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What's up everyone! excited to be a part of the fam
Just got an 2018 A-Spec in white.
First question: Has anyone found a reliable touch-up paint for wheels? (I've heard Honda makes a close to OEM paint color one) (and no I haven't damaged rims, just would like to have some touch-up paint as back up lol)
Second: How essential would you say it is to get a VCM muzzler?
Also any small accessories or upgrade idea would be greatly appreciated!
1. for the touchup paint, I heard the grey a-spec touch up paint works well with the wheels
2. VCM muzzler isn't essential but it really does take the delay from the car. Having all 6 cylinders more immediately available has been a good thing and I've noticed negligible difference in mpg, a difference of 2-3mpg.
Last edited by dezymond; Mar 25, 2021 at 12:28 PM.
Thanks for that. also how has this FWD + wheel combo faired in the snow?
We don't get snow where I live, but I have taken it to areas of snow after it's melted or removed from the road and its faired fine, on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+. I did have to park on some light snow and getting off of it wasn't bad.
Hello congrats on your new beautiful ride. I have checked before for the wheels touch up paint even the dealer does not have it, you can get it for body color but Acura or Honda does not make any touch up paint for wheels though. Hope this help.
Thanks. So the car actually came we a small curb rash and it was bugging me so i tried Honda Modern Steel Metallic. And it matched almost exactly as the original wheel color!
I can comment on the VCM question. I installed an S-VCM controller on my 2017 about a year ago and I'd say it's well worth the money. You can go down a pretty deep rabbit hole online about Honda's VCM system. Some have complained that it can have negative long-term effects (plugs fouling, motor mounts wearing prematurely, etc.). The main reason I installed mine was to improve the overall driving experience. In city driving, I could feel VCM engaging/disengaging constantly and I hated it. It almost feels like a gear change and with the 9 speed automatic this car is already shifting gears like crazy to conserve fuel. On some roads, I would also experience vibrations in the cabin being caused by VCM. I'm not sure how or if the VCM system was improved from 17 to 18 so I can't comment on that but might be worth looking into. The S-VCM site also give good information (https://www.svcmcontroller.com/)
After driving a TLX V6 for 6 years now, I bought a VCM Tuner II for my 2020 and have not looked back.
The lack of hesitancy when driving moderate speeds around town is worth it to me, but you will take a bit of a MPG hit, no doubt about it.
I recently replaced my VCM Tuner with the KTuner flash to turn VCM off, but if you dont wan to invest 450 or 650 just to stop VCM, I highly recommend trying one of the dedicated devices.
I second the VCM muzzler. Best upgrade you can make for the V6. I have recently traded in my 2018 but wish I had installed the muzzler from day one. Literally takes less than 5 mins to plug in. I never removed it when going in for service and never heard a thing from the dealer about it. Actually took if off prior to trading it in and sold it to another member on the forums.
As for other upgrades I did get the color matched rear mud guards (can't do the front due to the side skirt). They are very subtle so probably don't add much protection but add a more finished factory look than an add on. Fairly cheap if you order online and only take 15 mins to install (they come with instructions and all the hardware needed). I bought from AcuraPartsForLess which is really just Princeton Acura. They also allow pickup if you are local to avoid shipping. Typically their online parts are discounted a fair amount from if you just walk in and buy the same thing.
Acura "modern steel metallic" paint is very close to the shark grey rims. I've used it for minor touch-up. Item #08703-NH797MAA-A1. Cost around $18 on ebay and currently available (eBay item number:
293327123071).
