Installed A-spec suspension today -- Review/Install notes/Pics inside
04-20-2005, 12:08 AM
#1
Installed A-spec suspension today -- Review/Install notes/Pics inside
Time to update my sig. one more time, I now have the A-spec suspension. In a word, I love it and wish I did this 25k miles ago.
Install Notes: THanks to Lore, I had a very simple, yet thorough set of instructions from Acura on the install. Tool required were all in my existing arsenal, and thanks to Lore's tip, I did not have to remove the rear deck to get at those rear damper flange bolts -- just used a deep neck socket.
The first thing was to do the front -- I propped the front end on jack stands. Once both ends were up -- removed the wheels and the engine plastic covers. I started on the Left coilover and began removing the stock coilover -- no problem. The hardest part was actually physically maneuvering the stock coilover to get out of the wheel well (same problem -- even more tedious in the rear). Installing the new Aspec suspension up front was rather straightforward, but getting one bolt required me to lube up a couple parts and really use some elbow grease. Other than this, it was very straightforward.
The rear coilovers require you to remove the back seat so that you can get at the rear deck (covers the damper flange nuts for the rear coilovers). All I did was remove the rear seat back and use Lore's suggestion to simply use a deep 2" neck socket on my wrench to loosen/tighten those nuts. With simple maneuvers, you can easily do this and save yourself from removing that rear deck. Getting the stock coilovers out was tedious .. but definitely doable.
Once all four were installed, the set the rear down and first checked for any significant drop -- and there was none. Nothing noticeable at first -- but on second glance, it seems like there might be a 1/2" drop all around.
The drive: At first, I was almost thinking -- did they give me another set of stock coilovers on accident -- b/c the ride feels the same! The cruise down my residential street was super smooth, and the alignment was perfect. Then I got to a right turn and gunned it into the turn -- awesome! The car was much more level through the turn -- no more of that horrendous lean .. and the car definitely felt more neutral. Take-offs were improved a little w/ less rear squat. Road imperfections (potholes, irregularities) were felt a little more -- but as one member once said -- the sound of hitting the road imperfection seemed more "solid" -- it's hard to describe -- it just felt like there was less noise and it was actually taken w/ more poise. Handling on the highway -- through the turns was phenomenally improved ... I felt much more confident taking turns at higher speeds and that floatiness on the highway w/ dips was reduced -- bot not eliminated. Road noise was not increased at all. It should be noted that I have the 18" A-spec rims.
All in all -- it cost me $630.00 to upgrade to the A-spec suspension, and I'm totally satisfied and I'll never go back to stock suspension. I've found a new reason to love my car again.
Install Notes: THanks to Lore, I had a very simple, yet thorough set of instructions from Acura on the install. Tool required were all in my existing arsenal, and thanks to Lore's tip, I did not have to remove the rear deck to get at those rear damper flange bolts -- just used a deep neck socket.
The first thing was to do the front -- I propped the front end on jack stands. Once both ends were up -- removed the wheels and the engine plastic covers. I started on the Left coilover and began removing the stock coilover -- no problem. The hardest part was actually physically maneuvering the stock coilover to get out of the wheel well (same problem -- even more tedious in the rear). Installing the new Aspec suspension up front was rather straightforward, but getting one bolt required me to lube up a couple parts and really use some elbow grease. Other than this, it was very straightforward.
The rear coilovers require you to remove the back seat so that you can get at the rear deck (covers the damper flange nuts for the rear coilovers). All I did was remove the rear seat back and use Lore's suggestion to simply use a deep 2" neck socket on my wrench to loosen/tighten those nuts. With simple maneuvers, you can easily do this and save yourself from removing that rear deck. Getting the stock coilovers out was tedious .. but definitely doable.
Once all four were installed, the set the rear down and first checked for any significant drop -- and there was none. Nothing noticeable at first -- but on second glance, it seems like there might be a 1/2" drop all around.
The drive: At first, I was almost thinking -- did they give me another set of stock coilovers on accident -- b/c the ride feels the same! The cruise down my residential street was super smooth, and the alignment was perfect. Then I got to a right turn and gunned it into the turn -- awesome! The car was much more level through the turn -- no more of that horrendous lean .. and the car definitely felt more neutral. Take-offs were improved a little w/ less rear squat. Road imperfections (potholes, irregularities) were felt a little more -- but as one member once said -- the sound of hitting the road imperfection seemed more "solid" -- it's hard to describe -- it just felt like there was less noise and it was actually taken w/ more poise. Handling on the highway -- through the turns was phenomenally improved ... I felt much more confident taking turns at higher speeds and that floatiness on the highway w/ dips was reduced -- bot not eliminated. Road noise was not increased at all. It should be noted that I have the 18" A-spec rims.
All in all -- it cost me $630.00 to upgrade to the A-spec suspension, and I'm totally satisfied and I'll never go back to stock suspension. I've found a new reason to love my car again.
04-20-2005, 12:24 AM
#2
Moderator Alumnus
You said pics on the title...?
Wow, amazing tasks for you. I prolly won't be able to make this DIY happen. Thanks for that quick review on this improvement.
04-20-2005, 11:50 AM
#3
Racer
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Peter, I know you have lots of pics of your car before the suspension. Would you mind posting similar before and after side shots? As I just posted in another thread, I can't decide whether to install my aspec suspension because I'm not sure I want to lower the car. Thanks.
04-20-2005, 12:38 PM
#6
As you should be able to see... there is hardly a drop to be noticed on the side shots. It's only when you look at the above shots viewing the increased camber angle that you notice more drop. At quick glance, the car does look like there is a slight drop -- but nothing like the Comptech drop or any other aftermarket 3G TL drop I've seen so far in the pics section. It's real subtle, which is what I wanted.
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04-20-2005, 01:55 PM
#9
Been there
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Peter-- what tools did you need aside from the usual sockets / screwdrivers / etc? Anything exotic or unusual? I'm certain I don't have the "tool arsenal" you have!
04-20-2005, 02:12 PM
#10
NOTHING EXOTIC .. i promise. I wouldn't have done it otherwise:
17mm deep and short socket
14 mm deep and short socket
8 mm hex wrench (L-wrench)
Floor jack
two jack stands (as seen in the pics)
bottle of lubricant/penetrating oil
torque wrench
regular wrench
Pipe to give you more leverage for those pesky bolts (to go around wrench handle)
9/16" wrench (for rear stabilizer link bolt)
and literally .. that's it. Just some good ole' fashion elbow grease.
I'd be willing to help anyone in the Chicagoland area.
17mm deep and short socket
14 mm deep and short socket
8 mm hex wrench (L-wrench)
Floor jack
two jack stands (as seen in the pics)
bottle of lubricant/penetrating oil
torque wrench
regular wrench
Pipe to give you more leverage for those pesky bolts (to go around wrench handle)
9/16" wrench (for rear stabilizer link bolt)
and literally .. that's it. Just some good ole' fashion elbow grease.
I'd be willing to help anyone in the Chicagoland area.
04-20-2005, 02:41 PM
#12
Oderint dum metuant.
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I'm guessing you guys (Peter, EMF) got your coilovers on eBay. I checked, and there aren't any out there now. Know of anyone else who has them (the last I checked, the dealer forced you to take the Brembo's, too)?
04-20-2005, 03:05 PM
#14
Thanks Kona
Chill -- Falconi is advertised the springs for $625.00 plus shipping on their ebay page. Lore worked out a deal w/ Scott to get all TL forum members the springs for $600.00 plus shipping. From Vegas, the shipping to Chicago was $30.00 even.
Chill -- Falconi is advertised the springs for $625.00 plus shipping on their ebay page. Lore worked out a deal w/ Scott to get all TL forum members the springs for $600.00 plus shipping. From Vegas, the shipping to Chicago was $30.00 even.
04-20-2005, 03:16 PM
#15
Oderint dum metuant.
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Peter - Thanks for the details! Actually have to do some work before I leave, but I'm going to check into this tomorrow. Thanks again, and your car looks sweet!
04-20-2005, 05:20 PM
#16
2005 WDP TL
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I'm having mine installed Saturday. I feel like I can do it myself but I don't have the time to try or to take a chance on my car being down. My dealer is charging me 300 and giving me a loaner on Saturday.........I hate to spend it but in the Spring RE market I have more money than time.......
04-20-2005, 11:23 PM
#18
I noticed tonight that launching is improved over the OEM suspension .. less squat keeps the car level now and the tires peel out a lot more when i gun it. I love that feeling .. when I gun it ..i just move forward .. no squat backwards (at least not nearly as much as before) ..
Raced a Saab 9-3T Automatic today ... smoked him off the line and pulled about two to three carlengths on him to 80mph
Raced a Saab 9-3T Automatic today ... smoked him off the line and pulled about two to three carlengths on him to 80mph
04-20-2005, 11:54 PM
#22
Burning Brakes
PeterUbers,
Excellent write up and pix. I did 1/2 and install today
due to the heat here in Boston. But even then the difference was very noticable. I agree with you on every bit you wrote about the handling and ride quality...almost NO degradation. Well, I'll get the rears in when I get a chance this or next week. It's going to pour this weekend so it will have to wait.
dsc888
Excellent write up and pix. I did 1/2 and install today
due to the heat here in Boston. But even then the difference was very noticable. I agree with you on every bit you wrote about the handling and ride quality...almost NO degradation. Well, I'll get the rears in when I get a chance this or next week. It's going to pour this weekend so it will have to wait. dsc888
04-21-2005, 10:34 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by PeterUbers
I noticed tonight that launching is improved over the OEM suspension .. less squat keeps the car level now and the tires peel out a lot more when i gun it. I love that feeling .. when I gun it ..i just move forward .. no squat backwards (at least not nearly as much as before) ..
Raced a Saab 9-3T Automatic today ... smoked him off the line and pulled about two to three carlengths on him to 80mph
Raced a Saab 9-3T Automatic today ... smoked him off the line and pulled about two to three carlengths on him to 80mph
Thought it was a manual 9-3??
04-21-2005, 11:28 AM
#25
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Silly question
All these great reviews of both the install and the performance of the ASPEC suspension finally got me to purchase it from ebay. It's getting shipped today. 
Could you tell me how many box(es) were shipped and how big they were? I was wondering what kind of a heads-up I should give my apt complex. Thanks!
Could you tell me how many box(es) were shipped and how big they were? I was wondering what kind of a heads-up I should give my apt complex. Thanks!
04-21-2005, 12:36 PM
#27
I realized that it couldn't have been a manual b/c I beat him -- my car isn't that fast -- so a manual would have a) beat me .. or b) ran right next to me. I did hear him revving at the beginning .. so I dunno for sure. It was still fun as hell.
Had a run in w/ a Jetta GLI today w/ the nice OEM rims, the unidirection tires ... he cut this really hard left turn on a green arrow and I followed suit and i just nailed the turn w/ so much poise .. I just had this huge grin on my face .. $600 well spent.
It makes me realize .. there is soooo much more to the drive than straightline performance... but having both straightline and good handling is the dream.
Had a run in w/ a Jetta GLI today w/ the nice OEM rims, the unidirection tires ... he cut this really hard left turn on a green arrow and I followed suit and i just nailed the turn w/ so much poise .. I just had this huge grin on my face .. $600 well spent.
It makes me realize .. there is soooo much more to the drive than straightline performance... but having both straightline and good handling is the dream.
04-21-2005, 12:40 PM
#28
Diesel .. you will NOT be disappointed... this kit does not feel anything short of awesome. It does NOT increase rattles in your car, it gives the car sooo much better poise.. and it makes general cruising absolutely the same as it felt before.
04-21-2005, 12:45 PM
#29
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ZQQM...Thanks! Just one box and not too big, that's perfect.
PeterUbers...I feel like a kid the night before Christmas. I can't tell you how much I hate the rocking back and forth feeling when aggressively upshifting through the gears, especially the 1-2 shift. I previously had a 2002 TL-S and I'm sure the ASPEC ride quality will be no worse. Thanks!
PeterUbers...I feel like a kid the night before Christmas. I can't tell you how much I hate the rocking back and forth feeling when aggressively upshifting through the gears, especially the 1-2 shift. I previously had a 2002 TL-S and I'm sure the ASPEC ride quality will be no worse. Thanks!
04-21-2005, 02:02 PM
#32
Licking Platters Clean
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The biggest difference is indeed in the onramps and off ramps. With the stock suspension, if you gun it and bring up the revs while in the turn you'll plow, plow plow and if you let off abruptly BAM!!! The ass end wags out uncomfortably to the point where if you were an idiot, you could bring it right around and lose it. THIS BEHAVIOR IS ALMOST ELIMINATED WITH ASPEC. It is incredible how much more controlled the car is post install. If you had to describe the upgrade in a phrase it would have to be "confidence inspiring." Not only will you enjoy the car more, you'll even feel like a better driver. 
04-21-2005, 06:59 PM
#35
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Originally Posted by ZQQM
Box was about 8" high by 12" wide by 36" long ( guesstimate ). It did weight alot thought, maybe 35 lbs.
04-22-2005, 06:18 PM
#37
Asian07RL
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Dumb Questions
Peter, How did you put the car on the jackstand ? Did you use the floor jack to raise the car first and where did you put the floor jack on prior the jack stand?
Thanks
ASIAN TL
Thanks
ASIAN TL
04-22-2005, 07:25 PM
#39
Asian07RL
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Floor jack dumb question.
260HP, thanks.
Does any body has pictures of floor jack on the car besides the rear front and in front of back wheel? sorry folks if this is a wrong place to ask this question.
Does any body has pictures of floor jack on the car besides the rear front and in front of back wheel? sorry folks if this is a wrong place to ask this question.
04-24-2005, 07:21 PM
#40
AsianTL....
Just as 260hp mentioned... you can use the crossframes under the car to use a hydraulic floor jack (standard 3 ton jack) to jack the car.. then place the jack STAND under the suggested jack points per the car owner's manual. I used the same theory w/ the rear.
Just as 260hp mentioned... you can use the crossframes under the car to use a hydraulic floor jack (standard 3 ton jack) to jack the car.. then place the jack STAND under the suggested jack points per the car owner's manual. I used the same theory w/ the rear.