A-Spec suspension questions

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Old 03-11-2011, 01:06 PM
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A-Spec suspension questions

These questions have probably been asked before but I could not find answers with a search.

On a TL Type-S, if I put on the A-Spec suspension, I understand it will lower the car about 1". How will it effect the ride? I find the Type-S already rides a slight bit, on the harsh side. The reason I'm asking is because I am going to 18" wheels and most, on this forum, are advising I lower the car for it not to look "dorky" with the new wheels. I am currently happy with the way the car handles so adding the A-Spec suspension would be strictly for looks.

Also, why can't I find A-Spec parts on dealer websites? The only place I have found A-Spec stuff is on eBay.
Old 03-11-2011, 01:08 PM
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https://acurazine.com/forums/sponsored-sales-group-buys-10/group-buy-anything-oem-796482/
Old 03-11-2011, 04:01 PM
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yes the answers are out there about the aspec suspension kit. you didn't "search" hard enough. i did a lot of reading about the aspec suspension kit and the comparison to the varying stock suspensions.

from what others have written, the aspec suspension will give the stiffest of the acura based suspensions, AND will give a conservative drop of about 1".

i have a an 05 MT. i put aftermarket 18's on after the first yr of ownership in 06 and it looks fine. however i will be installing the aspec suspension kit soon mostly to improve handling and give a subtle drop. took me awhile to want to do more minor mods.

if you are solely looking for the "look" of dropping the car...then look at aftermarket kits. i know IHC has a pretty good opinion on the aspec suspension.

so you need to decide what you really want out of the suspension, performance, comfort, looks? hope this helps.

there is also a thread out on "show me your drop"...will show you varying drops on different set ups aspec to slammed. enjoy.

as far as dealers carrying the aspec suspension...you'll pay an arm and a leg for it if they even have it or can get it. the ebay sales are from acura dealers that have internet based parts sales and offer pretty good prices considering what MSRP is and then add in shipping.

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Old 03-11-2011, 04:14 PM
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I tried the searching for two days but apparently I wasn't putting in the right perimeters to get the answers I was looking for. I like the ride and handling the way it is, so if I could find a way to get about a 1" drop without making it too much stiffer, that would be the way I would go.
Old 03-11-2011, 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by thughunter1961
I tried the searching for two days but apparently I wasn't putting in the right perimeters to get the answers I was looking for. I like the ride and handling the way it is, so if I could find a way to get about a 1" drop without making it too much stiffer, that would be the way I would go.
You THINK you like the ride and handling the way it is. Add the A-Spec suspension and you'll see how much better this car can be. Substantial improvement in body roll reduction and understeer without a huge impact to the ride quality in terms of stiffness.
Old 03-11-2011, 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
You THINK you like the ride and handling the way it is. Add the A-Spec suspension and you'll see how much better this car can be. Substantial improvement in body roll reduction and understeer without a huge impact to the ride quality in terms of stiffness.
can't wait to get mine installed. since i have the conti DWS tires...i'm hoping to take away some of that body roll and have fun hitting those clover leaf ramps.
Old 03-11-2011, 04:42 PM
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The A-Spec suspension is just basically new shocks/springs, correct?
Old 03-11-2011, 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by thughunter1961
The A-Spec suspension is just basically new shocks/springs, correct?
Yes, but tuned for out cars.

Here's the original press release: http://www.acura.com/PressReleaseArt...d=200704261870
Old 03-11-2011, 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by thughunter1961
The A-Spec suspension is just basically new shocks/springs, correct?
I have the A-SPEC with 18x9's, and the ride is a bit stiffer, but very nice! I am running 245/40/18's with a +35 offset and the A-SPEC. It will drop about an inch, but bear in ming that when you sit people in the back, it will drop about a 1/2 to another inch. You want to enjoy your ride, not rub the exhaust in the tarmac! Leave the bouncing around to the ghettoblasters!
Old 03-12-2011, 06:24 PM
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UPDATE: Just picked up the new wheels and tires and a 1" drop is not going to work as it is rubbing already, slightly, in the back. Probably going to do some kind of a roll.....
Old 03-12-2011, 07:16 PM
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Wrong offset.
Old 03-13-2011, 11:20 AM
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Offset is 35. Only offset available for these wheels. Couldn't find any wheels, with a 45 offset that I liked and fit my budget. If I would have went with a 245/40-18, in the rear, they wouldn't rub. As it is, it rubs just slightly so I will roll the fenders and/or shave a little off the wheel mounting face.

Some say machining the wheel mounting face is a no-no but I think these wheels may have enough material to take off a few millimeters. I am going to check with a friend that works for a manufacturer.
Old 03-13-2011, 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by thughunter1961
Offset is 35. Only offset available for these wheels. Couldn't find any wheels, with a 45 offset that I liked and fit my budget. If I would have went with a 245/40-18, in the rear, they wouldn't rub. As it is, it rubs just slightly so I will roll the fenders and/or shave a little off the wheel mounting face.

Some say machining the wheel mounting face is a no-no but I think these wheels may have enough material to take off a few millimeters. I am going to check with a friend that works for a manufacturer.
What tire did you put in the rear!?! I hope not 245/45/18's!
Old 03-13-2011, 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
Yes, but tuned for out cars.

Here's the original press release: http://www.acura.com/PressReleaseArt...d=200704261870
thx for the link
Old 03-13-2011, 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ttribe
Yes, but tuned for out cars.

Here's the original press release: http://www.acura.com/PressReleaseArt...d=200704261870
Crap...that should have said "OUR cars" not "OUT cars".
Old 03-13-2011, 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by AM3GTL
thx for the link
Sure!
Old 03-13-2011, 06:11 PM
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I narrowed the choices to the 245/40-18, 255/40-18, and 265/35-18. Primarily to be close to the original tire height for ride quality, and rim protection. The 265's were too wide for sure, stuck out quite a bit. The 245's are probably what I should have stayed with but I went with the 255's. It doesn't rub until you put three bags of salt, in the trunk, then it rubs just a little on turns and dips. The fit is about flush. I would attach pics but apparently I haven't earned the privilege, yet.
Old 03-13-2011, 06:36 PM
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Her is a link to some pics...I hope...:

http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w.../Red%20Rocket/
Old 03-13-2011, 07:57 PM
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the 255's seem a bit wide. the chrome lipped rims, make the wheels look smaller than they are. my last set of wheels were like that. i see you got the conti DWS tires. the 245's would have probably been a better fit without the rub and you could have probably put the aspec suspension on too. as long as you're happy with it. i'm running OEM tire sizing on 18's. didn't really want to screw around with my handling or my speedometer. so do you like it?
Old 03-13-2011, 08:56 PM
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I am about 80% satisifed with the look. Obviously wish I didn't have the rubbing issue but that is solvable. I also wish the rear tire was tucked under the fender just a touch more. Handles decent and the Continental dws's are great. They are quiet and grip well. So does it look dorky?
Old 03-14-2011, 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by thughunter1961
I am about 80% satisifed with the look. Obviously wish I didn't have the rubbing issue but that is solvable. I also wish the rear tire was tucked under the fender just a touch more. Handles decent and the Continental dws's are great. They are quiet and grip well. So does it look dorky?
since you're asking...i think the tire width does. since you have black wheels then black tires (of course) and the chrome lip, the tires kind of look like donuts. i'm not that big of a fan of black wheels, but its your car so go with the look if you like it. the stock height isn't bad but i know many guys would say drop it. based on what you are looking for in suspension...i'd add the aspec drop. from pics i've seen it looks nice, just enough to leave a uniform gap so it still has a stock look, but with performance upgrades. like i said, i'm on 18's at stock ht and OEM tire specs. looks-wise the subtle drop would look nice, performance wise with aspec its tuned for our cars, plus any lower you might end up scraping over every bump and driveway (i do that out of mine, its not that steep, when the tire pressure is low).
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