Transforming Your Acura Into A Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Acura ILX is a compact car based on the ninth-generation Honda Civic sedan. It is Acura's first compact model offered in the United States since the RSX was discontinued. The ILX is regarded as the luxury version of the Honda Civic platform and is sold only as a four-door sedan.

The ILX was first introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, with mass production commencing in April 2012 and US sales beginning in May 2012. The ILX introduces a new design that Acura calls aero-fused dynamics.

The ILX's body uses 59% high-strength steel, with aluminium used for the hood and front bumper beam. The ILX uses Acura's Amplitude Reactive dampers and a larger, more rigid steering shaft for improved handling and ride quality.

The ILX has been through several iterations since its release, with changes to its engine, transmission, and design. The latest model, released in 2019, features what Acura markets as its Diamond Pentagon grille, LED headlights, and an updated infotainment system.

The ILX was discontinued after the 2022 model year, with the eleventh-generation Honda Civic-based Integra liftback replacing it.

How to open the door of an Acura ILX with a dead battery

If your Acura ILX has a dead battery, you may not be able to use the central locking system, and the key may not be enough to open the doors manually. Here are some methods to try to open the door:

Use the key

The driver's door should have a mechanical lock. Turn the key in the lock and simultaneously try to pull the door handle. Repeat this procedure on the second door if it doesn't work on the first.

Try to recharge the battery

This solution is not feasible on all Acura ILX models. You will either need to access the trunk and have a cigarette lighter plug, or be able to put on the candles and access the electrical cables through the motor shoe. Once you have done this, strip or unplug the cables and connect a battery charger or pliers to transfer power from another vehicle.

Break a window

As a last resort, you can break one of the windows to open the car. This will require you to pay for the franchise for breaking the glass or buy a window yourself and have it installed. Consider your insurance before you act, and browse your contract to see if this is covered.

How to lower an Acura ILX

Lowering your Acura ILX can be done in a few ways, but it is important to note that some years of the Acura ILX are best avoided due to reliability concerns. The 2013, 2014, and 2016 models have had issues with suspension, airbags, and brakes.

To lower your Acura ILX, you can use coilovers or springs. Coilovers are typically preferred as they usually come with campers pre-installed, and you can also adjust the height of your car with them. You will also need to decide whether to use a sway bar or a strut bar.

If you are unsure about what products to buy, it is recommended that you search forums for more information.

• Purchase the necessary products (coilovers or springs, and either a sway bar or strut bar).
• Install the products you have purchased. If you are uncomfortable with this step, you can take your car and products to a mechanic for installation.
• Test your car to make sure everything is working as it should.
• Enjoy your lowered Acura ILX!

How to improve the suspension of an Acura ILX

Improving the suspension of your Acura ILX can be done in a few ways.

Firstly, you can replace your worn-out OEM Acura ILX suspension with non-adjustable Acura ILX shocks. This will keep your ride height the same as the stock height while giving you a better ride and handling than the OEM suspension shocks.

If you want to give your Acura ILX the best possible handling, you can lower it. This will lower its centre of gravity, preventing the rolling force when cornering. You can do this by using lowering springs or coilovers.

Coilovers will also allow you to set up your Acura ILX's height and damping, which lets you lower your centre of gravity and stiffen up your chassis for better cornering and control.

There are many different coilover brands and types on the market, so picking the right one can be daunting. Here are some key things to look out for:

• Springs are an integral part of your suspension setup. They control the vehicle’s ability to bounce, absorb bumps and create low body roll when loaded.
• Higher spring rates require more force to compress the spring, which reduces the amount of suspension travel.
• The body of your car moves when you accelerate, brake and turn. By reducing body movement, you make handling more predictable and effectively spread the cornering load across all four tires better, leading to better grip.
• Most aftermarket coilovers use significantly stiffer springs than OEM suspension, which improves handling and gives the driver more feel for the road and their car when performing spirited driving.
• Spring and valving adjustability is important. One of the many reasons anyone purchases a set of coilovers for their Acura ILX is to lower the car. The lower centre of gravity will help reduce excessive body roll and improve performance. Having the adjustability for ride height, spring preload and damping are essential features of a high-quality coilover.
• The mount that holds everything together and bolts the top of the coilover to the car is known as the "Top Mount". Between the mount and strut assembly are two different types of bushings, rubber or pillowball type. As you might expect, OE manufacturers use rubber bushings because it deflects more and is a primary cause for the failure of suspension precision. A pillowball bushing is a metallic spherical joint which, rather than deflecting from the cornering forces like a conventional rubber bushing, does not move at all. This translates into a far more precise feel from the suspension and steering.
• Inside any coilover, there are two designs of dampers you will come across, monotube and twin tube. The twin tube uses an inner and outer tube, with the inner tube holding the piston shaft, valve and oil, and the outer tube holding damper oil and nitrogen gas. The monotube design holds the gas and the shock in one tube, separating the liquid from the gas with a floating piston. Compared to the twin tube design, the monotube holds more fluid, has better heat dissipation and improves the responsiveness of the damper. For the best performance on the street or track, the monotube design is a superior upgrade to the twin tube design.
• If you aren’t needing Acura ILX Suspension options designed specifically for heavy track use, Air Suspension is another great choice. While primarily used for street or show cars, many Air Suspension Kits available on the market today are strong enough to withstand light track use as well.
• Another thing to consider when modifying your Acura ILX is sway bars. By default, almost all factory cars are tuned with an understeer bias. This makes them easier to drive at their limit, and much safer.

How to improve the braking of an Acura ILX

The braking system of your Acura ILX is one of the most important systems in your car, ensuring your safety and comfort during driving. Here is a detailed and direct guide on how to improve the braking of your Acura ILX:

Step 1: Check the brake fluid

Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood, in front of the driver's seat. Open the cap and inspect the fluid level, ensuring it is at the proper mark. If the level is low, there might be a leak. Use a flashlight to check the brake lines for any signs of leaks. Top off the fluid and monitor it for a few days to ensure the level remains stable.

Step 2: Inspect the brake pads

Brake pads are typically replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on usage. To inspect them, loosen the lug nuts on your wheel, jack up the car, and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheel and the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper, then pull it off. Check the pads; if they are thinner than 1mm, replace them immediately. Worn pads can damage the rotors, leading to costly repairs.

Step 3: Examine the brake rotor

The rotors are replaced less frequently than pads but should be inspected for any grooves, rust, or cracks. Smooth rotors are essential for effective braking. If you notice excessive wear, it may be necessary to replace them.

Step 4: Check the brake calipers

The most common issue with calipers is sticking pistons, which can cause the pads to run on the rotors even when the brake pedal is not applied. This will lead to increased wear on both components. If the caliper pistons are decompressed, replace the rotor and bleed the brake system.

Additionally, always follow best practices for brake maintenance:

• Use the parking brake when parking to keep the vehicle stationary.
• Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving, as it reduces brake effectiveness and confuses other drivers.
• After driving through deep water or in wet conditions, check the brakes for water buildup and dry them if necessary.
• When driving downhill, use engine braking by downshifting to a lower gear instead of relying solely on the brake pedal.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can effectively improve the braking performance of your Acura ILX, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

How to improve the engine of an Acura ILX

The Acura ILX is a compact car manufactured by Honda under the Acura brand. The 2022 model is equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the ILX has a capable and reasonably strong engine, there are some modifications you can make to improve its performance and power output. Here are some ways to enhance the engine of your Acura ILX:

• Engine Swaps and Larger Engine Sizes: The best power gains typically come from larger engine sizes or engine swaps. This is especially beneficial for small-engined cars, as you'll get a greater return on your investment. The 2.4-litre engine in the ILX is already a good base, but you could consider swapping to a larger displacement engine, such as a 2.5-litre or larger, to achieve even higher power outputs.
• Sports Suspension and Lowering: Many ILX owners prioritise handling modifications, and one common upgrade is to fit sports suspension and lower the car's ride height. This improves the car's cornering abilities and overall handling dynamics. Aim for a drop of around 30-35mm; larger drops may require arch work, especially if your ILX already has upgraded suspension.
• Head Work and Airflow Improvements: Modifying the cylinder head by porting and polishing can improve airflow into the engine while removing flow restrictions and turbulence. This allows for better breathing and can increase power output. Ensure you have a competent professional perform this modification, as it requires proper machine tools and expertise.
• Brake Upgrades: Improving the ILX's braking power is essential for overall performance and safety. Consider upgrading to higher-performance brake pads and rotors to enhance stopping power and heat dissipation.
• Remapping the ECU: Remapping the Acura ILX's ECU (Engine Control Unit) can unlock significant performance gains. Aftermarket ECUs or inline tuning boxes, such as Hondata, can be used to control VTEC engagement and optimise the engine's performance.
• Air Induction Kits and Sports Exhausts: While these modifications won't directly add horsepower, they enable you to increase power after other modifications by reducing airflow restrictions. Ensure you pair these mods with other performance upgrades to see their full benefit.
• Fast Road Cams: Installing fast road cams can be an excellent upgrade for the engine, but ensure you have a competent technician perform this modification, as it requires expertise and proper tools.
• Suspension Upgrades: Fitting a sportier suspension kit, such as adjustable coilovers and improved bushings, can dramatically enhance the ILX's handling and ride quality.
• Flywheel Lightening: Reducing the weight of the flywheel can significantly improve the engine's ability to rev freely. However, this modification may not be suitable for all Acura ILX engines, so consult with a professional before proceeding.
• Forced Induction Upgrades: Adding a turbocharger or supercharger is one of the most effective ways to increase power. These upgrades improve intake air supply, allowing you to burn more fuel and make significant power gains. However, they are technically challenging modifications and should only be performed by experienced professionals.

Frequently asked questions