0utl

Exactly what the title says! I have been doing non stop research on whether to go with Aspec or Type S. I have been leaning more towards the Type S for a few reasons.
1. Not as stiff over rough roads
2. will still get better hanling
3. No worries of More rear negative camber since I already have -1.6 meaning I won't need a camber kit.
4. Will eliminate the front being higher than the rear and wont look sagged down.

I have only seen one review of the Type S on a base and so I would like to see more. Appreciate your feedback if im making the wrong choice. This will be my last post about this topic

nttstt444

iTrader: (1)

Is there any way you could drive a type s? That would be the best way to find out if you like it. How many miles on your current suspension? IMO, That certianly dosent seem like a worth while upgrade going from base 6MT suspension to type s, but thats subjective I guess.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

your 2004 6MT TL has the stiffest suspension out of all three.

pros of type-s
- stiffer bushings in top hats( more road feel)
- same height as your base TL

Pros of aspec springs
- slightly lower
- track tuned = better handling

and agreed with nttstt444. if you were getting the type-s suspension on the cheap and you just need a replacement set, it would be a great deal.
however, if you were "upgrading" i would go for the aspec springs and shocks

0utl

Thank you to nttstt444 and justnspace. I currently have 145k mi on base suspension. I was going to buy the Type S suspension new and its the same price as the A-spec and both are 200$ cheaper than to replace with my base shocks. I have read a couple of times that the type s is nearly the same stiffness as the my base 6mt.

Slpr04UA6

^if you do choose type-s, I would definetly look in the Black Market (for sale section of Azine) to find someone's used set (hopefully lower mileage ~30-40K with a lot of life left). I've seen them go for as cheap as $200 for the whole setup.

Even if your not looking to lower that much or at all, I would prob choose A-spec for reason's Justin stated.

0utl

I am still leaning more for Type S, but I dont want used Because I want new replacements so it rides like new. Im not a crazy driver so extreme handling isnt my ultimate goal but would like a little improvement for the best value keeping it oem for my base 6mt. Thanks for all your advice. Keep it coming.

Slpr04UA6

OEM=A-Spec! Lol!

At Least for the A-Spec'd TL's of '04!


Either way, use one of our vendor's for the better price on whatever you choose!

0utl

I know its oem, but I guess my main concerns with Aspec are:
1. Rear sagging lower than the front.
2. Having to deal with rear camber kit.
3. Being too stiff for DD.
4. Cant handle having a full car of people.

Thanks guys

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^whut?
lol

you dont have to deal with camber at all. the aspec kit is a factory option that retains factory suspension geometry which retains factory camber which is -1.7 at the rear.

as stated your 6MT base suspension is the STIFFEST of them all. this means the aspec is less stiff than your current suspension.

finally, since it retains stock like qualities, you wont rub at all.
at all.

here's my car on aspec springs with 18 inch aftermarket wheels AND I DONT RUB.






I do have koni yellow shocks tho. it lowered it a very tiny bit compared to the aspec shocks..
and i'll correct my self, i rub on occasion, but im planning to fix that with a fender roll.

which you wont have to because you're running stock rims. my rims are kind of aggressive

p.s. im still running factory camber all around

Stephen00TL

Here is mine withy the manual transmission aspec suspension a few days after install. The car has settled a little more since I installed it. Almost nobody here is really going to recommend the type s kit over the aspec suspension there is no real benefit to doing that.

feynman314

Seems like you want to get the type s suspension...pull the trigger

nttstt444

iTrader: (1)

-It doesn't sag in the rear.
-I didn't need a camber kit, my car was within spec after alignment
-Its an OEM product, it wont be overly stiff or uncomfortable.
-Not sure what you mean w/ your 4th concern?

0utl

Justnspace: From all my research I found A-spec is stiffer than Type S and the 6MT Base. How is my base suspension stiffer ahh I need this clarified lol?
My camber in the rear is already -1.6 so I fear dropping a 1/2 inch would take me over my limit.
I have seen pics of base MT TLs with A-spec and the rear is lower than the front. I hope im not frustrating you guys I really appreciate all your input.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the 6mt, especially the 2004 version is very special.
i have a 2006 6mt. mine isnt as special as yours.

the 2004 6mt is the first "sport" edition. comes with brembo brake calipers up front, a stiffer suspension than the auto, an LSD, and the 2004 6mt had the most aggressive timing.
your car is very special because it has all these cool "upgraded parts" from the factory.
you indeed have a stiffer suspension than any other versions, including aspec

your camber wont change....so there's no worry there.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

can you elaborate on what you mean when you say the 04 6mt is different than the 06 6mt suspension? I thought all 04-06 6mt suspension are same, and rides similar(not stiffer) than the 07-08 type S

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the only difference between the 04 and the 06 was that the ECU was toned down.
he has the better car than me, because its much more aggressive with timing!

the suspension is the same, sorry if i wrote it in a confusing way.

feynman314

OP, I think you may be over thinking this. Both suspensions are OEM, therefore theres not going to be anything ridiculously different about them. Neither are going to be too stiff for a daily driver. I have driven all 3 on 6MTs and there isnt a HUGE difference between them. Its somewhat subtle, but definitely noticeable to someone who is in tune with their car.

Both type s and aspec will be stiffer than what you currently have because there will be no wear and tare on your new suspension. The aspec will be stiffer than the type s and both will be stiffer than what you currently have.

I would say go with the type s. Seems like thats what you really want to be convinced to get lol. Im sure you would be pleased with either, but if you are concerned with being too stiff, then type s it is.

350

iTrader: (4)

What about Koni's? I reused my stock springs so the ride is nice but you can adjust the firmness. Similar drop to A spec or you can leave it stock height. Should cost about the same or a few bucks cheaper. Dropping .75" wasn't enough to need an alignment and the difference in camber is negligible.

0utl

Paperboy42190: So my car does ride similar to a Type S? That is what I thought just nobody has really clarified it. Which is no big deal if it does anything will ride better than my 145k mile old shocks. From what I keep gathering from all my research that A-spec is the best replacement I can do for a more enhanced ride that is enjoyable but won't be rough over awful roads which is my main concern because I had a lowered integra and that was rough and im not comparing the 2 cars just making a point that im not in to that anymore, which is why I bought my TL lol. If I lived in a state with nice roads I wouldn't even hesitate on the A-spec.

nttstt444

iTrader: (1)

I was always under the impression that aspec was the firmest of all the oem suspension, then Type S> 04-06 MT> 04-06 AT> 07-08 base?

0utl

Haha over thinking is an understatement. I thought I would just replace my shocks and now its turned into months of research lol. Yeah the last thing I want is a stiff ride. Thank you for your feedback. I guess I was just looking for any positive thing about Type S

350

iTrader: (4)

If you don't want a stiff ride 07-08 base shocks are the softest, I'm sure you could find some dirt cheap since most people here go for stiffer shocks or coilovers.

0utl

Yeah im just going for a slight upgrade That isn't too harsh and from what everyone says Aspec is just right and accomplishes great handling with great ride comfort at the same time.

tomlinsonj

iTrader: (2)

I think what your reading from the posts above is that going from base MT suspension to Type-S is not really an upgrade. It's more like a replacement. So when you say you want a "slight upgrade that isn't too harsh" then you are looking at ASPEC MT suspension kit 201B.

0utl

Your response is worth to me lol. That really puts it in perspective. I see you have A-spec on your TL have you had any issue with camber front or rear? Mines already -1.6 in the rear . How do you think Aspec does over rough roads compared to our base? I have actually read it handles bumps better because the car doesn't bounce around...

Stephen00TL

I think it handles much better and does pretty well on bumps tires will have an impact on ride comfort to. I have the 201b kit also which is the manual transmission kit and the camber in the rear for me is 1.8, it won't really where your tires with that little so no need for a camber kit. Make sure your toe isn't out because that is what wears tires the fastest.

0utl

Yeah thats what I I have read about the toe is more important. It doesn't look like it in the photo, but does your rear sit lower than the front now that it is settled?

Stephen00TL

For the most part it is even

0utl

Now with type s suspension would I need to think about it handling odd because of weight difference between base and type s or it actually raising the height of the car?

0utl

I researched and found almost 100 lbs difference. Which is not that much at all. Thank you all for the great information I couldn't ask for more. I'll keep you updated on my decision because I am still unsure .

0utl

I have made my decision to go with the Type S set up. I know its not what many suggest lol but I have my reasons and its just not what i am looking for. I’ll be ordering my set up this week along with 07-08 compliance bushings, the other 2 bushings in the LCA and finally the lower ball joints . I figure since I have it all torn apart I mine as well replace it all since I have 145k miles. I’m purchasing all my parts from oemacuraparts.com which is one of our vendors. They have great prices and so far good service on getting back with me on questions that I have. When I return home from Hawaii at the end of May I will be putting all these parts on and will update the thread on how everything goes and how I like it. I’ll do before and after pix too to see if it raises the rear at all. Appreciate all of your feedback!

Scottwax

Don't forget the Type S front anti-roll bar and the rear if your car currently has the 17 mm rear bar.

.TODD

looks nice

0utl

Yeah from what i found i believe my 6mt tl has the same rear RSB as the type S. Can't afford to do the front after all this i would have put over $1k

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i believe both are 21mm thick, but the base bar is hollow.
the type-s bar is solid and will be stiffer

0utl

Yeah when you search the pn#: 52300-SEP-A11 on oemacuraparts it is for the Type S and the Base 6MT. I believe if the Type S front Sway Bar that's solid.

Scottwax

Front bar shouldn't cost more than $100-120 or so from Acura. Since its the same diameter (albeit solid instead of hollow) you can reuse your D bushings if they are in good condition.

Just a thought since you'll have it up in the air anyway.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

^Yes, but the subframe needs to be dropped.

To the OP, no matter what suspension you have installed, and if there is a question about rear camber, I wouldn't hesitate adding the toe and camber links as you're spending $1000 on the change, so another $200 bucks might be considered chump change.

0utl

Are you suggesting the Ingalls rear kit? I have seen the bad reviews but Im not worried about the camber with the Type S suspension so I wouldn't need one and the suspension will make the rear go back up I hope. Thats what I have read anyway. I won't be doing the FSB this time around I have enough work to be done lol.