EMF213

For those who have it, please vote regarding the ride quality. Also, feel free to explain what else you are running (Wheels, Tires, Swaybar, etc...) and why you voted the way you did. Thanks!

SBTL

04 TL 6MT with A-SPEC package
05 A-SPEC 18 x 8.0 wheels
Falken Azenis ST115 245/40/18 tires

Ride is much quieter and a little softer on the 05 wheels and Falken tires compared with original 04 A-SPEC 18 x 8.5 wheels and the stock Yokahama AVS 100 235/40/18 tires. I've driven the 6MT with and without A-SPEC and IMO, A-SPEC is worth every penny. It minimizes body roll on turns and front end squat on braking. Makes the car feel like a go-kart.

Nodoze2004

The stock TL was way to cushy for me, so I opted for the A-Spec package on my 6MT. I was expecting the ride to be signifncantly more firm that it ended up. There is still considerable nose dive on braking, and rear end squat under hard acceleration (particularly evident at night with the HIDS moving up and down under hard throttle and shift changes). In addition the bottoming out feeling that is all too present in the stock suspension is still evident as well (especially over uneven surfaced roads).

All in all I would give it a 'fair' rating.

My wife likes the fact that she does not feel every bump on the road, so depending upon what you are looking for it may meet or exceed your expectations.

SBTL

You can't describe the A-SPEC suspension as too soft and then go on to say that the bottoming out feeling is all too present. Your A-SPEC suspension is not bottoming out...that is what a stiff suspension feels like!

JackSprat01

05 TL 6MT with A-SPEC suspension
Ronjon 18" Inspyres
Falken Azenis ST-115 245/40/18 tires

First, anyone that says the A-Spec package doesn't affect ride quality is smoking one mighty crack pipe. That said, I love it. I actually had my car a few months before I had it installed. Handles great and really handles most road surfaces smoothly and comfortably. But just know that the ride is noticably firmer. Not bad, just noticable. Do I wish the ride were more supple? Yes. Would I ever go back? No phucking way.

The Falken ST-115 are God's gift to 18" rims. Quiet, light, grippy, good in rain, and reasonably priced. If you don't believe me, just ask me.

Nodoze2004

First and foremost I was offering my OPINION on the A-Spec suspension. I do think that the A-Spec suspension is soft when compared to the suspension on my previous car (Tokico Illumina 5 ways, with Neuspeed sport springs). If you would have bothered to read the entire sentence you would better understand my point. Allow me to assist you;

"In addition the bottoming out feeling that is all too present in the stock suspension is still evident as well"

As you can see I was comparing the stock TL suspension to the A-Spec setup. If you DID read the entire statement one could surmise from your statement that YOU think the stock TL suspension is stiff!? If that is the case you must not know what a truly stiff suspension setup feels like.

The bottoming out (which consequently has been mentioned by numerous auto publications that have reviewed the TL) is a sensation that feels like the cars suspension is surpassing the travel height of the struts (i.e. it is very disconcerting). Here is a quote from Car & Drivers review of the stock TL;

"The car is simultaneously firm yet springy, and the front suspension felt as if it were topping out over certain road crests, whereupon it would produce a big weave as it touched back down."

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=6

My point is that the A-Spec setup helps to REDUCE this feeling, but it does not eliminate it entirely!!

In the future think before you lambast someone elses opinion!

JackSprat01

EMF213

Thanks the input so far...keep it coming!!

SBTL

I wouldn't call that lambasting...more of a counter point.

I'm familiar with the C&D article you site, here is their eval of the TL A-SPEC.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

"The subjective scorecard is a little more decisive. Without getting into a lot of arcane discussion of damping adjustments, the A-Spec setup achieves a noticeable reduction in up-and-down chassis motions over roads with built-in whoop-de-dos, which eliminates the occasional lunging that afflicted the standard TL's responses in our recent test. Roll stiffness has been enhanced, too—cornering attitudes are flatter, and the Acura chassis guys deserve high marks for tightening everything up without a corresponding erosion of ride quality."

The TL still has problems on irregular road surfaces even in A-SPEC set-up, but A-SPEC remains a significant improvement as above. Considering that, it's difficult to believe that you would like a stiffer suspension for driving on the street. I'f you are an autocrosser or use your car on the track regularly, you didn't say that. Maybe you live where the roads are smooth as glass?

Right back at ya

Nodoze2004

At this point it appears we are going to have to agree to disagree!

I am sure that the stock TL suspension is adequate for grandpa's and grocery getters, but it leaves alot to be desired for those us that are more sport oriented.

I am sure that Acura wanted a result that would please both the Luxury AND the sport buyer with the A-Spec package. In that respect the A-Spec is a resounding success as it still provides a plush comfortable ride, while at the same time providing a more sport oriented feel.

I still feel that the suspension could be a bit tighter (and according to the poll I am not alone in this thinking), but it is a great happy medium that I will gladly accept (especially with the full factory warranty).

bklynpanman

Why did you choose the 245/40/18 instead of the 235's ??

Aegir

Very competent and enjoyable handling, but still a great cruiser for long trips or a nice evening out. Acura did a fine job balancing two contradictory sets of requirements.

EMF213

Aegir, I looked at the pics of your car...BEAUTIFUL!! Mine is NBP as well...
In looking at the gap from the tires to the wheel wells, it doesn't appear to be any lower than my stock (for now) suspension. Did you notice any difference from the drop at all?

I'm excited to get my suspension (should be here in the day or two), but I'd actually prefer the car not be lowered. Like I said I can't even tell a difference with yours...I hope I get the same result.

Jerky

wow this is a great poll, thanks for doing this...im interested in getting the aspec but cashing out 1000 dollars sure is a lot..

1 does everyone who got it think it was worth the cost???

2 I hang out in San Francisco a lot, and the roads suck ass...does anyone have any experiences with it in an urban setting??? (also, I have a DAP, a delicate asian princess, so it cant be too bone jarring)

Aegir

Thanks. Definitely a bit lower but not much - maybe 1/2" to 3/4". I didn't measure the before/after when it was installed.

Aegir

DAP - that's hilarious! Road feel increases but it's not harsh or jarring. The ride quality is still very good. I think it would do fine in SF - but the curbs there are nasty! That may be something to consider with the 18" wheels.

Lore

I just ordered my A-Spec suspension yesterday. Should be here on Monday, and I'll probably install it the following Sunday. Anyone else want to chime in? Could use some more entries in the poll!

Msnowdon

Anyone think I will have a rubbing problem with 275/30/19 on the rear with an A Spec installed?

Michael

Republican TL

I didn't vote for any of those choices. I think the word "awesome" sums up the A-Spec suspension.

EMF213

I agree.

neuronbob

I can't believe I missed this discussion in February. I've had my A-Spec suspension for a year now and it has softened up a bit but is still firmer than stock. The average TL driver (e.g. people who don't frequent our site) will like the stock suspension just fine. I wanted the TL to live up to its sporty looks and the A-Spec does that nicely without leading to a jarring ride.

Definitely the best of both worlds, and I don't have to worry about aftermarket springs/shocks. It can still be found for $600, so the poster who mentioned $1k was incorrect.

I STILL need to get that Comptech RSB installed to get the most out of the A-Spec. Just have other financial priorities right now.

chill_dog

I absolutely love the ASPEC suspension on the car! I do notice a slight difference from stock (stiffer), but it is barely noticeable. Performance (cornering, nose dives, rear squat, body roll, etc.) has improved. I also have the CT RSB, so that contributes to some of the improved cornering and reduced body roll. I highly recommend this upgrade to everyone...you will not regret it at all. Plus, you can't beat coilovers specifically designed for our cars for only $600.

Now, since I have 19's on the way (one of these days... ), I expect my ride to get a little more bumpier...but that's the low profiles, not the suspension.

PeterUbers

iTrader: (1)

I drove my Nissan Maxima ('03) SE the other day... holy boat!! handled like an old buick compared to my Aspec TL. I love this suspension, it's perfect for this car.

EMF213

LOL!!

I had an 2000 Max (same car). Know what you mean. I LOVE my ASPEC Suspension!!

Treblig

I know this ? wasn't directed at me necessarily, but I went with the same set up to get the wider footprint for more contact patch and the slightly taller side wall to preserve some ride comfort as well as to fill the wheel well.

JackSprat01

245's are 100% the way to go for the 18s. I had the 235s first for about 20 miles and sold them. I hated the way they looked and I could feel every pebble. Swapped them out and couldn't be happier.