3G TL (2004-2008)
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Why does the TL feel so slooooow?

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Old 01-24-2011, 07:17 PM
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Why does the TL feel so slooooow?

Ok guys, I've had my TL for a while now. I have done all the service and maintenance including timing belt, spark plugs, etc. etc. I have not really floored it until today and boy, it does not feel like 270hp... Especially at higher (say 50-60+mph) speeds. It makes quite a bit of noise from the CAI, there is barely any VTEC "kick", and it doesn't push me to the seat. I know these cars are not supercars and I have not driven or ridden in other TLs so I don't know how they should feel like. However, why is the engine so flat up top?!

Is there something I should check out on my car?

Last edited by koolposter; 01-24-2011 at 07:23 PM.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:20 PM
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258 crank not 270
and 210 to the wheels.

vtec doesnt kick.




loose some weight. not you, the car.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:21 PM
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Normally these cars have a very flat torque curve, so there is no sudden push (actually a pull) feeling in your seat.

In other words, no VTEC kick.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:33 PM
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when did you last change your CAI filter?
Old 01-24-2011, 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by leedogg
when did you last change your CAI filter?

2 days ago.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:41 PM
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should reset your ECU.
Click here to read about reseting ECU


and you said it feels flat up top? I dont have an auto but I hear 4th gear sucks bawls.




Click Here to Read about putting the TL on a diet

Last edited by justnspace; 01-24-2011 at 07:43 PM.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:42 PM
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I wondered just like you when my friend floored his TSX and I feel a push feeling in my seat. Compare power TSX and TL . Okay try to stay in neutral until your car completely stop then change to D or S then suddenly floored .
Justin , you should teach me drive stick .
Old 01-24-2011, 07:43 PM
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Couple of things you could try like these guys have said, check your filter, seafoam in gas tank and intake manifold, make sure you're using the best gas you have available, check out Inaccurate's ultimate cooling mod and TL diet threads.

If you've got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, Jpipe and PCD should wake it up.

If all else fails just remember....the TL IS slow! It's a 4 door barge with under 300 hp...
Old 01-24-2011, 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
should reset your ECU.
Click here to read about reseting ECU


and you said it feels flat up top? I dont have an auto but I hear 4th gear sucks bawls.
Yeah I will give it more time for the ECU to adapt.

I think after after 2nd, it sucks...

btw - I had a C350 for a loaner and it *feels" much quicker.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by boyhamdzui
I wondered just like you when my friend floored his TSX and I feel a push feeling in my seat. Compare power TSX and TL . Okay try to stay in neutral until your car completely stop then change to D or S then suddenly floored .
Justin , you should teach me drive stick .
Dont do this.

and i'll teach you but not on my car.....the tl is very tricky to master.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:46 PM
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Here's what you do. Drive a slow automatic n/a 4banger for a few days. Then come back to the TL and you'll love it.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by stvtec
Here's what you do. Drive a slow automatic n/a 4banger for a few days. Then come back to the TL and you'll love it.
ummm.. good idea! Maybe I was just spoiled with hp.
But the C350 has similar 268hp. Or maybe FWD cars just don't do the "push" thing.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
Dont do this.

and i'll teach you but not on my car.....the tl is very tricky to master.
I just want to make something fun . I hope than I can see you in the closest meeting if I can go.
Old 01-24-2011, 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by boyhamdzui
I just want to make something fun . I hope than I can see you in the closest meeting if I can go.
we're having a meet soon.
i'll update you!!!
Old 01-24-2011, 07:56 PM
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The C350 is RWD, so it gives you more immediate power off the line.
Old 01-24-2011, 08:02 PM
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I don't know about "pushed back in my seat", but 2nd and 3rd gears on a long highway on-ramp doing 5-6k RPM and 70mph with my 6MT sure puts a smile on my face.
Old 01-24-2011, 08:04 PM
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OP- you have had your tranny rebuilt recently right?
Old 01-24-2011, 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 6MTrules
I don't know about "pushed back in my seat", but 2nd and 3rd gears on a long highway on-ramp doing 5-6k RPM and 70mph with my 6MT sure puts a smile on my face.
OMG yes I love 3rd gear in my manual it puts me back in my seat for sure
Old 01-24-2011, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by koolposter
ummm.. good idea! Maybe I was just spoiled with hp.
But the C350 has similar 268hp. Or maybe FWD cars just don't do the "push" thing.
Yeah I drove an '03 Elantra for a few years. Really makes me appreciate the TL. Although it doesn't feel as fast as my GVR4 was.
Old 01-24-2011, 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Roger555
OMG yes I love 3rd gear in my manual it puts me back in my seat for sure
I third that. VTEC doesn't necessarily have a "kick" in engagement like the Si's DOHC setup; but man, the noise she purrs out and the sudden rush of that tachometer needle more than does it justice.
Old 01-24-2011, 10:25 PM
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What was the last car you had before you had your TL? I don't think I'd categorize the TL as a "sloooooow" car in general. At all. A slow car is a Toyota Yaris. If you came from an M3, then yes, the TL is slow.
Old 01-24-2011, 10:30 PM
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I bet you is the APP Sensor. I changed mine and it flys now like any other 250hp+ car. I had the same issues for a long time.
Old 01-25-2011, 12:32 AM
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Try turning off your VSA. Button to left of steering wheel on lower dash.
Old 01-25-2011, 02:05 AM
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just sat in my friend's 335 twin turbo.... holy CRAP that thing can move... then went in my tl.. and it felt slow =( not civic slow... but slow
Old 01-25-2011, 02:07 AM
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TL Diet.

You probably had to much junk in your car.
Old 01-25-2011, 07:31 AM
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It's primarily because it has a small engine and not much torque. Torque is what most people equate with horsepower because it is torque that you feel most of the time when driving. As you tip into the throttle and you feel the response in your back when the engine responds, that is a factor of torque.
Old 01-25-2011, 07:38 AM
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I would think most likely its the fact that you are driving a heavy lux car with a smallish engine. The car feels slow to me as well but thats when i drive my 01 civic around for a week (or all winter) and then the TL feels like a beast! Haha. I would say dont do the diet (sorry guys), there are some things you can take out but to strip a lux car... you might as well buy an accord and strip it, At least you would have not paid as much.
Old 01-25-2011, 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Comptechtl2367
I would think most likely its the fact that you are driving a heavy lux car with a smallish engine. The car feels slow to me as well but thats when i drive my 01 civic around for a week (or all winter) and then the TL feels like a beast! Haha. I would say dont do the diet (sorry guys), there are some things you can take out but to strip a lux car... you might as well buy an accord and strip it, At least you would have not paid as much.
thats not the point of the diet.....
the point of the thread is to take out what you can and dont need.

apply the info to your daily life....obviously i'm going to keep the luxury aspects of my car, but there is dead weight that i did get rid of and has made my car more nimble and quicker.


LOL at you taking the diet all the way. hahahahha
Old 01-25-2011, 07:52 AM
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I agree with you, there is no way i would "take the diet all the way" but some of the things in it just seem stupid! I read it and did apply it to my needs which i agree is what everyone needs to do but i feel like there are alot of people on here that think this is the end all and be all of making a TL quick. In the end its still a heavy under powered car.
Old 01-25-2011, 08:17 AM
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My TL feels slow compared to my SC (2jz single turbo swap) ha ha but I think the TL is quick for what it is. I don't have any power mods or plan to, I like it the way it is and have no complaints.
Old 01-25-2011, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
258 crank not 270
and 210 to the wheels.

vtec doesnt kick.




loose some weight. not you, the car.
+1 And I think you're just getting used to driving the car. When I first installed my SC the car felt quick but lately its starting to feel slow again since I'm so used to the power. The mod bug might be calling again real soon.
Old 01-25-2011, 11:47 AM
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Thanks All. I think I'll find someone with a TL to drive/sit in. I probably won't do any mods on the TL as I got it for a DD.

Went wot on a stretch of road back home last night where I often go wot in my SC M5...
Old 01-25-2011, 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by cherplex
My TL feels slow compared to my SC (2jz single turbo swap) ha ha but I think the TL is quick for what it is. I don't have any power mods or plan to, I like it the way it is and have no complaints.
I agree. Even though the engine is rather small (196 cubic inches) and the torque is not very high, it does a remarkable job for what it is and is quite capable for most drivers' needs.
Old 01-25-2011, 11:56 AM
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If you really do have an M5, that's probably why the TL feels slow But what did you expect?
Old 01-25-2011, 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by koolposter
Went wot on a stretch of road back home last night where I often go wot in my SC M5...
Yeah, my G3 is slow compared to my old F-15 too.

And your first post says that you "know these cars are not supercars"...
Old 01-25-2011, 12:07 PM
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lose some weight fatty
Old 01-25-2011, 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Will Y.
Yeah, my G3 is slow compared to my old F-15 too.

And your first post says that you "know these cars are not supercars"...
I am not comparing them...

I have driven C350, 330i, and G35s, which are in the same category as the TL, but just "feels" quicker.
Don't get me wrong, The TL is a great reliable car. That's why I got it and I really love it. I used to have a 1g CL and I still miss it sometimes..

Ok. I don't want this to go out of topic. My intention was to see if there are suggestions for things to check on the TL and also if anyone who owns cars like C350, 330i, and G35s can chime in.

Last edited by koolposter; 01-25-2011 at 12:15 PM.
Old 01-25-2011, 12:11 PM
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what is the definition of compare?
Old 01-25-2011, 12:21 PM
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^ lol

"I am not comparing them, but here is a comparison."
Old 01-25-2011, 12:24 PM
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is the car hesitating? stuttering?
any fuel discrepancies?

its very hard for us tell if your car is running right if you dont give us hard facts and just compare feelings/butt dyno....

Last edited by justnspace; 01-25-2011 at 12:27 PM.


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