[Mikedarville]

Hello, I'm 18 and I just bought a stock 2004 Acura TSX automatic under 100k miles. I want to make my car faster and perform better but I don't know where to start. I need some guidance to avoid mistakes in the future. Thanks for your help!

 

[Mikedarville]

Plus, I don't want buy parts that are too powerful 2.4 L 4-cylinder Engine. Pic of my first car below.

 

[merlinj79]

That's a nice car, especially with low mileage. That car should last a long time, if you keep up with the preventative maintenance. If you're not sure what the previous owner did, I'd just go through and do all the fluids (and rubber serpentine belt unless it looks pretty new).

I'd run mobile 1 5W30. Also use the right gas, a name-brand (teir-1) premium. The motor's designed for the higher octane... it won't hurt it to run lower octane but it will reduce the power a bit. Tier 1 gas is important because it has better cleaning additives so it will keep your valves nice and clean. I've found that chevron works just great (techron).

Easy place to start is K&N air filter, the kind that you have to oil and clean. That will not filter the air quite as well as a regular filter, so I wouldn't use one on a daily driver if you live in a really dusty or sandy area.

Also new plugs. I just started using the new tech Denso twin tips, they seem to give me a noticeable boost in power on all my older cars. For the TSX it's Denso Iridium Twin Tip 4702 (IK20TT).

Also look at your brake lines, the flexible ones from the steel chasis lines to the brake caliper. If they're the stock black rubber I'd replace those with teflon/stainless steel lines... that will make the brake feel MUCH better. Stock is pretty soft for a sporty car.

I run Red Stuff pads with USR EBC rotors... that will prevent front rotor warp which can cause wheel vibration. If your pads and rotors are fine now, I wouldn't necessarily rush out and change them but when the time comes it's a nice upgrade.

All that stuff you can do yourself with pretty basic tools, plenty of DIY guides and videos here and on other sites.

Other than that I'm pretty stock (live in Cali so have to deal with their smog rules). I know you can change out the intake and re-program the ECU on these cars. You can still get after-market performance suspension parts too.

 

[Mikedarville]

That's a nice car, especially with low mileage. That car should last a long time, if you keep up with the preventative maintenance. If you're not sure what the previous owner did, I'd just go through and do all the fluids (and rubber serpentine belt unless it looks pretty new).

I'd run mobile 1 5W30. Also use the right gas, a name-brand (teir-1) premium. The motor's designed for the higher octane... it won't hurt it to run lower octane but it will reduce the power a bit. Tier 1 gas is important because it has better cleaning additives so it will keep your valves nice and clean. I've found that chevron works just great (techron).

Easy place to start is K&N air filter, the kind that you have to oil and clean. That will not filter the air quite as well as a regular filter, so I wouldn't use one on a daily driver if you live in a really dusty or sandy area.

Also new plugs. I just started using the new tech Denso twin tips, they seem to give me a noticeable boost in power on all my older cars. For the TSX it's Denso Iridium Twin Tip 4702 (IK20TT).

Also look at your brake lines, the flexible ones from the steel chasis lines to the brake caliper. If they're the stock black rubber I'd replace those with teflon/stainless steel lines... that will make the brake feel MUCH better. Stock is pretty soft for a sporty car.

I run Red Stuff pads with USR EBC rotors... that will prevent front rotor warp which can cause wheel vibration. If your pads and rotors are fine now, I wouldn't necessarily rush out and change them but when the time comes it's a nice upgrade.

All that stuff you can do yourself with pretty basic tools, plenty of DIY guides and videos here and on other sites.

Other than that I'm pretty stock (live in Cali so have to deal with their smog rules). I know you can change out the intake and re-program the ECU on these cars. You can still get after-market performance suspension parts too.

Thanks so much this helps out a lot! I will let you know when I get everything and put it in. Thanks again bro!

 

[Edgeman]

Concur with merlinj79 on maintaining the car. Your first priority is doing the routine maintenance, and sticking to the maintenance schedule. I ran Mobile One 5W-30 synthetic for years, but have switched to Kirkland 5W-30 synthetic. It provides the same protection at the price of conventional oil. I do a 5K oil change interval, which is probably over kill for synthetic oil. I run OEM engine air filters and oil filters. (I use aftermarket cabin filters.)

I also use Honda's ATF fluid for my AT transmission. I do a "drain and fill" transmission service with three back to back oil changes every 30K miles (also over kill...lol), and I replace the transmission filter during the third fluid "drain & fill."

Iridium spark plugs at least every 100K miles. I think valve check/adjustment every 100K miles. You may want to swap the PCV valve when you do that procedure.

Remember that YouTube is your friend. Always watch the YouTube video first, so you'll know what tools and parts you need to do the job. You can also decide if you want to tackle the job yourself, but frankly most jobs are easily done by backyard mechanics.

As for parts, I prefer using OEM Honda/Acura parts. Do a web search for "OEM Acura Parts" to find dealers and other vendors who sell factory parts online, and prices usually a little under what you would pay at your local dealership. Find the part numbers there, then do an online search for those specific parts.

Once you are on top of the maintenance, then look for upgraded parts. I approach it like this, if there's a better replacement part (like better brake pads), I'll upgrade at that time.

If you are unsure what to buy, feel free to come here to ask. There is a lot of experience here with people who are glad to help.

Enjoy your new car! It's much better than my first one...lol

 

[Tanodoe]

Hello, I'm 18 and I just bought a stock 2004 Acura TSX automatic under 100k miles. I want to make my car faster and perform better but I don't know where to start. I need some guidance to avoid mistakes in the future. Thanks for your help!

Cold air intake (make sure you get a splash shield for when it rains heavy)
Weapon r headers (still pricey but better than cheap headers)
Catback exhaust (i have the tsudo, it's kinda loud but the tone is deep and nice)
Reflash ecu from serge bo (just mssg him on fb to see if he still has any)
Coilovers (def worth it if you wanna take corners fast)
Better brakes and tires (just upgrade the rotors)