Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Hey everyone, lifetime Acura owner and new RL owner here and I figured I'd start a progress thread on my build. I've owned a 2006 TSX, 2007 RDX, and now this 2009 RL which I plan to be my most extensive project yet.

Current Mods as of February 20, 2014:
Exterior:
- Mugen Window Visors
- Mugen License Plate Bolts
- Rear Decklid Spoiler (not installed)
- LED License Plate Lights
- Madico Tints all around, 35% front, 5% over 35% in the rear, 70% windshield

Interior:
- LED Lights

Suspension and Wheels:
- SSR GT3 20" x 8.5" +19 all around

Engine:
- RV6 PCD (not installed)
- Takeda Short Ram Intake (not installed)


At the moment, I have the following items ordered.
- TEIN Harmonic Suspension
- Mugen KB2 Quad Exit Exhaust
- KB2 JDM Headlights
- KB2 Legend Scuff Plates

The plan is to go with a UAS Bags setup with Accuair E-Level Management and a custom hardwood floor & hard line installation, but the trunk install would have to happen after my sound system installation (Hertz Hi-Energy speakers/sub and Audison equipment). In the meantime, I'll just be running a static setup.

I know the KB2 is a seldom modified platform so if anyone has questions (heck, I'll have a lot myself too), feel free to ask and I'll do my best to help out!

Also I figure I'd get it out of the way by saying that this build WON'T be for everyone and I understand that we all have our opinions, but at the end of the day we're all driving our own cars and while I respect constructive criticism, let's try and keep this build thread a friendly place

EL19

iTrader: (4)

I had no idea mugen had a quad exhaust for the kb2. I'm looking forward to seeing this build. You going to get a jpipe too?

oo7spy

Well, you're not staggered, so I like it so far.

I'll keep it to myself when you slam it.

Were those wheels a first choice? The MMC seems even more executive than the 2005, and those wheels seem more like race wheels. Then again, that's not the best pic of the wheels. The house looks nice tho.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man, I'm pretty stoked on the exhaust, it should be here in a few months and I'll be sure to post plenty of pics and vids. And yes, I've been talking to Rich at RV6 and sent him pics of the KB2 J-pipe and he says the new batches will be ready shortly. I'll likely have to add a bung for the O2 sensor according to Rich, but that's not too big of an issue.

The good thing is once I'm bagged, I'll have a comfortable ride height and ability to both air up for driveways/speed bumps and also air out for parking.

You caught me on the wheels! They're definitely just an interim set, but I got them brand new never mounted with tires for $1300 so I wasn't complaining about SSR's for that price. The plan is to get wheels once the air suspension is finished so I know what kind of widths and offsets would work best for the finished product.

Echoe53

Nice, looking forward to the build and more pics please

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Ask and ye shall receive.

Excuse the poor quality pics thus far, I've lent my nice camera to a friend for a while, so until then these iPhone pics will have to suffice.

Here's a shot of my KB2 w/ the Mugen Visors installed. Also, this pic shows off the tint a bit better. ***Disclaimer, that is a temporary license plate location. I am plugging the holes in the bumper and needed to still display my license, so it's zip-tied there for the time being.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

So my license plate bracket came in, but alas it does not fit properly due to the RL having a different tow-hook mount than other Acuras. Regardless, I was still able to mount it somewhat temporarily until another fix is found.

Also, I wrapped the beak in matte black and the lower portion of the grill in 3M Carbon Fiber Di-Noc. If I decide to stick with this look, I'll most likely have the beak actually painted matte black while hydroprinting or CF wrapping the lower portion.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

It looks like theres a bit of waviness in the vinyl and this could've been due to it being a fresh pic, but once it is cured and set it should look fine

MSW 6SP

coming along nicely

oo7spy

That looks really good.

BDoggPrelude

Where did you find the Mugen exhaust? I had never even heard of it before you posted and I could only it listed on a couple websites and nothing that seemed even remotely legit. Is this what you ordered:

https://shop.intuneautos.com/p/76059...-XKJB-K0S0.asp

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

I have a few connections for JDM parts, so I was able to source one over there. The one you have linked is indeed the one I've purchased. Here is a link to the Mugen archive page of the available parts for the KB2 (link).

This may also prove as a resource for many that do not know the extent of the parts available for our car, let alone as OEM options. (PDF)

In the above PDF, they have just about every OEM/Modulo(A-Spec here in the US) option available, along with a description w/ images. I've already ordered the Legend scuff plates and the black luxury floor mats are next on the to-buy list.

So far I've also been able to source an OEM dash cam, but I am having a hard time finding the intersection cam and parking pole; all options that I'd like to eventually have on the car, but I could live without the parking pole.


Today I installed my decklid spoiler and it came out fantastic...I'll save a picture update for when my coilovers come in a few weeks.

oo7spy

If your idea if a parking pole is the same as mine, I have to say please don't.

BDoggPrelude

Personally, I would skip the parking pole. I did pretty much every JDM conversion thing possible to my BB6 Honda Prelude...except that silly parking pole. Obviously, it's your car and you should do what makes you happy. Everything else sounds awesome. I am very curious to see the dash cam.

oo7spy

Some things have more function than form. Other things, like parking poles, are all function and no form. Why in the world would you need a parking pole when you have that house? Just my $0.02.

Yumcha

Looks nice!

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Exactly, that's why the parking pole is the least of my priorities in sourcing parts right now. After looking at it more and more, I actually think it deters from the aesthetics and I'll likely forego it.

TehCL

can't wait to see it dropped..

good looks so far..

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

What a coincidence...that's exactly what I did today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21784766@N05/12982597244/
I went a different route than getting the Tein FLEX's and went with the Largus Harmonic KB1/2 setup. Here are some pictures of the coils compared to stock, and also a pic of the ride height at the out-of-the-box height (can go lower).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21784766@N05/12982318973/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21784766@N05/12982597594/
We realized that they probably set the coilovers at a short length for shipping purposes, which makes sense, it just didn't occur to us till after they were on and we had to adjust them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21784766@N05/12982181715/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21784766@N05/12982318963/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21784766@N05/12982318403/

At the moment, this is how it stands for my daily driving height. I can go full lock with no rubbing, and I do not bottom out on most driveways so long as I take them at a slight angle, nothing too crazy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21784766@N05/12982596064/

EL19

iTrader: (4)

Looks mean. I like

BDoggPrelude

What size tire are you running? Did you have to roll the fenders at all? Looks good BTW.

MSW 6SP

I'm curious to what wheels are going on next. You must have some designs in mind.

oo7spy

First Harmonics here.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

I'm running 245/30/20 all around and the ride is not that bad. The fenders were rolled and no flare was done to the arches... To give you an idea of how much space we have, I was able to fully tuck at natural camber. Next up, I'm going to be reaching out to some companies to fabricate a custom camber kit.


I get a decent % off VIP Modular, HRE, Volk, Work, Dampfhammer, and some other brands I've been looking at, so realistically I won't be buying a brand new, built to spec set until I am bagged. Until then, I've just been looking for good deals on wheels



Thanks for the kind words so far guys! The Mugen exhaust *should* be here next week and so should my Takeda intake, so updates will happen once those are on.

BDoggPrelude

I thought they looked kind of small. You should probably think about going to a 245/35R20 that has the proper load rating for the car. The OE tire load index is a 98. Those BFG's in that size are a 90. That's a pretty massive difference and hardly what would be considered safe. You are nearly 400lbs underrated at each corner of the car with those tires.

Look at it this way. A 90 load index equals out to a 1,323 max weight capacity at full air pressure. Multiply that by two and your front tires have a total weight capacity of 2,646lbs. The 2009 RL weighs 4,110lbs and has a 59/41 weight distribution. That means that when it is sitting still in a parking lot completely unloaded the front tires have 2,425lbs of car on top of them. This leaves you with 221lbs of room between your static weight and what your front tires can carry. With the weight transfer when braking and cornering your are severely overloading your tires. I cannot stress enough to you the danger in this.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Good info for those who aren't aware of calculating load indexes, and I am already aware of this issue myself. Like I've stated, these are just interim wheels and they came with rubber....SSR GT3's and brand new tires for $1300, I wasn't complaining.

I'm already on the search for another set of wheels, and with that tires. Since I'll be able to piece together my next setup, you'll be assured that I've properly spec'd out my car...This isn't my first rodeo

BDoggPrelude

Are you going to stick with 20's? If so, may as well get the tires now since they can be used with your new wheels. At least that way your car is safe.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Nope, going 19's for the next set!

oo7spy

Psshhh. YOLO mang.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Had a friend snap some shots of the RL today.

oo7spy

That debadge looks great.

StReCh4130

iTrader: (1)

For a while I was not a big fan of the grill on the 09+ RL, but it grew on me when I got 2005 RL. Yours makes me admire it though, lol. Your car looks great man, looking forward to the rest of the build.

Keep me posted on the ride of those coilovers, I'm curious on the quality and longevity of them after riding them low for a while. I've had bad luck with both D2, and Skunk2 from riding their less expensive setups slammed.

MSW 6SP

I've always loved the MMC rear end.

This fitment would drive me crazy lol

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Shhh, it's just temporary Having a custom one made which will sit flush. It's hard finding compatible parts for our car, so gotta make due sometime lol, plus with so many friends with different cars, spare parts like these are accessible for cheap most of the time.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the kind words man, I can tell you now that BOTH our builds will be pretty amazing once finished

TBH, I absolutely love the ride on these coilovers. The RL always felt a bit soft and spongy to me, and after install, the ride has improved drastically. Right now I too am concerned about the longevity since I don't have many friends who have had experience with this company, so I'm kind of a guinea pig for a bit of people.

StReCh4130

iTrader: (1)

You definitely are (like a guinea pig). I'm glad to hear they improved the feel of the car. Enjoy.

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Mugen exhaust is on! Pics and videos to come shortly

Iakonafuji

iTrader: (1)

Again, I apologize for the iPhone pic (let alone a screengrab from my Instagram account), but I feel like this should suffice until I can get my camera back and snap good shots, or have my friend take some.



The install went on a day after the intake, and I will do my best to sum up my experience(s) with both thus far.

The intake install was a breeze and the sound of the car is completely unchanged at idle and low rpm's, but once you get on the throttle and open 'er up, the sound changes to a muffled machine gun and really let's my 3.7 breathe. Above VTEC the car feels like it has gained some power, but I can see how my stock cats and J-pipe are acting as a bottleneck for my current setup. For anyone without an intake on their RL, the mod is easy enough to do in your garage, is relatively affordable, and makes it a bit more fun when opening it up every now and then.

The exhaust came from Japan and I could not be happier with the fit, finish, and overall product, but that is the type of experience that I get with Mugen products, top to bottom. So far I have Mugen visors, Mugen license plate bolts, and the most significant piece they offer for the KB2, their exhaust.

Mugen manufactured the KB2 Quad-tip exhaust for only one year, 2009. This is because JASMA issued new emissions laws which made application to the 2010 illegal. The equivalent to this would be how us Californians have so many CARB laws. Regardless, Mugen states that the exhaust can only be installed on a 2009 KB2, and newer vehicles are not supported.

Installation was a cinch and the sound is intoxicating to say the least. On startup and idle there is only a slight, bass-y hum, and slow cruising and low rpm's, the exhaust is near silent; I love this. The RL is not a car to be putting extremely loud exhausts on IMO, and I presumed Mugen would be a quiet exhaust given my experience with them in the past, and this is totally the case with this new system. Giving the RL the pedal and going WOT, the exhaust makes its presence known and retains a bass-y note, never becoming raspy or tinny.

Sorry for the long-ish writeups. Just hoping that other KB2 owners can use this thread as a guide of somewhat. JDM lights and scuff plates go on this week too.

oo7spy

We need a sound clip.

BDoggPrelude

You're holding out on something here. Those are different tires in that picture...