New to the mod scene.. lookin' for some opinions

fully-equipped · 07-02-2009, 10:04 PM

First and foremost, i'd like to introduce myself as a new member on this forum. I've been looking for a forum like this for a while, and actually just came across it today.

I own a 2006 TSX, 5spd automatic, black on black, with navi. I bought it a couple years ago, and have done NOTHING to it. at all. completely stock. I was actually real interested in finding a site like this when i first bought the car, but because of other distractions, i gave up the hunt.

Now to the questions. I know everyone here is pretty well informed on the whole mod scene and how to upgrade their cars. I'm a beginner, i don't know much about modding cars at all. So, I'm here to ask you guys for a little bit of help:

1.) today i got a flat tire. I have the temporary tire up right now, but of course i will be needing a new one. I was gonna go with the stock Michellin pilots because i hear they're pretty good. I found a better deal online here Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
then what I would be paying at the nearest NTB. I was wondering what other tires would be good.

2.) once i get a new tire, i was in the market for rims as well. so far i've looked at the konig unknown 17s (Amazon.com: Konig Unknown High Gloss Black w/Mirror Machine Face 17" x 7": Automotive) and the american racing casino blacks (American Racing Black Casino)
I am confused about the specs. the konigs are 17 by 7. would these fit the stock tires i currently have? i was wondering what specs you need to look at when buying rims and which specs would match up with the tires i have.

3.) and finally, i was curious to know any mods/upgrades that i NEED to have done to my car. not so big on performance mods, more interested in mods that will make the car look nice (smoking out headlights, underlights, tints) etc. However, i have also heard of hondata and people supercharging the TSX, these also sound intriguing. Body kits also would be great.

lastly, i was also wondering if anyone could let me know what cleaning essentials you guys buy. i've never really handwashed my car so im quite the beginner - so just basic waxes and washes would be good.

sorry for the lengthy message. id like to give my thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out. i'm just looking for some basic upgrades that will make the car look nicer.

THANKS!

That-TSX-Kid · 07-02-2009, 10:23 PM

Since you're not into performance, I'd say spoiler ($200 knockoffs to $1000 legits), changing the bulbs in your headlights/foglights, of course bodykits which to color match and get installed it gets really expensive. Tinting is a must, just know your legal percentage limit (Ohio's is 50% front side windows, and any % for rear sides/rear window.)

Hondatas a great mod because no one can see it but you can tell the difference. A Cold Air Intake will make your car sound nice but won't add to performance as much.

PS: stay away from underglow!

pdpgps · 07-02-2009, 10:24 PM

1) I have those as my replacement OEM tires. I only use them for winter. They are really good in my opinion.

2)17x7 with stock tires should work according to this: Tire Selection / Wheel Size Master Guide - TSXClub.com Forums

This link will answer any of your tires, offset questions.

3)Big no on underlights. That was early 2000's, late 90s! Tints are a great starter. Everyone has their opinion where you should start modding, and for me it's with suspension. I think a car giong for performance should be able to handle the road first. I'd go in this order.

well upgrade the basics first. Brakes, rotors and tires. Then
1) Springs/struts or coilovers
2) rear camber kit
3) rear sway bar
4) intake
5) hondata ecu reflash

TSX_WS · 07-02-2009, 10:48 PM

Definitely ECU reflash, rear sway bar, coilovers, wheels of choice. Header is also a great mod as TSX has a VERY restrictive stock exhaust manifold. iPod integration and upgraded speakers will also be well worth it. Search, there are numerous threads like this.

fully-equipped · 07-02-2009, 11:04 PM

Thanks a lot for the feedback! A few questions..

Do you guys get your cars serviced at Acura? I've been using their service ever since I got the car..

And also by iPod integration do you mean AUX? I listen to it through the AUX...

fanbanlo · 07-02-2009, 11:14 PM

Skip the MXM4, they suck so bad! Almost any tire would be an upgrade.
If you wanna stay in Michelin and you like quiet, go for MXMV.
MXM4 is way overpriced.

For look, LED mod is very nice and affordable.

17x7 is fine, but make sure the offset is around 50 (45-ish is fine) and bolt patter is 5x144.3

TSX_WS · 07-02-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fully-equipped

Thanks a lot for the feedback! A few questions..

Do you guys get your cars serviced at Acura? I've been using their service ever since I got the car..

And also by iPod integration do you mean AUX? I listen to it through the AUX...

I do most things myself

iPod integration allows u to control ur iPod from stereo unit, AUX does nothing but accepts ready signal.

Age · 07-02-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fully-equipped

1.) today i got a flat tire. I have the temporary tire up right now, but of course i will be needing a new one. I was gonna go with the stock Michellin pilots because i hear they're pretty good. I found a better deal online here

If your flat tire was one of the front ones, be sure to put the spare tire on one of the rear wheels and the regular size tire on the fronts.

griffojm · 07-03-2009, 07:59 AM

Nice to see another Buckeye on board! Welcome!

code85 · 07-03-2009, 04:15 PM

You should put the rear sway bar on the top of the list... one of the best mods you can do to the car.

fanbanlo · 07-03-2009, 05:02 PM

I had RSB installed, but now I can't feel it's there anymore.

Bluey2King · 07-04-2009, 12:18 AM

What type of RSB and how much? any instructions on the board?
Bluey

Age · 07-04-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluey2King

What type of RSB and how much? any instructions on the board?
Bluey

I prefer the progress brand because there are two levels of adjustment. Here is the link.

dedeman · 07-04-2009, 03:59 AM

Wow, this is an I can't sleep reply.

Anyway, most of the mods I have done are superficial, just one performance mod. Here's what I have (all factory/OEM):
ASpec body kit w/spoiler (about $1000 all in, but can be purchased separately)
fog lights ($260)
TL Aspec rims (18") ($1000)
Comptech (now C-T Engineering) icebox (cold air intake) ($150)
USASpec ipod adapter ($120)

And as for the tires, ditch the OEMs, I heard/saw reviews that they suck. I got Bridgestone Pole Positions, which are supposed to be awesome, cheaper, quiet, and handle well:

Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position

Good luck