Aspec strut assembly just installed and it is not good
04-16-2011, 11:23 PM
#1
KingKong_Dav
Thread Starter
Aspec strut assembly just installed and it is not good
I had my 07 tls aspec auto strut assembly for 3 days now and just installed it today 4/16/11. it doesn't look lowered and does not handle like track tune shocks as honda america says. I put it in right believe me i know, no noise no knocks but common this aspec strut assembly feel like a o.e strut. it doesnt even look low at all. waste of my money. it feel like normal tls suspension
04-16-2011, 11:42 PM
#2
KingKong_Dav
Thread Starter
Angry TL's owner requesting Aspec strut assembly install pictures
I have a 07 tls and i just got my aspec strut assembly installed today. it doesnt look lower than normal and it doesnt handle any different from normal. is it me or can somebody show me . i know its the sports suspension accessory because it came with a new page to ad to my owners manual saying its a sport suspension
04-17-2011, 12:00 AM
#5
KingKong_Dav
Thread Starter
i only put the front ones on today, didnt have enough time to installed the rears because i was stuck and couldnt figure out how to take off the back seat rest, not the bottom cushion. can anyone help me?
04-17-2011, 12:12 AM
#7
The backseat is SOOOO hard to remove individually. Try to get one of your buddies to help you out, both of you in the car, facing the seat and lift up and pull out.. (remove headrest before)
No offense but to me ASPEC suspension is a waste of money!
No offense but to me ASPEC suspension is a waste of money!
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04-17-2011, 12:27 AM
#10
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-tires-wheels-suspension-97/how-remove-back-seats-put-suspension-3g-garage-f-070-a-567460/ and i think the snaps will break you have to replace them.
04-17-2011, 12:33 AM
#11
Drifting
04-17-2011, 01:01 AM
#16
KingKong_Dav
Thread Starter
40kal, i have the aspec body wrap too. cost me nearly 900 for accessories, should i do this myself or let acura dealer do their magic?
04-17-2011, 01:10 AM
#17
Senior Moderator
I had my 07 tls aspec auto strut assembly for 3 days now and just installed it today 4/16/11. it doesn't look lowered and does not handle like track tune shocks as honda america says. I put it in right believe me i know, no noise no knocks but common this aspec strut assembly feel like a o.e strut. it doesnt even look low at all. waste of my money. it feel like normal tls suspension
When you add the rear shocks/springs the car will drive quite a bit better and level. Add in a Rear Sway Bar and you'll be even happier!
04-17-2011, 08:29 AM
#19
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
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oh please, everyone with your opinions on aspec being a waste (different strokes for different folks). really it is dependent upon what YOU want out of it. ASPEC is not for looks as it is for handling since it was tuned for the car. if you want slammed or a more of a drop than aspec find something else.
back to the OP, the back seat is not all that hard once you've figured it out. is it a PITA, yes, but i was able to tear my backseat out (again) after the initial install of my suspension by myself to recheck the rear upper strut mounts (i had a rattle after i did my install). if you have to, loosen the entire bolt up top by the head rest. during reassembly just thread it in and then put the seatback onto the mounting bolts...tighten.
one other thing....make sure you tighten your endlinks for your sway bars to avoid any obnoxious rattles (been there done that, so did a few others).
as far as your drop...you are only going to get about 3/4" drop, subtle. handling will be so much better. mine didn't change much after the car was lowered from the floor jack, drove around for like 5 min and it dropped about 1/2". did my alignment a couple days after, and the car has pretty much settled out to 3/4".
not sure what you were looking for in the aspec for your car (as all the aspec haters have voiced "there is no drop, what's the point?"), but as far as performance goes...i like it, i like it a lot. the drop, that's a nice bonus, my car is a daily driver, i still want some amount of comfort, with a touch of fun around corners. if you were looking for a bigger drop...well...that's what aftermarket has to offer, if aesthetics is what you were aiming for.
hope the rest of your install went smoothly.
back to the OP, the back seat is not all that hard once you've figured it out. is it a PITA, yes, but i was able to tear my backseat out (again) after the initial install of my suspension by myself to recheck the rear upper strut mounts (i had a rattle after i did my install). if you have to, loosen the entire bolt up top by the head rest. during reassembly just thread it in and then put the seatback onto the mounting bolts...tighten.
one other thing....make sure you tighten your endlinks for your sway bars to avoid any obnoxious rattles (been there done that, so did a few others).
as far as your drop...you are only going to get about 3/4" drop, subtle. handling will be so much better. mine didn't change much after the car was lowered from the floor jack, drove around for like 5 min and it dropped about 1/2". did my alignment a couple days after, and the car has pretty much settled out to 3/4".
not sure what you were looking for in the aspec for your car (as all the aspec haters have voiced "there is no drop, what's the point?"), but as far as performance goes...i like it, i like it a lot. the drop, that's a nice bonus, my car is a daily driver, i still want some amount of comfort, with a touch of fun around corners. if you were looking for a bigger drop...well...that's what aftermarket has to offer, if aesthetics is what you were aiming for.
hope the rest of your install went smoothly.
04-17-2011, 09:24 AM
#22
oh please, everyone with your opinions on aspec being a waste (different strokes for different folks). really it is dependent upon what YOU want out of it. ASPEC is not for looks as it is for handling since it was tuned for the car. if you want slammed or a more of a drop than aspec find something else.
back to the OP, the back seat is not all that hard once you've figured it out. is it a PITA, yes, but i was able to tear my backseat out (again) after the initial install of my suspension by myself to recheck the rear upper strut mounts (i had a rattle after i did my install). if you have to, loosen the entire bolt up top by the head rest. during reassembly just thread it in and then put the seatback onto the mounting bolts...tighten.
one other thing....make sure you tighten your endlinks for your sway bars to avoid any obnoxious rattles (been there done that, so did a few others).
as far as your drop...you are only going to get about 3/4" drop, subtle. handling will be so much better. mine didn't change much after the car was lowered from the floor jack, drove around for like 5 min and it dropped about 1/2". did my alignment a couple days after, and the car has pretty much settled out to 3/4".
not sure what you were looking for in the aspec for your car (as all the aspec haters have voiced "there is no drop, what's the point?"), but as far as performance goes...i like it, i like it a lot. the drop, that's a nice bonus, my car is a daily driver, i still want some amount of comfort, with a touch of fun around corners. if you were looking for a bigger drop...well...that's what aftermarket has to offer, if aesthetics is what you were aiming for.
hope the rest of your install went smoothly.
back to the OP, the back seat is not all that hard once you've figured it out. is it a PITA, yes, but i was able to tear my backseat out (again) after the initial install of my suspension by myself to recheck the rear upper strut mounts (i had a rattle after i did my install). if you have to, loosen the entire bolt up top by the head rest. during reassembly just thread it in and then put the seatback onto the mounting bolts...tighten.
one other thing....make sure you tighten your endlinks for your sway bars to avoid any obnoxious rattles (been there done that, so did a few others).
as far as your drop...you are only going to get about 3/4" drop, subtle. handling will be so much better. mine didn't change much after the car was lowered from the floor jack, drove around for like 5 min and it dropped about 1/2". did my alignment a couple days after, and the car has pretty much settled out to 3/4".
not sure what you were looking for in the aspec for your car (as all the aspec haters have voiced "there is no drop, what's the point?"), but as far as performance goes...i like it, i like it a lot. the drop, that's a nice bonus, my car is a daily driver, i still want some amount of comfort, with a touch of fun around corners. if you were looking for a bigger drop...well...that's what aftermarket has to offer, if aesthetics is what you were aiming for.
hope the rest of your install went smoothly.
the aspec suspension is catered towards performance.
and when the OP said he couldnt feel the difference, DUHHHH, you havent even put the rear ones on yet!
04-17-2011, 09:25 AM
#23
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
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put the rear struts in. of course you're not going to feel much of a difference. gotta do the whole package (suspension). then give your honest opinion. i responded on your other thread as well. the type-s suspension as a whole is much stiffer than anyother base suspensions for the TL. however the aspec will be a touch stiffer with a slightly lowered stance for the car. go hit up some twisties and dips...and you should notice a difference in how the car responds (AFTER you put the rear suspension in). granted i had an 05 base suspension for 50Kmiles...with aspec in for the last 1K miles...night and day in terms of feel and handling. looks...subtle drop. did you measure before and after wheel gap height measurements???
you have not mentioned what you were exactly looking for in swapping the suspension. so it is difficult to understand your shock (excuse the pun) in the minimal drop.
you have not mentioned what you were exactly looking for in swapping the suspension. so it is difficult to understand your shock (excuse the pun) in the minimal drop.
04-17-2011, 09:35 AM
#25
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now now...yes, he is missing half of the suspension set up to really make a full review of the aspec suspension on his car, so dont' be too hard on him. again my question is to the OP, what were you looking to get out of this suspension???
04-17-2011, 12:14 PM
#26
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04-17-2011, 03:16 PM
#27
Team Owner
Half of it installed and I assume no objective tests. I would say to wait to review it until after you're done installing. It makes a big difference in handling and balance. Going by how rough it rides is a poor way to determine performance. By installing just the front you threw the balance toward even more understeer than it came with. Most likely if you tracked it with only the front a-specs installed it would be slower than stock. BTW, the Tl does not use struts.
IMO, the base '04-'06 rides nearly as rough as the TL-S yet the TL-S handles quite a bit better.
IMO, the base '04-'06 rides nearly as rough as the TL-S yet the TL-S handles quite a bit better.
04-17-2011, 08:37 PM
#28
Instructor
It really says "Track Tuned"? Hmm. Also everyone has commented that the drop is at most 3/4". Also since you are going to be working on the rear, get a swaybar. It will make the whole setup feel much better.
04-18-2011, 04:58 PM
#30
OOOOOH
Some will say that the A-Spec suspension is not for looks, but for "handling performance"...... I think owners that went from A-Specs to an adjustable damper coilover setup will maybe have a different viewpoint on the A-Spec's "handling performance". I'm not saying they're bad, I guess it's just all relative. They are certainly a good choice for a very compliant sporty feel I suppose.
But yeah... 3/4".
But yeah... 3/4".
04-18-2011, 04:58 PM
#31
OOOOOH
Some will say that the A-Spec suspension is not for looks, but for "handling performance"...... I think owners that went from A-Specs to an adjustable damper coilover setup will maybe have a different viewpoint on the A-Spec's "handling performance". I'm not saying they're bad, I guess it's just all relative. They are certainly a good choice for a very compliant sporty feel I suppose.
But yeah... 3/4".
But yeah... 3/4".
04-18-2011, 06:46 PM
#34
04-18-2011, 06:57 PM
#36
Senior Moderator
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Your threads have been merged together.
04-18-2011, 09:27 PM
#37
Team Owner
Some will say that the A-Spec suspension is not for looks, but for "handling performance"...... I think owners that went from A-Specs to an adjustable damper coilover setup will maybe have a different viewpoint on the A-Spec's "handling performance". I'm not saying they're bad, I guess it's just all relative. They are certainly a good choice for a very compliant sporty feel I suppose.
But yeah... 3/4".
But yeah... 3/4".
Do you know what to do with the adjustments on the adjustable suspension? Any idea the cons of lowering the car or going too firm on the damping? Any idea the relation between damping on each end and handling traits? Any idea what understeer and oversteer are and the overall balance of the a-spec vs most aftermarket coilovers? Did you know the TL comes factory with "coilovers"? You're not changing geometry and lever arm with "coilovers" on the TL as you would with other cars.
My guess is no to all of the above. "Performance" is based on which suspension is the most harsh and goes the lowest instead of which one actually delivers the best performance. Just slam the car to the ground and crank up the shock firmness and you have a race car lol.
Are you aware that one of our members took 1st place in points for the year in SCCA solo 1 with just a-spec and a 22mm rsb? Sure, there's a little body roll but body roll on a car that goes into negative camber is not the end of the world.
At least try and back the statements up with something rather than just saying a-spec sucks.
04-19-2011, 03:55 PM
#39
OOOOOH
Well, since I was quoted by IHC, I never said A-specs suck.
I will stand behind my belief that the A-specs could still benefit from a stiffer spring rate if they in fact intend on being a "track-tuned" setup. I'm not going to dispute a member's SCCA success with A-Specs, but it doesn't mean that's the ideal track setup.
My answer to your questions would be "yes", but I'm not calling myself an expert and I'm not here to get into a pissing contest. All I was saying is that there have been many owners who had A-specs and changed to a different setup and were happier with the handling and performance of other setup. I'll just leave it at that.
Regardless, OP is crazy for starting this thread barking about how the A-specs aren't any good when he didn't even install the rears yet. C'mon man. Also, if you're going to be buying a new suspension setup, you'd think you would have an idea as to what differences it will make. OP seems like he was expecting a 2" drop.
I will stand behind my belief that the A-specs could still benefit from a stiffer spring rate if they in fact intend on being a "track-tuned" setup. I'm not going to dispute a member's SCCA success with A-Specs, but it doesn't mean that's the ideal track setup.
Do you know what to do with the adjustments on the adjustable suspension? Any idea the cons of lowering the car or going too firm on the damping? Any idea the relation between damping on each end and handling traits? Any idea what understeer and oversteer are and the overall balance of the a-spec vs most aftermarket coilovers? Did you know the TL comes factory with "coilovers"? You're not changing geometry and lever arm with "coilovers" on the TL as you would with other cars.
My guess is no to all of the above.
My guess is no to all of the above.
Regardless, OP is crazy for starting this thread barking about how the A-specs aren't any good when he didn't even install the rears yet. C'mon man. Also, if you're going to be buying a new suspension setup, you'd think you would have an idea as to what differences it will make. OP seems like he was expecting a 2" drop.
04-19-2011, 07:19 PM
#40
KingKong_Dav
Thread Starter
I got the rear struts/coil aspec package in. thanks to 40kal for the rear seat removal link i didnt break my rear seats. I did my alignment too. I adjusted the right rear toe, and left front toe. The main reason why i chose the aspec sport suspension strut assembly is because i had a lot of cupping on my rear tires. long story short, acura's sport suspension is totally worth every dime. mild lowering with super handling. just like acura promise.