The thread regarding the development of a cold air intake for the TL caused me to think....

What would your top 3 modifications that could be made to the TL to increase its performance with the least amount of change to the sound and appearance (not everyone wants a car that sounds and looks like a "rice rocket")? After all, for most, it's safe to say the appeal of the TL is it's refined demeanor.

Let's define "performance" as acceleration and "handling"......

 

I used to be involved in the racing scene and have come to the conclusion that the following make the biggest difference in performance (in declining importance):

1. Upgrade the driver. I used to race this guy regularly who put a fortune into his car. We'd dyno our cars and he would consistently have higher pulls than mine. When it came to the track (1/4 and auto-x) I'd spank him regularly. Why? When we checked our timeslips I would constantly be .04-.30 seconds faster than him on reaction time. Get some performance driving lessons under your belt (not by some overgelled head at the stereo shop, but by the likes of Skip Barber or Bondurant).

2. Maintain your car properly. Fouled plugs, soot on the O2 sensor, clogged air filter, or dirty oil will not be improved with a CAI. A modded ECU cannot do its job when the air mass meter is wrapped in crud. On a similar vein, if you modify your car, do a competent job. I knew this kid who showed up once bragging about his 50 shot nitrous he just installed in his Golf 1.8t. And yet he got spanked by a stock version of the same car. Why? This idiot cut a hole in the rubber hose to his intercooler so he could jam in the NOS fogger.

3. Tires. You cannot accelerate if your car cannot hook up with the road. You cannot brake if your tires are sliding. You cannot turn if you have no grip. How many folks do we all know with expensive rims and then don't have enough money to buy decent tires? Stock, we all know TLs will break the all seasons loose. Adding more power in this situation without addressing the traction issue is useless. (PS. If you think 'traction control' addresses this, I can't help you).

Those with autoboxes need not apply.

 

My choices??

1. Modified ECU (who knows when one will be developed.....)
2. CAI - at least a 10 HP boost
3. High performance tires - TLOBLLC makes a good point....better rubber minus VSA = improved 0-60 times.

None of the above would make a noticeable change in the appearance/sound of the TL.

 

Cold Air I.

Lowered Suspension

H P Tires

 

In the following order

1) Exhaust (not just fart can mufflers, but a real system)

2) Upgraded tires

3) Intake

Just look at the A-Spec which I believe will come standard with 300hp.

 

Engine:

- Forced induction (if develop)

- Higher flow filter.

Handling:

- Lower springs

- Crossdrilled/slotted rotors for 6 speed.

Looks:

- Stock body kit (for now until others develop)

- Spoiler

- 19" 8.5 wide rims with HP tires and chrome lip rims with polish or gunmetal or silver center.

 

Trade it for a used Z06.

 

Man, you're right on the money. Z06 will put a grin on your face every time you drive it.

However, giving the fact that C6s are coming, you should go for a new one, like I did back in '02.

Tested the Z06 against the TL and, well..., it was like shooting eggs with a cannon.

G.

 

The Z06 is a fine ride but why not own a KOTH ZR-1 and really rock

 

Ok, so how did this thread turn into a discussion of Z03s?

I'll bump, since many may not have logged on during the weekend.

 

The KOTH ZR-1 is a fine ride too, but why not own a LPE-C5 with 7.0 liter TwinTurbo with 1000+ hp that runs a quarter mile in 8.98 @156 mph and really REALLY ROCK?

G.

 

To that, I can only say

 

LPE all the way!

 

Sounds good to me

Now all you have to do is find me one that I can afford.

 

If the previous TL/CL is any indication: headers should prove to be a great source of improvements.

It would be nice to see that the combo of headers and CAI can make 20whp...

 

I would think that you could get 20 out of that combo, but the rest of the exhaust should be as free flowing as possible.

 

The top 3 performance enhancers are:
1-Viagra
2-Levitra
3-Cialis

At least these are the 3 most Z06 users prefer. Most TL owners don't require these additives!!!!!

 

haha

 

in my view
1. intake
2.exhaust
3.NEW TIRES

 

LOL. yeah, I hear you. I wasn't saying that it was cheap to afford one, I was just just saying is that it was a cool ride too.



G.