sathersc

Hey all,

Just bought a low mileage 2005 TL that is labeled as an A-spec but I suspect it's all post purchase owner mods (but I've got evidence a dealer did all of the work). I still love the car, but am having trouble with two things:

1) The stock door sticker is still in the car, which gives me the wrong tire pressures. As a heavy truck suspension engineer, I'm used to the tire mfg's publishing load and pressure ratings for tires, and I can corner weigh the car easily enough with shop scales, but I can't find passenger car tire data. I'm running what I think is a bit high for a little better mileage but I don't have enough miles on the car to evaluate the wear yet.

2) I can't tell if the suspension is the original or the A-spec. I suspect it's the original because it tail wallows a little bit on highway bumps and isn't as settled as I would expect the car. Are there any visual keys or PN's I can track down to figure out if it's the tuner kit or not?

The car is a blast to drive, and tastefully done with the Redondo Red, window tinting, and the A-spec wheels and spoilers. I've been thinking about hacking the Navi computer and/or replacing it with something a little more powerful and modern with a bluetooth audio capability. Not sure if I want to touch the suspension as it's pretty roll stiff as it is. Anyway, looking forward to playing with this car for the next couple of years.

I should probably post photos:

nttstt444

iTrader: (1)

That's a beautiful tl and a fantastic color. Your tl prob isn't an orignial dealer installed aspec. It has the base/stock side skirts. As far as the suspension, check out the part number on the shock bodies then do some reasearch here and compaire numbers, you should be able to figure out if you have aspec suspension. iv also found its fairly obvious when parked next to a stock TL, an aspecd one will sit lower.

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

Real a-spec models come with a different steering wheel. It has blue stitching and grey/silver thumb inserts. That will show you right away if it's a true a-spec.

Most people will put a-spec lip kit, a-spec wheels, a-spec suspension & a-spec brake pads on but will not go as far as getting a A-Spec steering wheel....

EvilVirus

iTrader: (8)

agree with all of the above

Will Y.

IIRC, the 18" A-Spec wheels called for a cold pressure of 39F/36R.

FWIW, I use 37F/34R about 90% of the time on stock 17" wheels/OEM suspension and have had even wear through 2 sets of all-seasons; wear is even on the 3d set now. Just make sure the rears are aligned, with toe at 0*, and you shouldn't encounter any issues.

Welcome to AZ.