tmoffat04

I have a 2004 Acura TL, I'm wanting to give it a little more power... Best bang for my buck one could say. So I was thinking simple things; Cold Air Intake, exhaust and maybe J-pipe. Then my friend brought the idea of forged internals.. Thoughts/experience. I'm not looking for anything crazy.

polish_pat

I remember speaking to a knowledgeable member about this a few months ago. He said the TL has an intake system that leaves the car wanting for more. I'm not sure I'm repeating what he said correctly but i think it's related to negative pressure in the intake manifold, as in when you suck out the air from a water bottle and open it, air rushes in. He said this state of negative pressure is constant and installing a cold air/short ram intake allows the engine to intake as much air as it needs. More air in = bigger combustion = more power. Also changing exhaust to allow more gasses to exit gives the same result. So im sure you'll gain some power, the real question is, was it worth the money? Curious to see dyno readings before and after those mods

KN_TL

iTrader: (3)

There are lots of threads on the gains with bolt on's. In the end, the dollar per horsepower ratio is very high.

One member went to the very extreme on just bolt on's and was extremely disappointed based on the money spent.

Forged internals by itself buy's you nothing in HP unless you are raising compression, which again is a high dollar, low hp solution.

Real horsepower is very expensive and time consuming on this platform.

I started out like you, nothing crazy. But was very disappointed in the first few mods. I am WAY into the craziness now.

ExcelerateRep

As KN_TL mentioned, forged internals won't net you any real gains unless you increased compression. The only way to drastically increase compression on this platform would be a turbo or supercharger, which isn't a cheap route to go.

A great horsepower to $ item would be our V2 J-Pipe. We offer it for $475 and it dynoed a 20hp/30tq gain on a 07 TL-S. It's also made from T304 stainless steel and is mandrel bent and TIG welded for great fitment and performance!
XLR8 J-Pipe - Excelerate Performance - Japanese and European Performance Specialists!!

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

forged internals are usually done to BEEF them up, in preparation of throwing lots of horsepower at it.

it doesnt add power, unless like KNTL stated, you raise compression


sounds like you need to learn a little more about engines and how they work. which there is nothing wrong with that

polish_pat

Would you know the gain on a 3.2L engine? I don't think it would be much less as the difference between a TL and TL-S is not as big as other vehicles with a "Premium" version.

tmoffat04

Well I knew it didn't sound right. When forged internals are mentioned with turbo'd cars. That's why I was asking.

tmoffat04

What have you done?

polish_pat

You mean low? As in Put a lot of money for little gain or put on a lot of money for a lot of gain?

KN_TL

iTrader: (3)

Started with CAI and exhaust....

another exhaust
another exhaust

Went with a J&R Turbo kit
Battery relocate to trunk
AEM boost controller and wideband A/F gauges
MS3 engine management
Tilton twin disc clutch
Tein SS w/EDFC
Progress rear swaybar
Type S front swaybar
new 2008 type s MT ECU and Hondata Flashpro
A Spec wheels and tires
ANOTHER exhaust

Then cracked ring lands. Wicked blowby issues.

Forged pistons, rods and new oem bearings
ID1000 injectors
Full return fuel system
Type S heads and cams

There are so many little things in chemicals, gaskets, orings, tools, etc.

Mega hours making measurements, making mistakes, buying because of mistakes. It is a learning activity for me. The money I spent on mistakes would have gone to a shop if I had someone else do it.

In the end, no regrets. To anyone attempting anything like this....it's a huge expensive venture. Little information available and many times the information is plain wrong.

ExcelerateRep

Like you said, gains should be similar although we've never dynoed the difference on the 3.2. Your butt dyno will feel the difference, and the nice growl is an added plus.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I'd pass on a built motor to get you started; lol that is the definition of "crazy" mod when you just need some bolt-ons.. The Intake/J-pipe/Cat-back is a great way to get going. Then you have a billet pulley, and intake manifold spacer.

Let me know if you need some advice on these items. We've done some of the most extensive j-pipe testing on these forums.

Marcus
949-295-1668