Jam's 2018 TLX A-Spec build
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Jam's 2018 TLX A-Spec build
Hi all, New TLX owner from socal. I picked up my 2018 TLX A-Spec to replace my 2003 Infiniti G35 coupe. My main requirements were it had to be a v6 and awd.
So far only mods done is a drop in dry flow aFe filter and just recently a Sprint Booster.
Future mods will be to lower the stance and a j-pipe. Nothing too crazy but just want it to look nice.
So far only mods done is a drop in dry flow aFe filter and just recently a Sprint Booster.
Future mods will be to lower the stance and a j-pipe. Nothing too crazy but just want it to look nice.
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9SpeedTran (01-03-2020),
Cowens (03-31-2022)
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9SpeedTran (01-03-2020)
#3
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Sprint Booster Installed!
I have to say I was skeptical at first adding this. After reading through multiple forums such as BMW, Audi, and watching numerous videos, I decided to take the plunge...
VERDICT: MUST HAVE!
After the install I played around with the different settings. I ended up going for the race 9 setting. The difference in response is how the car should have been from the factory.
After driving for a few minutes, I decided to turn off the booster to see if it was all in my head. The lag in pressing on the pedal made the car seem sluggish.
So far I am a happy customer and would recommend this product. Hopefully it lasts...
Sprint booster controller mounted.
VERDICT: MUST HAVE!
After the install I played around with the different settings. I ended up going for the race 9 setting. The difference in response is how the car should have been from the factory.
After driving for a few minutes, I decided to turn off the booster to see if it was all in my head. The lag in pressing on the pedal made the car seem sluggish.
So far I am a happy customer and would recommend this product. Hopefully it lasts...
Sprint booster controller mounted.
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rockstar143 (01-20-2023)
#5
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Bought it direct from Sprint Booster https://www.sprintboosterusa.com/
They had a 4th of July code on their facebook page so I took advantage of it.
Install was very simple. Just unplug the connector on the pedal, plug in sprint booster and connect the other end. Less than a 10 min install. It's just a tight apace under the dash though. Instructions provided were simple.
They had a 4th of July code on their facebook page so I took advantage of it.
Install was very simple. Just unplug the connector on the pedal, plug in sprint booster and connect the other end. Less than a 10 min install. It's just a tight apace under the dash though. Instructions provided were simple.
#6
Nice!
Now try this: Turn off Traction Control (press and hold the Traction Control button until the amber light appears on the instrument panel). IMO that makes even more difference than the Sprint Booster.
I have to say I was skeptical at first adding this. After reading through multiple forums such as BMW, Audi, and watching numerous videos, I decided to take the plunge...
VERDICT: MUST HAVE!
After the install I played around with the different settings. I ended up going for the race 9 setting. The difference in response is how the car should have been from the factory.
VERDICT: MUST HAVE!
After the install I played around with the different settings. I ended up going for the race 9 setting. The difference in response is how the car should have been from the factory.
#7
Intermediate
Thread Starter
December 2019
VCMuzzler II installed
Lighter wheels installed
19x8.5 et 35 Ultraforms to flush it out
Next up: H&R or Eibach springs w/ camber adjustment
Merry Christmas and Happy New year all!
Lighter wheels installed
19x8.5 et 35 Ultraforms to flush it out
Next up: H&R or Eibach springs w/ camber adjustment
Merry Christmas and Happy New year all!
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Trust037 (01-02-2020)
#10
Intermediate
Thread Starter
H&R Springs Installed
H&R Springs installed
Compared to the factory height the H&R springs give the TLX a nice stance. Ride wise, they do feel a little softer than the factory ASPEC springs. Handling, car seems more planted to the ground.
Still to come... Camber kit install... Possibly even a jpipe....
Last edited by Trust037; 01-06-2020 at 05:27 PM.
#12
Intermediate
Thread Starter
SPC Camber kit
Camber Kit SPC 67560 getting installed. After having the H&R springs installed the back was the only one that needed it. This should put everything back to spec.
Two arms installed... Pending bolt in the back.
Two arms installed... Pending bolt in the back.
#13
Former Sponsor
The car is coming along nicely! The Acura logo on the center caps is a nice touch.
We did something similar to a 2018 A-Spec a little while ago too! You can see the thread for it HERE.
We have Jpipes for these cars, as well as a way to fit the 2015 TLX catbacks to the new bumpers if you wanted to make a little more power & sound! Send me a PM if you are interested.
Happy modding, and enjoy the car!
We did something similar to a 2018 A-Spec a little while ago too! You can see the thread for it HERE.
We have Jpipes for these cars, as well as a way to fit the 2015 TLX catbacks to the new bumpers if you wanted to make a little more power & sound! Send me a PM if you are interested.
Happy modding, and enjoy the car!
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Trust037 (03-12-2020)
#14
I have to say I was skeptical at first adding this. After reading through multiple forums such as BMW, Audi, and watching numerous videos, I decided to take the plunge...
VERDICT: MUST HAVE!
After the install I played around with the different settings. I ended up going for the race 9 setting. The difference in response is how the car should have been from the factory.
After driving for a few minutes, I decided to turn off the booster to see if it was all in my head. The lag in pressing on the pedal made the car seem sluggish.
So far I am a happy customer and would recommend this product. Hopefully it lasts...
Sprint booster controller mounted.
VERDICT: MUST HAVE!
After the install I played around with the different settings. I ended up going for the race 9 setting. The difference in response is how the car should have been from the factory.
After driving for a few minutes, I decided to turn off the booster to see if it was all in my head. The lag in pressing on the pedal made the car seem sluggish.
So far I am a happy customer and would recommend this product. Hopefully it lasts...
Sprint booster controller mounted.
#17
tehLEGOman
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 41
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Really nice looking TLX. Love the wheels.
#18
H&R Springs installed
Compared to the factory height the H&R springs give the TLX a nice stance. Ride wise, they do feel a little softer than the factory ASPEC springs. Handling, car seems more planted to the ground.
Still to come... Camber kit install... Possibly even a jpipe....
#19
Intermediate
Thread Starter
You might want to compare the H&R and Eibach spring rates to see which one you would prefer.
#20
Senior Moderator
Very nice looking car.
#21
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Just a thought...
Been looking at the comptech supercharger for either the 2008 tl and saw a set up also for the mdx... Since layout is almost the same was thinking if it's ever been tried on the tlx... 🤔
#23
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Found this on aFE website... finally a sealed intake!!! Purchased and impatiently waiting... Link to aFE site is: https://afepower.com/afe-power-56-70...o-dry-s-filter
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dg21 (01-17-2024)
#24
Found this on aFE website... finally a sealed intake!!! Purchased and impatiently waiting... Link to aFE site is: https://afepower.com/afe-power-56-70...o-dry-s-filter
#25
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Will definitely post results after install. Alot of complaints I read about unsealed was due to heatsoak from engine bay. This one utilizes the factory pipes plus adds a direct path over the battery (2 air paths). I have an aFE drop in right now so we'll see which one feels the best.
#27
#28
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
I was there tester and I had for about 2 months so far its pretty good. Hence I got the throttle body spacer and the sprint booster. No sound clip since it is an air box so you don't hear any sound. With the added air scoop I am able to get decide cold air. On Sport mode, shift point are a little higher than expected. Give it about additional 800 - 1000RPM to shift to a different gear. I would say if you have the intake + air scoop + throttle body spacer + sprint booster then you are good enough. But if you are doing a Ktuner, that is another level and you will expect more power with them. But so far I am good with what I have right now. Have fun!
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Trust037 (07-07-2020)
#29
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I was there tester and I had for about 2 months so far its pretty good. Hence I got the throttle body spacer and the sprint booster. No sound clip since it is an air box so you don't hear any sound. With the added air scoop I am able to get decide cold air. On Sport mode, shift point are a little higher than expected. Give it about additional 800 - 1000RPM to shift to a different gear. I would say if you have the intake + air scoop + throttle body spacer + sprint booster then you are good enough. But if you are doing a Ktuner, that is another level and you will expect more power with them. But so far I am good with what I have right now. Have fun!
#31
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I had a ground kit on my g35 and it made a difference. Shifts were alot smoother and crisp. Was wondering if it helped with the TLX. Thanks for info!
#32
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Ordered 2 July... still waiting 21 Aug which was supposed to ship out yesterday... but aFE website won't tell you it's back-ordered...
Starting to lose the excitement basically... oh well... maybe try to get a KTuner...
Starting to lose the excitement basically... oh well... maybe try to get a KTuner...
#33
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Finally Here!!!!
So after almost 2 months, part of the shipment came in.
Build wise, aFE makes a decent product! The airbox is solid and the filter sits snug within the one-piece box.
Fitment is spot on. It utilizes your factory 10mm bolts with rubber washers and the box plugs in to the factory air ducts for functionality.
How does it sound? Well, since it is a cone filter there is a little more noise but it seems to fit well with the A-Spec personality. Still not as loud as an open cone filter and only noticable when flooring it.
Butt-dyno says response was improved but we'll see again when the ecu adjusts.
Still waiting on the ram air duct from aFE to complete this mod so hopefully not too long as waiting for this.
Good product and worth the 'on sale' price!
Clean engine bay. The missing air duct will plug into the slot and replace the factory opening in the front.
2 x 10mm bolts top and bottom to remove factory airbox
Spot on couplers and sensor tube.
Build wise, aFE makes a decent product! The airbox is solid and the filter sits snug within the one-piece box.
Fitment is spot on. It utilizes your factory 10mm bolts with rubber washers and the box plugs in to the factory air ducts for functionality.
How does it sound? Well, since it is a cone filter there is a little more noise but it seems to fit well with the A-Spec personality. Still not as loud as an open cone filter and only noticable when flooring it.
Butt-dyno says response was improved but we'll see again when the ecu adjusts.
Still waiting on the ram air duct from aFE to complete this mod so hopefully not too long as waiting for this.
Good product and worth the 'on sale' price!
Clean engine bay. The missing air duct will plug into the slot and replace the factory opening in the front.
2 x 10mm bolts top and bottom to remove factory airbox
Spot on couplers and sensor tube.
Last edited by Trust037; 08-27-2020 at 08:55 PM.
#34
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Scoop installed
Finally installed the air scoop. Fitment was ok. The clip tabs were extremely tight and are broke for sure. The material is thicker than the factory scoop but now has 2 paths to get to the filter. You can actually feel the air going through the duct.
Overall, intake fits well 5/5 and the air duct 4/5. Definitely had fun driving it around especially with the response.
Factory air duct connection to aFE air duct
Overall, intake fits well 5/5 and the air duct 4/5. Definitely had fun driving it around especially with the response.
Factory air duct connection to aFE air duct
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bmoua15 (09-02-2020)
#35
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Should have waited...
So far all the mods are a definite must. It's been 2 years and I have to admin the biggest benefit was the sprint booster. The biggest PITA of this car is the transmission. I hate this 9 speed!!!!!!
So no new mods lately. Not really a strong aftermarket following...
So no new mods lately. Not really a strong aftermarket following...
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MarcoTLX (02-03-2022)
#36
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Acura Grand Prix Long Beach
Was able to join the Acura Corral at the Acura Grand Prix Long Beach... Man the Type S models are so Awesome!!!
Few pics at the owners parking...
Few pics at the owners parking...
#37
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Xlr8
Sad not to see XLR8 offer any more Acura parts. But was able to score this for the awd. Can't wait to install it! The TLX sounds so sweet with it... Not so loud and obnoxious...
XLR8 exhaust
XLR8 exhaust
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MarcoTLX (05-02-2022)
#39
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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MarcoTLX (05-02-2022)
#40
Intermediate
Thread Starter
XLR8 Exhaust Finally installed
It would have been a simple bolt on but there were issues.
1) bolt from the 3rd cat was stuck so it had to get torched off.
2) piping and muffler hangers were way off compared to the TLX AWD and the ASPEC AWD.
Thanks to Sweeney's Custom Mufflers for working out the issues. Verne and Alvin are straight forward, hard working, and know what they're doing. They've been in the business for a while!
Here's a sound clip of the set up.
What to do next....
1) bolt from the 3rd cat was stuck so it had to get torched off.
2) piping and muffler hangers were way off compared to the TLX AWD and the ASPEC AWD.
Thanks to Sweeney's Custom Mufflers for working out the issues. Verne and Alvin are straight forward, hard working, and know what they're doing. They've been in the business for a while!
Here's a sound clip of the set up.
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MarcoTLX (05-04-2022)