Topic: My TSX - lowered on Tein's and added a DC Sports header!

[curls]

It's been a long while since I posted pics of my car, but here they are!

This past weekend I installed (with 90% of the work done by my mechanic friend!):

• Tein H-Tech springs.  The drop on these is rated at a 0.75" rear, 1.1" front.  Stiffness only slightly more than stock.  Overall I LOVE the ride height and the driving dynamics now. Still family-friendly but really fun in the twisties.  Anything lower and I wouldn't like it as much. I am hoping the springs settle about 1/4" lower than they currently are sitting at (after 1.5 days since installation).
• DC Sports 4-2-1 ceramic-coated header. Dyno gains for most guys show 5-10whp improvements throughout the powerband (as low as 2000rpm all the way up to 7300rpm redline). Definitely feels a LOT stronger and rev-happy now!

Installed previously:

• Comptech rear sway bar, 22mm. Used Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings for a stiffer feel.  Car corners MUCH flatter and handling is near-neutral since the rear is stiffer by a factor of over 3x!
• Injen cold air intake. Nice sound, nice gains above 4000rpm. VTEC loves breathing.
• Comptech short shifter. "snick snick" shifts are still present on this amazing 6-speed, but are now 37% shorter.
  
• Llumar tint, 20% all around
  
• A-spec bodykit
  
• Toyo Proxes TPT tires (I'd have loved the Proxes4 tires if the dealership would have had them in stock when I bought the car (used) but they didn't... so boooo on them!)  These are still 10x better than the OEM tires though --> they're like hockey pucks in comparison!
  
• Had a 2006 engine short block installed under warranty for a few extra HP (better cyl-to-cyl pumping and efficiencies, etc...).
  

PICS: sorry for the somewhat dirty car -- only had time today for a Sunoco wash, not a TLC hand wash + wax.

[UmroAyyar]

Nice Packaging.  The car exudes character.

With the internal mods, you've an even better handling car and more fine tuned power delivery, its not packing too much power is it? Thats what I could understand. 

[curls]

It's probably putting down close to 200 at the wheels but thats it... remember the TSX is an I4, not a V6 (that's TL territory).  I think its nicely balanced as it stands.  Enough power to chirp 2nd and even 3rd if I try, and definitely a lot more power up top than before.  I think next will be the Hondata reflash but that's not until next summer at the very earliest, as it's $900+ CAD.

I loved the TSX the minute I saw one in a spy shot... had to have it!

[The Mighty Duck]

Beauty!  I do love the TSX, and I think it looks great in white, especially with the tint.  All in all, very -worthy.  I like the mods you chose, too: tasteful and useful! 

[Snowman]

Well done!....the TSX looks great. Handling mods are next on my list and I am concerned the lowered ride height may compromise ride quality.

[curls]

Well done!....the TSX looks great. Handling mods are next on my list and I am concerned the lowered ride height may compromise ride quality.

Do your research and look at spring rates even more than actual drop.  Stiffer spring rates *assuming non-progressive springs* = stiffer/firmer ride, but increased handling, and increased oversteer capabilities.  Softer springs = more compliant ride but a little less hard-cornering performance.  Progressive springs, depending on the dual rates, should be the best of both worlds, but are harder on the shocks unless you go higher-end performance shocks.

Thanks for the props everyone!

Sorry I moved the pictures to different folders on my server (twice now)... they should be permanent now.

[dr_spock]

Very nice. 

[Jaeger]

Nice pics and a very nice car.  But man, there is no way in hell I would mess with that TSX shifter.  Stock, it's as close to perfect as it gets, IMHO.

Jaeger

[curls]

Nice pics and a very nice car.  But man, there is no way in hell I would mess with that TSX shifter.  Stock, it's as close to perfect as it gets, IMHO.

Jaeger

Have you tried a shortened-throw version of the TSX shifter? Still smooth as butter.

[Jaeger]

Nice pics and a very nice car.  But man, there is no way in hell I would mess with that TSX shifter.  Stock, it's as close to perfect as it gets, IMHO.

Jaeger

Have you tried a shortened-throw version of the TSX shifter? Still smooth as butter.

No, I haven't.  I'm just not convinced that shorter always means better.  Your kit shortened the throws by 37% and presumably you find this "better".  Would it be better yet if it had shortened them by 50%?  By 60%?  At some point shorter is just shorter and that's all.  I'm glad you like your modified shifter and that the great shift feel is retained. 

For me, when an aspect of the car is already at or near best in class my inclination would be to leave well enough alone.  Change for the sake of change or for "modding" bragging rights is just not for me.

Now, the shift feel on my '07 Altima is something that COULD use improvement, so I will be keeping an eye out for what becomes available down the road.

The TSX is a great car and one that I seriously considered buying.  Enjoy.

Jaeger

[curls]

I wanted the shift feel to be similar to that of the S2000, and now it's as close as I'll get without actually buying an S2K.   The S2K shifts are so smooth (marginally better than the TSX but not by much), but are considerably shorter than the TSX.  I fixed that.

The reason Acura didn't shorten the shifts is because the TSX is a sporty family sedan and not a roadster like the S2K...

[Craig]

I have no time for mods right now, but at some point, we have to talk.

[curls]

I have no time for mods right now, but at some point, we have to talk.

 

[Julie]

Looks beautiful curls. I love the TSX in pearl white. I think it suits the TSX so well.

Congrats!, and thanks for posting. I can't get enough of the TSX, driving or in pics. I'm not really the modding type, but I may get that Comptech sway bar later.

[Bullet Blue]

Acuras look great in white, you've got a beautfy there curls, thanks for the update.