I've got seven questions on the 2004 TL. If you've got the answers to one or more of them, I'd appreciate your input.
1) I like the fact that the new TL has wider seating, power lumbar, and tilt headrests, but I HATE how the driver's seat is SOOO firm. I own a 2001 TL so I know that I'm accustomed to cushier, plusher seating because I don't own the Type-S, which had the hard, firm driver's seat of this 04 TL. If Acura wants to give us performance AND luxury, why can't they make the front seats cushier and plusher like in the previous TL without Type-S? It boggles my mind how hard, firm seats are supposed to be associated with performance. I don't know about you, but all I need is a firm suspension, a taut chassis, and a very powerful engine for performance. I don't see why it's necessary for Acura to have us sit back on a rock--cuz that's what it is, a rock. If people want it firmer, let them adjust the power lumbar support, and let Acura give a greater end-to-end range on the lumbar. But at least when the seat has zero lumbar support, make it plush and cushy. It's so uncomfortable. Why do they do this?
2) Second question is regarding a supercharger. Does anyone have any information regarding how soon Comptech will be selling a supercharger designed specifically for the 04 TL, and if so, how much extra HP will it carry? If it's like the 2nd gen supercharger that cranked out 40 HP, that would be a total of 310 HP, or 315 HP depending on the number you use, which brings me to my next question:
3) Why is Acura underrating this engine? It says it puts out 270 HP but if you look at the power curve at vtec.net, which can be found at http://sohc.vtec.net/article_files/132588/j32_dyno.jpg, the peak is labeled to be 275 HP. If it puts out 275 HP, then SAY THAT! Also the torque curve shows peak torque to be 240 ft-lbs, which is only 2 extra than Acura says. But more importantly, why underrate your engine by 5 whole HP when you can get away with it? We all know that the higher the published HP, the more speed the public will perceive it to have.
4) Why is the 04 TL lacking interior luxury accessories that were available with the 2nd gen? I'm talking about wood trim on the meters, extra wood dash trim, and a wood steering wheel. All three are crucial to adding the appearance of luxury to the interior. Right now the only extra interior wood Acura is offering is on the shift knob. I understand why there is so little wood to begin with, because not everyone prefers it, but why isn't Acura providing lovers of luxury the wood options that were offered for the second generation?
5) My next question is about a DVD video player. I was quite disappointed to learn that Acura isn't utilizing the 04 TL's in-dash 6-disc DVD changer for playing DVD movies while the car is in park, as Edmunds had prematurely reported would be the case. It was possible to configure the 2nd gen TL to play DVD movies. My question is will it be possible to do the same with the 04 TL WITHOUT installing a unit in the trunk or glove box, but rather altering the in-dash DVD player so that it can play DVD video--and part two is if that is not possible, do you think a good place to install a DVD player would still be in the dash, right where there is a wood/carbon fiber covered compartment for storing CD/DVD cases under all the controls and above the coin compartment? Seems like it would be a great place for a DVD player.
6) This is my only question that can be applied to other cars as well. Simply put, aside from looks, what are the advantages and the disadvantages of upgrading 17 inch wheels to 18 inch wheels?
7) My last question is regarding hard acceleration and is directed at all new 04 TL owners. If you have yet floored that drive-by-wire pedal right from 0 mph to test extreme 0-60 acceleration, could you tell me how much wheelspin you've encountered, how much traction control has had to be used, and how much it affected your acceleration? I'm guessing it's not quite as severe as in the previous TL because these wheels are larger (esp if you get 18 inches) and thus heavier, the chassis is shorter and lower, and the front/rear weight distribution is better, but what did you experience?
1) I like the fact that the new TL has wider seating, power lumbar, and tilt headrests, but I HATE how the driver's seat is SOOO firm. I own a 2001 TL so I know that I'm accustomed to cushier, plusher seating because I don't own the Type-S, which had the hard, firm driver's seat of this 04 TL. If Acura wants to give us performance AND luxury, why can't they make the front seats cushier and plusher like in the previous TL without Type-S? It boggles my mind how hard, firm seats are supposed to be associated with performance. I don't know about you, but all I need is a firm suspension, a taut chassis, and a very powerful engine for performance. I don't see why it's necessary for Acura to have us sit back on a rock--cuz that's what it is, a rock. If people want it firmer, let them adjust the power lumbar support, and let Acura give a greater end-to-end range on the lumbar. But at least when the seat has zero lumbar support, make it plush and cushy. It's so uncomfortable. Why do they do this?
2) Second question is regarding a supercharger. Does anyone have any information regarding how soon Comptech will be selling a supercharger designed specifically for the 04 TL, and if so, how much extra HP will it carry? If it's like the 2nd gen supercharger that cranked out 40 HP, that would be a total of 310 HP, or 315 HP depending on the number you use, which brings me to my next question:
3) Why is Acura underrating this engine? It says it puts out 270 HP but if you look at the power curve at vtec.net, which can be found at http://sohc.vtec.net/article_files/132588/j32_dyno.jpg, the peak is labeled to be 275 HP. If it puts out 275 HP, then SAY THAT! Also the torque curve shows peak torque to be 240 ft-lbs, which is only 2 extra than Acura says. But more importantly, why underrate your engine by 5 whole HP when you can get away with it? We all know that the higher the published HP, the more speed the public will perceive it to have.
4) Why is the 04 TL lacking interior luxury accessories that were available with the 2nd gen? I'm talking about wood trim on the meters, extra wood dash trim, and a wood steering wheel. All three are crucial to adding the appearance of luxury to the interior. Right now the only extra interior wood Acura is offering is on the shift knob. I understand why there is so little wood to begin with, because not everyone prefers it, but why isn't Acura providing lovers of luxury the wood options that were offered for the second generation?
5) My next question is about a DVD video player. I was quite disappointed to learn that Acura isn't utilizing the 04 TL's in-dash 6-disc DVD changer for playing DVD movies while the car is in park, as Edmunds had prematurely reported would be the case. It was possible to configure the 2nd gen TL to play DVD movies. My question is will it be possible to do the same with the 04 TL WITHOUT installing a unit in the trunk or glove box, but rather altering the in-dash DVD player so that it can play DVD video--and part two is if that is not possible, do you think a good place to install a DVD player would still be in the dash, right where there is a wood/carbon fiber covered compartment for storing CD/DVD cases under all the controls and above the coin compartment? Seems like it would be a great place for a DVD player.
6) This is my only question that can be applied to other cars as well. Simply put, aside from looks, what are the advantages and the disadvantages of upgrading 17 inch wheels to 18 inch wheels?
7) My last question is regarding hard acceleration and is directed at all new 04 TL owners. If you have yet floored that drive-by-wire pedal right from 0 mph to test extreme 0-60 acceleration, could you tell me how much wheelspin you've encountered, how much traction control has had to be used, and how much it affected your acceleration? I'm guessing it's not quite as severe as in the previous TL because these wheels are larger (esp if you get 18 inches) and thus heavier, the chassis is shorter and lower, and the front/rear weight distribution is better, but what did you experience?
1st Gear
hp measurements varies on the same dyno with the same car.
you're comparing two different dynos and two different cars..............
you're comparing two different dynos and two different cars..............
Advanced
RE: Acceleration question.
I have a 6mt with the summer tire package. When i start from a standstill and accelerate hard, in 1st gear i get some slippage right around 4500RPM (typically). I can feel the traction control kick in. Once i hit 2nd its smooth sailing.
Not sure what you can do to fix this. I think the power output of this TL is pushing the envelope of what a FWD system can achieve (traction wise) in 1st gear (of course.. banning exceedingly large or race tires).
thoughts?
I have a 6mt with the summer tire package. When i start from a standstill and accelerate hard, in 1st gear i get some slippage right around 4500RPM (typically). I can feel the traction control kick in. Once i hit 2nd its smooth sailing.
Not sure what you can do to fix this. I think the power output of this TL is pushing the envelope of what a FWD system can achieve (traction wise) in 1st gear (of course.. banning exceedingly large or race tires).
thoughts?