For anyone who thinks that A-Spec is not worth the money...
08-06-2005, 10:52 AM
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For anyone who thinks that A-Spec is not worth the money...
Just my experience.
I have owned 2 TL's with the full dealer installed A-Spec kits. My car was at the dealership for about 5 days for service, and the correction of a few minor issues. The loaner they gave me was a 2005 TL without nav and no A-Spec.
I could not believe the difference! I promise it was a different car. The non A-Spec drove considerably different in all aspects. An example, I was driving to a meeting at Texas Stadium. I almost missed my turn, and hit the brakes and turned it. My car would take that turn with a minimum of issue (done it many times). The loaner pitched over, squealed tires, and engaged the ABS. Granted, this is not a normal driving manuver, but the difference...
Obviously the A-Spec gets more attention because of the look, but that is only a small part for me. I want the performance, handling, and drivability.
The loaner was a great car, and drove circles around the Camry they gave me first. I guess I'm spoiled, and expect too much. I was shocked by the difference that package makes.
It is expensive considering there are no engine mods included. However, I did not regret the additional $6000 the kit adds. That was money well spent.
I've not read a review from someone with extended driving on both cars (I put 600 miles on the loaner). If you are considering a TL, look very closely at the A-spec kit. I was under the impression that they were similar, but they are not.
I love this kit.
I have owned 2 TL's with the full dealer installed A-Spec kits. My car was at the dealership for about 5 days for service, and the correction of a few minor issues. The loaner they gave me was a 2005 TL without nav and no A-Spec.
I could not believe the difference! I promise it was a different car. The non A-Spec drove considerably different in all aspects. An example, I was driving to a meeting at Texas Stadium. I almost missed my turn, and hit the brakes and turned it. My car would take that turn with a minimum of issue (done it many times). The loaner pitched over, squealed tires, and engaged the ABS. Granted, this is not a normal driving manuver, but the difference...
Obviously the A-Spec gets more attention because of the look, but that is only a small part for me. I want the performance, handling, and drivability.
The loaner was a great car, and drove circles around the Camry they gave me first. I guess I'm spoiled, and expect too much. I was shocked by the difference that package makes.
It is expensive considering there are no engine mods included. However, I did not regret the additional $6000 the kit adds. That was money well spent.
I've not read a review from someone with extended driving on both cars (I put 600 miles on the loaner). If you are considering a TL, look very closely at the A-spec kit. I was under the impression that they were similar, but they are not.
I love this kit.
08-06-2005, 12:11 PM
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there are other cheaper alternatives out there...just my opinion
i have the front and rear a-spec lip and i dont regret it one bit, i kind of do now that the ronjon kit is out, but the price difference jsut doesnt do it for me
i have the front and rear a-spec lip and i dont regret it one bit, i kind of do now that the ronjon kit is out, but the price difference jsut doesnt do it for me
08-06-2005, 12:45 PM
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From Car and Driver, "...The one objective distinction we can provide is skidpad performance, and that distinction is wafer-thin. In the comparo, the standard TL pulled a respectable 0.89 g. The Yokohama-shod TL A-Spec managed 0.90."
For my money I would rather keep the $6k. I could probably gain 0.01 g with a Comptech Sway Bar.
For my money I would rather keep the $6k. I could probably gain 0.01 g with a Comptech Sway Bar.
08-06-2005, 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by mickey3c
I'd rather spend the money on modding it myself. I do not need the body kit, I would mod the suspension and get better rims...
BD
08-06-2005, 02:43 PM
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I just got the shocks and 18" wheels combo w/245 tires on a 6MT ... the difference of both mods is very noticable, just much better handeling.
I didn't like the steering wheel or body kit, just my pref ... and found the rims and shocks on eBay ... mod was well worth the $2k.
I put the 17" w/snow tires on from Jan.- Mar.
I would not recommend this to most people out there, but if you have the 6MT and are a little more performance driven then you WILL be happy with this combo.
I didn't like the steering wheel or body kit, just my pref ... and found the rims and shocks on eBay ... mod was well worth the $2k.
I put the 17" w/snow tires on from Jan.- Mar.
I would not recommend this to most people out there, but if you have the 6MT and are a little more performance driven then you WILL be happy with this combo.
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08-06-2005, 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Neumahn
From Car and Driver, "...The one objective distinction we can provide is skidpad performance, and that distinction is wafer-thin. In the comparo, the standard TL pulled a respectable 0.89 g. The Yokohama-shod TL A-Spec managed 0.90."
For my money I would rather keep the $6k. I could probably gain 0.01 g with a Comptech Sway Bar.
For my money I would rather keep the $6k. I could probably gain 0.01 g with a Comptech Sway Bar.
Try this:
Regular A Spec
Slalom 62.5 mph 66.1 mph
NOT EVEN CLOSE.
08-06-2005, 07:14 PM
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It's understandable that people don't want to spend the money for the A-Spec. I was comtemplating the same thing myself when I purchased my TL. However, when I took into consideration that ALL components of the A-Spec are covered under your warranty with the rest of the car, it made the extra money COMPLETELY worth it. Performance with ease of mind and potentially wallet. Just my
08-06-2005, 07:28 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by Steel
Try this:
Regular A Spec
Slalom 62.5 mph 66.1 mph
NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Regular A Spec
Slalom 62.5 mph 66.1 mph
NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Like others have mentioned, a good set of tires on the stock 17's let alone 18's would easily close that <4mph gap. A set of performance shocks and/or beefier front/rear sway-bar would be gravy... The ASPEC is OK but the "performance" gains can be had for much less (1/3).
Overall, if you like the ASPEC body kit looks - enough for the extra, then that would close the deal to have the dealer install.
08-06-2005, 08:52 PM
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6K is still alot fo change for the aspec TL with no bump in engine power. what you describe is definitely an increase in performance but does not encompass the whole kit. if you just got the suspension($600) and a good set of tires($800) then you would get basically the same performance increase. the body kit and rims which account for more than 50% of the cost does not contribute too much to performance. the 18 inch wheels might help increase handling with the smaller side walls but again you can get either the stock wheels or aftermarket(which could be lighter) and achieve the same result if not better. my point is what you are paying for mostly is the body kit and does not really add any performance increase. although it does look alot better with the kit then without.
08-07-2005, 10:59 AM
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I have everything but the steering wheel and the AT brake pad upgrade. I love it!!! Is it expensive? YES! Without a doubt...but the car handles and looks soooo much better!
08-07-2005, 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by dman918
ASpec is not worth $4000+. Maybe $2000 for everything, but certainly not $4000...
08-07-2005, 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Ga_Tech_TL
I dont know, i mean bbk only costs over a grand and the rims bc they are alloys and coated, they should cost over a few g's. NOw we have the steering wheel and the suspension. The kit should cost at least 4g's. Plus the installation... and now we are up there in teh 5 or 6 grands. But i agree may be acura should be selling the kits a little cheaper. After all for 42 or 43 grands, u can get bmws, benz and other high end vehicles
08-07-2005, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by caball88
you cannot count the bbk with the aspec cause that comes stock with 6MT. if you have a 5AT you do not get brembos when you purchase the aspec kit, all you get is better brake pads.
WTF you talking about?
08-07-2005, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by dmsmitty
Just my experience.
I have owned 2 TL's with the full dealer installed A-Spec kits. My car was at the dealership for about 5 days for service, and the correction of a few minor issues. The loaner they gave me was a 2005 TL without nav and no A-Spec.
I could not believe the difference! I promise it was a different car. The non A-Spec drove considerably different in all aspects. An example, I was driving to a meeting at Texas Stadium. I almost missed my turn, and hit the brakes and turned it. My car would take that turn with a minimum of issue (done it many times). The loaner pitched over, squealed tires, and engaged the ABS. Granted, this is not a normal driving manuver, but the difference...
Obviously the A-Spec gets more attention because of the look, but that is only a small part for me. I want the performance, handling, and drivability.
The loaner was a great car, and drove circles around the Camry they gave me first. I guess I'm spoiled, and expect too much. I was shocked by the difference that package makes.
It is expensive considering there are no engine mods included. However, I did not regret the additional $6000 the kit adds. That was money well spent.
I've not read a review from someone with extended driving on both cars (I put 600 miles on the loaner). If you are considering a TL, look very closely at the A-spec kit. I was under the impression that they were similar, but they are not.
I love this kit.
I have owned 2 TL's with the full dealer installed A-Spec kits. My car was at the dealership for about 5 days for service, and the correction of a few minor issues. The loaner they gave me was a 2005 TL without nav and no A-Spec.
I could not believe the difference! I promise it was a different car. The non A-Spec drove considerably different in all aspects. An example, I was driving to a meeting at Texas Stadium. I almost missed my turn, and hit the brakes and turned it. My car would take that turn with a minimum of issue (done it many times). The loaner pitched over, squealed tires, and engaged the ABS. Granted, this is not a normal driving manuver, but the difference...
Obviously the A-Spec gets more attention because of the look, but that is only a small part for me. I want the performance, handling, and drivability.
The loaner was a great car, and drove circles around the Camry they gave me first. I guess I'm spoiled, and expect too much. I was shocked by the difference that package makes.
It is expensive considering there are no engine mods included. However, I did not regret the additional $6000 the kit adds. That was money well spent.
I've not read a review from someone with extended driving on both cars (I put 600 miles on the loaner). If you are considering a TL, look very closely at the A-spec kit. I was under the impression that they were similar, but they are not.
I love this kit.
Is your TL black?? I've seen a A-Spec driving around southern Ft Worth a lot lately? Is that you?
08-07-2005, 11:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ASPEC05
hah lol that was idiotic. BBK stands for big break kit
08-08-2005, 12:27 AM
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I respect your opinion man but for $6000 I could do a SHITLOAD of extra things to the car myself... It does look bad ass, and if you can afford it, hey why the hell not... But as as Jack said...
I passed on the extra plastic, overpriced rims and steering wheel with blue thread. I'll take my burger to go, hold the fillers.
Originally Posted by JackSprat01
I passed on the extra plastic, overpriced rims and steering wheel with blue thread. I'll take my burger to go, hold the fillers.
08-08-2005, 01:23 AM
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I've had a lot of time behind the wheel in both stock and A-Spec form. A-Spec totally changes the personality of the car - both look and feel. I have thoroughly enjoyed the appearance upgrades and have received many complements on the car. The handling improvement with minimal loss of ride quality has been well documented by everyone in this forum who has installed the suspension.
Suspension - You could easily spend more on aftermarket suspension and end up with a worse ride and not much better (or worse) handling. I think $600 is a bargain for what you get.
Body Kit - Either you like it or you don't. You should not be going fast enough for it to matter, but it does reduce drag (wind tunnel tested - how many kits can state that?) and weighs very little. When you consider the tasteful styling, factory quality, and the fact that it comes painted and ready to install, it's not a bad deal.
Wheels/tires - I love the wheels. Great style that suits this car well. I like that they are 'factory' parts. Competitively priced compared to aftermarket if you shop around. Not crazy about the Yokohama tires. I think a performance all season tire is a better match for the TL, even though it does cost a bit of performance. I went with the Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S.
Steering wheel - Quality piece of work. I've had both wheels in my hands side by side. A-Spec wheel has better quality leather with fewer seams and better stitching. Blue stitching and grey thumbrests understandably turn some folks off, but it does fit in with the blue lighting theme used in the car. I really like it. I wish Acura had come out with a matching shift knob.
Worth the price? That depends on the buyer. I treated myself and every time I get in the car I'm reminded of that. No regrets.
Yes, the kit is a bit pricey but I think it was worth every penny and have never had a single regret. I've seen some steep price quotes on the kit, but buyers who have been on this forum should be informed enough to pay internet prices and reasonable installation charges. A savvy buyer should be able to put together an A-Spec TL for well under $40K.
Suspension - You could easily spend more on aftermarket suspension and end up with a worse ride and not much better (or worse) handling. I think $600 is a bargain for what you get.
Body Kit - Either you like it or you don't. You should not be going fast enough for it to matter, but it does reduce drag (wind tunnel tested - how many kits can state that?) and weighs very little. When you consider the tasteful styling, factory quality, and the fact that it comes painted and ready to install, it's not a bad deal.
Wheels/tires - I love the wheels. Great style that suits this car well. I like that they are 'factory' parts. Competitively priced compared to aftermarket if you shop around. Not crazy about the Yokohama tires. I think a performance all season tire is a better match for the TL, even though it does cost a bit of performance. I went with the Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S.
Steering wheel - Quality piece of work. I've had both wheels in my hands side by side. A-Spec wheel has better quality leather with fewer seams and better stitching. Blue stitching and grey thumbrests understandably turn some folks off, but it does fit in with the blue lighting theme used in the car. I really like it. I wish Acura had come out with a matching shift knob.
Worth the price? That depends on the buyer. I treated myself and every time I get in the car I'm reminded of that. No regrets.Yes, the kit is a bit pricey but I think it was worth every penny and have never had a single regret. I've seen some steep price quotes on the kit, but buyers who have been on this forum should be informed enough to pay internet prices and reasonable installation charges. A savvy buyer should be able to put together an A-Spec TL for well under $40K.
08-08-2005, 02:58 AM
#26
WDP Director of R & D
Originally Posted by caball88
so who's the idiot me or steel? i know there was a thread where bbk was referred to as big brake kit. but i have not yet seen a thread where bbk was referring to rims.
not you..
08-08-2005, 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by caball88
i thought when he said bbk he meant big brake kit. doesn't bbs make rims and not bbk?
08-08-2005, 10:24 AM
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Well me personally, i love the A-spec however, my money isn't long enough for me to invest $6k into it. This is why i have just opted for the suspension ($600) and the 18' rims. I do have a question though... so are the 18' rims worth getting? How would i fair if i just got the suspension added? And if i were to go with the 18' rims i know that would mean i would have to get new tires as well. So i guess my question is... would i be able to go to a tire place like "Just Tires" and purchase a good performance tire (preferably Michellins) to go along with the 18' rims? And even with that, i'd still wait until my tires wear out that i have now before i do that. 05 TL = Michellins!!!
08-08-2005, 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by RedSoxGuy
Is your TL black?? I've seen a A-Spec driving around southern Ft Worth a lot lately? Is that you?
08-08-2005, 03:45 PM
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This is a good thread going. Everyone has great opinions. After all, that's all anyone can offer.
I agree with alot of you. Being factory installed and warranted was a big deal to me. However, the big test was my wife. I bought this car on my own (without her knowing). I was just going in to dream, but...
When we pulled up to the dealership together (after my ass chewing how I don't respect her opinion), my car was in the delivery area sitting behind another anthracite TL without any of the A-Spec stuff. She thought it was really pretty. When we drove around to mine, she was like "wow! Is that the same kind of car? They look so different. That car looks like you" (I took that as a compliment). I knew I made the right choice.
The kit is expensive, but I've seen alot of ricers around with well over $6K invested that don't look nearly as good, and sound like a riding mover with flatulence.
Just an opinion.
I agree with alot of you. Being factory installed and warranted was a big deal to me. However, the big test was my wife. I bought this car on my own (without her knowing). I was just going in to dream, but...
When we pulled up to the dealership together (after my ass chewing how I don't respect her opinion), my car was in the delivery area sitting behind another anthracite TL without any of the A-Spec stuff. She thought it was really pretty. When we drove around to mine, she was like "wow! Is that the same kind of car? They look so different. That car looks like you" (I took that as a compliment). I knew I made the right choice.
The kit is expensive, but I've seen alot of ricers around with well over $6K invested that don't look nearly as good, and sound like a riding mover with flatulence.
Just an opinion.
08-08-2005, 09:02 PM
#31
i am very interested in the a spec suspension. i haven't read anything negative about it thus far. for 6K for the whole kit is too much. i would just get the suspension and aftermarket 19's.
oh yeah did someone say that the suspension is $600?? plus $200 - $300 to install maybe? not bad.
oh yeah, does anyone know if dealerships have the a spec TL ready for a test drive??. i'd be willin to make a trip to test drive the suspension.
oh yeah did someone say that the suspension is $600?? plus $200 - $300 to install maybe? not bad.
oh yeah, does anyone know if dealerships have the a spec TL ready for a test drive??. i'd be willin to make a trip to test drive the suspension.
08-08-2005, 09:24 PM
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The whole 19" thing escapes me too. Sure, they look cool but most 19" rim/wheel combinations add unsprung weight and increase rotational intertia. What's worse is the little bumps that would normall get taken up by the tires now get transmitted right to your ass. I have been in ricer cars with 19" rims low low low profile tires and it is all about looks, performance really suffers.
08-09-2005, 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Neumahn
The whole 19" thing escapes me too. Sure, they look cool but most 19" rim/wheel combinations add unsprung weight and increase rotational intertia. What's worse is the little bumps that would normall get taken up by the tires now get transmitted right to your ass. I have been in ricer cars with 19" rims low low low profile tires and it is all about looks, performance really suffers.
08-09-2005, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by CBR1100XX
Too each their own. I built my 6spd with kit, wheels, and lip for $2300 and just the 18"s made a massive dif in performance
10-12-2005, 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by RedSoxGuy
Is your TL black?? I've seen a A-Spec driving around southern Ft Worth a lot lately? Is that you?
I don't regret the expense at all. I know you can buy other aftermarket parts to achieve the same goals, but...
For example, one of my wheels was losing the clearcoating. The dealer changed it without blinking during an oil change. To top it off, he changed another wheel with the same issue that I hadn't noticed yet. Love the warranty. Let them worry about it.