- #9 of 10
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A=Spec advantage
by voxboy
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Jun 11, 2007 (6:50 pm)
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I'm looking for any advice on how to make my TL feel more like the TSX. I like the sporty handling of that model. Would A-Spec help? I'm not sure what the fundamental advantage is of the A-Spec.
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- #10 of 10
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Re: A=Spec advantage [voxboy]
by larsonjm
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Jun 20, 2007 (10:54 pm)
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Replying to: voxboy (Jun 11, 2007 6:50 pm)
I own a 2006 TL (purchased new) with automatic, 17" stock wheels. After 1,000 miles I went back to the dealer, Ron Tonkin Acura, Portland, Oregon to see how to upgrade the driving experience. I had driven an Integra ('91) which was a sporty little car, though I just gave it to my nephew with 145,000 miles I still loved it to the end. The TL is another story. I put the A-Spec suspension kit (shocks & springs) on the vehicle. I did not purchase any other components and from my investigations Ron Tonkin was the only dealer who would do this. Most wanted the whole A-Spec kit which is too much money. The results: Reduced the floating feeling at highway speeds, much more sporty feeling with a little harsher ride, due in part by the increased tire pressure recommended to me of +4 pounds over factory psi recommendations for front and rear tires.A number of people reviewing tires at TireRack.com site commented that added tire pressure improved handling. A friend of mine who owns a wheel shop advised same to me. Was it an improvement? Yes, but it still feels sloppy at highway speeds when accelerating in a curve and you hit a bump or when getting off a freeway that has a curved exit. From comments about tires, not many people like the factory Bridgestone Turanza EL42 tires, which my car came with ,though everyone seems to have their own favorite tire. The one thing they had in common was that the Turanza was too soft, flexing too much when pressed. Many said they were garbage. I concur completely. It's been years since I had a BMW, purchased new, but I remember I loved the road feel in the steering. The TL doesn't feel solid at highway speeds and I drive 75-80 most of the time. Even with 18" wheels I still see car reviews describing the new 2007 TL/TL TYPE S as front heavy 60/40 front/rear distribution. My guess is, the guy who wrote that he drives a Porsche 911, and his wife the TL, is correct when he says you will never get it to have a true road-handling feel due to front wheel drive. My verdict is the same. I want to love my TL as the fit and finish is superb as is the transmission. I feel very attuned to what my car is doing most of the time. I would never again buy an automatic, though it is quick. Until ACURA adds AWD or goes RWD they are not going to capture the BMW loyalist, nor satisfy the ACURA loyalist who wants that spirited driving feel. Lastly, the sport suspension will lower the vehicle about 3/4". The springs and shocks are approx 30-40% stiffer, enough to make a difference and if you have better tires than the Turanzas, you might be happier than I am.
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