go4heat

hey guys im pretty new to all this stuff, i think im getting a new TL in the next few months and was trying to figure out how much it would cost to put some upgrades on it. i was thinking along the lines of tinting and lowering springs, and maybe some other stuff too. what other upgrades do you guys put, and what do they do? ive noticed stuff like cold air intakes and not sure exactly what they do and what they improve, also trying to get an estimate on cost. i dont really know how much tinting costs but i would imagine its somewhere in the $200 ballpark including installation....springs i know cost about $200 plus installation (how much does that usually cost?). i would really appreciate some help, THANKS!!!

adam209

i got a-spec so they did it for me but on my old TL i got it dropped for about 1000 dollars (including installation). 15% tint cost me about $150. depends too if you're looking for looks or performance. you can add a tv & playstation & dvd player so that it plays through the navi. just some stuff to think about. really depends on how much you wanna spend.

go4heat

installation is that much??? do u guys know of any ways to get a better deal on that aftermarket type stuff i.e. have the dealership install it before you take delivery of the car or sumthing (i duno i have no idea just talking out of my ass)...cuz 1k just for putting on new springs seems a little hefty to me....

adam209

oh sh!t. my bad. i forgot to add that i had shocks and struts added. as for the dealer installing it, i think it depends on the dealer. i know here, they won't. but i've heard that some dealers will install aftermarket items but you might be better off going to a shop.

go4heat

ok thx i thought that seemed a little off. also could someone clarify what stuff like cold air intakes do...and are there any cheap ways of improving performance? (btw id get a 5spd AT just for reference)

VTEC=happiness

Springs can be cheap for the car...the Comptechs retail for just over $200 with installation at about $100. No need to work the camber on those springs either, so thats kind of nice.

As far as the Cold Air Intake...the Injen has been discussed here already (I suggest you search the threads and find out about that) and there is also one being developed by AEM. My friend owns a shop, so I called AEM as him in hopes of getting inside info. They do have a part number for the 2004 Cold Air Intake (CAI) but the price in not yet specified. THey expect a release of mid to late February. The CAI should ass 10-15 HP and run about $175-250 plus installation.

No other cheap performance mods released for the TL that I have found.

smides

The cheapest way to improve performace would be to get a manual. An AT shifting on you through a corner will throw off your car's balance.