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The second-generation 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S is the brand's flex in the sport sedan game. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbo J30 V6 pushing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed auto and rear-biased SH-AWD. Add in Brembos and double-wishbone suspension, and the Type-S has the hardware to take a swing at the Germans.
Even though the car was recently discontinued, it is a great base for a unique and sporty build. Unlike some other cars, the platform does not have a plethora of aftermarket support, but there are well-thought-out upgrades available. And we’ve done some work, so you don’t have to. Here is all you need to spice up your TLX Type-S.
Lambda USA Tune
The factory tune throws boost at every gear like a sledgehammer, which feels fun at first but ends up cooking the turbo and hammering the transmission. The Lambda USA tune fixes that by giving you a smoother spool and smarter boost control. The result: less heat soak, less stress on moving parts, and a much healthier powerband. It also kills off VCM, tightens shifts, and unlocks limits the OEM software hides away. Gains hit around +80 WHP and +125 WTQ on 93 octane, which is a serious jump.
There are some catches, though. You’ll need to ship out your ECU, and intake compatibility is limited (PRL’s setup works). Still, if raw power and drivability are at the top of your list, this tune is the real deal.
PRL Intercooler and Charge Pipe Upgrade Kit
Heat soak is the Type-S’s biggest buzzkill. The stock intercooler and charge piping can’t keep up when temps rise, and the car falls flat. PRL’s intercooler kit solves it with a bigger, bar-and-plate core rated for 650+ horsepower and billet aluminum end tanks that fit stock mounts. You get way more surface area and airflow, which keeps intake temps down even when you’re pushing hard.
The PRL charge pipe upgrade matters just as much. The larger cold-side pipe and 4-ply silicone couplers resist expansion and leaks, while the smoother bends keep airflow steady. No tuning is required, which makes this a true bolt-on solution for anyone stacking mods or just wanting the car to stay consistent under boost.
PRL Stage 1 Intake System
The stock inlet hose on the TLX kills airflow and throttle response. PRL’s Stage 1 Intake replaces it with smooth silicone tubing and a high-flow panel filter that pulls in more clean air and wakes the car up. You get sharper response, more consistent flow, and a setup that supports bigger power down the line.
It’s not a flashy intake with huge piping or crazy noise, but it’s effective. For anyone looking to dip into Acura TLX mods without major risk or cost, this one’s a no-brainer.
Fukin Tuned Throttle Response Controller
Drive-by-wire throttle is notorious for lag, and the TLX is no exception. The Fukin Tuned throttle response controller eliminates the delay and lets you dial in response with four modes and 36 levels of adjustment. You can make it chill for commuting or crank it up for instant pedal feel. It’s wireless, plug-and-play, and leaves no permanent footprint on the car.
Plus, it comes with a built-in Anti-Theft feature. You can disable the gas pedal completely through the app, basically a hidden kill switch. For anyone who wants the car to feel sharper and wants to feel all the added power from the upgrades, this is one of the best Acura TLX upgrades around.
BC Racing Coilovers
Power’s nothing if the chassis can’t keep up. BC Racing coilovers give you control over ride height, damping, and stiffness, letting you drop the car and sharpen handling. The mono-tube design and adjustable camber plates let you set it up for daily comfort, track aggression, or somewhere in between.
Paired with lightweight wheels and sticky rubber, these coilovers completely change how the Type-S feels, handles, and looks. Less roll, more grip, and adjustable stance. If you want your TLX to handle as hard as it goes, coilovers are a must.
Images: Acura Newsroom, PRL Motorsports