TL owner since this july. Best car i've owned yet (been with toyota for the last 8 years...BORING!!!). I know that is has its limits in terms of performance vs. a TLS AT or 6MT.

Besides, by buying this car, I intend to past it on to wifey after 2-3 years.

This is a simple question so I intend to have simple answers from you guys. Thanks in advance.

 

I don't think it's that simple of a question. It depends what you like. I can't leave anything stock. The TL is not as responsive to aftermarket performance mods as a lot of other cars. I still choose to modify, but if it's "worth it" is really a question that is relative to the person asking it...

 

I have an 05 AT and I'm modding it

 

damn, i have an 04 AT and i am deffinately modding it.

 

Check this thread that i posted a little earlier, maybe it'll help you out.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/performance-difference-between-stock-tl-s-fully-modded-one-683826/

 

07 type s auto... modded up the ying yang here

 

Not worth it IMO. You spend $2,000 for a couple tenths of a second drop in 1/4 times. What's the point? I did a couple free mods like CAI (kept the resonator so it's quiet) and 3rd cat delete (free) but that's it. You're still going to get beat by a stock manual transmission Accord.

 

... might aswell throw in a supercharger

 

I would at least throw in a rear sway bar. It's cheap and you notice the difference.

 

it is WAY worth it too me!!! my car sounds better, reacts faster, and definitely feels faster. they are not huge gains, but they all make a difference. are they $$$...yes, would i do them all again...YES!

 

I have an 04 TL Auto and no regrets with any of my mods. After modding...makes driving so much more fun and I do notice the performance enhancement with even the simple bolt ons. Heck after just 5months buying brand new, I threw in my first mod which was TIEN Coilovers and have not stop from there!!

Happy modding!!!

 

Yes.

 

I would say its worth it if you have the money and the time to do all of the work.

 

That is a VERY subjective question you are asking. Is it worth it?

That being said....

IMO...it depends on what you are talking about and what you plan to accomplish. The mods you do and performance gained for the dollar spent is not the best scenario out there in comparison to many other options. While I race my TL with the SCCA.....dont listen to all the kids here that think the TL is a race car. Its not and will never be without a FORTUNE spent on it and then its still negligable. Can I hang with the Subies, ect out on course....sure...but they just spent WAY less to accomplish the same result.

That being said...I just pulled into first place in the Indy Region SCCA's autocross program in Street Mod class this weekend in our points series. To accomplish this....I have well over $50,000 invested in the car if that tells you any thing. Is it worth it...I repeat.....its too subjective of a question. IMO.....depends on what you plan to accomplish and do with the car.

 

Congrats on first place and in an auto too!

Are you running just an A-spec suspension and bigger rear bar only?

 

Ok...I think my mind is made up here, especially with what MichaelBenz wrote. I can't see myself spending all that money for a car. 50 grand...
And my goal is not to have a race car neither a street car. I'd rather get me a TLS 6 MT after paying off this one.

I'll might do some little mods like a rear sway bar, nice rims, CAI, boosting up the audio.

Thanks for your advices!

 

Yep! Thats pretty much it! And thanks....I have worked pretty hard this season to accomplish first place. Hopefully I can hang onto it now for the remainder of the season. Would love to bring in a first in Street Mod to represent for us TL'ers! Dont think anybody has done this before.

 

And I would say the mods you are contemplating are a good investment and should make it a more fun experience. Its when you get too far out when you run into issues that cost big bux to remedy in these cars. Exhaust...suspension....CAI.....pulley....all highly recommended by myself and fairly cheap investment in fun at the same time.

 

Oh another MTRL TLer.
The things you stated.. are definetely worth it. Go for it, since if you plan to get a new car down the line... you can still enjoy the TL if you even choose to drive it.
I only have a p2r TB S+G and AEM CAI. I chopped up the mid-grill and currently looking forward to mod other things.

 

well IMO hellz yea!!!!... wouldnt u like girls lookin at ur whip when u at the club? then do it!!! lol... start off with tints, then drop+rear sway bar, then rims etc....

 

Well reading all of these posts and the OPz posts. I think I know what he meant to say. He meant to say is it worth modding up my car if im going to keep it for only a feww more years.

IMO it defenitly is worth it. But in your case it seems like you dont want to be spending alot of money. So you should go with some inexpensive mods. TINTS, CAI(AEM, Injen or Fujita), Rear Sway Bar for starters. I mean those three mods alone are inexpensive and will make your car sound/look better. So afterwards you just may enjoy those mods so much you will want to spend some more money and go for the exhaust and rims. Happy Modding!!

 

go for it! hang a fuzzy dice on your rearview mirror if you'd like. it's your car and have fun with it. be safe while you're at it.

 

hey M,
could you tell me more about your"Custom Fab'd CAI"

 

^ Its for his CT supercharger...

 

erics TL is a 04 AT
and i believe you could say its modded
just a little bit tho maybe