more reliable but i didnt think my acura was a "sucky 4 speed". Love my tl regardless if its auto or manual. Im just trying to change some oarts here and there.

3.2TLc

Get to know your car and do all the basic PM, then enjoy the ride until ya can save up for a real race car.
Just stick with the simple stuff and upgrade old parts as needed.

dbotteicher

I would have to agree with 3.2tlc. Its getting older and it is going to cost a decent amount just to keep it alive rather than trying to make it go fast. I'm not saying it is going to be a money pit by any means but older parts with high miles break easier. So if it is you daily driver then I would stick to preventative maintenance, for Now.

03blackbeast

Some of the easiest things for breathing better would be to remove the lower intake resonator and have the 3rd muffler deleted. This will better the sound of the car and also give you slightly better performance. You can do the resonator free (easy to remove trust me) and a shop would charge you like $20 to remove the 3rd muffler.

octoher12

Yeeea you guys are right! Dont wanna keep annoying everyone with my NEWBIE QUSTIONS, but.......
What maintenance parts should i start fixing? Most important to the least! I love my tl and i just want it to run FOREVERRRRR lol

ErickUa5

Honda ATF Dw-1 drain and fill 3 quarts would be the first thing Id do.

HairyMonkey019

iTrader: (7)

deleting the mid muffler will gain you no performance as the piping will still be at 2"

Just check everything. Oil, spark plugs, filter, clean egr, etc. For a 99 the car has low miles.

Skirmich

Nope... Those will give you SOUND but zero performance gains.

octoher12

Yea i dont too much sound.
If someone can make me a quick list or a url to a thread that has a list of maintaing your 2nd gen tl would be great for me and others that know little about cars, and love there acuras so much. Im learning alot just from some answers you guys are giving me. Thanks to all who reply to my questions. It really is apperciated....

3.2TLc

Most of the common problems and fixes can be found in the 2nd Gen's "DIY" sticky.

The most important things IMO would be the tranny's condition and if the T-belt servicing was performed.
Next would be checking vital components like the brakes, exhaust, suspension, steering, electrical, cooling and fuel system. Have the car put up on a rack to inspect the undercarriage.

Start with replacing all the fluids, belts, hoses and a general cleaning / tune-up of motor.

Nicks2001tl

Try this first:


A clean engine will make it run top notch. Start there before any modifications.


~clean the egr valve and ports
~clean the IACV valve
~clean the throttle body and lube the TB plate hinges and TB springs
~put in a new pcv valve
~check and/or replace your spark plugs
~run a half can of seafoam through the vacuum lines
~run a half can of seafoam in the crank case before your next oil change


Note: These are simple and easy DIY`s that will make your run top again and relatively inexpensive.


Hint: These cars like to breathe so upgrading the current air filter system might get you started.