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So after owning my base TL for 5 months I'm finally getting around to modding it. It's a great looking car to start with but when you see other modded TLs then you start to feel the yearning to mod your stock car...
I bought my 04 NBP TL at the end of September with a fresh 100k service on it. Tan interior, woodgrain trim and woodgrain shift knob, and navigation.
Current plans (in rough order):
•ISC coilovers
•Paint the grill
•Type-S A-Spec front lip
•Wheels
•A-Spec rear
•A-Spec side skirts
I was temped to buy some cheaper coils and get the lip and coils at the same time but I think I'm making the better decision so feel free to tell me I am!
How it sits now:
Last edited by eastsideride; 02-22-2016 at 01:09 PM.
So its been a while since I made an update so I'll show the latest in chronological order. Weather has been in the pits too so I delayed posting...
March 2016
First and foremost, A-Spec front lip purchased at my local dealer for a cost of $265 (steal!!)
I marked and drilled the lip, fought some rusty U-Nuts (and I won by just snapping them off), and installed it on the car with ease. The change was immediately gratifying!
All lined up and tape holding it in place as a precaution
Adhesive is set and lip is official!
Then later that month I attempted the fit of my friends Gen 2 Mazdaspeed 3 wheels, wasn't completely into the look and wasn't ready to buy.
GenPu MS3 wheel test fit
And then about a week later I made the purchase on one of the last sets of Tein Basis coilovers. I went for the Basis because I wanted a stock feel suspension without having to worry about adjustments I don't really need as I am only daily driving my car. It didn't seem necessary for me to send the extra money on that feature, so I rather saved it.
New coilovers and new top hats!
The last week of that month I met up with a good friend who lent me his garage space and tools while my garage was out of order. I did all the work with him lending a foot to only drop the suspension to help pull the struts out. I only set the coilovers a tad bit lower than stock to allow them to settle in so I could see the drop and feel out how low I wanted to set them at in the near future.
April 2016
With the lip and coilovers on I was very happy that the mod bug finally bit me. I ended up cleaning the car during one of my work breaks and had some time to jack the car up and bring the suspension adjustment even lower. I had it so my tires were slightly tucking in the fender, lots of room to still go lower from here too.
I was super happy with the way it was looking at this pic!
I also took a day and cleaned my car better than anyone has ever cleaned it. I did a 6 step process:
Washed
Meguiars Clay Bar
Meguiars M105 Compound (DA w/ wool pad)
Meguiars M205 Polish Compound (DA w/ foam pad)
Meguiars M21 Sealent (by hand)
Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax (by hand)
Here is how that turned out:
You are looking at the reflection of my paint, you pay notice the edge of the body line by the grill of the Audi
Now its hard to tell from the photos, but the previous owner really couldn't drive or park. The stock wheels were severely curbed on all four, ALL FOUR! HOW?! Well many times I had people look at them and then I had to tell them it wasn't me. It was kind of embarrassing. They all have about the same damage if not a bit more/less
After some back and forth thinking, I decided to start looking for new wheels. I was looking at online retailers and private sales. I ended up finding a set of 5 wheels without tires in NJ for a great price. And they were also brand new. 4 of them had 500ish miles on them and one was brand new in a box as a spare. Best deal anyone has seen. So my new gunmetal MB Battles were picked up by a friend who was out there. I also bought a set of Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 tires to pair with the wheels.
The wheels are 18x8 +33 if anyone wants to know. Tires are 225/40/18.
Towards the end of the month, and most recently, I dropped the suspension a bit lower to compliment the new sexy looking wheels.
Oh, I also painted my calipers teal with a satin clear coat.
Then I did a photoshoot with myself!!
This photo was put on blast on Facebook and Instagram, felt great to have a respectable car.
And thats ^ how it sits currently until I get more goodies
Looking good man. I've always liked the mb battles on the TL.
Was the last picture taken in Monaca, PA ?? Lol my parents live out near there and I drive past there when I'm visiting. Actually I've definitely been to that dock before too ha
Looking good man. I've always liked the mb battles on the TL.
Was the last picture taken in Monaca, PA ?? Lol my parents live out near there and I drive past there when I'm visiting. Actually I've definitely been to that dock before too ha
Thank you for the kind words!
And yes it was! Great guess! I finished up my last year of college before I transfer to another school so I drove through it a lot. Found the boat launch and decided to snag some pictures
nice pics and updates! i saw that thirsty pic on ig too haha
any plans to do the side and rear aspec kit? i think that would really help the all around look it's a noticeable upgrade if you already have the front lip
nice pics and updates! i saw that thirsty pic on ig too haha
any plans to do the side and rear aspec kit? i think that would really help the all around look it's a noticeable upgrade if you already have the front lip
Haha yea I think it was on 3 Instagram accounts not including mine
I am waiting to get the side and rear, I expect to get them by June maybe, just waiting for my new job to start making me money since I am still training
I had Skunk2 UCAs and never experienced any issues. They offer a wide -3 to +3 degrees of adjustable camber.
Okay good to know! I heard mixed things about everything so it was always a challenge to find out whats the best option. Heard about the SPC adjustable upper ball joints?
Originally Posted by maharajamd
A5 in the background?
*Ding Ding* Its a Cabriolet, looks good but slow as balls haha
I looked into them but decided to get the Skunk2 UCAs instead of trying to mount aftermarket ball joints into an OEM UCA. When I parted out the car, it was much easier to just take the entire arm off and put the stock one back on
I looked into them but decided to get the Skunk2 UCAs instead of trying to mount aftermarket ball joints into an OEM UCA. When I parted out the car, it was much easier to just take the entire arm off and put the stock one back on
LOL well I guess its handy for that. Yea mounting the ball joints needs the press, which I guess I can loan from Autozone, but nah!
Looks great man! I like the A-spec lip and the teal calipers. Didn't know if teal would work but it looks pretty good!
Thanks! They're a pain to clean but they do look good. It was a bold decision!
Originally Posted by Steven Bell
Looks good-I'm just glad you guys are still able to get these A-spec pieces.
Yea same here. My local dealer has been really good with me about ordering the parts at a low cost. They're willing to match or beat anyone it seems. I don't mind giving them business for the good service they've delt
Two updates... For my progress to preparing for my first car show. Registered for Clean Culture x Import Expo at the Pocono Raceway in July!
First, I threw on new endlinks and the HIC rear window visor (in looooooooveeee)
Second, I finally added the A-Spec side under spoilers to complete the kit. In the process of taking off the passenger rear wheel, one got knocked over and it landed on its face scratching the outer lip... I cried for a split second. Luckily I have a 5th wheel that's brand new! (dirty pic warning)
02-22-2016, 01:00 PM
March 2016 update
April 2016
Fuhhhhhhhh