Bring up good points...once again, their bias against FWD is quite evident...I think its mandatory for them to mention that.

But I think it sums up the consensus...if you got ASPEC you love it, if you don't, well...mixed bag.

Good post. That must be the new issue, the April one had a quick blurb with generally positive comments.

 

Bring up good points...once again, their bias against FWD is quite evident...I think its mandatory for them to mention that.

But I think it sums up the consensus...if you got ASPEC you love it, if you don't, well...mixed bag. Once again, I have it, I love it.

On the comment of the core of the package...that is true, the core is the suspension. I have noticed that is the key thing many non ASPEC owners want. Could be money, could be value determination complexities, warranty complexities, or other reasons, but alot of major manufacturers do that, they sell the upgrade performance kits, BMW, etc, with all the other do-dads you may or may not want.

As far as engine gains...I'm not sure what else you can do. Anymore HP would not jive well with the car. Not to mention, how many "packages" you know actually improve engine performance. That is just IHMO, could be wrong. When engine performance is affected, you usually get a different variant of a car, for example TL Type S...or Mustang GT, Mustang Cobra.

Good post. That must be the new issue, the April one had a quick blurb with generally positive comments

 

Do you guys know if the A-spec struts have to be replaced at 60K like factory struts? Most aftermarket struts last the life of the car and have lifetime warrantees. Thanks.

 

Thanks for posting the article!
Interesting that C&D said there was no reduction in torque steer with 6MT+A-SPEC but MT 3/04 pg 136 said "In A-SPEC form, both torque steer and understeer are dramatically reduced--we even experienced an occasional hint of oversteer on aggressive corner turn in". Braking 60-0 mph was also improved versus stock 141-119 feet.
Go figure...!!!???
I guess cars are like politics, everyone had an agenda.
I'm certainly not an expert but...
I've driven both and I agree with MT!

 

Thanks for posting this. I think they did a good job describing the changes in handling characteristics made by the A-spec kit. It's interesting that they note the improvements are all subjective, yet they post the some of the best times I've seen for a TL - 14.3@99, 5.6 0-60. Yes, it was cold - but I've read other articles that showed faster times too. Perhaps the A-spec suspension provides a better launch off the line? They also did a good job handling the value question - it's a tough call if the appearance items aren't appealing.

 

Thanks for the post, harddrivin. It's especially appropriate for me, since I'm considering the suspension portion of the package. The whole package simply sounds too rich for me, and Acura needs to unbundle it for those like me who are more interested in performance than looks.

It's looking more like Comptechs and Konis (when they come out) for me, if I even do a suspension upgrade.

 

Sincere thanks for a relevant, objective, and informative post.

 

A good set of aftermarket shocks will work wonders for that suspension - with or without aftermarket springs.

I've seen that effect many times with various vehicles I've owned (installing performance aftermarket shocks with the stock springs). Shocks (alone) offer THE most "bang for buck" in terms of suspension mods. You begin chasing the point of diminishing return (and significant degradation in ride quality) shortly thereafter.

If it were me and I had an auto TL, I'd also consider installing larger anti-roll bars - preferably the ones used on the 6 speed.

I honestly don't believe that lower (and stiffer) springs are necessary for on-road use.

 

That's probably the way I'm going to go. Now if Bilstein or Koni would just hurry up.

 

All things considered, that's the best way to go - on the street.

Bilsteins are more "ride" oriented. Konis are all business. Don't waste your time and money with mass market crap like Monroe.

Obviously a good set of performance tires (in the OEM size) is also a good idea. One doesn't have to spend a fortune to get decent performance rubber, either. I've had good luck with Dunlops lately.

The 17" OEM wheels are fully adequate for performance-street driving.

 

No, really? HD, all of us on the forum are not as dumb as you think you're smart. Hehe.

 

My last set of aftermarket tires were the Dunlop SP 5000 Sport. They stuck to the road like no one's business, wet or dry, and were far superior in snow compared to the EL42s on this car. I'd certainly recommend them as they are cheaper now than when I bought them for my 2002 TL ($130 now vs. $190 two years ago). The tires will be my first "mod", but this time I think I'm going with the Falken ZIEX 512s to try something different (and supported by our colleagues here as well as Consumer Reports).

 

Right on, neuronbob! I have the SP sport 5000s on my Camry soon to be traded in for my TL and they are simply amazing. Awesome grip and quiet too.

dsc888

 

I ran them (SP500s) as my winter tire (size 215-60-16) on my Z28 (with dedicated rims) this winter.

I just fitted my new '04 Accord EX-V6 with a set as well (225-55-16)

A LOT of tire for the $$$....

I also ran a set of Dunlop SP8000s (245-50-16s) on my Z28. NOTHING (NOTHING) I ever came up against could touch that in the corners.

 

Come to think of it...I might just want to talk to the guys at NTB to see if they will take the EL42s for the Dunlop SP Sport 5000s. The ones on my Camry are actually my 3rd set. The car came with the SP Sports 4000s. I upgraded to the 5000s at about 38K and did it again at about 80K. That AA traction rating is there for a reason

dsc888

 

At the time I chose the SP 5000s, the choice was between (as usual) the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, which were only $10 more at the time, but were not available for weeks at the size I needed (standard TL-S 215-45-70 size, I'd upgraded to TL-S wheels), so the Dunlops won. They turned out to be the best tire I'd ever owned.

 

I agree to a point with this. What you have to watch with Bilsteins is that they design shocks with different qualities for different vehicles. I put a set of Bilsteins Sports on a 2001 Corvette with the base suspension, and it made a HUGE difference in handling. I also ordered a 1999 Tahoe with an option package specifically because the package included factory installed Bilsteins. They were garbage.

Koni only seems to design shocks for serious performance.