Hi all, I have been on the other EL list for a bit.. Learning a lot for the posts that you made. Just got a few questions of my own, some of it may sound stupid, but they are questions that have been on my mind. I own a 2000 EL Premium (auto trany).. and this is my first car.. It has about 24k right now. When is it a good time to starting doing modifications to the car without causing any damage to it? Since I do find the EL lack of torque and power. What should I consider as a first mod for better performance and handling? I use the EL for daily driving (schoool/work/home etc...). What I have in mind in upgrading/repalce would be a cold air intake and lowering springs. Any suggestions or recommendations? I've been doing some research trying to find reviews for these items. Here are the list that I came up with (of course with helps from others like Volitarie, Karson, & 1.6 <thx!! :) >). K&N Drop in or AEM CAI or a Custom made CAI w/ KN filter H&R Sports or Eibach ProKit or KGMM Also, do you think that with these mods done.. It won't even make any difference to my car since it is an auto? Lastly, about my Acura warranties and stuff. How does it work? I mean how do they determine what is parts of the car is VOID from warranty? Also, I have still been going back to the dealer for regular checkups and tune ups.. Do you guys thinks is a good idea? or you think I should go to another shop? Will this have any effect on my warranties..? Since they had a guideline of what parts needs to be replaced and all... I'm really confused about the warranty. Thanks in advancE! Simon

Hehe.. with ELeMental on too it's like reading my own recommendations.. so, 'ditto' is my input. =) Tires can be the hardest things to bring yourself to buy when you first start into modifying your car. Mainly because they 1) aren't the most glamorous of mods and 2) they are pretty expensive when you go with the quality brands. But they the BEST FIRST step to a different feeling automobile. The rest I agree with - except replace the springs with shocks if you're going to go with adjustables if you're not hung up of the modded 'look' since tires and shocks will leave you looking stock. Cheers/Tony

Hi Andrew.. Thanks for the quick reply! Help solved my little crisis..! = ) Just got a few more minor things.. = )

Thanks Tony for the reply! I sure hope I can change my tire if they are still within my budget. But the problem would be what do I do with my stock tires..? I mean I can't really use them for winter, since they aren't that great for winter. I mean they are OK, but I would prefer winter tires instead. > > The rest I agree with - except replace the springs with shocks if you're > going to go with adjustables if you're not hung up of the modded 'look' > since tires and shocks will leave you looking stock. > So you think if I replace my springs, I should do the shocks as well..? How will it be if I stay with the stock shocks? Adjustables.. another thing I want to ask about.. What are they? How do they work? There are so many different type of suspension items.. Coilovers (adjustables).. shocks (adjustables).. How does it work? are these items for people who want to drop their cars really low only?? thanks again! Simon > Cheers/Tony >

Depends on where you live. I'm in the GVRD and my friend has summer tires on his Golf....never had to change his tires through the winter after he got his car, since we only had one slight sprinkle of snow here. The rest was RAIN RAIN RAIN.

> SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association. Although US- based, > a lot of their policies hold true across North America. Read their > policies on warranty denial at http://www.sema.org/warranty/. Thanks for the link. I'm checking on the site right now..! > It depends on what you classify as "good". My Pirelli P7000's were > $160/corner, Toyo T1-S's are over $200/corner. Others may be lower or > higher. Some retailers will charge extra for mounting and balancing. > Sometimes you can find good deals, but I wouldn't skimp on tires. I really have to look into it.. Since I don't know anything about tires right now. I have read from the past post that many of the members have gave good reviews of the Toyo's.. How about your Pirelli? What do you think? > I have H&R's (although I'll be selling them soon) You are selling them? Let me know when.. I sure will be interested in them. Since those H&R are what I had in mind at first.. Keep me posted!! Thanks! > and they are great springs for the street because the first few inches > of compression are only marginally higher than stock. What do you mean by the first few inches compression..? Don't they have a set lowering rate? (1.75/1.5" for H&R) > Eibachs are also > excellent, but their progressive rate starts a little higher. > This is somewhat dependent on the springs. Personally, I think the > higher progression rate on my H&R's was a bit more tough on the shocks > and the ride started getting bouncy. Of course, other people said they > couldn't notice the difference. What are progressive rates..? is that the amount of lowered inch"?? Also, how long did the stock shocks lasted for you? I am planning to keep tne springs on my car all year round, is that a good idea?? > Daily driving... no. You will have to be careful mounting sharp curbs > and speed bumps. I usually take the off-roaders approach and try to go > up one wheel at a time. If you forget, your tow hook will usually hit > before anything else - it sounds really bad, but they're very strong > so it better to hit that than bodywork. Sometimes that black plastic > piece under the rad will also get abused. I see.. I guess I should be fine, just that I would have to be EXTRA carefully when going pass speed bumps and potholes... = ) Thanks! > I have no idea how much I'm getting - never bothered dynoing my car. > I think the custom 3" intake works damn well and it was cheaper than > those $400 AEM ones. Well, the CAI is just a thought but I really want to get tires and the springs first. I'm sure after I have done the suspension mods all the engine mods will soon to follow.. Being so careful about modding the car.. I just want get some knowledge first before I start doing anything.. > Yep. Just ask Tony, who dropped a B18C1 (140hp) 'Teg motor into his > EL... twice! Ya.. I read on his homepage.. I'm so amazed..! He did all the work himself.. Wow..! I'm really looking forward to see his car if you guys will be holding any meets this spring. > As you can see, this is not door-to-door racing where a lot can go > wrong. And it's a great way to spend a day! So these races are held annually I guess. I hope I will get a chance and take some time off and join one of those races.. I leaning more towards to time trial.. Btw, I read your past post. You've said that you are involved in the solo competitions.. How do they class the cars..? by the engine? or hp?? Regards, Simon