Hi everyone,

I just got my Aunts 99 TL and I absolutely love it. I would really like to put some money into it to make it look and run as smooth as possible. I am not looking to race it or anything, but I definitely would not mind a little extra power on the road. I have never really worked on a car before and was wondering if any of you could give me some pointers or even just some advice on where to start with a project like this.

Thanks in advance for any help you give.

 

depending on mileage, do maintenance first and get that out of the way

 

Welcome MattsSoScene !!!

Start by basic cleaning and detailing. Try to find out as much as you can about the previous maintenance done. Check out the 2nd Gen's "DIY" sticky for lots of valuable tips on repairing common issues with our TL's.

Have the car put up on a rack to check the undercarriage. Look for leaks from the motor, the exhaust sytem, inspect for loose suspension or steering components. Check the brakes on all four corners.

Check all fluids: coolant, oil, tranny, brake, etc. May want to consider replacing these if they are of questionable age. The '99 TL's had problems with EGR passageway clogging, clean the TB intake when doing the EGR system.

Was the 105k T-belt servicing performed ?.....if not, put that at the top of your list, along with NGK plugs. Run some fuel system cleaner through the gas before the tune-up. Check all electrical and vac connections.

 

Thanks again. When I picked it up, I had a mechanic go over with a fine tooth comb and asses any damage. There were a few minor things but nothing huge. Since then have changed the oil, replaced the oil and air filters, and detailed the interior. The car does need new tires and I will be getting those when I get paid again in two weeks. As far as I know, everything on the car is stock and there hast been much anything special done to it. It has about 130,000 miles on it and definitely needs some body work.

 

Do you know if the Timing Belt has been replaced? I would not let that slide and that would be a good time for valve adjustment and new spark plugs(NGK) if it has not been done, with 130,000 you are due. I would also check you engine mounts.

 

So, ya gonna stick with the stock "OEM" rims ?

Now is the time to consider upgrading the tires and rims, along with lowering if desired. It all depends upon what ya expect. Check out the Photo gallery for many pics of TL's with the guy's favorite mods. Lot's of things available used on the "Black Market" or even at your local salvage yard. The 3rd Gen rims and also TSX rims look good on our cars for lower cost than custom aftermarkets.

Ask "Auntie" for past service receipts.....especially the 105k T-belt !!!

 

Will definitely check on the t-belt this weekend. Yes, I want to get new rims and tires wasn't sure about lowering though. I was also thinking about a lip kit. as for past work, my aunt wont be much help. she didn't keep any records on anything she had done.

 

3.2TLc that's a good point about the wheels and tires, definitely a good time to change.

MattsSoScene keep in mind if you are wanting more performance out of your TL the lighter the wheels and tires the better! It affect acceleration and braking.

 

Will do. TSX is what most of the people on here with TL's go for?

 

Ah come on, is your dear Aunt still alive ? If she isn't suffering from dementia, she should still be able to remember spending some big bucks a few years ago on this recommended major service work. Chances are it wasn't done !

 

Lol She is both alive AND suffering from Dementia. That's one of the reasons I got the car in the first place. Still, I think it doesn't hurt to just come at the car as if nothing was ever done, right? Better safe than sorry.

 

definitely be safe then sorry, if your not sure I would replace it.

 

Check this out https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-tires-wheels-suspension-130/2004-2005-tsx-stock-wheel-weight-676450/ looks like tsx wheels are about 23 lbs. So its all about what you want (looks, weight savings or both). I'm not sure what TLp wheels weigh but I do know that TLs wheels weigh about 23lbs.