New TL owner...looking to add performance HELP!!
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
New TL owner...looking to add performance HELP!!
hey guys I've had my tl for a couple months and im new to the acurazine community too. I want to add performance to my 2007 TL but I don't know where to start! money is a factor 6-7hundred...ive heard the AEM cold air intake is a good option but i don't understand what the benefits of it would be
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 54
From: Victoria, BC
hey guys I've had my tl for a couple months and im new to the acurazine community too. I want to add performance to my 2007 TL but I don't know where to start! money is a factor 6-7hundred...ive heard the AEM cold air intake is a good option but i don't understand what the benefits of it would be
Don't even bother with an intake to begin with. One of the worst mods as far as $$$/performance ratio with the TL. I'd recommend an intake eventually, but if you have $600-$700 I'd recommend the RV6 jpipe and HFPC's or PCD's. Both together would be a little over $700 but well worth it. HFPC's are a bit more expensive but better than the PCD's in my opinion since I'm a bit of a hippy and think going with no catalytic converters isn't environmentally responsible. That, and you're very likely to fail emissions with no cats.
Do more research, but these are your best mods for the buck when considering performance gains for the money. The TL already has a relatively efficient intake. But it's exhaust is poorly designed and contains a lot of restriction.
http://rv6-performance.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=66
http://rv6-performance.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=66
Do more research, but these are your best mods for the buck when considering performance gains for the money. The TL already has a relatively efficient intake. But it's exhaust is poorly designed and contains a lot of restriction.
http://rv6-performance.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=66
http://rv6-performance.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=66
Suzuka Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,071
Likes: 596
From: San Diego, CA
Actually the cold air intake is one of the worst $/HP mods, its primarily all sound. 6-700 dollars is not much for this car. I would say j-pipe and cat deletes if you can run them. Or high flow cats if you can afford them. I know your after HP but honestly the best way to spend that amount of money and to improve performance would be stiffer rear sway bar and some good tires.
^^ Ha ha you beat me by 2 minutes!
^^ Ha ha you beat me by 2 minutes!
Actually the cold air intake is one of the worst $/HP mods, its primarily all sound. 6-700 dollars is not much for this car. I would say j-pipe and cat deletes if you can run them. Or high flow cats if you can afford them. I know your after HP but honestly the best way to spend that amount of money and to improve performance would be stiffer rear sway bar and some good tires.
^^ Ha ha you beat me by 2 minutes!
^^ Ha ha you beat me by 2 minutes!
. Hopefully the op takes a hint that if two people say the same thing that he ought to consider it 
another one of these threads? just scroll down and you'll find an answer.
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/performance-bolt-ons-101-what-you-should-know-573705/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/performance-bolt-ons-101-what-you-should-know-573705/
Trending Topics
Where did all the nice posters go? Geez guys, give the guy a break.
RV6 exhaust mods work well for sure. What these people have failed to tell you is that you will probably get some unwanted changes in the exhaust note (RASPINESS) if you run these with a sports exhaust down the road.
While there are some negative points on the AEM intake we recommend the AEM V2 for most people looking for a free-flowing intake. We'd like to see some dyno charts proving it doesn't work. Granted it is not going to blow you away, but any good exhaust mod is going to be limited by the amount of air you can suck in.
For unbiased information visit the only one-stop shop on Acurazine. Heeltoeauto.com We have all the straight advice you need to fully mod your car.
Marcus
949-295-1668
RV6 exhaust mods work well for sure. What these people have failed to tell you is that you will probably get some unwanted changes in the exhaust note (RASPINESS) if you run these with a sports exhaust down the road.
While there are some negative points on the AEM intake we recommend the AEM V2 for most people looking for a free-flowing intake. We'd like to see some dyno charts proving it doesn't work. Granted it is not going to blow you away, but any good exhaust mod is going to be limited by the amount of air you can suck in.
For unbiased information visit the only one-stop shop on Acurazine. Heeltoeauto.com We have all the straight advice you need to fully mod your car.
Marcus
949-295-1668
Last edited by MrHeeltoe; Jun 18, 2012 at 04:59 PM.
Series Motor's
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 160
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles
Multiple things you can do, without going all out, and just test to see if you are enjoying the performance peak. It will not be significant but the car has a lot greater more potential then you would believe. First off I would suggest you get a brand name cold air intake, the more custom you make it the better it is; it obviously needs to be at a good location so that there is no restrictions on air at any time. So maybe you should plan that out first, and will probably be the easiest and most difficult thing to do for the changes I have in mind. If all that is even a burden to you, and I would not suggest this, you could buy a stock high flow K&N filter for 2-3HP gain.
Next, Spark Plugs, cheap but will do you wonders on gas and performance. All that saved up money can go to some new mods! If you wish you could even go with true V-Power Racing NGK and get quite a thrill; but there lifespan is far too short.
Next, I would change up the oil, if you probably have not already, if your car is higher milage I would go fully synthetic. The next thing that will give you better performance and save you gas at the same time.
Last, but not least, hit up that 91! You should be using it any way, and no matter how you wish to look at it. You save more gas and get more power. It's just simple laws of physics not one person could change except the man himself.
With just all of these you could feel your car kicking just a little bit more to satisfy your urges, and a little higher top end and top speed, if you set-up the breathing correctly. Not one to talk, but this has been my experience; and the results are fantastic Japanese cars are the Shi. 30 years with Honda!!!
Next, Spark Plugs, cheap but will do you wonders on gas and performance. All that saved up money can go to some new mods! If you wish you could even go with true V-Power Racing NGK and get quite a thrill; but there lifespan is far too short.
Next, I would change up the oil, if you probably have not already, if your car is higher milage I would go fully synthetic. The next thing that will give you better performance and save you gas at the same time.
Last, but not least, hit up that 91! You should be using it any way, and no matter how you wish to look at it. You save more gas and get more power. It's just simple laws of physics not one person could change except the man himself.
With just all of these you could feel your car kicking just a little bit more to satisfy your urges, and a little higher top end and top speed, if you set-up the breathing correctly. Not one to talk, but this has been my experience; and the results are fantastic Japanese cars are the Shi. 30 years with Honda!!!
^ Good advice.
If you want to get a little crazy, consider the TL diet as well. I've dropped about 400lbs. off my car and the difference is amazing, both with acceleration and handling. Some of it has been expensive (wheels @ $1000, lightweight pulley @ $120) but most are totally free. It's a bit of a read but by far the best "mod" I've done. It's amazing what dropping weight from a car will do:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/m-010-putting-tl-diet-update-links-post-1-a-610974/
A lot of performance oriented guys around here have chosen to drop weight in various ways from the TL at a sacrifice of reducing the luxury or even safety of the vehicle. The guy who started it ("Inaccurate" is his user name) has dropped nearly a 1000lbs. from the car and it friggin flys now! It's all a grey area since many of the things you can drop from the car won't have any impact on the appearance. I've gone this route and have chosen only to remove things that aren't visible from the outside of the car or inside the cabin. I frequently have passengers (my kids mostly) so I can't do anything too crazy like removing the back seats
Either way, it's worth a read. Even if you drop 100lbs or so from the car, it's equivilent to several HP gains since it's that much less weight the engine has to drag around.
If you want to get a little crazy, consider the TL diet as well. I've dropped about 400lbs. off my car and the difference is amazing, both with acceleration and handling. Some of it has been expensive (wheels @ $1000, lightweight pulley @ $120) but most are totally free. It's a bit of a read but by far the best "mod" I've done. It's amazing what dropping weight from a car will do:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-112/m-010-putting-tl-diet-update-links-post-1-a-610974/
A lot of performance oriented guys around here have chosen to drop weight in various ways from the TL at a sacrifice of reducing the luxury or even safety of the vehicle. The guy who started it ("Inaccurate" is his user name) has dropped nearly a 1000lbs. from the car and it friggin flys now! It's all a grey area since many of the things you can drop from the car won't have any impact on the appearance. I've gone this route and have chosen only to remove things that aren't visible from the outside of the car or inside the cabin. I frequently have passengers (my kids mostly) so I can't do anything too crazy like removing the back seats
Either way, it's worth a read. Even if you drop 100lbs or so from the car, it's equivilent to several HP gains since it's that much less weight the engine has to drag around.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 8,002
Likes: 3,605
From: Boston
Chapter Leader (San Antonio)
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 437
From: Houston, Texas
Where did all the nice posters go? Geez guys, give the guy a break.
RV6 exhaust mods work well for sure. What these people have failed to tell you is that you will probably get some unwanted changes in the exhaust note (RASPINESS) if you run these with a sports exhaust down the road.
While there are some negative points on the AEM intake we recommend the AEM V2 for most people looking for a free-flowing intake. We'd like to see some dyno charts proving it doesn't work. Granted it is not going to blow you away, but any good exhaust mod is going to be limited by the amount of air you can suck in.
For unbiased information visit the only one-stop shop on Acurazine. Heeltoeauto.com We have all the straight advice you need to fully mod your car.
Marcus
949-295-1668
RV6 exhaust mods work well for sure. What these people have failed to tell you is that you will probably get some unwanted changes in the exhaust note (RASPINESS) if you run these with a sports exhaust down the road.
While there are some negative points on the AEM intake we recommend the AEM V2 for most people looking for a free-flowing intake. We'd like to see some dyno charts proving it doesn't work. Granted it is not going to blow you away, but any good exhaust mod is going to be limited by the amount of air you can suck in.
For unbiased information visit the only one-stop shop on Acurazine. Heeltoeauto.com We have all the straight advice you need to fully mod your car.
Marcus
949-295-1668
^ He's certainly correct on the raspiness though. And many TL owners don't want that on a luxary vehicle. I run the RV6 HFPC's and jpipe and there's definitely a bit of rasp 3k-4.5k 
. The gains are well worth it though, and I don't mind a bit of rasp. The growling reminds me that the car is alive 
. I also have the mid-muffler deleted though. If it were in place still, I'm certain there'd be considerably less rasp.
My CAI on the other hand, added sound and that's about it. I'm not a CAI hater, I just don't think it's worth the couple of hundred bucks unless you're forced induction and require the additional capacity a CAI offers. I hate cars has said it before. The stock intake has more than enough capacity for a naturally aspirated engine. There's almost no restriction except for the resonator. So adding more capacity or flow is like adding a larger gas tank. Increased capacity doesn't add performance unless the original capacity is a bottleneck.
As far as mods that cost $200+, the lightweight UR crank pulley was much more effective than a CAI for me. The CAI is naturally the first mod that we gravitate to because it's easy to install and often makes a difference in other vehicles. The problem is that most of those other vehicles have a crummy intake to begin with. The TL doesn't.
. The gains are well worth it though, and I don't mind a bit of rasp. The growling reminds me that the car is alive . I also have the mid-muffler deleted though. If it were in place still, I'm certain there'd be considerably less rasp. My CAI on the other hand, added sound and that's about it. I'm not a CAI hater, I just don't think it's worth the couple of hundred bucks unless you're forced induction and require the additional capacity a CAI offers. I hate cars has said it before. The stock intake has more than enough capacity for a naturally aspirated engine. There's almost no restriction except for the resonator. So adding more capacity or flow is like adding a larger gas tank. Increased capacity doesn't add performance unless the original capacity is a bottleneck.
As far as mods that cost $200+, the lightweight UR crank pulley was much more effective than a CAI for me. The CAI is naturally the first mod that we gravitate to because it's easy to install and often makes a difference in other vehicles. The problem is that most of those other vehicles have a crummy intake to begin with. The TL doesn't.
Chapter Leader (San Antonio)
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 437
From: Houston, Texas
^ He's certainly correct on the raspiness though. And many TL owners don't want that on a luxary vehicle. I run the RV6 HFPC's and jpipe and there's definitely a bit of rasp 3k-4.5k . The gains are well worth it though, and I don't mind a bit of rasp. The growling reminds me that the car is alive . I also have the mid-muffler deleted though. If it were in place still, I'm certain there'd be considerably less rasp.
My CAI on the other hand, added sound and that's about it. I'm not a CAI hater, I just don't think it's worth the couple of hundred bucks unless you're forced induction and require the additional capacity a CAI offers. I hate cars has said it before. The stock intake has more than enough capacity for a naturally aspirated engine. There's almost no restriction except for the resonator. So adding more capacity or flow is like adding a larger gas tank. Increased capacity doesn't add performance unless the original capacity is a bottleneck.
As far as mods that cost $200+, the lightweight UR crank pulley was much more effective than a CAI for me. The CAI is naturally the first mod that we gravitate to because it's easy to install and often makes a difference in other vehicles. The problem is that most of those other vehicles have a crummy intake to begin with. The TL doesn't.
. The gains are well worth it though, and I don't mind a bit of rasp. The growling reminds me that the car is alive . I also have the mid-muffler deleted though. If it were in place still, I'm certain there'd be considerably less rasp. My CAI on the other hand, added sound and that's about it. I'm not a CAI hater, I just don't think it's worth the couple of hundred bucks unless you're forced induction and require the additional capacity a CAI offers. I hate cars has said it before. The stock intake has more than enough capacity for a naturally aspirated engine. There's almost no restriction except for the resonator. So adding more capacity or flow is like adding a larger gas tank. Increased capacity doesn't add performance unless the original capacity is a bottleneck.
As far as mods that cost $200+, the lightweight UR crank pulley was much more effective than a CAI for me. The CAI is naturally the first mod that we gravitate to because it's easy to install and often makes a difference in other vehicles. The problem is that most of those other vehicles have a crummy intake to begin with. The TL doesn't.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 362
From: O.C. / L.A.
hey guys I've had my tl for a couple months and im new to the acurazine community too. I want to add performance to my 2007 TL but I don't know where to start! money is a factor 6-7hundred...ive heard the AEM cold air intake is a good option but i don't understand what the benefits of it would be
Former Sponsor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 492
From: Chicagoland
Here is a quick RV6 crash course, this is rough draft that will eventually be added to the webpage. You can get more details on the rv6 website www.rv6-p.com
The order of exhaust components.
Heads (engine) > precats > Jpipe > 3rd cat > exhaust
Jpipe+3rd cat delete
The RV6 V3 jpipe is our latest design and has the best low end and mid range gains due to its 2.25" long runner design. It replaces both the factory jpipe and 3rd cat in one piece. No check engine lights are triggered since there are no sensors on the 3rd cat. It is recommended that you get the jpipe before PCDs or HFPCs.
Pros:
Good mid and high range gains
Replaces factory jpipe and 3rd cat in open piece
Bolts up no modifications needed
No obvious place for a 3rd cat.
Cons:
May not pass visual inspection in some states.
Precat Options (Headers*)
There are current 2 RV6 options for a precat replacement. These options are effective because Honda used a very restrictive precat design. They are made with stamped sheet metal to reduce cost and have a small 1.75" outlet.
Precat Deletes
Precat deletes or PCDs replace the factory precats with a straight pipe using smooth flowing castings a 2.25” outlet. Precat deletes include special adapters for the O2 sensors and do not throw a check engine light.
Pros:
Maximum performance gains
Low cost compared HFPCs
Cons:
Raspy exhaust
Exhaust smell
May not pass visual inspection
Requires an extra resonator for rasp free operation
Highflow precats
High flow precats or HFPCs replaces the factory precats with high flow catalytic converters. They offer the best of compromise between performance and daily drivability. They are also paired with our smooth flowing castings 2.25” castings.
Pros:
No rasp with stock exhaust
No exhaust smell
May pass visual inspection
Cons:
More expensive then PCDs
Slightly less power gains compared to PCDs
The order of exhaust components.
Heads (engine) > precats > Jpipe > 3rd cat > exhaust
Jpipe+3rd cat delete
The RV6 V3 jpipe is our latest design and has the best low end and mid range gains due to its 2.25" long runner design. It replaces both the factory jpipe and 3rd cat in one piece. No check engine lights are triggered since there are no sensors on the 3rd cat. It is recommended that you get the jpipe before PCDs or HFPCs.
Pros:
Good mid and high range gains
Replaces factory jpipe and 3rd cat in open piece
Bolts up no modifications needed
No obvious place for a 3rd cat.
Cons:
May not pass visual inspection in some states.
Precat Options (Headers*)
There are current 2 RV6 options for a precat replacement. These options are effective because Honda used a very restrictive precat design. They are made with stamped sheet metal to reduce cost and have a small 1.75" outlet.
Precat Deletes
Precat deletes or PCDs replace the factory precats with a straight pipe using smooth flowing castings a 2.25” outlet. Precat deletes include special adapters for the O2 sensors and do not throw a check engine light.
Pros:
Maximum performance gains
Low cost compared HFPCs
Cons:
Raspy exhaust
Exhaust smell
May not pass visual inspection
Requires an extra resonator for rasp free operation
Highflow precats
High flow precats or HFPCs replaces the factory precats with high flow catalytic converters. They offer the best of compromise between performance and daily drivability. They are also paired with our smooth flowing castings 2.25” castings.
Pros:
No rasp with stock exhaust
No exhaust smell
May pass visual inspection
Cons:
More expensive then PCDs
Slightly less power gains compared to PCDs
Former Sponsor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 492
From: Chicagoland
Please be careful when it comes to having a shop exhaust modify your exhaust. From what I have seen the work usually poorly done and the stock exhaust is destroyed. I get calls all the time from people looking for a stock exhaust.
^ There ya go Richie's stuff is top notch OP. I'd highly recommend it. And as he showed in the blue text, adding a resonator will reduce or eliminate any rasp. I've chosen not to add one since I like the sound. But some people don't.
Although I'm an RV6 fan, there are other options out there as well from ALTP and XLR8. Their products are also good. You'll see similar gains from all of them. I've gone RV6 route since they tend to produce more power on the low RPM band. Since my car is my daily driver, I opted for more low end rather than high end gains. But simply upgrading to any of these jpipes will be a big jump. Then considering PCD's or HFPC's is next. Between the two, you're getting probably the best power/cost ratio available.
But there's no problem with getting a CAI either. I think most of the posters here are just trying to tell you that the CAI isn't the best bang for the buck. Being the TL dieter I am, I'm all about weight loss which the CAI does quite well. The stock intake is considerably heavier than most CAI's. However, you'll shave even more weight with these exhaust mods. The stock components are much heavier than the aftermarket parts. So you get a less restrictive exhaust and weight loss. Best of both worlds yo
Richie's stuff is top notch OP. I'd highly recommend it. And as he showed in the blue text, adding a resonator will reduce or eliminate any rasp. I've chosen not to add one since I like the sound. But some people don't.Although I'm an RV6 fan, there are other options out there as well from ALTP and XLR8. Their products are also good. You'll see similar gains from all of them. I've gone RV6 route since they tend to produce more power on the low RPM band. Since my car is my daily driver, I opted for more low end rather than high end gains. But simply upgrading to any of these jpipes will be a big jump. Then considering PCD's or HFPC's is next. Between the two, you're getting probably the best power/cost ratio available.
But there's no problem with getting a CAI either. I think most of the posters here are just trying to tell you that the CAI isn't the best bang for the buck. Being the TL dieter I am, I'm all about weight loss which the CAI does quite well. The stock intake is considerably heavier than most CAI's. However, you'll shave even more weight with these exhaust mods. The stock components are much heavier than the aftermarket parts. So you get a less restrictive exhaust and weight loss. Best of both worlds yo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MrHeeltoe
1G TSX Tires, Wheels, & Suspension
20
Feb 23, 2023 01:54 PM
soupi
2G TSX Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
14
Nov 15, 2015 11:15 AM
MrHeeltoe
2G TSX Tires, Wheels & Suspension
3
Sep 29, 2015 10:43 PM
MrHeeltoe
3G TL Tires, Wheels & Suspension
0
Sep 28, 2015 05:43 PM