AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community - 1st Generation TL FAQ and Introduction

Welcome to the 1st Generation TL FAQ and Introduction

Here, you will find information regarding the 2.5 and 3.2 TL from the years 1996 through 1998. Included will be technical paragraphs, some photos and diagrams, Questions and Answers, Press Releases and a list of accessories/options from Acura.

This will be added to and modified as time and more information comes in. Please enjoy this work in progress and do not hesitate if you believe that you may have information that would be useful.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1748/acurratl0ne.gif

Pictured Above is a 1996 Acura 2.5 TL

The Acura TL sedans Introduction

The 1995 - 1998 Acura TL is a 4 door luxury sedan equipped with either a unique 2.5 liter Inline 5 cylinder motor (engine code G25) or a 90 degree V-6 motor (engine code C32A6) Measuring 191 inches long and with a 112 inch wheel base, the TL sedan is a freeway cruiser with sporting pretensions. Comfortable, long distance transportation with luxury and style are the hallmarks of this car.

The Acura TL engines

The TL features two engine choices. The 2.5 (engine code G25) is a unique inline five cylinder all-aluminium motor (with iron cast piston linings) with a single overhead camshaft and 4 valves per cylinder. Mounted longitudinally in the engine bay, this allows for better weight balance (60/40) than the traditional transverse mounting common in front wheel drive cars. In addition, the 2.5 motor is tilted 35 degrees allowing it to fit under the low hood and allows long intake runners for the dual stage intake. Above 5000 rpms, the 2.5 motor uses the shorter intake runners for high RPM breathing allowing for better passing power. Power is rated at 170 foot pounds of torque and 176 horsepower. However, dynos have proven the 2.5 to have a broad torque curve and excellent high RPM power. Its true power is in the 190 hp range. It is speculated that Honda did this so it would not infringe on the Legend and later, its brother the 3.2 TL.

The other motor is the 3.2 (engine codes C32A6), which is a unique 90 degree design (similar to a traditional V-8) allowing it to fit in a car with a low hood. It too is mounted longitudinally in the engine bay, giving it a 60/40 weight balance. The 3.2 motor has a THREE stage variable volume induction system. Butterfly valves activate at 3300 rpms and 3900 rpms. This allows it to progressively alter its character from a smooth and quiet motor with ample low end torque, to a high rpm engine with a sporty exhaust character. Unlike the 2.5 motor, the 3.2 uses a direct ignition system, eliminating the need for a distributor. Rated at 200 hp and 210 foot pounds of torque, it is designed to be a smooth, quiet motor with ample thrust throughout its powerband.

Both engines feature 2 knock sensors which intelligently adjust their operation based upon numerous factors including using regular gas. Both engines use Hondas PGM-FI fuel injection system and are OBD-II equipped. Also, both cars use a variable rate flow muffler that allows better breathing characteristics for different RPMs and reduces the noise levels.

The Acura TL Chassis

Equipped with Honda's double wishbone suspension at all 4 wheels, the TL combines a smooth ride with predictable handling and a pleasant driving experience. ABS (anti-lock braking system) is standard on all TL's and TCS (traction control system) is an option on 3.2 TL's.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5213/0150028bu.gif

The 3.2 TL has an aluminium front subframe to keep weight down, the 2.5 uses a steel subframe. The 3.2TL front stabilizer bar has a diameter of 28.6 mm with a 3.5 mm wall thickness. The 2.5TL bar has the same diameter, but with a 4.0 mm wall thickness. Both models also use hollow stabilizer bars to reduce weight.

On both cars, the shock absorbers are nitrogen filled and use Honda's progressive valve system. This valve uses special layered disk plates to control the fluid flow, rather than a fixed one.

The rear suspension features one upper and two lower control arms, a single-rate coil-over shock absorber mounted to the rear hub carrier, a trailing link to provide longitudinal location and toe control, and a tubular stabilizer bar.

Like the front suspension, the rear suspension is located by a subframe. In this case, the subframe in both models is made of steel. The suspension was designed to minimize bump steer and unwanted toe change under cornering, improve the anti-squat response under acceleration, and provide stable, predictable handling during transient maneuvers.

On the 3.2TL, the rear sub frame uses a special stiffening brace to increase camber rigidity and enhance stability. Both models feature a liquid-filled bushing at the pivot point of the rear suspension trailing link to reduce noise and vibration. To increase stiffness and minimize suspension deflection, a steel sleeve is used to capture the bushing in the mounting point.

The 3.2TL stabilizer bar has a diameter of 14.7 mm with a 2.6 mm wall thickness. The 2.5TL bar has a diameter of 15.9 mm with a 2.6 mm wall thickness. Like the front shock absorber, the rear uses a progressive-valve system.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/1615/0130022oy.gif

Both TL models feature an innovative, power-assisted steering gear design that is lighter and more compact than conventional power steering systems. Instead of modulating power assistance to the steering rack solely in accordance with road speed, this system varies power assist by monitoring a combination of engine rpm, road speed and the amount of torque generated between the pavement and the tire. The advantage of this system is that it exercises more precise control over the amount of power assist provided. It also provides more linear steering with regard to lateral loads encountered while cornering, reduced kickback and a reduction in operating noise. A high-capacity power steering pump assures consistent operation under even the most aggressive maneuvers. The system is tuned to provide light, effortless steering during parking, yet provides excellent road feel at higher speeds. The steering ratio for the 3.2TL is 15.7:1 and 17.5:1 for the 2.5TL.

Braking is provided by a power-assisted, four-wheel disc braking system equipped with a dual-diaphragm master cylinder. The dual-diaphragm master cylinder is very compact, yet provides abundant boost for power assistance. Large, flex-resistant calipers help provide consistent braking performance. The front rotors are internally ventilated to aid in rapid heat dissipation. Front and rear rotor dimensions for both models are 282 mm x 23 mm and 260 mm x 9 mm, respectively. Swept area for both is 740 cm2.

To reduce unsprung weight and enhance handling, both TL models are equipped with cast-aluminum alloy wheels. The 3.2TL wheels are 6.5 inches x 15 inches, while the 2.5TL, sporting new machine-finished alloy wheels for 1997, are 6.0 inches x 15 inches.

For excellent year-round driving performance, All Season tires are fitted to both the 3.2TL and 2.5TL. The tire specification for the 3.2TL is a Michelin P205/65 R15 94V M+S All Season, while the 2.5TL is equipped with Bridgestone P205/60 R15 91H M+S All Season tires.

The Acura TL Body Structure

There were two primary goals in the design of the body structure in the TL. A sense of luxury through strict standards of fit and finish. The other being a strong structure that would be both safe and contribute to a smooth and luxurious ride.

The body is a classic Acura design. Understated, with a low hood, excellent visibility (307 degrees) and a sporting stance. The 2.5 and 3.2 TLs are identical from the windshield back. The front ends are of different shapes and sizes due to their different engines and driving characteristics. The differ especially in the grille, hood and fenders.

The Acura TL Interior

Interesting Information on the TL

Photos

Links regarding the TL

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are there any engine mods for the 2.5 or 3.2 motors?

Answer: There are a few for the 3.2 and not so many for the 2.5

The 3.2 benefits from having a more powerful brother, the C32A5 which was also known as the Type II motor. It was found in the Legend GS sedan and Legend LS coupe. It has an extra 30 horsepower, thanks to a revised intake, throttle body and headers.

The 2.5 however does not have any parts that can be swapped, so it is limited to just intake, exhaust and custom-made forced induction solutions.

Question: Are the keyless entry remotes/systems the same on the 2.5 and 3.2 ?

Answer Yes and no. The 1998 TLs have an identical remote and control unit. It is the same as 1996 or 1997 3.2 system. The 1995 - 1997 2.5 TL remote is a seperate unit made by Kenwood.

(more info to be added soon)