Lowering your 2017 Acura ILX with coilovers is one of the most effective modifications you can make to significantly improve its cornering abilities, handling precision, and overall driving dynamics. Coilovers offer adjustable suspension components, allowing you to tailor ride height, spring stiffness, and damping characteristics to suit your driving style, road conditions, and performance goals. Whether you're seeking a more aggressive stance, sharper turn-in response, or better feedback from the road, coilovers provide an excellent platform to transform your ILX into a more engaging and controlled machine.

Understanding the Benefits of Lowering Your Acura ILX

Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand why lowering your Acura ILX matters and how coilovers specifically enhance performance:

  • Reduced Center of Gravity: Lowering the car decreases the center of gravity, reducing body roll during cornering and improving stability.
  • Improved Aerodynamics: A lower ride height can improve airflow under the car, potentially reducing drag and lift at higher speeds.
  • Enhanced Steering Response: Stiffer suspension and reduced suspension travel create more direct steering feedback and quicker turn-in.
  • Better Tire Contact Patch: Optimized ride height and suspension settings help maintain consistent tire contact with the road for improved grip.
  • Customizable Ride Quality: Adjustable coilovers allow you to tune suspension stiffness for a balance between comfort and performance.

Why Choose Coilovers Over Other Lowering Methods?

Lowering your Acura ILX can be achieved through various methods, such as lowering springs or air suspension kits. However, coilovers stand out as the best option for enthusiasts who want both performance and adjustability. Here's why:

  • Adjustable Ride Height: Unlike fixed lowering springs, coilovers allow you to precisely set the ride height to your preference, whether for daily driving or track use.
  • Adjustable Damping: Many coilovers come with adjustable shocks, enabling you to control compression and rebound rates to fine-tune ride quality and handling.
  • Improved Suspension Geometry: Coilovers often come with adjustable camber plates, allowing you to correct alignment issues that can arise from lowering.
  • One-Stop Solution: By replacing both springs and shocks in one unit, coilovers ensure optimal compatibility between components for better performance.
  • Enhanced Durability: Quality coilovers are built with performance-grade materials designed to withstand aggressive driving conditions better than standard springs and shocks.

Choosing the Right Coilovers for Your 2017 Acura ILX

With many coilover options available on the market, selecting the right set for your Acura ILX requires careful consideration of your driving needs, budget, and desired ride characteristics. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Compatibility and Fitment

Ensure the coilovers you choose are specifically designed for the 2017 Acura ILX. Proper fitment prevents installation issues and maintains suspension geometry. Check manufacturer specifications and user reviews to confirm compatibility.

2. Adjustable Features

Look for coilovers that offer adjustability in ride height and damping. Some high-end models feature multi-way damping adjustments (compression and rebound), while basic models may only have height adjustment. Consider what level of tuning flexibility you require.

3. Spring Rates and Shock Types

Spring rates determine how stiff or soft the suspension feels. Track-focused coilovers usually have stiffer springs for aggressive handling, while street-oriented sets balance comfort and performance. Also, consider shock types—monotube shocks typically offer better heat dissipation and consistent performance.

4. Build Quality and Warranty

Investing in coilovers from reputable brands ensures durability and reliability. Look for units made with high-quality materials such as aluminum bodies and stainless steel springs. Warranty coverage is also an important factor for peace of mind.

  • TEIN – Known for street and track coilovers with adjustable damping and excellent build quality.
  • ORSPEED – Offers cost-effective coilovers with solid performance for daily driving.
  • Eibach – Renowned for their Pro-Street-S coilovers that balance comfort and handling.
  • KW Suspension – Premium coilovers with extensive adjustability and racing pedigree.

Tools and Preparation Before Installation

Proper preparation is critical for a safe and successful coilover installation. Here’s a checklist of the tools and equipment you’ll need as well as preparatory steps:

Essential Tools

  • Hydraulic floor jack and quality jack stands
  • Socket set (metric sizes) and ratchets
  • Spring compressor (if removing factory springs)
  • Breaker bar for stubborn bolts
  • Torque wrench to ensure proper bolt tightness
  • Allen wrenches or hex keys for coilover adjustments
  • Penetrating oil to loosen rusted fasteners
  • Rubber mallet or dead blow hammer
  • Safety glasses and gloves

Vehicle Preparation

  • Park on a level surface: Ensure the car is on a flat, stable area to prevent accidents.
  • Engage parking brake: This prevents the vehicle from rolling during the lift.
  • Chock rear wheels: Use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle further.
  • Lift the vehicle: Use a hydraulic jack to raise the car and place it securely on jack stands positioned under the recommended lift points.
  • Remove wheels: Take off all four wheels to access the suspension components.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Coilovers on a 2017 Acura ILX

The installation process involves removing the factory suspension components and replacing them with your new coilovers. Follow these detailed steps carefully to ensure a safe and effective upgrade:

Step 1: Remove Factory Suspension Components

  • Front Suspension: Locate the front strut assembly. Use penetrating oil on bolts and nuts to ease removal. Remove the bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle and the top strut mount bolts inside the engine bay.
  • Rear Suspension: Access the rear shocks and springs through the trunk or wheel well. Remove bolts securing the shock absorbers and springs carefully. Use a spring compressor if necessary to safely remove factory springs.
  • Take care not to damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or sway bar links during disassembly.

Step 2: Prepare and Install Coilovers

  • Assemble Coilovers: Adjust the coilover spring perch to the highest setting before installation to avoid any interference.
  • Install Front Coilovers: Insert the coilover assembly into the front strut tower. Secure the top mount bolts loosely to allow for alignment adjustments later. Attach the lower mounting bolts to the steering knuckle and torque to manufacturer specs.
  • Install Rear Coilovers: Position the rear coilover in place, securing the top mounts and lower shock bolts. Ensure the coilover spring seats correctly and no components are binding.
  • Double-check all fasteners for proper torque values as recommended by the coilover manufacturer and Acura’s service manual.

Step 3: Adjust Ride Height and Preload

  • Set Initial Ride Height: Using the threaded spring perch, lower the coilovers to your target ride height. A typical drop for the Acura ILX ranges from 1 to 2 inches, balancing aesthetics and suspension travel.
  • Adjust Spring Preload: Ensure the springs have minimal preload to avoid unnecessary stiffness. This is done by tightening the locking collar just enough to take out any slack.
  • Check for Coilover Clearance: Spin the wheels to verify there is no contact with coilover components or brake lines.

Step 4: Reinstall Wheels and Lower Vehicle

  • Reattach wheels: Mount the wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts.
  • Lower the car: Carefully remove jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.
  • Tighten lug nuts: Torque the lug nuts to factory specifications once the vehicle is on the ground.

Step 5: Professional Wheel Alignment

Lowering your Acura ILX alters suspension geometry, which can lead to uneven tire wear and compromised handling if not properly addressed. A full professional alignment is essential after coilover installation. Key alignment parameters to be adjusted include:

  • Camber: Lowering typically increases negative camber, which should be tuned for optimal tire contact.
  • Caster: Ensures directional stability and steering feel.
  • Toe: Critical for tire wear and vehicle responsiveness.

Many coilover kits include adjustable camber plates to facilitate alignment corrections. Be sure to communicate your driving preferences (street, track, or daily) to your alignment technician.

Additional Tips and Considerations for Coilover Use

Break-In Period

After installation, allow a break-in period of 500 to 1,000 miles where you avoid aggressive driving to let the suspension components settle. Check all fasteners after this period for tightness.

Maintenance

Regularly inspect coilovers for signs of corrosion, leaks, or wear. Clean the threaded bodies to prevent seizing. Some manufacturers recommend periodic lubrication of adjustment collars.

Fine-Tuning Your Setup

Experiment with damping settings and ride height to find the perfect balance for your driving conditions. Track days, spirited canyon runs, and daily commuting may each require different suspension settings.

Potential Drawbacks

  • Ride Comfort: Stiffer suspension can lead to a harsher ride, especially on rough roads.
  • Cost: Quality coilovers can be expensive compared to lowering springs.
  • Installation Complexity: Installation requires mechanical skills and proper tools, or professional help.

Conclusion

Lowering your 2017 Acura ILX with coilovers is a transformative modification that offers superior control, improved cornering, and a more aggressive appearance. By selecting the right coilovers, carefully preparing for installation, and ensuring a professional alignment, you can unlock the full potential of your ILX’s chassis. Whether you’re a spirited street driver or an aspiring track enthusiast, coilovers provide the versatility and performance needed to elevate your driving experience.

Remember, investing time in proper installation and setup is just as important as choosing the right parts. With patience and attention to detail, your lowered Acura ILX will deliver sharper handling, confident cornering, and a thrilling connection to the road.