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However, just because they are listed may not mean they are readily available and may have been discontinued. Sometimes these webstores don't update their parts lists in a timely manner.
They weren't in stock when I ordered. I went through emails with them and another warehouse. Thanks for researching, looks like we're both on the same track but those door pieces are just so rare for new.
One thing I could not find anywhere is the "silver" plastic that goes around the shifter. It got scratched up over the years... Where can I find the replacement? Or should I just plan on having it repainted?
I used ingall and eibach, I don't think it was to pricey but it was the install that was a challenge.
After trying 3 different brands now. The Koni adjustable ones in my opinion are the best.
The next thought after redoing (again) the brakes is the idea of going back to larger wheels to accommodate Brembo 332mm big brake kit. I love the stock look but even with several variations of pads and calipers, it really hurts on track days to replace parts mid day.
If I do go 18 inch, I'd like to keep the Acura conservative look. I love being able to park the car anywhere and nobody parks inches from me or stares in my windows.
Thinking about other lessons learned.
1. Color lights on the outside, 5th try so far. They have not been reliable partly because the car is lowered, partly due to the install, partly due to the quality of LED's for long term daily use. I have tried different brands and different installers, same unreliable results. Attached is the new brand I will try.
2. Brakes. Nothing stock stops well, even on my new Acura, the brakes are not worthy of a performance car. Tiny and underpowered for aggressive and at 10 minutes at Sebring they're already faded with another 5 minutes being the transmission heat popup. I have tried every pad combination and either it digs into the rotor or after 15 minutes on track the brake fade is too severe. Bad cooling and the stock wheels I presume are also partly at fault.
3. Blind spot sensor. Don't lower your car and expect these to work anywhere close to the new stock. I even had the dealer purchase a new system for 2018 models and custom retrofit. Still didn't work as well. Also if you have a k40, you have to turn off three back laser deflector so that it doesn't constantly beeped. Basically either/or...
4. Transmission. The Honda one recommended has been the greatest change and most reliable. All day on track, the 2003 Acura never even slips, the new 2019 TLX sport not only gives transmission popups but goes limp after 1 session.
5. Cameras. After 3 different installs of 360 cameras, still disappointed compared to stock 360 systems. It's advanced so much in 5 years, but there's still little bugs to be worked out. The worst is the overall design of our cars. If you lower the car it's especially impossible. I had the dealer custom make me one in the Acura symbol as it's the highest place in the front of the car, it still doesn't catch enough to make a good 360 system work in the front part of the car. As you are all aware, our cars are very long and narrow, also making it hard on 360 systems.
Wheels/ tires. On the stock 17 inch rims, I found the 235x45 combination to ride and fit the best. It does lower the wheel by I think .2 but I feel better handling especially on fast curves like turn 17 at Sebring.
Seat covers. After replacing seat covers, while they look new and nice, eventually they will not last and I think I will try an aftermarket option with nicer leather and more reliable material on the drivers entry side.
Better tire size for car The white set of lights for door opening have been flawless The second set of lights on the car are colored RGB and have never worked reliably. Trying this brand next. The white controller is the old system controller.
Some things that have held up well through 3 years
Speaker system install and overall design. The JL 12TW3 were great options because I wanted to keep my trunk space.
Attached is 3 years of abuse...
The cameras for front look great and are as high as a mounting point we can go aesthetically.
Attached as well Trunk space still great with 2 subs and 2 amps accessible from other side. 1200W mono and 800W new JL for rest. Camera installed in three bottom of A, hidden. The LED lights at night have to be off or it blurs 360 vision.
Thinking about other lessons learned.
1. Color lights on the outside, 5th try so far. They have not been reliable partly because the car is lowered, partly due to the install, partly due to the quality of LED's for long term daily use. I have tried different brands and different installers, same unreliable results. Attached is the new brand I will try.
2. Brakes. Nothing stock stops well, even on my new Acura, the brakes are not worthy of a performance car. Tiny and underpowered for aggressive and at 10 minutes at Sebring they're already faded with another 5 minutes being the transmission heat popup. I have tried every pad combination and either it digs into the rotor or after 15 minutes on track the brake fade is too severe. Bad cooling and the stock wheels I presume are also partly at fault.
3. Blind spot sensor. Don't lower your car and expect these to work anywhere close to the new stock. I even had the dealer purchase a new system for 2018 models and custom retrofit. Still didn't work as well. Also if you have a k40, you have to turn off three back laser deflector so that it doesn't constantly beeped. Basically either/or...
4. Transmission. The Honda one recommended has been the greatest change and most reliable. All day on track, the 2003 Acura never even slips, the new 2019 TLX sport not only gives transmission popups but goes limp after 1 session.
5. Cameras. After 3 different installs of 360 cameras, still disappointed compared to stock 360 systems. It's advanced so much in 5 years, but there's still little bugs to be worked out. The worst is the overall design of our cars. If you lower the car it's especially impossible. I had the dealer custom make me one in the Acura symbol as it's the highest place in the front of the car, it still doesn't catch enough to make a good 360 system work in the front part of the car. As you are all aware, our cars are very long and narrow, also making it hard on 360 systems.
Wheels/ tires. On the stock 17 inch rims, I found the 235x45 combination to ride and fit the best. It does lower the wheel by I think .2 but I feel better handling especially on fast curves like turn 17 at Sebring.
Seat covers. After replacing seat covers, while they look new and nice, eventually they will not last and I think I will try an aftermarket option with nicer leather and more reliable material on the drivers entry side.
Better tire size for car The white set of lights for door opening have been flawless The second set of lights on the car are colored RGB and have never worked reliably. Trying this brand next. The white controller is the old system controller.
I can't believe I just read this entire thread. Awesome work and dedication. I have been running the 235/45/17 tire size on my CLS-6 for ten years. Agreed: best size for looks and handling. I did swap out my factory wheels for a set of 2007 Civic Si Wheels some years back though. Acura center caps fit perfectly. Someday I'll do something with the OEM rims. They sit in my basement along with a few other sets of OEM wheels from other vehicles...lol.
my apologies, been traveling excessively and doing track events. I have some updates since this but alot of it is known by us.
1. AV6 swap
2. Swapped from eiback to Koni
3. Swapped brakes 3x
4. Rims 3x s well, back to OE
I've found a stereo guy based out of NJ, might be shipping my cars up there. If so, the Acura goes first with some ideas..
Acura
Fix Rydeen system - maybe replace with new module - front camera does not work, would like to reroute
Fix inside and outside lighting - only the white works
Fix the change station button on steering wheel - Maestro SW?
Fix or replace the K40 system - if remove then put in Lambo
Add/Fix USB for radio - CD-MU200 or CD-AH200 - stop using cheap USB cables that stop working 2 months later
Replace Radio potentially with AVIC-W8500-NEX
Fix blind spot - maybe mount higher to reduce false positive of bushes and curbs - Rydeen BSS2 (preferred)
Add Parking Sensor with visual display like Mercedes - BrandMotion 9002-3003 or Rydeen PSR4000 or Rearview Safety RVS-125 or RVS-115-W in back high mounted
Replace Rydeen M350 with the new BSS-MI that works with blind spot
Add Camera in top part of window and underneath spoiler - separate from Rydeen 360. Pioneer ND-DVR100 type
Replace back up camera location to underneath spoiler (work with Ron?)
Make camera and all equipment detachable via connectors for body work
Add 5 farad capacitor so the lights don't flicker when bass
Add better antenna for HD radio
Add iDataLink ADS-ALCA or ADS-BLADE AL
Add ADS-USB (updates) easily accessible, maybe in glove box
Add ADS-WLM-AP1 or ADS-WLM-AN1 for remote start capability
Add CMHCXA0 HCX remote start module - work with smartphone
Add Tr1110A basic one button one way start remote
Add Wireless charging in console large enough for Samsung plus phone, redo leather and padding - Brandmotion QI FDMC-1213 or better FDMC-1310 for Max
Keyless Entry - Like Boyo IkeyFreePro
Add Curb Alert Park View PRO 5000-CA6 and add to either display - auto sense camera in front vs Rydeen switched - LED is basic enough with cheaper Brand in Motion Curb alert
Add Rydeen PVR15W — Advanced Warning Forward Facing DVR System
Add better antenna for HD radio
Add tweeters or speakers in back
Add sound imaging with Pioneer Auto-EQ CD-MC20 - DOESN'T WORK
Add center channel speaker
06-24-2019, 04:17 AM
