Very, very nice. I like how people are trying out different products on this forum. First to get the ISC coilovers for the ILX - at least that we'll have pictures of. Cool. On a side note, the local Acura dealership sent me a letter asking to buy my ILX. Resale value seems to be regional/trim specific. Apparently the stick shift is in high demand.

 

I would imagine it is. Trade to a tlx!

 

Nah, TLX is awesome, but I'm keeping this car for at least around ten years, if all goes well. Still in love with stick shift, and I already got the car MOSTLY how I want it. I think your car will retain alot of value, especially since you'll have a little Acurazine fame behind it. Your model resale value may be affected by the new ILX tho, because the trim packages are way different now. Yours is up to 24city-35hgwy(28combined) MPG, but I think the new ILX is actually the same with a 2.4L. But I think yours looks better. Lot of variables. Stick ILX may be popular right now, but hey, in 10 years even fewer people will know how to drive one, so could burn me later.

 

Actually, whats your MPG like? I finally figured out how to set the trip A to reset after refueling. I got a solid 31 MPG at about 75-80mph coming back home from San Diego on a 2 hour drive with the trunk full of gear. I'd say thats like a solid 2 adult passengers with empty trunk, weight wise. City, I get 26mpg driving a little aggro here and there, with just me and trunk pretty empty. Next time I drive at least an hour away with the trunk empty and no passengers, Ill see what i get. Curious to see if I can get 35 MPG with a tune like Aaron was apparently able to get, with a supercharger no less. Which I'm also wondering if you could maybe even hit hybrid ILX MPG with yours after a tune? Is 40 mpg hwy not too far away? Yours is already rated for 35mpg Hwy, but what are you actually getting? Did the air intake up any MPG? LOL i know its a lot of questions, but I think your answers will probably overlap answer a few questions.

 

Last sidenote... if i could find a last gen TSX stick that was not modded (or lightly or tastefully modded), low miles... well that I would trade my ILX for. Thats a unicorn in my area tho.

 

I hear you. A few people have asked me if I plan to move on. I really enjoy having the first gen of a car. Im watching it slowly get more and more recognition which is really cool. I have no want to get rid of the car. Sure the auto 2.4 makes me jealous but I would have to wait for the tuning options to become available on that new model. As well it is now further different from the Civic. To be honest I enjoy the similarities to the Civic. Civics are like Legos. This car is like a damn box of legos. So simple to mod. I can just throw Civic parts at it and they aren't expensive.

That 8AT.... we'll see who starts developing parts for it.

I doubt any sort of acurazine fame will add value to a car. Nor do I believe I have any amount of Acurazine fame. I argue with most of the AZine heads around here. LOL

And thanks for the compliments man. Means a lot. It keeps me posting and staying active here.

There will always be a niche group that will always tune manuals. But it is a niche and that niche is getting smaller with the more generations that will be introduced to less and less manuals. We'll see what happens to the market.

haha No worries with all the questions. I am the same way. I like the full picture.

My MPG is not as high as I figured it would be. On average I get about 26mpg if I am lucky. When I drove down to Vegas and back my MPG skyrocketed past 30mpg. But I do mainly city driving through the week and I am a lead foot. I see it get as low as 24 sometimes.


I just see TSX and TL modded too much. And their mods are expensive being considered more "high end" than a civic is. And as I said I like being able to tune with civic parts/companies. Cheaper than people like RV6 and the like. Quality parts on both ends, just more expensive when it's made FOR AN ACURA.


Suspension is here. 12k/8k I went with the Street Sport set up. XLR8 had the Track set up advertised but they weren't in stock once I purchased. The rep greatly suggested the Street Sport... may be a difference in understanding what I want as I don't ever plan on seeing a track but I do want as stiff as possible for a tight wheel fitment.
After going through ISC's website they also greatly advise against the track set up unless you are on the track only. So we'll see. Can't wait for that merlot!


ExecutiveVIP black on black double diamond stitched neck pads are in. LOVE THEM. They are a bit more pricey than a JP neckpad. About double at $150. I have never owned JP but I have been in an LS sporting all JP and though they were all nice, there IS higher quality and/or varying materials used with other companies. I opted for these as they are memory foam and I LOVE the design and finish.

I have a VIP table on the way by VIPd Out. Their Type2 design with their "Lux Line" finish. It will match the double diamond stitch perfect. They are made to order so I am expecting to wait another 3 weeks.


Lighting changes once again. Matching Amber LEDs for the fogs and DRLs. 80W Cree projectors. This will be my 3rd time changing my DRLs. The LEDs I still have are working great but I want to match the fogs and go with an aggressive amber DRL like Rockstar or Aaron's got. My fog Nokya bulbs burnt out so I went back to the OEM bulbs. I miss the amber in the fogs but dont want the yellow cover anymore so these will be perfect.


In before the low.

A small on-line store approached me wanting to "sponsor" my ILX. This "sponsor" consisted of me purchasing a $20 banner from their on-line store that reads King of JDM. That is their store/company name. Then I have to put them in my IG Bio (my IG bio will never have anything of the sort) and they will then send me a gift package and future products. Their site is literally 2 banners and 4 stickers. -_- I dont mean to be judgemental but what the hell do they plan on sending me after I waste $20 on a banner that should say KINGS not King. Also my car is like only 55% JDM. How can I be a king of what I am just barely half of. hmmm

Seems like a waste. If they wanted to send me a banner for their advertising purposes at no cost to me. Sure Id rock it and get their name out. Would be cool too if they liked my car and posted it on their page. But honestly seems to me like they are just scamming people for a banner worth 4 bucks, shipping it for 2 (they advertise no tracking) but hey you spend $20 so they'll send you two more stickers costing $2 and ship them out for another $2. They just made $10. Fuck that and got free advertisement.

 

Ive seen those neckpads before, they are more functional then the JP neckpads because they are smaller. They look great in person too. Didnt realize they were so pricey, ouch. I'd recommend you get a dash cover and steering wheel cover in the same pattern. Saw a guy do that and it looks great - plus you'll have the table in the same pattern, so it gives that complete look.

 

Man- I'm surprised about your MPG... you must have a lot of stop and go traffic tho. Very wise choice on an automatic. I rarely deal with it, but when I do, it is annoying in a stick shift. Im pretty sure my MPG would drop less then yours in that traffic... If I am not mindful of MPG then I for sure get as low as 26 MPG for a tank. 31hwy is when Im watching my speed, and just driving smart. I wanna see if I can bump it to 35mpg hwy tho. anything past id be ecstatic. City i have less control over, so ill settle.

 

Hey i picked up a solid carwashing tip from you. I had never heard of the 2 bucket method, actually kinda seemed overkill, but made sense. I started looking up detailing/wash at home tips, and 2 bucket method was immediately brought up. Next toy I wanna buy for the car, and to make the washes a lot quicker, is a foam cannon from Chemical Guys. My sister already has a pressure washer chilling in the garage, so hey why not? Kinda pricey, but I often take an hour or so to wash the car. if it cuts it down to 1/2 hour, its worth my cash. Plus looks like fun!

 

Jon, really nice setup. i recently just leased a black 2015 2.4l ISX, and i really want to go your route as i do intend to keep after the lease.

 

Thank you!! Cant wait to see where you go with your 2.4! I tried PMing you back but azine says your inbox is full. I'll just respond here for you...

For the STI lip
1. Tape the lip to the bottom of the car so you get an idea of how it will fit best.
2. Mark how much of the lip to cut off so it doesnt extend into your wheel well.
3. Untape the lip and cut off the areas your marked.
4. Tape it back up and bolt it directly to the bottom of the bumper.

I was able to use the OEM hardware that holds the under tray to the bumper but once I put the OEM front under spoiler on I had to just bolt the lip up straight to the OEM under spoiler and anywhere else I could attach it to the underside of the bumper.

Still waiting on XLR8 to get back to me on how to resolve the coilover issue.
Seems like ISC will be making me a new bracket and shipping it out to me. Now Im stuck waiting to hear back.

In my opinion I still deserve a refund as XLR8 claiming the part fit my car was flat out false advertisement. Im not sure if the moral of the story is dont do business with XLR8 or ISC but if this doesnt get squared away soon I am going to become a real headache to XLR8 trying to do business in these forums. I'll be e-mailing Josh again Monday to see if there is any news.

Aside from that ongoing bullshit. Replaced my rear brake pads and some lighting.

New LED amber DRLs.


And matching LED fogs.

 

And finally clean again.

 

I need to check what miles I am at and put it in my Owners Manual.
Replaces the rear brake pads. Inner pads were pretty worn down and the back left was squeaking on the warning tab.
Also my accessory fuse blew so I had to replace fuse #27 with a new 20a fuse. The OEM fuses are so tiny in comparison. Fuse puller that came with the kit was wack though. I had better luck with my pliers.

After getting three nails in my rear tires; 2 in 1 and 1 in the other, I had both rear wheels taken off. And damn are the wheels messed up.
Honestly not that bad, but still. There is some missing paint on the edge of the center cap on one wheel. A second wheel has the same missing paint and a nick in one of the spokes. Just paint damage but still.
I then took the time to tighten the hex bolts since none of them were put back on correctly and I scuffed up one of the spokes even worse. Sooo lame. hahaha

But I have wanted a refinish for some time now since it is just painted and not powder coated. VRwheels has good pricing so I'll probably take advantage of that with my tax return and powder coat them. If I am on my coilovers by then I may rebuild them as well.

 

I really like my new LEDs.
Now I have 80w Amber Cree LEDs with resistors for both the fogs and DRLs.

Anxiously awaiting my VIP table. I had the chance to put some more money into the ILX but I caved and bought a new G Watch R Smartwatch by LG. CAN NOT WAIT

 

Lights look nice. Ill bug people for specs/brands whenever mine burn out. This week Ill talk to my dude about the Visors, its almost January, thats when he said to check back... Could be a nice new accessory to complete that look mang - start 2015 off like a BOSS

 

So as long as the visors have chrome and look good I'll be ready with money in hand.

 

VIP front table arrived on Friday. Installed it today. Love it.

Much love to the guys at VIPd Out. For anyone interested this is the Type2 style to fit our ILX.
VIP Style cars, Japanese luxury cars, VIP car & VIP style Source for Enthusiasts Worldwide | VipdOut.com







And a NSFW... drinking and driving is very bad..

 

Looks great man. I asked the visor guy. Not ready. Wait continues.
Coilover situation?

 

ISC contacted XLR8 and two days before X-mas asking for my address. Seems like XLR8 should have provided that already but I guess not.

They should be sending the lower brackets out after tomorrow when their office opens from the holiday break. Then I'll need to figure out some free time again to do the install. My buddy Marc whom works for Mercedes has been a big help as he has a wider ranger of tools than I as well he's a certified mechanic and can teach me a thing or two.

Once I can find time that works for both of us we'll get those bitches installed.

Tax return, if all goes well, should bring a new finish to these wheels.
You live you learn. I let my buddy Matt refinish my wheels. He didn't do them himself but the wheel refinisher for Americas Tires did. I got a "homie" hook up to get them completely refinished for just under $500.
Little did I know this would be painted not powdercoated so the faces have seen quite a few blemishes and chipping since they got painted gunmetal.

This time around I will do it RIGHT and contact VRwheels or possible RJcoating. VRwheels is who Id want to rebuild the wheels but if I only powdercoat them I may as well have RJ do it since I believe his turn around is MUCH quicker.

I want something lighter. Im tired of not seeing my wheels once the sun goes down. I really hate black wheels for this and the gunmetal is like right there. I do LOVE how it looks in the day but at night I may as well be on steelies.

 

Shooting to install the ISC coilovers this weekend. Buddy should be around to help speed up the process.

 

Howdy neighbor,


1) Car is look fantastic
2) I need to make some wheel decisions for my wagon, same color as yours, so been keeping an eye on yours to see what will look good. I don't want black wheels
3) Going to need some help on LED. I would like some brighter taillights, rear plate LED, and need to do something about the front DRL. Hate the OEM DRL. Open to your ideas
4) Put 150 miles on exact car as yours, from Acura as loaner. Was very very peppy. Fun to drive.

 

Hey man! Hows the Wagon treating you? Trading up to the new NSX soon? haha

1. Thank you sir!

2. First we'll have to figure out if you want to go with a reputable name brand or more the replica route. Replica is fine so long as it is certified safe. I can point you in the direction of either.
I prefer to buy my wheels used, but this may be harder for some to manage.
TSW makes good reliable wheels for a little over a grand for a set.
Varrstoen is a vendor here (or at least a vendor here sells them.) They are reliable and mimic popular designs. I dont suggest Vossen myself as they claim to be pushing for TUV certification but wont even get JWL or VIA certified. I find that odd and therefor untrustworthy.

3. LEDs will be easy. When it is time there is a lighting thread we can dig up where Trentimus laid out all the socket sizing for us. Very useful.
DRLs I have picture of my car with some white halogen DRLs, white LED, and amber LED so you can pretty much figure out exactly what you think looks best.

4. I agree. I enjoyed driving my Acura Integra for a while. This car is proving even more fun... I could only imagine how the 2.4 would be through canyons. I just didnt care for it for the traffic I am in a lot. The R20 is a great reliable engine.

 

1) If the NSX had back seat for the kids, then yeah


2) It is a DD that sees about 25K miles a year. So safety is important. Deciding 18s vs 19s. The wagon rear body is fat and bloated, so I want to make the wheels look right. Don't care about legit vs replica. Have enough legit wheels before. Never owned replica. Safety is important, good quality, something that wont just bend and break. Also the offset is imp as due to the fender arches. Don't want spacers. Wheels used are fine, no issues at all.


3) Ok I will look for the lighting thread, and I will look at your pics and decide what I like best, and let you know, and you can help me buy per your recommendation. I would prefer to be seen during the day, so bright DRL works.


4) I know VR wheels. Didn't realize they were still in business. I bought SSR Viennas few years back for my VIP LS I used to use.

 

I wonder if I can get a friend to wire a speaker to the passenger seat belt to chime and say
"If you would turn your attention toward the front of the cabin you will find the convenience tray; with complimentary refreshments and breath aid. Enjoy your stay on JF Airlines."

 

your so lucky living where you are. You get to drive your car all year round. In Toronto, we cant really start driving until may and cars should be stored by October. last year winter lasted until end of may and it was cold all summer!

*slight envy*

 

fresh fresh fresh.

 

Yeah but I doubt Id want the warm weather over that dynamic ILX you guys have available.

Thank you.

Every once and a while someone asks me how I managed to fill the holes in the front bumper from the plates... I didn't... see.


Round 2 with the suspension tomorrow early while I can get help from my buddy. Hopefully these new brackets fit.

 

Its what you make of it. When I lived in Boston, our building and the State STreet building, people DD R8, Aventadors, Gallardos, GT-R all year, rain, snow, slush.

NSX prime has a guy in Newfoundland, with 400K miles in his car. 1991 NSX...daily driven in Newfoundland with block heaters

 

JON

Jealous of your suspension setup!!!!

 

@jon- yea I hear that, but still nice to be able to enjoy it all year round

@2012wagon- I could never drive my summer car any where near the winter/snow/slush exp when we have rolled fenders your just asking for rust. but also when someone only drives there car a few months out of the year, the novelty comes back every time.

 

Agreed all around. Cali has nice winters. haha I also would not drive a car with too many mods in snow with all that road salt and rusting.


Thanks 2012Wagon... these are just H&R springs you see pictures now. Tomorrow I will be putting these new brackets on the ISC coilovers I have in my garage and hopefully they right this time around.

 

^^
Really trying to decide between ISC vs Teins

 

If you go ISC and get them from xlr8 you may have to install new lower brackets that will probably be shipped out with your order.. saving you the hassle I went through having to find out they dont fit with the original brackets.

Also P.S. I do not suggest purchasing through XLR8 in my honest opinion. I don't agree with the way they do business and still feel they owe me. Not something for me to go crying around the forums about I suppose but I wont purchase from them again.

 

^^
Good to know. I was actually considering them initially. Will cross them off the list.

 

They are just the middle man in the situation... but I personally dont feel like they handled the situation correctly.

Basically, I contacted XLR8 asking about the coilovers. Asked about spring rates, shipping, etc. Decided on the track ready 14k springs. They suggested I go with the street sport but I stated I was interested in running an aggressive wheel fitment and stiff springs were necessary.
I ordered the ISC coilovers with 14k spring rates. Order was processed and I was charged.

A few days later I get an e-mail saying XLR8 does not have the coilovers I spoke to them about and was charged for. I can back order them or I can swap to the street sports which they would highly suggest as the track set up is very stiff.

So the rep already forgot why I wanted these coilovers. I understand if youve got a LOT of clients, but Im about to drop a grand with your store, please dont forget why I contacted you in the first place... especially when e-mails in todays day and age lump everything I have sent into one folder easy to find. That is petty, but it was annoying. Worse than I was charged for something they didn't have.
I opted for the sport set up they suggested as I did not want to wait.... this waiting thing comes around BIG TIME to bite me in the ass.

They ship out my now sport set up coilovers which are 12k not 14k.
I get them and I'm super excited.
I plan time with a buddy of mine who works for Mercedes. I even paid him for his time since he is a mechanic and frankly doesnt want to sit under a car after a week of sitting under a car. Wasn't a lot, he is a friend, but still paid him for his time. I was not going to do it alone and he has all the tools a good mechanic would have... Im not a good mechanic. hahaha

After getting the rear installed correctly we move to the front and find out the bracket hole for the bolt that attaches the coilover to the car is too small and the OEM bolt wont fit through it.
We had to put the front suspension back on and take the rear suspension back off to put the old back in. Waste of time and money.

I contact XLR8 and ISC. I was hoping I was just sent the wrong part. Ends up I was sent the correct part but it simply does not fit as chances are they didnt actually mount it to an ILX to check. I assume they checked on a Civic and maybe even an 8th not a 9th as the bolts dont fit period.
XLR8 then began telling me how easy it would be to drill the hole out myself. REALLY? They wanted me to tamper with a $1000 product which heavily relies upon safety.
I said no dice; it will void my warranty and I don't have the drill for it.
Xlr8 then told me any shop could do it for cheap easy. Then went into saying he'd pay for it or do it for me if he could. Kept stressing how easy I could do it myself.
ISC then started asking me what the correct bolt size was. Sadly that bolt was put back onto my mutherfckin car and I didnt write down the size as I didnt know this was the case.

It became clear to me this was going to be a huge hassle and I wanted a refund before weeks went by. I was told by xlr8 I could NOT get a refund because I already installed the part. Are you kidding me? Seriously? Of course I tried installing it. But it doesnt fit. It cant fit. It wont fit as it was sold to me. Period. No ands ifs or buts about it. I want a refund. He told me I could pay a restocking fee but that is all he could do.
BULLSHIT. I have worked for a fair share of companies where it was my job to spout no refund like a robot. I get it. And frankly, I never expected those people to do business with the people that employeed me again as I wont for xlr8 again in the future. Poor poor business practice.

The rep even went as far as mocking my friend Marc because my buddy suggested I not install them or have a shop drill out the hole as that could create other issues not expected by the manufacturer. This is a certified mechanic for mercedes benz. He drives a gorgeous E36 and knows what the hell he is talking about. I would believe 10 fold over Josh of XLR8... a drop ship company that would be nothing without all the ricers that buy all the tchotchke they sell.


Sorry for the wall of words. In the end, they sold me a part that did not fit without further time and effort not expressed when I made the purchase. When I asked for a refund based on the false advertisement of a product I was take in circles and told no can do.

 

Coilovers finally installed.
End links do not fit. Yet another issue.

I used the OEM links which fit perfect. OEM FTW
I will never do business with XLR8 again and chances are neither with ISC. But I am happy this headache is behind me.

Coils need to settle. I doubt much. After a couple weeks I will lift the front up and probably drop it a tad more. We'll see in a few weeks.

 

Didn't want to quote that wall of text, but I'm really sorry about the coilover situation. Maybe I missed it but how did you eventuall get them installed? Did you drill the hole?

 

Isc sent me new brackets with the correct size holes so I could have perfect brackets as to not void their warranty. As well to my knowledge they shipped all new brackets to xlr8.

As I said the isc endlinks dont fit. I emailed isc so hopefully they can fix that issue for their future buyers but im not expecting to get any new ones. If I do ill swap them out when I reset the front ride height.

 

Car looks great


HOLY HELL that is crap. Guess no ISC and no XLR8 for me. I will get the Teins.


You should post this in a vendor feedback, so it can help others.

 

If you went with tein im sure they would fit and youd have no issue buying them from xlr8.

But if they dont fit dont expect a refund.