I'm a brand new to AcuraZine and the modification world (I'm a girl so no one taught me anything about cars, I'm just now starting to get into mods). Don't be afraid to explain something to me like you're explaining it to a 5 year old! I just bought a 2003 Acura 3.2TL and it's in great condition. I would love to convert it into a Honda Saber using genuine JDM Inspire and Saber parts. Does anyone have suggestions for starting out? What parts should I buy first in order to start integrating the JDM changes smoothly? Also, does ANYONE have the freakin Saber trunk emblem? I would like to have the Saber instead of the Inspire.

 

Hello and Welcome!

Do you know about the trans issues on the 2nd Gen TL?

 

I was told that there have been trans issues before I bought the car, but my boyfriend (who has owned and worked on 1995 up to 2000 era Hondas) examined it/took it for a test drive and said that it was running extremely well. However, is there anything I should look out for? My Mileage is 115,083 right now, with no maintenance lights illuminated. Just did the oil change yesterday and found out that it was running very well, past expectations. I was going to change my transmission fluid at about 120.000 miles.

 

There were a couple of re-calls on the 2G that installed a "Better" transmission circa 2005. But those were just a little better and still died anyway, Not as often but still died.
You can check if your car has been recalled on the Acura Webpage and your VIN or visually look for Blue Bolts in your trans case (Like they were painted on top with blue paint) this will tell you if you have the "Better" transmission.

 

You can't really convert the car into a Saber, but you sure as hell can put different badges!

Saber grilles are all over ebay. (usually, they're a common find)
Rear Honda badges can be found, but the specific JDM acrylic type IDK, never bothered since I thought it was ugly.
S A B E R, goodluck finding that. I mean you can easily find someone to source it out for you though. People on here have done it, but the last person that was active that had it sold his.
IDK what the Sabers don't share with the Inspires, but you can get:
side markers
bumper pole
intersection lights
rear sun shade(not powered electrically)
pillar badges
JDM spoiler (not a fan of this)
wood grain wheel
two tone interior (for tan interiors)
type s badge
32v badge
JDM headlights
window visors

idk what I'm missing, but I am sure I missed some things.

 

Here's a Saber badge online....


https://www.heeltoeauto.com/honda-ge...-jdm-long.html


You can check their site for other (exterior) stuff.

 

Badges are the easy part. Finding the front clip was hard but I got a good deal on the whole thing.

 

^^ whoa you found the whole front clip? Where ?

 

to get badges and exterior bits are somewhat easy. To get a true Saber is probably a lot more work than you think to get the car to be RHD.

 

What I did was buy an Inspire grill off eBay from a seller in Japan. I asked before even bidding if they'd take less for the grill. Then asked if when they sent the grill if they could send me the misc emblems like the Honda of America eagle emblems that go on the pillars near the rear quarter panel. Asked for a jdm type s badge from honda and inspire emblem which they did but was for the wrong year inspire. Ended up selling it on ebay. But combining the items will save you a lot on Shipping and then your not paying auction price for each thing.
I still need to find a rear H emblem that fits in the holes of the trunk the A emblem was in. Bought one jdm one and it didn't fit. The seller suggested breaking off one of the plastic clips but going to try different honda emblems next time I go to the salvage yard.

Only thing I'm missing is the steering wheel, shift knob and front and rear cameras that go near the license plate. Some inspires came with these bumper lights on the side of the bumper. Not sure if I'll buy them and cut holes in my bumper or not.
Bought the side jdm maker lights, the turn signal lights that go in the fenders. Just need to have them installed as well.

I'd watch the black market for the items and ebay. Don't be shy about negotiating with sellers. They get these parts for cheap, call them jdm and charge ten times what they're worth!

Have the Mugen Replica spoiler on my car now. I really like the Inspire spoiler with the back up camera built in just not sure I'll waste the money on installing one for a year or two.

For the steering wheel, I would like to find an acura cl wood steering wheel and then on ebay they sell the air bag covers from a honda and was wondering if they'd fit on. Mdx wheels fit on as well, it's just hard to find a beige wood string wheel with the burl wood. And if the Honda cover will fit that would save some.

Post some pics of your car and the upgrades you do as you go! We all love car porn!

 

On the acura tl Facebook page someone's selling the parts you need

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1532344753719990?view=permalink&id=169138788781567 5

 

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1532344753719990?view=permalink&id=169138788781567 5&ref=m_notif&notif_t=group_comment

 

I know this thread is old, but I was hoping somebody may see my reply. I am looking for a set of the 2003 TL A-Spec OEM headlights. My car is a 2002 Nighthawk Black TL S-Type. Does anyone know where I can find a set? I am also looking for the body kit (front bumper, side and rear lower moldings) and rear spoiler. I'm a brand new member so I can't message anyone directly yet. Thanks! Paul