My tax return and bonus are finally in so I've been able to put about 2k back towards the Car. I'm wanting to do some upgrades and since I've been 90% convinced not to do the Type-S Rack n Pinion swap I have to decide on something else to do (have to make sure my baby gets the attention she needs).

Disclaimer: Yes I know there is a search function and I will try to find time to use it. I'm taking time out of work to just get this posted. Right now time is at a premium for me as all me free time is being spent fixing up a rental house and getting my parents farm ready for sale (tearing down barns and such). I'm having to do all this by myself so the time required for me to do all the research myself is basically non-existent. If I get flamed for not searching I totally understand and agree but in turn appreciate any an all helpful feedback.

Here is what I'm thinking (all upgrades will most likely be DIY):

AL2JT 2 Ton Jack from Tire Rack
This one is a definite. I like the looks, functionality, and low profile. Marcus's review of it sealed the deal as well. Tire Rack is out of stock and will have to special order or wait for back in stock (ETA 5/1). Overstock.com also has it for $40 more if I'm really desperate.

Brake upgrade
This one is also a must. I'm at about 78K and still on stock pads and in November was at 3mm left. Getting some occaisional squeal and fading and have been waiting for this before upgrading. I'm basically wanting to upgrade to a package that should have come with the A-Spec setup (but not BBK). I'm a spirited commuter and I like to push the car on occasion. Here is what I'm looking at so far (front and rear):I'm leaning toward the Stage 2 package right now. Any thoughts on these setups or any suggestions for other setups?

Other Upgrade(s) I'm trying to decide on:My baby could also use a professional paint detail but that doesn't increase my driving fun.

I'm leaning toward the suspension upgrade. I have the MT A-Spec suspension on my '06 AT and the suspension has around 87K or so (bought it used). Haven't had the opportunity to keep up with all the new stuff so I'm probably missing some good options. My sig has the important changes to my car if you want to know what I've done.

Sorry for posting up about stuff that has already been beaten to death. At the rate I'm going for free time it will probably be June before I can actually properly research this stuff myself.

 

i'd do a happy mix of performance and appearance. best of both worlds. i see from your sig that you already a bunch of stuff.

suspension, jpipe, precats, exhaust, and upgraded brakes sound good to me. although that is all over $2k so...maybe add some cash to the pot.

 

Slap a supercharger in there and call it a day

Just kidding, but seriously, It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to go for looks, then the suspension upgrade as well a nice paint job or just some touchups will be your best bet.

If you are going for performance, then that opens up a whole lot of things you could do.

If your exhaust is already too loud then a j-pipe might not be whats best for you.

 

^jpipe won't make your exhaust louder. it may change the note slightly...but don't hesitate to buy one OP...it's a great product.

 

I'm mostly wanting better handling/performance and if in the process my car looks better than that is a bonus. If I don't like the options going that route or the pricing isn't right then my fall back is cosmetic (bumper) or Audio related.

Good to know the J-pipe shouldn't make the exhaust louder. If I go that route then I'll have 3 J-pipe options to research. As far as the exhaust being to loud, I just would like the drone in the car to be quieter but not a must.

Was hoping someone had some personal/professional feedback on the brakes and/or suspension options too but looks like I may have to sacrifice some sleep to do some digging (wait what sleep).

 

I say isimple for sure, I know thats what im doing next. Then some nice coilovers?

 

Brother, what ever you decide, you've got to get them done before June 12th! Our National Acurazine Meet at Jay Wolfe Acura is probably going to be on that Sunday.


2011 National AcuraZine Meet-Kansas City-June 12, 2011-Details Here!


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if i was in your shoes, i'd do the brake upgrade, then probably upgrade the FSB and CAI to the AEM v2.

 

Steven, April 12???? Don't you mean June 12th? I'm stacked full through April 12 and am going on a dive trip to Cozumel the last week of April. I know at some point in April I'm also going Diving down at table rock to get my Advanced Open water and Nitrox Certifications. Argh, that means that I need to find time to study for those as well. Really hoping you meant June 12th.

Front Sway bar I might do but that does involve dropping the sub frame if I remember right. If my parents still have the cherry picker out at the farm I may be able to do that myself. Wish I had a lift. The Type-S FSB isn't very expensive so definitely an option in addition to the other items. I can go over budget by a few hundred if I have to as I put personal money aside. Also I'm already running the AEM V2 so good to go there.

Maybe moving from the TB throttle body/Intake spacers to just the P2R throttle body spacer might be worth it?

 

I don't have an iPod (nor will I ever get anything Apple) so that integration doesn't matter for me. Did you consider any of the other options or did the isimple meet your needs?

 

isimple? What is this / that?

 

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=isimple

 

lol

 

isimple is cool but i just went the cheap rout and bout the tape to headphone jack. 20 bucks from radioshack.

 

*Bought. lol just noticed this

 

Whats wrong with apple? and I dont have it yet but its most likely going to be the next "mod" if you want to call it that haha.

 

I just picked up an isimple from Amazon (Like New, not New) for $15.

Less money to my door than I'd have paid for Bestbuy's sales tax on it.

http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-Connec...0321210&sr=8-1

Nvm to OP lol, this is for those who are concerned.

 

Howd the install go?

 

Yep...thanks for catching that Buda! I corrected it....



2011 National AcuraZine Meet-Kansas City-June 12, 2011-Details Here!


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I'm not sure if you know this, but where would I find out about meets in PA, more specifically near the Philly/Reading area?

 

I would swap the ATF with Redline Type-F ($40 if you do this yourself), and upgrade the front rotors/pads, and maybe do the J-pipe. The suspension upgrades won't be as significant because you already have an A-spec now. I might even do the Nav upgrade if your car doesn't already have it. LED interior lights are easy, nice, and inexpensive compared to the other options.

 

Here you go RainSupreme!...this is our Regional Forum area. You'll find all the meet information here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/regional-forums-307/

 

Thank you!

 

Good suggestions. Apparently I need to upgrade my sig.

I've already done a 3x3 with Redline (2 to 1 mix) and will be doing another 1x1 soon. Also replace the AT Filter and pressure switches. I have the Nav so am good there and have white LED lights in interior. I have though about doing floor lights though but don't want them very bright.

As for the suspension, it's getting up there in miles (not sure how long they usually last) so that and a bit more of a drop is why I was considering a new suspension.

The J-pipe is definitely being considered still. Is doing the J-Pipe with stock PreCats and Cat still worth it?

As for the Brakes, any specific reason you only specified the front rotors to upgrade? With the one kit I was looking at it is only $135 more to do rear as well. For that price it seems stupid not to do both.

Thanks for your input!

 

My performance mods are: Fujita CAI, lightweight pulley, a rear sway bar, and performance brake pads. The rear sway bar is the most noticible mod I put in.

 

That was mostly a bang for a buck suggestion, my rear rotors are in good shape and the front ones are known to warp. Most of the braking force comes from the front brakes so I personally bought some StopTech slotted rotors from Heal&Toe a while back for my replacements. Doing a matched set of 4 rotors is a nice upgrade too.

I guess the real answer to your original question is how much money you're planning to spend? You got a lot of stuff now and I think there is a law of diminishing returns that will start kicking in at some point. The iPod interface is also nice and I use it more with my new iPhone- kids like the mobile hotspot feature while driving and it stays charged.

 

Hi there, I am here to help answer any questions you have per your email.

I hope this doesn't come off as smart-ass or anything but I am reading your OP and only see one "?".

I am not sure what information you really want from me here that won't sound biased or something. I can't comment on any other brake kits except to say that any other rotor you buy besides a Raicngbrake UP or a higher end DBA you are getting nothing special really. The Racingbrake rotors provide better cooling and longer life than just about anything else from any other brand. The Stoptech kit looks like a great choice and am sure it works great because the parts are quality. But the rotors aren't really designed any better than anything already on your car, and most all the benefit you'll get is in the looks and the pad compound.


You mentioned a choice on the suspension between the Basics, SS, and HT-Spec but give no information at all regarding what you actually want to get out of them. The Basics are a high quality choice for people who are not going to be picky about the drop and the ride. If you are going to want to get pickier about the ride, get the SS. If you want to get more picky about how low you are then get the HT-Spec, and know that those ride really well also at lower heights.


As far as a J-pipe, there are three choices.
ATLP: the one with the best ground clearance which also allows you to stay legal and get max power with a test pipe
XLR8: the one with equal length pipes which also allows you to stay legal and get max power with a test pipe
RV6: the one that has a cat-delete built in

 

Thanks for the Info. Was looking for your feedback on the brakes and suspension choices mostly which is what you provided. Will reply to your email as well.

 

Got delivered today. I'm at school for another 6 hours or so, but I'm going to try to put it in tonight. I'll update when that happens.

Sorry for OT.

 

No worries. I'm actually interested as well. I've decided on the brakes but am wavering on the suspension (may do that next year). I'm looking at other things now. I could care less about ipod integration but other MP3/Phone integration to play music would rock. Especially audio books.

 

The iSimple plugs into the proprietary Apple data/power jack, not the top 3.5mm headphone jack. So, unless you have an Apple product (wouldn't blame you if you don't - I only have an iPhone because it was free), you'd need another integration unit.