Suspension suggestions and/or advice needed...
02-27-2009, 03:51 AM
#1
Suspension suggestions and/or advice needed...
So I recently bought my TL, 06 w/ navi, and am approaching the 50K mile mark. I have been told by several mechanics and 2 master technicians that maintenance replacement for shocks/struts is standard at 50K. I haven't done much research to know if that applies to the TL as well, but I'm ready to swap out shocks regardless.
Since I'm replacing factory parts, as always, I'd like to gain something out of it. I've read countless posts about Tein SS, Koni, Meagans, Aspec, ect., ect., ect......
1.) I'm looking for a replacement for factory shocks/springs.
2.) I'd like to eliminate some fender well to tire gap - maybe down to a two or three finger gap.
3.) I would like the closest to factory feel - no rough, stiff, bumpy, or bouncy suspension.
4.) I like having control around corners, but the factory suspension is already giving me enough of that... - I'd like it to be the same or just slightly better.
5.) I'm NOT looking for race suspension.
6.) I'm NOT looking to adjust the height ever - I have no use for that.
This would be just something to replace factory shocks/springs, ride very comfortably (I still want some luxury car features), and look good on wheel well gap with 19" rims.
As I've said, I've read MANY posts about different setups so I'm not looking for a debate on why coilovers are better than shocks with springs. If coilovers would be right for my 6 needs above, then recommend that and explain why. I've looked at the thread with diff. rim and suspension combos with pictures, but I would love to see examples again, so please do post pictures.
Thanks to everyone in advance. I still have about 4K miles before 50K so I'm researching heavilly and need as much suggestion as possible.
Since I'm replacing factory parts, as always, I'd like to gain something out of it. I've read countless posts about Tein SS, Koni, Meagans, Aspec, ect., ect., ect......
1.) I'm looking for a replacement for factory shocks/springs.
2.) I'd like to eliminate some fender well to tire gap - maybe down to a two or three finger gap.
3.) I would like the closest to factory feel - no rough, stiff, bumpy, or bouncy suspension.
4.) I like having control around corners, but the factory suspension is already giving me enough of that... - I'd like it to be the same or just slightly better.
5.) I'm NOT looking for race suspension.
6.) I'm NOT looking to adjust the height ever - I have no use for that.
This would be just something to replace factory shocks/springs, ride very comfortably (I still want some luxury car features), and look good on wheel well gap with 19" rims.
As I've said, I've read MANY posts about different setups so I'm not looking for a debate on why coilovers are better than shocks with springs. If coilovers would be right for my 6 needs above, then recommend that and explain why. I've looked at the thread with diff. rim and suspension combos with pictures, but I would love to see examples again, so please do post pictures.
Thanks to everyone in advance. I still have about 4K miles before 50K so I'm researching heavilly and need as much suggestion as possible.
Last edited by Rob RiL; 02-27-2009 at 03:53 AM.
02-27-2009, 07:45 AM
#2
Burning Brakes
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I would suggest a set of Koni adjustable shocks (Yellow Sports) with your OEM springs. You will still retain the OEM ride but the adjustability of the Konis will allow for a moderate drop....set it and forget it.
A few here have gone that route.
A few here have gone that route.
02-27-2009, 09:34 AM
#3
Team Owner
I agree with the Konis. Better control, stock like ride quality.
If you want to take it one step further, a-spec suspension for a manual trans on your auto will give you a slight but even drop. I did a lot of research because I didn't want to lower my car more than 3/4". It's definately stiffer than stock, but not unbearable.
A-spec springs plus Konis would be awesome but pricey.
If you want to take it one step further, a-spec suspension for a manual trans on your auto will give you a slight but even drop. I did a lot of research because I didn't want to lower my car more than 3/4". It's definately stiffer than stock, but not unbearable.
A-spec springs plus Konis would be awesome but pricey.
02-27-2009, 09:16 PM
#4
Well I do want it lower, just not to the point that I'm tucking tires. I've had that before on my truck and it's just not right for this car, IMO. I'm not too concerned with pricing - I want to do it right the first time and it won't be until another 50K miles that I redo anything. Now, I AM looking to replace shocks AND springs. I've considered the Aspec suspension for awhile. I hate cars mentioned use manual trans shocks with my auto......? I'm lost there. All I got from that was that it won't be more than a 3/4" drop. I thought Aspec was like 1.1 and 1.2 inches front and rear, respectively. Also, I want it to feel realllllly comfortable. I can get sway bars to improve cornering a bit if I feel I need to later on.
02-28-2009, 12:15 AM
#6
Team Owner
A-spec springs meant for a manual transmission car will be a little lower in the front than the auto springs.
02-28-2009, 12:42 AM
#7
Oh okay. So you're saying get aspec springs to lower the front more.
I went and checked the gap and it's 3 fingers in the front, 2 fingers in the rear. That is with stock suspension (at 45,500 miles) and with stock 17" wheels.
So the final recommendation is get aspec shocks for auto, but aspec springs for manual?
I went and checked the gap and it's 3 fingers in the front, 2 fingers in the rear. That is with stock suspension (at 45,500 miles) and with stock 17" wheels.
So the final recommendation is get aspec shocks for auto, but aspec springs for manual?
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02-28-2009, 02:15 AM
#8
Okay, after more extensive research, I find the perfect solution and then I read 'only available for TSX'. I think it's called Type CS by Tein:
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/Tein-Susp...-pr-57045.html
It sounds perfect for my needs but of course it's only for Tsx.
Anyone know of something similar for 06 TL???
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/Tein-Susp...-pr-57045.html
It sounds perfect for my needs but of course it's only for Tsx.
Anyone know of something similar for 06 TL???
02-28-2009, 10:34 AM
#9
what idiots said you need shocks at 50k based on age??? what a sales scam
The average TL doesnt need them yet at that miles unless beat to ....
Are they leaking??
if you want to maintain OE soft, and adjustable UP in stiffness from there,, Tein SS are the route to go
The average TL doesnt need them yet at that miles unless beat to ....
Are they leaking??
if you want to maintain OE soft, and adjustable UP in stiffness from there,, Tein SS are the route to go
02-28-2009, 11:34 PM
#10
Preventative maintenance. It might not need shocks yet, but I don't want to risk cupping tires and/or hurting suspension components. I work with this stuff everyday and see damages. Of course, it's usually from around 100K miles, but occasionally I see even 30K (on cheaper cars though). Plus, I gotta have some excuse for dropping the car! 
I was looking at Tein Basic. They seem right for the application. I don't know why, but I'm now at a 3 finger gap in the front and 2 finger gap in the rear. So, I'm looking to be at either half a finger or no gap. I don't see the advantage in SS versus Basics.
I was looking at Tein Basic. They seem right for the application. I don't know why, but I'm now at a 3 finger gap in the front and 2 finger gap in the rear. So, I'm looking to be at either half a finger or no gap. I don't see the advantage in SS versus Basics.
03-03-2009, 12:06 AM
#12
bump?
Okay, someone make a decision for me on either Tein Basic or SS based on what I've said I'm looking for in the first post.
Not trying to tuck!
And I can't seem to find any huge difference between the Basic or SS other than one can be hooked to EFDC (or some random letters like that).
I'm guessing by going with either Tein kit I'll need aftermarket camber adjustment components. I think I read Engalls has something for the rear.....
Basically, I need to know what all you would need and buy if you had the same situation.
Come on guys. I want to just order this and get rid of the gap asap.
Okay, someone make a decision for me on either Tein Basic or SS based on what I've said I'm looking for in the first post.
Not trying to tuck!
And I can't seem to find any huge difference between the Basic or SS other than one can be hooked to EFDC (or some random letters like that).
I'm guessing by going with either Tein kit I'll need aftermarket camber adjustment components. I think I read Engalls has something for the rear.....
Basically, I need to know what all you would need and buy if you had the same situation.
Come on guys. I want to just order this and get rid of the gap asap.
03-03-2009, 02:06 AM
#13
^^^i havent recieved it yet but i think you might want to condsider the Neuspeed Supercup Kit! check out this thread---->https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...highlight=koni
i currently have the a-spec suspension and LOVE IT! but the damn ride height is starting to annoy me
so i ordered this kit with the sport spring from this site---> http://www.neuspeed.com/products/pro...port&p_id=1935
my $.02
i currently have the a-spec suspension and LOVE IT! but the damn ride height is starting to annoy me
so i ordered this kit with the sport spring from this site---> http://www.neuspeed.com/products/pro...port&p_id=1935my $.02
03-03-2009, 03:17 AM
#14
I currently have Aspec suspension but I just ordered the Tein SS with EDFC. Is money an issue to you? I would suggest my setup but it runs for about $1500. Also I purchased a rear camber kit, since I am lowering the car, thats another $150 to factor in.
03-03-2009, 08:29 PM
#15
What made you decide to go with SS over Basic? I don't see the big difference. The top hats are non-adjustable for both on TLs. The only major thing that SS has over Basic is the EDFC, which I'm not sure I'd ever use after I set it correctly.
03-03-2009, 09:58 PM
#16
I personally don't agree that shocks are good till they leak. I recently put new OE shocks at 58K on my 06 TL. The reason I did it was because the car was feeling loose and sloppy on turns and the ride was getting pretty harsh. It brought back the handling and ride to where it use to be. I was told by the dealership if there not leaking there fine. I guess if they have 200K miles on them and there not leaking they're still doing their job, right
Last edited by lowgrowl; 03-03-2009 at 10:00 PM.
03-04-2009, 01:00 AM
#18
"There are currently no applications listed in the system for your particular vehicle."
Their description makes the setup look good but I don't see it for the TL. My main problem is that I don't know what brand or model to go with. I've been researching like crazy but I'd like to hear first hand from users of the products what they like and don't like.
Their description makes the setup look good but I don't see it for the TL. My main problem is that I don't know what brand or model to go with. I've been researching like crazy but I'd like to hear first hand from users of the products what they like and don't like.
03-04-2009, 04:01 AM
#19
I guess money is always an issue to an extent. I'm okay with spending more money though. I just want the right setup without any extra stuff that I won't really use......basically, money is not an issue, but I'd like to spend it correctly.
What made you decide to go with SS over Basic? I don't see the big difference. The top hats are non-adjustable for both on TLs. The only major thing that SS has over Basic is the EDFC, which I'm not sure I'd ever use after I set it correctly.
What made you decide to go with SS over Basic? I don't see the big difference. The top hats are non-adjustable for both on TLs. The only major thing that SS has over Basic is the EDFC, which I'm not sure I'd ever use after I set it correctly.
03-04-2009, 12:33 PM
#20
"There are currently no applications listed in the system for your particular vehicle."
Their description makes the setup look good but I don't see it for the TL. My main problem is that I don't know what brand or model to go with. I've been researching like crazy but I'd like to hear first hand from users of the products what they like and don't like.
Their description makes the setup look good but I don't see it for the TL. My main problem is that I don't know what brand or model to go with. I've been researching like crazy but I'd like to hear first hand from users of the products what they like and don't like.
Well, since Honda and Acura are the same, share almost the same parts, I know you can use Bilstein in Honda European version.
European Honda Accord = US Acura TSX.
Therefore, shouldn't we able to find something from Bilstein?
My experience is that Bilstein are true performance, after all, most European Cars use them, even Nissan GTR.
Check out this link
www . honda - tech . com / showthread . php?t=2188254
Last edited by georgegiorgio; 03-04-2009 at 12:35 PM.
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