Acura TL 2009-2014: Suspension Modifications

This article applies to the Acura TL (2009-2014).

The Acura TL is a luxury sports sedan that delivers a comfortable ride and adequate handling for most people, but you aren't most people, are you? If you plan on taking your TL to track days, or just want that slammed look, you are going to have to work some suspension magic to it. Luckily, you aren't the first person to want a low and sleek TL, and we've put together this handy article with many of the most popular modification listed for you, how much they cost, and what is involved in doing them yourself. Read on an we'll help you get the stance you need.

Suspension Modifications

#1 Sway Bars

DIY Cost – $200-400

Professional Cost – $300-600

Skill Level – Easy; this is mostly a simple bolt in procedure.

Lowering the vehicle lowers the center of gravity, which automatically improves handling, but many enthusiasts take this a step further with upgraded sway bars. Aftermarket companies build balanced front and rear sway bars to re-tune the cars handling for a neutral feel, with less under-steer. The factory fits rather small sway bars on your Acura TL, and although they work well, upgrading with bigger, better ones is one of the easiest and most effective modifications you can make. One of the best things about sway bars is that they only stiffen your ride in the corners, and leave your freeway cruising with the plush luxury car feel. If you change your springs to lower ones, add heavy duty shocks, then replace the sway bars with aftermarket units, your TL will be ready for the track.

#2 Shocks

DIY Cost – $39-170

Professional Cost – $70-200

Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires the removal of various components.

The Acura TL is equipped with compromise shocks tuned somewhere between a sporty and a comfortable luxury car ride. Replace them with aftermarket versions and you will notice much better road holding, and body control, with only a slight decrease in ride quality. Popular brands include the KYB GR2, Tokico Illumina. Pair new shocks with lower sport springs and save yourself some time and labor by doing it all at once.

#3 Performance Springs

DIY Cost – $200-400

Professional Cost – $300-600

Skill Level – Moderate; will require specialty tools when separating and replacing the springs from the struts/shocks.

Performance Springs are an inexpensive way of improving looks and handling of your Acura. They can be paired with your stock struts/shocks if they are in good shape. You will need a spring compressor, but those are easily borrowed from your local chain auto parts store.

#4 Coilover Systems

DIY Cost – $800-1,500

Professional Cost – $1,000-2,000

Skill Level – Moderate; requires full removal of existing strut/shock and spring combo, as well as replacement with these units as a whole.

Consider these an upgrade over the spring and shock combo. Adjustable coilover systems replace the existing strut/shock and spring combination on your vehicle. They provide the ability to dial in specific ride height, without removing the shock, and many have dampening adjustments, too. This will further enhance the looks and handling of your Acura TL.

#5 Air Ride System

DIY Cost – $2,250-5,000

Professional Cost – $2,500-6,000

Skill Level – Difficult; beside the changing out the shocks/struts, you will need to run air lines and wire the compressor.

This is the latest in suspension modification technology. Quite similar to coilover socks, but there is an airbag instead of a metal spring. This is plumbed to a tank and compressor, then it can be adjusted on the fly from inside the car. The result is a car that can be lowered down to the ground, then pumped up so they can still drive at a proper driving height.

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