Noob at Modding

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Old Jun 4, 2012 | 07:28 PM
  #1  
SomeWh1teGuy's Avatar
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10th Gear
 
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From: Katy, TX
Noob at Modding

Hey guys, so im new to this forum and modding and don't know much engines/installing. I have been looking at what to spend my 1k i have saved up and dont want it to go to waste. Some mods i want to hopefully install are ATLP j-pipe, ATLP v2 Quads, 6000k headlights (no idea how to install or what site is best), interior red glow lighting kit (to match the stock cabin lighting and also don't know where to get from), angel eyes (found this site:http://www.automotivelightstore.com/...lehalokit.aspx)
, was wondering if these are reliable).

Another mod i have been debating on for weeks is the purchase of a CAI. I have done plenty of research and have come to the conclusion that it is basically paying 200-300 for a nice, deep sound. I would appreciate if i could get some feedback on your opinion on CAIs.

Thanks and i greatly appreciate the feedback.
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Old Jun 4, 2012 | 08:11 PM
  #2  
BrownBuck's Avatar
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From: Columbus, OH
Originally Posted by SomeWh1teGuy
Hey guys, so im new to this forum and modding and don't know much engines/installing. I have been looking at what to spend my 1k i have saved up and dont want it to go to waste. Some mods i want to hopefully install are ATLP j-pipe, ATLP v2 Quads, 6000k headlights (no idea how to install or what site is best), interior red glow lighting kit (to match the stock cabin lighting and also don't know where to get from), angel eyes (found this site:http://www.automotivelightstore.com/...lehalokit.aspx)
, was wondering if these are reliable).

Another mod i have been debating on for weeks is the purchase of a CAI. I have done plenty of research and have come to the conclusion that it is basically paying 200-300 for a nice, deep sound. I would appreciate if i could get some feedback on your opinion on CAIs.

Thanks and i greatly appreciate the feedback.
Are you friends with "someblackdude" lol
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Old Jun 4, 2012 | 09:52 PM
  #3  
Steven Bell's Avatar
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From: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
CAI's are a lot of money for growl. Not the best $$$ value of the mod.

Decide if you want aesthetic mods or performance mods. Aesthetic mods could possibly be cheaper than performance mods. It all depends on what is more important to you....looks or performance.
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Old Jun 4, 2012 | 09:57 PM
  #4  
Kimikalz04TL's Avatar
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Is your TL a 6sp or auto? From what I read on this forum coming from a person with an auto tranny-power mods are worthless. It's spending a lot of money to get very little gain. The stock TL already comes with a lot of power and is not a platform many use for racing of any sort. The 6sp/TL-s crowd would benefit more with the power mods. With that being said for a $1000 (if you're an auto tranny) I would spend my money on an a-spec lip kit and save up money for a suspension kit. That's just my .02.
Others are going to tell you keep on doing research on this forum as there is a plethora of into on here. Visit the performance mod section the 3G TL to get more insight.
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Old Jun 4, 2012 | 11:15 PM
  #5  
pohljm's Avatar
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From: San Diego, CA
Based upon your list I would vote for j-pipe and additional exhaust mods, but not a cat back. depends on the emissions situation in your state. I would go for some cosmetics like aspec kit. 6K is lame. CAI is all sound and prolly less filtration (i got one anyway). rear sway bar and spend the rest on good tires!

Kimi. thats silly to think the transmission has any basis on the success of a power mod! TL is costly per HP gained thats for sure!
Its all the more reason to do them.

Last edited by pohljm; Jun 4, 2012 at 11:17 PM.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 12:18 AM
  #6  
Kimikalz04TL's Avatar
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Kimi. thats silly to think the transmission has any basis on the success of a power mod! TL is costly per HP gained thats for sure!
This was solely based on the thread referring to "mods to avoid with an auto tranny thread"
I worded it wrong with I said coming from a person with an auto tranny. I meant to refer to that post. I would link it, but I'm on the iPhone and its a bit much to navigate and find thread.
The consensus I got from that thread was if your TL was an auto you would not really see any horsepower gain from power mods compared to what you spent for said mod unless it was correctly tuned for. I again will not advocate for aesthetics vs power mods bc each each individual has their own preference. I was merely giving my thoughts to the OP.
I also reiterated that the OP could spend more time in the performance mods forum to do more research and reading to guide him.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 01:10 AM
  #7  
Bearcat94's Avatar
AZ Community Team
 
Joined: May 2007
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
There are a ton of DIY topics on this page: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-garage-faq-3g-tl-newbies-553554/

I'd never changed the oil on a car before finding this forum. The link above has been a great asset by providing many sets of step-by-step instruction, DIY install pictures and Service Manual scans.

Every mod I've done, I've done myself (with an occasional assist from other local members). When I bought the car, I never would have dreamed of doing this work myself.



As far as priority:

J-Pipe & RSB first.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 08:09 AM
  #8  
LoveMyTL-S's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: St. Cloud, FL
^^I'm with him. When I first joined this awesome forum, I knew very little about cars. Yeah, I would change my oil and filters, but not much more than that. Since then I've done all kinds of DIY's and repairs myself, saving tons of $$$. Shoot, I did my 350Z's brake pads and rotors last month. It was a bit of work, but only spent $36.00 to use the lift/shop. The CAI was another fun project. I think most members will pick a theme to go with and work toward that theme. Weather it be for performance or looks. Once you make that choice, then you have to decided what mods you want to do. 1K is really not a lot, so pick your mods carefully. Asking for advice here is a good idea and should help you make the car the way YOU want it. Good luck.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 08:10 AM
  #9  
LoveMyTL-S's Avatar
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From: St. Cloud, FL
Opps, forgot my standard post for new members:

Congrats Welcome to AZ! Check out the 3G garage for tons of info. Also register your TL at www.myacura.com in the USA or https://www.myacura.acura.ca/ in Canada. Save your Navi and Radio codes there. Check for any recalls your TL may need.
You may also want to post here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-owners-sign-564449/
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 09:02 AM
  #10  
KJ TL-S's Avatar
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I went with the thought that if I sink $1-2K into performance mods, I'll still have only a slightly faster version of a car that looks the same as the others on the road.

Sink that same money into aesthetics, and you really have a car that stands out from the crowd and is uniquely yours.

But I've also been on the other side of things too. Back when I was a teenager, I would never spend money on something that wouldn't make my car go faster. But then again, I was sinking that money into cars with 8 cylinders pushing the wheels out back
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 09:06 AM
  #11  
JJH's Avatar
JJH
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1.) Is your car paid off?

2.) Is your car aesthetically in good condition? (paint condition, dents, rock chips, rust, etc)


If you answer no to the first question, use the $1,000 to pay towards the car.

If you answer yes to the first question and no to the second question, use the $1,000 to either invest in some good detailing equipment and whatever else may need done. (bumper respray, etc)
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 09:02 PM
  #12  
SomeWh1teGuy's Avatar
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From: Katy, TX
No im not lol that would be hilarious tho
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 09:06 PM
  #13  
SomeWh1teGuy's Avatar
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From: Katy, TX
Originally Posted by Kimikalz04TL
Is your TL a 6sp or auto? From what I read on this forum coming from a person with an auto tranny-power mods are worthless. It's spending a lot of money to get very little gain. The stock TL already comes with a lot of power and is not a platform many use for racing of any sort. The 6sp/TL-s crowd would benefit more with the power mods. With that being said for a $1000 (if you're an auto tranny) I would spend my money on an a-spec lip kit and save up money for a suspension kit. That's just my .02.
Others are going to tell you keep on doing research on this forum as there is a plethora of into on here. Visit the performance mod section the 3G TL to get more insight.
Thanks for the advise, im looking to get more aggressive sound. I will probably end up spending most of my money on aesthetic mods since my car in A/T.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 09:11 PM
  #14  
SomeWh1teGuy's Avatar
Thread Starter
10th Gear
 
Joined: May 2012
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From: Katy, TX
Originally Posted by JJH
1.) Is your car paid off?

2.) Is your car aesthetically in good condition? (paint condition, dents, rock chips, rust, etc)


If you answer no to the first question, use the $1,000 to pay towards the car.

If you answer yes to the first question and no to the second question, use the $1,000 to either invest in some good detailing equipment and whatever else may need done. (bumper respray, etc)
1.) Yes the car is fully paid off

2.) It is in great condition! I remember when i bought it a year ago it looked like new and only had 39,000 miles on it.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 09:21 PM
  #15  
SomeWh1teGuy's Avatar
Thread Starter
10th Gear
 
Joined: May 2012
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From: Katy, TX
Originally Posted by Kimikalz04TL
Is your TL a 6sp or auto? From what I read on this forum coming from a person with an auto tranny-power mods are worthless. It's spending a lot of money to get very little gain. The stock TL already comes with a lot of power and is not a platform many use for racing of any sort. The 6sp/TL-s crowd would benefit more with the power mods. With that being said for a $1000 (if you're an auto tranny) I would spend my money on an a-spec lip kit and save up money for a suspension kit. That's just my .02.
Others are going to tell you keep on doing research on this forum as there is a plethora of into on here. Visit the performance mod section the 3G TL to get more insight.
Thanks for the reply, i have a Auto tranny btw.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 11:07 PM
  #16  
sauceja's Avatar
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From: Land of Entrapment
I would go through and check out the 3x3 auto flush and look into replacing or buying spare sensors for the auto. Get your car up to 100% maint before doing any other mod especially performance.

I agree with ^^^^^^
tint, drop, rims, lighting

Alot of stuff you can do yourself for actually not a lot of money.

But you can also blow threw a G in no time. Don't rush and look around at some other cars and what has been done and you will get an idea of what you want.

This forum is full of every possible combo that can be done. Some nice cars on here as well.

Congrats and welcome to the A-Z
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 11:20 PM
  #17  
mY sLOW UA6's Avatar
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From: CT
I think suspension, and a custom exhaust would benefit you the best.
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Old Jun 5, 2012 | 11:27 PM
  #18  
mY sLOW UA6's Avatar
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From: CT
Heres a vid of my exhaust that cost 200 at a local shop http://s1137.photobucket.com/albums/...DVIDEO0006.mp4
Turn your volume up, BTW it is my friend driving so don't make fun (he did good for someone who drives auto)
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Old Jun 6, 2012 | 12:36 AM
  #19  
ziggyh22's Avatar
08 TL & 12 ADV/ENT MDX
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From: SIGNAL HILL CA.
Originally Posted by BrownBuck
Are you friends with "someblackdude" lol
HAHAH Sorry had to quote this! Too funny But YES maintenance first then modify! Other than that WELCOME

Last edited by ziggyh22; Jun 6, 2012 at 12:38 AM. Reason: add quote
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