Timmy18

Heads up, this is not a build thread. Just were we can discuss possible ideas for the ZDX in the coming years.

If I ever win the lottery....

-Buy '13 ZDX.
-LED interior lighting upgrade (LED's inside the door handles).
-LED taillights. (see below)
-LED DRL's.
-LED puddle lights and exterior illumination (door handle lights).
-In car computer (something cheap, small and quick to boot. Below are details)
-1080p Rear, Right Rear (angle), Left Rear (angle) camera upgrade/ installation.
-1080p 'Dash Cam' mounted inside the rear view mirror (for stealth look).
-True Quad exhaust -Custom.
-RV6 J pipe.
-DIY Intake -Cold Air.

---In car computer.
Simply by using the screen in the dash, I would run a Intel Atom, netbook computer to use as the all-around camera viewer. It will record the front 1080p camera while providing live-feed from the 3 rear 1080p cameras. The 3 rear Camera's will be present at all times at the top of the screen.

Setting the system to boot up when car ignition is on, it will boot a program by default (one i'll probably end up making or finding) that runs basic systems such as the live-feed cameras and to start recording the front camera.

I should be able to switch between the Acura Based system and the computer via a controller mounted on the left side of the steering wheel in a empty slot under traction control. No audio will be played through the computer. When on the computer screen, Navi, Radio and other Acura based functions will still function properly. (perhaps I could split the screen just enough to show the 3 rear view camera and enough navi?)

I will be able to control the mouse on the computer by using either a in-console mounted track pad (beside gear shifter) or a wireless mouse.

The purpose of the on board computer is to help eliminate the horrid rear visibility of the ZDX and give a good view of the surroundings. (Idea from Accord Lane Watch)

The 2 Left and Right Cameras could be mounted either tucked inside with the standard rear view Camera or possibly a custom made left and right side mirror housing. Haven't decided.

---Now things start to get crazy if I need more power and fun.
-Engine swap. Out with the J37 and in with the J35Y4 from RLX along with the TL SH-AWD 6MT transmission and '14 MDX SH-AWD diff for reduce friction losses. ('14 MDX harnesses/ ECU may have to be used.. but I'll test it first and see)

-Engine swap. Check.
-6MT Swap. Check.
-More power (310HP/ 272LB-FT vs 300HP/ 270LB-FT) Check.
-Possibly, slightly better economy? Maybe.
-More fun? Check!

Taillights:

Basically using Acrylic, I would bend a rod into desired shape by heating it to and bending to mimic the modern Acura LED tube taillights. Drill a hole in each side of the rod. Cover a really bright LED in clear super glue and insert into the drilled hole. Use a dremel and cut small marks as consistently as possible a few cm into the rod every whatever distance on one side. Cover the back side of the rod in reflective tape to prevent light from escaping out the back. The dremel cuts help amplify and focus the light evenly.

Open taillights, mount the tube inside, to hold it in place, create a bracket of some sort. (I'm better and doing things hands on when I know what i've got to work with) Reassemble housing, and install to insure proper fit. Uninstall and begin wiring. (deal with that when the time comes.) Re-install and voila!

Big Red dots indicate where the LED's are for the tubes.

Additional LED's could be added if brightness fades out too much. Some fading my look cool. They will be wired to run with the DRL's and will not brighten or flash with turn indicators.


I take my work seriously and will by all means put as much effort and time into this project as possible when the times come. I would do it now IF I had the money. I will keep things top quality at best and try to prevent any failures ahead of time if I know of them.

What are your idea's for the ZDX?

Sandro

Wow thats a lot of ideas

Having already done some of those you mentioned, I still have some in my mind.

Regarding your tail light pic, probably inspired by ZDX concept. I have spoken to a custom LED workshop, they said that LED tubes will look like crap and won't be bright enough. They proposed to install custom LEDs similar to 2010 Audi A4 for about 500$ but looking at the ZDX tail lights I wasn't sure that the result will look clean enough so for now I use Vleds bulbs

Timmy18

Well I'm not really trying to replace the entire taillights with just that tube. The tubes would be more of accents. Only places were you could really see it was in darker area's like going under a interstate bridge, tunnels, in a car parking deck, when it gets dark but not dark enough for headlights, ect. Completely washed out when brakes applied.

I've seen some pretty bright LED's before too.

I would be curious to know exactly what Acura uses in the RLX and MDX taillight tubes.


General look. Kinda just threw this one together.

Sandro

well not that Vleds made their V3 Triton not suitable for ZDX brake lights I might pull the trigger with modding the tail lights inside the sketch looks good

Timmy18

Sweet!

I seen in your post were Vleds are starting to get funny. Hope things work out or you find a new quality source.

Are you doing the tubes? This how I would make mine (but bend it to shape).

Sandro

I'll just show the taillights to LED workshop guys but in email they told me that tubes won't do good
I hope you make it before I do
As for Vleds, I doubt there will be other such good source
But quality of their products is sometimes unpredictable
Suddenly their newest 5k switchback bulb will perfectly match an old discontinued DRL bulb but not match newest DRL bulb. I hate that

Timmy18

I probably wont make it before you do. I'm still in high school and don't have a ZDX to work with. :P

Timmy18

I put the ZDX I dream off a little bit more into perspective. Just a little..

Original:


Bigger wheels and tires, a drop, LED taillight, Quad exhaust (can't see 'em here).


Good bye ride comfort and hello over sized wheels! lol oops.

This is where I get weak in skill. At night with headlights (HID low beams) and fog lights on.

And then with the puddle lights and exterior accent/ ambient lighting in the door handles. I went with a blue-ish purple color.


Look at how good that LED taillight tube looks!

I was about to illuminate the building windows in the back ground but pfftttt. I spent enough time (a hour) on this already so I'm gonna cut it short. lol

Mike_514

Very nice

mondster

15x5 hubcap Spinners, racing stripes, suicide doors, and a 5 foot lift kit. That woukd be the shit!!!

zdxsr

Something a little different for those looking to get rid of the red reflector. Black grill screen covering exhaust outlets.

Timmy18

Start over the 'ZDX niche' and go big 4 door GT coupe with a 4.0L 450HP longitudinally mounted twin-turbo V8 with a modified SH-AWD hybrid system (No rear electric motors, a beefy mechanical SH-AWD drive train. Just a super powerful electric motor in the transmission responsible for the launch and regenerative braking ect).

Acura GLX:
4.0L V8 good for 380HP and 320LB-FT alone
Single electric motor good for 70HP and 140LB-FT (0-5000 RPM).
Curb weight around 4,200lbs (4 door, hatch, seating for 4 (no center rear seat) large electric battery) long wheel base, 20" wheels, panorama glass roof, ect)

zdxsr

Sandro

looks nice!

Timmy18

Ass shot.

MisterZDX

That looks amazing

zdxsr

Sweet!!!

mrgold35

I wish the ZDX could have gone another model year refresh with current RLX/TLX tech. It is the closest thing to an Acura luxury coupe in their line-up. I would want a bolt on aftermarket Supercharger for the ZDX/MDX like they have for older model Honda/Acura like from CT Engineering. It would help to get back a few HP I don't have since I live/travel 5000-8000ft usually.

MisterZDX

Totally agree. I know the Z wasn't the best seller, but Acura still dropped the ball on it too quick. A second model year with the right marketing, features, and priced just right could've possibly turned things around. I constantly get compliments and questions about mine. Most say they've never seen one before and wondered what was it. Kind of hard to sell a vehicle that most don't even know exist. Bad move Acura.

Timmy18

Hmm. Looks like Acura took note. Mystery concept spotted at Honda's new Heritage Center in Ohio. Found a little bit of info on it.. it's just a Sedan Design Study for now, but it looks like it could be return of the following:
1.) Acura RLX Tier 1 (Second Generation)
2.) Acura ZDX(GLX/ZLX) return in car form.
3.) Acura's version of Honda's FCV Fuel Cell car.






Whatever it is, what a coincidence for me to release my Acura GLX rendering and then this.

zdxsr

Hmm... ZDX ideas... Thinking rear diffuser...?

Carbonzilla

We are working on most of theses ideas, and a lot more. Parts will be available soon. You can check out our progress here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/acura-z...aaaack-959949/


Thanks,
Rick
Carbonzilla

Utkarsh Rathore

I wanna share an idea of a design for acura with little bit changes hope you all like it

zdxsr

Sort of NSXish...


...but I LIKE, nice job! Appreciate the effort/vision.

Carbonzilla

lol you beat me to it dude....