Project 2010 Acura TSX V6
Good News
Earlier this year, Acura tossed me a set of keys for a week-long stint with their brand new TSX V6 sedan. After seven days with the refined brute, I was a fan, and I actually stated in my review that if I ever crossed paths with this model again, there would be a few basic changes that I'd make to improve the already impressive offering. Well, as luck would have it, three short months later I received word that I'd have the opportunity to modify my own TSX this year. Draped in Palladium Metallic, also known as silver, the 2010 V6 is fully loaded, including eighteen-inch wheels, navi, and of course the potent 3.5L power-plant.
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2010 Acura TSX V-6 - Wrenchin'
Long-term loaners, in short, are awesome. They give editors a chance to tinker with a new model, and with any luck, help develop some new parts that will eventually be made available to the public. Because the models are usually very new, aftermarket support isn't exactly booming. I saw this problem with our Project Fit last year, as the '09 model simply didn't have the same level of parts options in comparison to the previous generation. I did find a few companies willing to take a stab at producing new parts, including a carbon fiber front lip, various suspension components, and even pulled a few horsepower out of the micro-machine-sized Fit motor.
The production of power.....never enough
With the TSX V6, the power and torque is outstanding. The car has no problems grunting its way around traffic with a level of power and finesse that most Honda/Acura offerings simply can't match. Of course, there's always room for improvement. Although I've never seen the inside of the factory V6 exhaust system, I'm assuming it's somewhat convoluted due to its extremely quiet demeanor, even during full throttle sprints. An aftermarket high-flow exhaust and intake system are a must, and although there isn't anything on the market currently, I'm confident there's a company out there willing to break the ice on the V6 model in both the inhale and exhale departments.
Down To Earth
You'll no doubt notice the very low stance in the photos accompanying this write-up. Just a few days after bringing the car home, it was handed off to a very well known suspension manufacturer that stepped up to the plate to develop a full coilover kit for the V6.
I'll get into details on that in the next installment of this project series, but suffice to say that after logging about 2,000 miles on the new suspension so far, I'm very pleased with the outcome. Beyond the improved handling is of course the aesthetic improvement. I've received quite a few "dude, that car looks so much better lowered" and "I didn't like the new model until I saw it dropped" comments. Again, I'll have more info and a full review on the upgraded suspension next time around.
Finding a pair of shoes Though I've never been a fan of lowering a car on factory wheels, the eighteen-inch stockers don't look bad at all. Well, that is until you walk around to the rear of the car and see the massive gap between the wheel and the inside of the rear fender. New wheels and tires along with a proper alignment are at the top of the "to-do list." I won't be going with any massive low-offset tire shredders, nor will I be using the extremely high offset (roller skate) wheels that seem to be prevalent on most new generation TSXs with aftermarket rollers. My goal is to find a set of wheels that will help improve handling further, and with an aggressive look that will add a little attitude to the sedan. After taking a peek under the wheel well of this 2010 model, I'm almost positive a fender rolling session will be required to fit a decent sized wheel and tire combo. My guess is 19x8.5 +35 to +40, but we'll see how things pan out as I research a little more.
Until next time
That's the basic rundown of what will happen over the next few installments of this project. Much like our old '09 Fit car project, the newer generation TSX hasn't really had a chance to mingle with the aftermarket, but I'm hoping that with a few hundred emails and a sleepless night or two of research, I can give that relationship a little nudge. Stay tuned...