1k review of A-Spec suspension.....
04-20-2005, 10:29 AM
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1k review of A-Spec suspension.....
1k review of A-Spec suspension.....
I’ve had my ’04 TL 6mt since last July and had just over 10,000 miles with the stock suspension. Installed an A-Spec suspension ( ebay $600, dealer installed $ 400 ) and just finished driving another 1000 miles. I’m still on the original EL-42’s, but I haven’t had any real issues with them so far. I haven’t installed the CT rear sway bar yet, so that will be the next review.
A-Spec Review ….first, this suspension should be standard on the 6mt right from Acura. The biggest difference is how well the suspension limits the body movements. Not just cornering but the movements during braking and accelerating. The stock suspension used to raise the front end significantly during acceleration and dove downward with moderate braking. This is totally eliminated with the A-Spec suspension. In regards to handling, the car is definitely more stable and flat during cornering. It kinda just takes a set and tracks well, even with a mid-corner bump. I have a freeway on ramp ( downhill RH turn ) I take every morning, posted 30mph but it’s a double. It’s got a frost heave halfway through the turn. It used to totally kick the car out wide with the stock suspension. With the a-spec suspension, it just takes the bump and acknowledges it. The ride really hasn’t deteriorated at all and obviously it looks better being lowered.
In hindsight I really wish I’d installed the suspension right after purchase. I’ve always enjoyed the car, but the handling was always a little “floaty” for my taste. It now has that Germanic feel that most Japanese cars are missing.
Highly recommended………………..
I’ve had my ’04 TL 6mt since last July and had just over 10,000 miles with the stock suspension. Installed an A-Spec suspension ( ebay $600, dealer installed $ 400 ) and just finished driving another 1000 miles. I’m still on the original EL-42’s, but I haven’t had any real issues with them so far. I haven’t installed the CT rear sway bar yet, so that will be the next review.
A-Spec Review ….first, this suspension should be standard on the 6mt right from Acura. The biggest difference is how well the suspension limits the body movements. Not just cornering but the movements during braking and accelerating. The stock suspension used to raise the front end significantly during acceleration and dove downward with moderate braking. This is totally eliminated with the A-Spec suspension. In regards to handling, the car is definitely more stable and flat during cornering. It kinda just takes a set and tracks well, even with a mid-corner bump. I have a freeway on ramp ( downhill RH turn ) I take every morning, posted 30mph but it’s a double. It’s got a frost heave halfway through the turn. It used to totally kick the car out wide with the stock suspension. With the a-spec suspension, it just takes the bump and acknowledges it. The ride really hasn’t deteriorated at all and obviously it looks better being lowered.
In hindsight I really wish I’d installed the suspension right after purchase. I’ve always enjoyed the car, but the handling was always a little “floaty” for my taste. It now has that Germanic feel that most Japanese cars are missing.
Highly recommended………………..
04-20-2005, 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by ZQQM
1k review of A-Spec suspension.....
I’ve had my ’04 TL 6mt since last July and had just over 10,000 miles with the stock suspension. Installed an A-Spec suspension ( ebay $600, dealer installed $ 400 ) and just finished driving another 1000 miles. I’m still on the original EL-42’s, but I haven’t had any real issues with them so far. I haven’t installed the CT rear sway bar yet, so that will be the next review.
A-Spec Review ….first, this suspension should be standard on the 6mt right from Acura. The biggest difference is how well the suspension limits the body movements. Not just cornering but the movements during braking and accelerating. The stock suspension used to raise the front end significantly during acceleration and dove downward with moderate braking. This is totally eliminated with the A-Spec suspension. In regards to handling, the car is definitely more stable and flat during cornering. It kinda just takes a set and tracks well, even with a mid-corner bump. I have a freeway on ramp ( downhill RH turn ) I take every morning, posted 30mph but it’s a double. It’s got a frost heave halfway through the turn. It used to totally kick the car out wide with the stock suspension. With the a-spec suspension, it just takes the bump and acknowledges it. The ride really hasn’t deteriorated at all and obviously it looks better being lowered.
In hindsight I really wish I’d installed the suspension right after purchase. I’ve always enjoyed the car, but the handling was always a little “floaty” for my taste. It now has that Germanic feel that most Japanese cars are missing.
Highly recommended………………..
I’ve had my ’04 TL 6mt since last July and had just over 10,000 miles with the stock suspension. Installed an A-Spec suspension ( ebay $600, dealer installed $ 400 ) and just finished driving another 1000 miles. I’m still on the original EL-42’s, but I haven’t had any real issues with them so far. I haven’t installed the CT rear sway bar yet, so that will be the next review.
A-Spec Review ….first, this suspension should be standard on the 6mt right from Acura. The biggest difference is how well the suspension limits the body movements. Not just cornering but the movements during braking and accelerating. The stock suspension used to raise the front end significantly during acceleration and dove downward with moderate braking. This is totally eliminated with the A-Spec suspension. In regards to handling, the car is definitely more stable and flat during cornering. It kinda just takes a set and tracks well, even with a mid-corner bump. I have a freeway on ramp ( downhill RH turn ) I take every morning, posted 30mph but it’s a double. It’s got a frost heave halfway through the turn. It used to totally kick the car out wide with the stock suspension. With the a-spec suspension, it just takes the bump and acknowledges it. The ride really hasn’t deteriorated at all and obviously it looks better being lowered.
In hindsight I really wish I’d installed the suspension right after purchase. I’ve always enjoyed the car, but the handling was always a little “floaty” for my taste. It now has that Germanic feel that most Japanese cars are missing.
Highly recommended………………..
Did you measure how much drop you got? I still have the suspension sitting un-opened in my garage...
I can't decide whether to install it because I don't really want to lower the car. I feel kind of low already.
If the suspension didn't lower the car at all, I'd have it on already...
04-20-2005, 12:42 PM
#5
I just installed my A-spec suspension yesterday, and my 100 mile review is pretty much right on par w/ yours ... my review is in the forum. It's a fabulous mod .. and you're right .. this should be an optional suspension w/ or w/o the A-spec cosmetics.. it was truly designed for this 3G TL to perfection (or as close as you can get w/ FWD). The handling is BMW-esque .. of course, nothing close to the true handling of RWD... but you get my drift .. a huge improvement over the stock suspension.
04-20-2005, 01:36 PM
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I didn't take any offical measurements before and after. Its probably somewhere between 1/2" to 3/4" of a drop, very minor drop. Looks right.....
I could feel a slight lowering of the center of gravity the day I picked it up.
I could feel a slight lowering of the center of gravity the day I picked it up.
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04-20-2005, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by EMF213
Did you measure how much drop you got? I still have the suspension sitting un-opened in my garage...
I can't decide whether to install it because I don't really want to lower the car. I feel kind of low already.
If the suspension didn't lower the car at all, I'd have it on already...
I can't decide whether to install it because I don't really want to lower the car. I feel kind of low already.
If the suspension didn't lower the car at all, I'd have it on already...
I'll buy it off you if you're not gonna use it!
04-20-2005, 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ZQQM
I didn't take any offical measurements before and after. Its probably somewhere between 1/2" to 3/4" of a drop, very minor drop. Looks right.....
I could feel a slight lowering of the center of gravity the day I picked it up.
I could feel a slight lowering of the center of gravity the day I picked it up.
04-20-2005, 11:20 PM
#13
EMF ... trust me on this ... when I put on the Comptech springs on my TL-S .. I was horrified at how low it dropped the car.. and that was only about 1" ... this drop ... i actually thought that I replaced my stock springs for another set of stock springs ... b/c I didn't even notice a drop. I'm very finicky about stuff like that b/c i don't want a ricey looking TL. i was a very OEM looking TL .. you'll be very satisfied w/ the drop (a virtually non-existant one).
04-20-2005, 11:59 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
ZQQM,
Excellent review. I did 1/2 and install due to weather issues and love the improved ride and handling. You are right on with your write up. This car feels downright German as PeterUbers alluded to with this upgrade.
dsc888
Excellent review. I did 1/2 and install due to weather issues and love the improved ride and handling. You are right on with your write up. This car feels downright German as PeterUbers alluded to with this upgrade.
dsc888
04-21-2005, 12:03 AM
#15
dsc .. it's funny you mention that .. I was just telling my friend (drives a C55 AMG Benz) that my TL now "feels" as taut and german as his '55. Clearly it can't outhandle the benz, but it certainly feels as firm and poised on the highway now as his C55.
04-21-2005, 12:48 AM
#16
Burning Brakes
PeterUbers,
The ride still astonishes me. Like you said, the TL just "acknowledges" the irregular pavement and only transmits the sound of the unevenness instead of the rolling and bobbing sensations I used to get from the stock setup. The ride is almost Bimmerish. Comfortable going straight but taut on corners. Who the heck tuned the OEM suspension anyway?
The C55 is definitely one to behold. It's got that "you've made it" feeling written all over it. But I simply think of all the $$$ you saved by getting the TL and call it a day. Hey, aren't you saving up for that Comptech Supercharger
? Might there be automotive performance parity between you and your friend there? Keep us posted!
dsc888
The ride still astonishes me. Like you said, the TL just "acknowledges" the irregular pavement and only transmits the sound of the unevenness instead of the rolling and bobbing sensations I used to get from the stock setup. The ride is almost Bimmerish. Comfortable going straight but taut on corners. Who the heck tuned the OEM suspension anyway?
The C55 is definitely one to behold. It's got that "you've made it" feeling written all over it. But I simply think of all the $$$ you saved by getting the TL and call it a day. Hey, aren't you saving up for that Comptech Supercharger
? Might there be automotive performance parity between you and your friend there? Keep us posted!dsc888
04-21-2005, 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by EMF213
What's a shame is that as customers, we can't actually see an A-Spec car at dealerships. If I could park an A-Spec next to a non-A-Spec and see them both in person, I'd be able to decide if it's what I want.
04-21-2005, 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by PeterUbers
EMF ... trust me on this ... when I put on the Comptech springs on my TL-S .. I was horrified at how low it dropped the car.. and that was only about 1" ... this drop ... i actually thought that I replaced my stock springs for another set of stock springs ... b/c I didn't even notice a drop. I'm very finicky about stuff like that b/c i don't want a ricey looking TL. i was a very OEM looking TL .. you'll be very satisfied w/ the drop (a virtually non-existant one).
Ok, thanks Peter for the reassurance. I'm getting closer to the install with every glowing post I read.
Like you, I also don't want a "ricey" looking TL. In fact, I wasn't even sure I wanted the body kit because I was nervous the car would look "pimped!" lol..... However, I now love the body kit!!
As soon as I can decide which 18" wheels to get (I know...I'm all over the place), I will do those. But Acura only for me.....I'd never consider aftermarket. Nothing against others, just not my taste.
04-21-2005, 10:29 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by EMF213
But Acura only for me.....I'd never consider aftermarket. Nothing against others, just not my taste.
dsc888
04-22-2005, 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by dsc888
Also bear in mind that the factory kit was actually wind tunnel tested! It drops Cd from 0.28 to 0.27 which translates to inproved fuel economy at freeway speeds and improved downforce due to it creating a high pressure area below the car....or is that low pressure area? Plus the lowered ride height from the A-spec suspension should in theory help with stability even further.
dsc888
dsc888
NICE!!
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