When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
It would seem that all future vehicle purchases will be on hold. Since I was unable to sell the IS F, I have decided to keep it. I've been doing heavy research on specific modifications that will fit my application. The ZDX will remain my ultimate daily driver. The IS F will be the fun toy. The TL is a spare vehicle, that I will attempt to sell, only because I want to experience an RLX SH-AWD Sport Hybrid, as well.
It seems that the ZDX cannot be replaced, and was actually the replacement for the TL.
It seems that the IS F is going to be the replacement for the STi.
Originally Posted by shurik74
you are going through "car swap" like many of us did... problem is when you sell one of the favorite one with huge regret! I was lucky to buy my TL 6MT back!
If you can believe it, the ZDX is my most favorite car yet...
So, it's not "just" ~400 lb of extra weight. Part of that total weight is rotational mass. I estimate that the difference is roughly ~70 lb of rotational mass between the TL and the ZDX. I drove the TL yesterday, and the difference is quite noticeable. Individualistic preferences and values will determine whether the TL or the ZDX is the more optimal choice.
I'm going to be playing around in the TL for a couple of days. Jumping from the ZDX to the TL is, well, a relief in a way. I recoup back quite a bit of performance and handling. The TL doesn't have the issue that I experienced in the ZDX at faster highway speeds. The TL must feel extraordinary with a set of lightweight aftermarket wheels; another ~20-25 lb less rotational mass.
After experiencing the top of the line all season tires, the Michelin Crossclimate2 on the ZDX, subpar tires have become unacceptable. I barely managed to avoid an accident with the Goodyear Eagle F1 tires that are currently on the Diamond Cut rims. I tested several emergency stops after the incident to verify, and wow, the tires have unacceptable grip. I had to swap over to the spare set and test the Toyo Extenza HP, as well. The issue disappeared. So, now I'm researching on the top of the line summer performance tires. Results indicate that the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, reign supreme. Fortunately, I can afford to purchase a set.
This point marks the end of subpar tires for my driving career.
Also, the stock 18's and the 19" Diamond Cuts wheels both weigh virtually the same.
After experiencing the top of the line all season tires, the Michelin Crossclimate2 on the ZDX, subpar tires have become unacceptable. I barely managed to avoid an accident with the Goodyear Eagle F1 tires that are currently on the Diamond Cut rims. I tested several emergency stops after the incident to verify, and wow, the tires have unacceptable grip. I had to swap over to the spare set and test the Toyo Extenza HP, as well. The issue disappeared. So, now I'm researching on the top of the line summer performance tires. Results indicate that the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, reign supreme. Fortunately, I can afford to purchase a set.
This point marks the end of subpar tires for my driving career.
Also, the stock 18's and the 19" Diamond Cuts wheels both weigh virtually the same.
The stopping distances are pretty noticeable once you get new tires. I have a huge vote of confidence in the continentals extreme and extreme 02, I've been very happy with nearly 3 full sets getting more than 30K miles out of them with rotations. Pretty amazing for a summer tire, and the MPG doesn't take that big of a hit (maybe .5 MPG on highway):
The only problem with summer tires is that you CANNOT drive them in near freezing or below temperatures. The tread gets hard and will crack, not covered under warranty. Thankfully I have the MDX and 3G TL with DWS tires so I have my pick.
The car wash that I go to was broken, so filthy car. I decided to take some new pictures from 05:55-06:25. Seems that right around 06:20 was the perfect golden ratio. I'm very pleased with how they turned out. @rockstar143
I feel that the strength of the sunrise is more potent than that of the sunset, and I'm favoring the sunrise more. Do you have any other suggestions as to how else I can further improve? I'm assuming any further enhancements to quality are in the postprocessing phase. I've come a long way, compared to when I first purchased the DSLR. Photography is actually rewarding, satisfying, and enjoyable at this moment. The last vehicle remaining, that I need to take proper pictures of now, is the Vitpilen.
I've decided how I want to proceed in regards to the tire situation. I prefer the more precise steering feel with the 19" Diamond Cut rims, over the stock 18" rims. I'm going to order oversized tires, in 255/40R18. If Honda/Acura approves 255/50R19 tires for the 19x8" OEM rims on the ZDX, then 255/40R19 for the TL will suffice. The tires will be Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus in 255/40ZR19.
I'll wait to experience the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 until I have my square wheel setup for the IS F.
I finally purchased an AGM battery for the TL on Saturday, and installed it yesterday. The voltage is much more constant, and not as erratic, as compared to a traditional battery.
The brake pads and rotors are not OEM, and are subpar. So, I will be replacing the brakes, as well. I have yet to decide whether tires or brakes will be first to be replaced.
I finally purchased an AGM battery for the TL on Saturday, and installed it yesterday. The voltage is much more constant, and not as erratic, as compared to a traditional battery.
The brake pads and rotors are not OEM, and are subpar. So, I will be replacing the brakes, as well. I have yet to decide whether tires or brakes will be first to be replaced.
Have you figured out which pads/rotors you want to use? I liked the StopTech pads/rotors. Minimal dust and pretty decent bite. @BROlando put some aggressive pads on the 6mt i currently have (trying to sell the car). tons of brake dust, but the initial bite is great and excellent pedal feel. i just forgot which brand they are
I used Bendix truck/SUV heavy duty pads. This car shares brakes with the Odyssey, Ridgeline and MDX, IIRC. Tons of bite, which is what I like. But also tons of brake dust.
The factory (genuine Acura) pads are the best blend of everything, though. Reasonable dust, good performance, etc.
Have you figured out which pads/rotors you want to use? I liked the StopTech pads/rotors. Minimal dust and pretty decent bite. @BROlando put some aggressive pads on the 6mt i currently have (trying to sell the car). tons of brake dust, but the initial bite is great and excellent pedal feel. i just forgot which brand they are
Originally Posted by BROlando
I used Bendix truck/SUV heavy duty pads. This car shares brakes with the Odyssey, Ridgeline and MDX, IIRC. Tons of bite, which is what I like. But also tons of brake dust.
The factory (genuine Acura) pads are the best blend of everything, though. Reasonable dust, good performance, etc.
I believe that I will purchase OEM brake rotors. In regards to brake pads, I have yet to decide if I should purchase OEM, or EBC Yellowstuff.
The OEM brake pads and rotors on the ZDX have proven to be adequate for street, spirited driving. However, I have a slight itch to "modify" the TL a little bit. I've learned that tires are essentially "everything," so they must be top tier, and it's nonnegotiable anymore. I'm at a point where I don't have to cut costs, and definitely need performance to be optimal. I've never been to the track, however, I push my cars to their limits on the streets, in areas where I have the most control.
It's been challenging trying to keep up with three different vehicles. I want to drive them all equally, however, that's not the reality. I can foresee having a plethora of vehicles feasible if one has a large garage, or barn. Unfortunately, I don't at the moment, and there are still quite a few vehicles on my bucket list that I need to experience.
After I sell the ZDX, there will be a weight limit on all future vehicles, and that limit is ~4,000 lb. I will have to test drive the RLX SH-AWD Sport Hybrid, and the TLX Type-S, to find out if it has the same issue as the ZDX. It's possible the weight issue is rotational, and not static.
After some further research, I've decided to stick with the OEM tire size.The 255/40R19 tires weigh 2 more lb than the 245/40R19, for a total increase of 8 lb of rotational mass.
It would appear that there is an interesting offer that discounts the tires even further on Simpletire. I'll be ordering the set soon. I will learn how to dismount, mount, and balance wheels with this set.
In several hours, I will be learning how to dismount, mount, and balance wheels. I'm excited to test a brand new set of these Continental ExtremeContact DWS6+ tires:
Four tires isn't enough practice to learn how to dismount and mount tires. There are multiple steps for dismounting the inside and outside; mounting the inside and outside. Balancing is extremely easy, though. Finally, brand new top tier tires! The ride is extremely smooth now. I expect these tires to be just as superior as the Michelin CrossClimate2 tires that are on the ZDX.
Four tires isn't enough practice to learn how to dismount and mount tires. There are multiple steps for dismounting the inside and outside; mounting the inside and outside. Balancing is extremely easy, though. Finally, brand new top tier tires! The ride is extremely smooth now. I expect these tires to be just as superior as the Michelin CrossClimate2 tires that are on the ZDX.
Presumably you found a tire shop that let you use their mounting and balancing machines? I can't imagine how someone would just be able to do that in their garage without shop equipment.
Presumably you found a tire shop that let you use their mounting and balancing machines? I can't imagine how someone would just be able to do that in their garage without shop equipment.
There's a neat service in the area where you can rent a garage with lifts, and have access to all of the machines, tools, and utilities. It's been invaluable for car enthusiasts and DIY customers, and I will only be going there for everything car related. The owner offers classes and tutorials for enthusiasts to learn. It's an extraordinary service, especially for me.
Originally Posted by MyGuti
I've heard nothing but raving reviews about the Michelin CrossClimate2 tires. Why not go with those on the TL too?
I have the Michelin CrossClimate2 tires on the ZDX, and they are the most incredible all season tire I've experienced, even for the ~4,400 lb tank, in literally all conditions. Unfortunately, Michelin doesn't manufacture them in 245/40R19... So, the next optimal option is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS6+ tire. That's how we got here. Brand new tires of this caliber are a sheer pleasure to drive on. They're worth every penny, and from this point forward, I will never entertain lesser tires ever again. There's no comparison.
I've driven over 300 miles on the tires thus far. Sublime. They're just as exquisite as the CrossClimate2 tires. I infer that the CrossClimate2's would have more traction in the snow due to the directional tread pattern. Perhaps, even in the rain, as well. We'll find out later when I test the DWS6+ tires in the rain and snow. I'm ecstatic that I finally have proper tires on the TL.
Lookin right, very cool.
I missed it, you had those powdercoated?
They were posted for sale locally from a WRX owner. I had to do extensive research to figure out whether they would fit. The IS F forums stated they would, and decided to purchase them. They look absolutely stunning in person, and I wish the camera could capture the glory. They're 18x9.5" +35 Enkei Raijin. They're bright red in the sunlight with a slight golden flake, and dark oxblood out of the sunlight.
02-25-2024 | 06:30 PM
!!!
