My crazy TL story (the 2004 WDP Type S conversion)
 

Hello everyone!

Can't call myself new to these forums cause i've posted on occasions to sell, buy, and learn.
But I've never got around to posting about my WDP 2004 TL
So her story is long one so I'll be posting frequently to catch everyone up.

She was bought in 2015 with 59,000 Original Miles
I've taken her on trips, and has been nothing but the best. To say this is my dream car is to say the least.
I've always dreamed of owning a 3G TL and now i finally have one.
Two years later and... let's just say I'm falling more in love especially with this Type S conversion.

third owned car (3G being the 4th) was a 2002 TL-S, yeah... what happen there? why no 3G type-S? Well lets just say I got this one for a steal!
$5,800 with no mods, bone stock, and ready to go!

so lets begin.

She was a salvage title car, now i know... WTF?!? but get this.
I did all my research before buying and the guy who was selling it had no idea why it was considered a salvage.
Turns out the owner (young college girl) fell asleep on the wheel and struck a tree on the back and front driver side fenders (How do i know? well I called her from the carfax report :) lol)
But they still drove the car home with no problem. So why the insurance company claimed it total loss, wasn't because the damage (minor/major? you decide)
It was because it was home and not at the scene, so they consider it to be destroyed cause the owners could of did anything to it (understand?) but whatever the case she's a gem.

this was her when the previous owners had her. they also confirmed the mileage when i bought from the auction seller. they even WENT WITH ME to go see if it was the same car, same engine, same parts and all. ALL CONFIRMED!!!! still had the same tire pressure caps she left on :)! Her father was about to buy it again if i hadn't already gave the deposit for it.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...45711fb156.jpgouch!
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e556658a03.jpgmy soul!
so with all that said (more to the story) i bring you to Welcoming the new found LOVE!
Day One: Here she is sitting next to my 02 Type S
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...75fb7c2dc6.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3b08c8265.jpegshe will always be my first love

I sold her with over 200,000 miles and i owned her since 97,000. I still see her cruising around on rare occasions.
but on to my WDP 3G she came to me slightly (slightly meaning major) repaint. More white than Pearl, but still... pearl? whatever.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...018f51770b.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...38b64f6961.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...6256b2f2ef.png

First mod was to remove the ugly tint overlays the previous owner had on the taillights and all side markers.
possibly buy OEM visors, maybe a trunk lip and type s tails?

How is the transmission on it

this VIN has had no recalls. Guess I’m one of the lucky ones too with the 2004

two years later and the shifting is immaculate. No hard pull back no delayed shifting, or jerks

Lucky you! Keep up the trans maintenance by doing fluids and pressure switches and this may last you a while.


I think this is a good move to the 3G Photo Gallery

Looks good. It looks like the side air bag deployed. Did you replace it or just remove it and live with the dash light?

So to this day I still have that hideous light.
Air Bag in every spot was replaced but I guess the guy never reset the code. He was charging me an extra $150 to do it.
I told him "no thanks" and ended up finding a service on eBay for $40 bucks to reset it, but should i take the chance?

So adding to my WDP I decided to buy all three parts first and swap the ugly red side markers/ and taillights to Depo (Type S brand)
Added BNIB OEM visors
and slapped on Depo Taillights (Type S)


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a64548a39c.jpgOoo forgot to mention i also swapped all my iidmtoy LED's from the stock to a nice bright bluish white.


So after ONE month of owning her I won a huge Rap Competition and I decided to move to California, and let her sit for almost 3 months STRAIGHT!

once i returned, I had planned a CROSS COUNTRY TRIP (yeah imagine my fear.. especially not knowing if the car would make it) to move her to the West Coast with me and my lady.
Before i could leave, my compressor went bad :( so i took her to get all electrical work checked out to make sure it wasn't anything else. Guy told me no codes in the engine, in the car, or anywhere else,
only that my Compressor stopped engaging. Can't complain the car at this point had 11 years on it with STOCK PARTS!
Bought a new one and hit the road!


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...28ebc7dd29.jpghola!

Nice.

Not sure on the airbag reset. I removed an airbag once and got the light, but when I put it back the light went off. Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe the dealer would be willing to do it. I'd think it would be as easy as plugging in an OBD2 device and resetting it. But it might be some Acura proprietary thing. :shrug:

So first Stop was St. Augustine, beautiful
second stop was New Orleans, so inspirational
third stop was Houston, never again lol
fourth stop was Albuquerque, New Mexico, surprisingly awesome
fifth Meteor site in Arizona, must go back
sixth Grand Canyon, will return always and forever
seventh Hoover Dam, ehhh naahhhh
eight Las Vegas, mmm if i'm partying, only
last... where i'd live from 2015 to 2017 (my second home) Santa Monica California

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...54ae37420c.jpgsomewhere in New Mexico, with an awesome Sears Cargo roof transporter.

AFTER the trip is when the fun starts for the car.

so after the trip to california, I started slowly modding her up, mainly around the time i was leaving back to Florida.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...8a99f1d36b.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...286e8f52c9.jpgThis was the first day after the trip, when she got washed up!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...afd974bcbe.jpgHere she was traveling with me around placerita

Went ahead and bought a Rear Roof Spoiler (HICUSASTORE, $90) and also bought a Roof rack(Thule, so cheap on eBay, $60!!!) for my X-Cargo in case.
Also sold my back DEPO rears, and bought actual Type S side markers (all four for $70).

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...d003a17a2c.jpgStarring over Santa Monica
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...067f52e836.jpgSomewhere in the hills of Griffith

Vasquez Rocks
(Right before i added the Aspec lip and Honda Accord Fog Light Mod)


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...e4095284b0.jpgshe's so purrttyyy

Then i decided to black out my stock lights and in the same day do all Motor Mounts on the car.
It was such a long process due to me doing it all by myself but it took roughly the whole day and then some to finish it completely.

cue the Buuuurrssss

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...5d5f67e3a0.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...7fd487b118.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a9764ee85e.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...72b596e902.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...c9134dbfb7.jpg

before driving back from California, i started buying more parts
Did the Accord Fog Light mod with independent switch
after that a week later I Found an a-spec base front lip on eBay brand new for $170
Also reached out to David from HeelToeAutomotive and locally picked up some A-Spec Side Skirts and Type S Rear A-spec before heading back Home.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...a04519c826.jpg

Here was my motor mounts after replacing them with a whole set of new ones.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...fdfc1633cf.jpg

So after the lovely installs of the motor mounts, I had also finished my front lip attachment also.

Around the same time i decided to order a Type S rear A-Spec lip considering that i also bought a Type-S Straight Pipe'd Exhaust when i went back home to visit during my Birthday Week.

So again i was back in the garage putting in more work.
This was a fairly straight forward job considering I only had to cut my stock bumper (which i didn't care for).
Took me roughly a few hours, due to lack of a cutting wheel and extension cord.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...342db2083c.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...c8fc26d56f.jpgSO CLEANNNNNNN!!!!!! Thanks Heel Toe


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...d19af37d5e.jpgMade my little custom diffuser with Gutter Guard.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...2c171e1763.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...06b2c9d478.jpgStarting with the outer first
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...f5a74d6838.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...08d240f8e0.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b47c4d457b.jpgYuck! Stock exhaust has to GO!

Front Aspec lip pics and fog mod with Type S Rear install photos!!!
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...1adb5b23c4.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...f2c26ad083.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...8dcd1c2e28.jpg

Once I decided to move from California back to Florida, the love really started on adding on more MODS and additions to complete the TYPE S CONVERSION

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...7f14bcc6fa.jpgSomewhere in Utah
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...2f01c34ac9.jpgZion National Park!!!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...6113a66233.jpgTexas Dallas Sittin

Lol. Were you a little worried about rock chips?

Nice progress on your car

Lol more worried for the new lip I had just added. The first trip to California from Florida was done with a 3M clear vinyl but that was WAYYY too much!
took the cheaper route and it held up perfectly.

Thanks man! loads of more updates posting soon.

Also forgot to mention I added my A-Spec Side Skirts upon leaving
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b05a0f4e72.jpgTHANKS AGAIN @HeelToeAuto
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...893c66ba81.jpgSide skirts added, sitting at stock height
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...19828058f1.jpgCouldn't wait to add the type s exhaust

Soon as i arrived back home, i added my Tein Coilovers! installed all myself, and torqued down to the specific settings.
Can't give you guys an approximate drop but she's low now.https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...6fb94c9719.jpgTalk about CLEAN!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you @ Quanaman You Really were a huge MVP for this sale.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...d106ca56d5.jpgE-Z P-Z Lemon Fiji?
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3ea5b90fe8.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...7f1fe84b91.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...8f5f338c59.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...4821a8313e.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...9641d1eb04.jpg


About a 4-5 Hour job by myself, can't complain.
Thank you Acurazine for all those DIY's, SO HELPFUL!!!!!

After adding my Tein Coilovers it was time to remove the previous tint that the owner had on before (30, 25%?)
Decided to leave her cleared out (Fishbowl style) for a bit
and add on my Type S Exhaust https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...cae432333e.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...c21c0d8bad.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...17a08861d3.jpgAfter the whole thing was done, I decided to start shopping around for Type S Front Bumpers and Headlights

what a change man. Good Job :thumbsup:

Thank you man! Only a few more changes left till everyone is caught up with where I am now.
:thumbsup:

Just some more random shots before (re)doing my front endhttps://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b6fac0c598.jpgShout out to Vic For selling me those Fogs for dirt cheap! brand new!
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...eed3f068c1.jpgSome Alley shoot before leaving Santa Monica
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...803f430637.jpgAfter installing my Type S Exhaust
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...f673d82221.jpgAfter the Drop was complete
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...20ab953b88.jpgSunset drop in the section 8

nice progress! i take it, next are type s wheels??

You know what? Sadly I still haven't reached out for the Waffles yet.
I've been so stuck on going XXR for so long i skipped over them.
Now i'm compelled to buy Cosmis MR-II's, maybe MB Battles.... Indecisive

So after my lovely construction I decided to add a CAI,
I went with Injen (even though I wanted AEM) and definitely got more noise (maybe HP? lol)

At the same time i started shopping around for Type S front end'shttps://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...7629e60a67.jpgFace off!
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...4d1d19872f.jpgSo you may be wondering wheres my fender liner... well.... s#!t happens

After the CAI, I decided to save up for a type S front bumper
Started by selling my Accord Fog Light Mod, grilles (both center and fogs), and hood trim
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...7c3331a0a5.jpgall grilles gone!!!
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...1d4018bca3.jpg

Sold my A-spec Front Lip, front bumper, grilles, fogs and headlights
After Hurricane Irma had hit, a local seller was junking his Type S
I managed to step in at the last second before the tow truck took it and pull off all the GEMS
that he didn't want to remove himself.
Front Bumper (Type s), Fogs, Headlights (type S), Bluetooth HFL, Hood Trim (chrome), and grilles!!!!
ALL FOR FREE!!!

Hit up Benny from the forums and asked for a Type S A-spec Front as i prepared all parts for installation
in the meantime

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...105531ea90.jpgSuper CLEAN front bumper! and OEM
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...4d22c1231d.jpgHit up a friend of mine to clear the lens up
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3901794ba2.jpgBrand NEW!!!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...47c7d042e1.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...d9de054023.jpgPrepping car with new 6000K bulbs and creating the 7443 Socket to 1157

OH lord those headlights look MUCH better after re-clearing

Yeah! I was blown away by his work.
He spent about a day with them and came back to me with this.
Couldn't be anymore thankful

Free??! Lucky!

Was it Brian by chance?

Tell me about it! I literally was shocked. The car got beat up and he told me that insurance was gonna cover him. When the truck came to take it I asked the guys if I can take anything and they said whatever you can do in 30 minutes do it.

Newdleas to to say I got BUSY

It’s a friend of mine named Joe Marcous in a Boca Raton

So after the custom work on the bulb fitting I got my 7443's to enter the 1157 sockets.
I bought some yellow tint overlay's on eBay for the fogs (running 3000K LED's)
Also attached the a-spec lip tot the bumper

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...54058aa9cd.jpgDriver side
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...d89f3937ce.jpgPassenger side done!
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...55dfe19cb5.jpgAll done!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...004b528e8b.jpgWhat a BEAUTY!!!!!!!!!
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...76c53ad572.jpgMean MUG

that front looks pretty darn flawless actually! wow this is going to look awesome

thank you man! Gonna post some pictures ASAP!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...dec96f17d.jpegTest fitting and bulb checking the type s Headlights
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...219b7d1e6.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...3e1409894.jpegBought 3000K Fogs and 6000K DRL’s
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...86f89d012.jpegDouble checking it all
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...45277d1ad.jpegDid the Independent DRL and compared stock bulbs with the new 6000K