Hey Guys...

Just purchased a new 06' Black on Saddle TL over the weekend and as I cant leave anything alone was considering upgrading the swaybars, suspension, and tires (on the stock 06' alloys for a stealthier look).

The car is incredible....for what today's dollar can purchase regarding an automobile, it must be the value play of the decade.

First question....Why dont I see anyone offering a front larger sway bar?? That has a much more pronounced impact on handling than the rear (which I saw a company called Comptech offers).
Any input on swaybars in general would be appreciated....Im trying to reduce the body roll which is a little more than I would like in a performance sedan (but not horrible).

Also, does anyone know the dimensions of the stock rims on an 06'.....Im more curious about the widths....the back looks like 8" if I had to guess.

Also, guys that have switched/converted their cars to the A-Spec suspension, is there any regrets or does it just lower the car providing a much better stance and a similar stock ride quality? I wouldnt want the car much firmer than it is....but could tolerate a little stiffer for the looks and improved handling.

Sorry for so many questions but these are all the things banging round in my head since I drove it off the lot a few days ago.

Thanks for your time in advance if you have any input concerning what I am inquiring about.

Glad to be part of the Acura community....its the first one I've owned and I'm very impressed

Thanks,
Tony

 

I have an '06 and have upgraded to the Comptech Rear Sway Bar as well as the a-spec suspension last weekend.


I can tell you the Comptech RSB is the best $100 upgrade you'll ever get, virtually eliminates all that nasty sway, GREAT upgrade. I suggest adding the aftermarket energy suspension bushings (about $14) to your Comptech Rear Sway bar, search the forums on these.

The reason you don't see people doing the front sway bars is that doing so would increase understeer, which is already a problem in our front wheel drive cars, so it would make a small problem much worse.

The car already comes with a tower strut bar (another popular aftermarket add-on)...so you're good there, it stiffens up the front end.

There is actually a company that does make a front sway bar but again, why would you want one?

As far as the a-spec suspension, gotta report that I'm lovin it... although the CT RSB was actually a lot more noticable upgrade in the ride handling when I first put it on, the suspension is now the icing on the cake, go for it!

Between the 2 the sway is MUCH less now, the ride handling / performance has increased a TON, and the ride quality, vibration, noise, etc, I think is very very minimally impacted.

The a-spec suspension lowers the car all of maybe an inch, it would be hard to tell it's even been lowered if you didn't know it was on the car. The real benefit is that it's stiffer and slightly lower is all, but not so stiff you'd think you're in a race car or something, it's still gonna feel the same inside the car.

My wife actually asked me what the difference was on both..hehe...she couldn't tell a difference at all, but then she thinks doing any of these upgrades is just pointless... /sigh... she commented she can't tell a difference before or after.

Anyhow, I can for sure, and it's a huge increase in the performance characteristics of the car, put's it in a class with BMWs in terms of performance and handling.

Now I just need some nice rims and tires and I'm all set!

 

Welcome to the club!!!

Did you buy an auto or a manual? The reason I ask is that the 5AT has a 17mm rear bar and the 6MT has a 22mm rear bar. So if you have an auto you'll notice a really big difference with the Comptech bar since it's also 22mm.

Someone may need to correct me here but I believe the stock swaybars are also hollow and the Comptech is solid. I just installed one on my 6MT last weekend and it's night and day difference.

 

H&R has a FSB as well as an RSB. You can check out the specs at their site. The TL also has a front strut bar which reduces chasis flex and will also aid in body roll. The CT RSB (22mm) coupled with the Aspec suspension will reduce body roll significantly giving the TL better handling especially when taking corners. Everyone who has that combo loves it. However, the ride will be a tad stiffer than stock. Many say you can't feel the difference. All I'm saying is what maybe comfortable for someone else may not be the same for you. Oh yea, the stock rims are 17x8.

 

Thanks Guys...

I appreciate all your comments.

Regarding understeer, wider, lower aspect ratio rubber coupled with less bodyroll would definately reduce that scenario....without upgrading the rubber, I do agree that a bigger bar might just want to plow a little worse when pushed hard into a corner.

Any other companies making a front bar out there? I was hoping to find a hollow bar, but will put in a solid if there aren't any other alternatives.

Also, how easy is the A-Spec suspension to install. I build engines, fabricate parts, etc. so I am very comfortable with a wrench in my hand.

Thanks again,
Tony

 

Have the CT RSB with the a-spec suspension. Yes the ride is firmer, not unlike a euro sports car. But the handling is much improved. Excellent choice to spend your hard earned dollars. By the way welcome!

 

If you're at all mechanically inclined and have some decent metric tools then you can easily do the a-spec suspension yourself, several hours of work, I just did mine and I'm handy, but not like a master mechanic or anything, easy instructions to follow.

The CT RSB takes about 20-30 minutes, I could do it in 15 mins now having done it once, super easy (you need a ratcheting metric box end wrench though). I thought the CT RSB was hollow actually, I don't think it's solid.

 

Where's the best place to buy the A-Spec?? (Im just looking for the suspension parts....non of the body mods).

I take it you need a pickle fork (to crack the balljoint knuckle), a floorjack, and some basic metric tools?

Again guys....I appreciate the input.

Im thinking A-Spec suspension....front and rear bar upgrades, and I want to retain my stock 06 rims which I happen to like with larger, grippier 245/45 17's all around. And Im going to shave them slightly so they are the same height as the original tires but wider with more "stiction". (And ride perfectly "true" due to being shaved and balanced).

Thats the plan...I want this car handle as good as the BMW 330 I just returned off lease. In every other department the Acura already covers the Bimmer (at least IMO....actually the brakes of the 330 were awesome, but the Acura is no slouch there either).

Regards,
Tony

 

http://www.hondacuraworld.com/

Ask for Tim and see if he can just get you the aspec suspension.

 

I believe the diameter for the 6MT factory sway bar is 20mm not 22mm. The comptech sway bar will make less of a noticeable change for the 6MT than the 5AT.

 

i just got h&r sport springs 1.4F 1.3R. their sway bar is like $200 and the C T is like 100. i was wondering if it's worth the price diff? also wondering if i'm going to have any trouble with the springs cuz a couple people told me it could mess up the control arms & the wheels may tilt.