Difference between TL/TL-S/A-Spec?
 

Not asking to be spoon fed here, just looking for where I can find information on this. I have tried searching but the search function is not working...:ugh:

Thanks, guys.

I know what you mean..
I wish someone would put together a bunch of photos of the same type car, either base or type s, and show the differences all in one post.
For example:Show a base with no mods, then the base with A-spec, then maybe take the same car base and a-spec and add a drop etc...you get the idea

tl base model, tl-s better performance, tl-aspec better look. am i right?

Here's a Start:

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/...0?archive=2007

Check this page too - particularly Specs:

http://www.hondanews.com/archives/acura?year=2007

A-Spec:


http://www.hondanews.com/search/release/3745

Ok, just briefly as you can go into a real long post on this:

TL-Base
Offered from 04-08. Just as the name states, base model. Available w\ and w\o nav. 3.2L engine.

TL-S
Offered from 07-08. Has some changes over hte 07-08 base. Included 3.5L engine, different wheels, stiffer suspension, louder quad tip exhaust, active noise cancelling, different interrior (design, lights, gauges, etc), different colors, different tail and head lights, chrome grill, smoked rear side marker, different foglight design, Brembo brakes up front, just to name a few.

A-Spec
Offered from 04-06? 3.2L engine. Built on 'base' model. Full A-Spec package was front\rear\side lips, 18x8.5" wheels, rear wing spoiler, lower stiffer suspension, thicker steering wheel, different brake pads, emblem...I think that's it...

Please fill in anything I'm missing.

^^

There is an A-Spec suspension and body kit for to '07/'08 - not sure if the body kit is TL-S only or both TL-S and Base.

Thanks for the info, guys. I also appreciate not being flamed for asking. I am likley heading to the dealer this weekend to start test drives, I don't see much benefit in getting the A-Spec over OE, and the S is just too expensive for my budget.

^ No reason to be flamed because it was a good question that probably lots of people want to know the answer to. And the answers are out there, but you are right... they are all spread out and not in one place.

Body kit is as follows:

04-06 aspec

07-08 base aspec (back and sides same as 04-06) front lip differes due to the relocation of the fogs and does not have the gray garnish.

07-08- Type-S boky kit

This picture shows the front of both base 04-06 and 07-08.
(Yellow lower fogs is 07-08)
Attachment 55042

Front Type-s
Attachment 55043

Rear Type-s
Attachment 55044

Rear Base
Attachment 55045

Rear base and rear types
Attachment 55046

Hopes this helps

^^ Nice pics for people, but just so nobody is confused - the ones labeled "Base" are actually the aspec kit (non type-S). The base model does not have any ground effects kits on, and they are the most common ones you see on the road and/or when googling

So there is a difference between the 04-06 and 07-08 A-Spec (non-TL-S) front lips? I didn't know that! I noticed that there were different instructions for each, but I figured it might have something to do with the fog lights. I'll be sure to specify that I have an '08 when I purchase mine!

I believe there are three different a-spec front lips (Correct me if I am wrong). The is the 04-06 front that fits no foglights. Then there is the type-s a-spec that wraps around the fog's (Like in the first pic of the type-s above). Then, this might be where I am wrong, there is the 07-08 base that looks similar to the 04-06 which is shaped differently to go around the fog lights.

You are Correct, as I stated above.

04-06
07-08
07-08 Type-s

So this is what the rear aspec would look like for a 2007/2008 base model?

Yes, On this particular tl the A-spec has a blue tone, but its normaly dark grey or black i belive.

The one on the back is an 07

Attachment 55041

Is there a separate A-SPEC for base 07-08 vs. Type S 07-08 or are they one and the same? Also how would the rear aspec for the type s look since it has the different exhaust? Maybe I'm just slow but I wasn't able to tell from above.

Thanks!

The picture right above shows you the difference. The car closest to you (the bottom) is a regular TL with A-Spec. The car in front is a type S with aspec. The kits are a little different because of the exhaust (for the rear), and depending on the years, the fronts are different for the fogs. Otherwise they are about the same.

if i have a base 08 looking to install quad tip, and rear lip will this fit? or would i have to buy the type s bumper?
same question for the front. can i install this lip kit on to a base 08? http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/n...g?t=1230865091

In order to accommodate quad tips you need to buy the 07-08 type S rear aspec lip, you have to cut your exsiting bumper and place the lip over it (no need to purchase the actually type s bumper). This is actually a pretty popular mod...check out ballinfizzle's ride...
there are a couple DIY's I believe

As for the front, if you have base model '08 TL and want the Type S Aspec Lip you need to purchase both, the Type S bumper and the Type S Aspec lip. This is because the 07-08 base model bumper and the Type S apsec lip arent compatible, I believe the lower grill is a different size and therefore wouldnt fit, you could possible do some sort of modification but I dunno.....

ASPEC is only a body kit rims steering wheel and suspension, nothing more. every single model from 04-08 has it. you buy the parts all together or seperate....thats what aspec is Oh and the lil badge on the back that says so

I've been on this forum for a while now.. and this is the first time I've seen the 07-08 base aspec. All this time I thought the front lip looked like the 04-06. I'm sad one because I did not know and two I wanted the 04-06.

What would I have to do to do this?

What is this Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that I see listed above for the Type S? I looked at my 07 Type S window sticker and dont remember seeing it on there. Maybe I missed it but is that optional? what exactly is it?

James

its kinda like the Bose noise cancellation headphones. There are microphones inside that cabin that pic up some of the outside noise and then it sends out a signal through the subwoofer(i think) that is the opposite signal in order to cancel out that noise. This is NOT optional, all Type-S models have this. If you ever decide to install and aftermarket sub you will need to disconnect this system, i think just the mic which is near the rear ceiling light, or else you will get a buzz or annoying sound through the speakers...

I'm looking at buying a new suspension for my '07 Type S. I want to keep with stock items, so I would replace it with stock components, thus either the same TYpe S suspension or the factory A-Spec. A friend is selling a brand new "A-Spec" suspension kit.

1. What is the difference between a stock "Type S" suspension and the factory "A Spec" suspension?

2. If there is a difference, would you consider the A-Spec to be at least equal to or better than the Type S suspension?

My biggest concern is if I am doing any sort of downgrade by installing the factory A-Spec suspension on a Type S.

A-Spec is said to be soemwhat stiffer and will lower your car about 0.75"

I'd say, from what I've read, A-Spec would be a moderate performance upgrade.

Why are you replacing the susp components? It's only an '07. An upgrade is one thing, but to consider replacing the current wth OE for the TL-S, there must be a reason.

what does the a-spec steering wheel look like?

There isn't much of a reason other than I can pick up the A-Spec complete suspension package for $400cdn. My TypeS only has 52,000km on it, but I was just assuming that some day in the future I will need to change the suspension components. Rather than buy regular stock Type S suspension in the future, I thought it would be wise to pick up the A-Spec stuff and save it for the future.

How long would the Type S suspension components "normally" last under 'normal' conditions?

The roads around my area are not great, but I try to take it easy. I tried searching for a maintenance schedule, but I'm guessing there isn't a standard replacement duration (time or KM's) for replacing suspension components. Is this true?

A-spec with the TL-S top hats would be awesome. You already have large swaybars. A-spec will give you a subtle drop, people who aren't into TLs might not notice it's lowered but that's what I like about it. It is stiffer than the Type-S that I drove and it balances out the handling even more for less understeer. For $400 I would get it. Perfect compromise for a daily driver that wants a good performance increase with very little change in comfort.

Thats pretty much what I was looking for. When do you think the suspension would require changing?

My lowered my old CL with aftermarket stuff and that lasted for the rest of the time I had the car (7ish years)..although it probably could have been changed sometime in the last year of ownership (it still passed safety though :thumbsup:)

Will the Type S springs fit into a base model 04-06, I've heard that there may be fitment differences, are they major or not?

Here is my TL-S Aspec, suspension, kit, and wheels

Attachment 54236

Every spring will interchange with every model.

Very nice!

How long would a brand new suspension kit (stuts) keep in my house in the box if I don't plan on using it right away?

This is only a guess but I wouldn't want to go more than 6 months of sitting. The only thing I base this on is when storing cars, I've heard of the shocks bleeding after more than 6 months of storage. But for all I know, they may sit on the shelves for years before being sold and still be fine.

If you can, find a TL-S.

Sorry, but who is this directed at? Are you suggesting that I buy TL-S suspension parts rather than A-Spec ones?

Ya I wonder about this. Sitting on a shelf in a controlled temperature environment and not under any pressure from the weight of the car. Do you think that might be helpful? I would have to think that the suspension sits on Acura's shelves for quite some time. I will call the dealer Monday and see what they say.

Would my 05 look about like this if I bought the Aspec springs like these? (but for automatic)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-06...Q5fAccessories

-is the a spec any faster then reg tl's?
-adding an intake to a 06 tl...just as fast as a type s or not?
-how do u turn on traction control??!

Aspec is not faster in a straight line than a regular TL, however around a track it may be due to the upgraded suspension and brakes.

No, it'll take a little bit more modifications to get to a Type-S level.

Traction Control is on as soon as you turn on the car, you can turn if off via the VSA button located next to the mirror controls on the dash.