2002 Upgrade Conversion

[JohnOB]

I am looking to upgrade my 1996 NSX to the 2002 style front end and also add the 2002 style rear tail light and Type R spoiler. I have seen a lot of guys use science of speed for their NSX parts and service and I have talked to a few guys who have used tehir services as well. All good things. On the other hand, I have seen on some forums that people suggest buying OEM parts, particularly bumpers, because the DownForce Brand on science of speed products don't always have the best fit. Anyone had experience purchasing parts from science of speed or DownForce Brand at all? Also they are pretty pricey. I am willing to spend the money for quality, but I figured I would see what people had to say.
Right now I am looking to get the following:

ScienceofSpeed 2002-05 LHD headlight complete conversion - NSX, 1991-2001
Downforce Sport 2002 Style Front Bumper (FRP)
Budget NSX-R Style CF Hood, NSX 2002-05, now carbon fiber
Downforce Optional LED Third Brake Lamp
Downforce NSX-R DF-R Rear Spoiler (exposed carbon fiber) - NSX, all years
2002 Rear Tail Lamps - Honda NSX-R
Downforce 02 Style Sports Rear Valence - NSX, all years

Any input appreciated. Thanks!

 

[B2FiNiTY]

If you want the best quality and fit, go all oem parts and get the downforce headlight brackets. It will cost much more but worth it imo.

Also, don't forget 02+ side skirts. I'd recommend the downforce because you don't need to drill into the doors and the figment is pretty good.

 

[Rusted_nailz]

I just did the conversion using downforce parts. Fitment is about 9.5/10. If you want absolute perfect fitment, get oem

 

[davidf]

Why are you opting for a budget hood yet a DF rear spoiler at over twice the price of a budget spoiler?

 

[JohnOB]

Thanks for all the input. davidf I wanted the exposed carbon fiber for the rear spoiler and at the time that is the one I found. I plan on painting the hood so I opted for a little cheaper there.

 

[Rusted_nailz]

John, I think what David was talking about was the fitment as well. Generally downforce has the best fitting hood and the budget one may not fit as well. In my conversion, my hood took some fender adjustments so the gaps looked good. I think the hood was vis or some other brand (I got it for super cheap)

 

[JohnOB]

Roger that. I will probably try to find an OEM hood I think. Seems OEM is the safest bet. Thanks.

 

[shawn110975]

remember the front bumper is made to order it doesn't ship the same day as you pay. about 3-4 weeks to arrive at your door. if your in a hurry Stealerships are you only option

and everything on ebay is crap will not fit your gonna need an extra 3 days or cutting and prepping to make it work and even then you can tell something isn't right about the front ya know

been there done that and I have about ( 15 ) 02 conversions under my belt now.

- - - Updated - - -

now the OEM hood is the best..... but I have seen some aftermarket scooped hoods that lookwell made, but its hit or miss one batch they make can look good the next batch looks like crap fitment issues, the gaps are too big on one side,
the nuts inside the hood that you bolt up to break off inside the hood now you have a rattleing sound when you open the hood I mean I have seen it all.

 

[kevgk]

Oem is better.

 

[JohnOB]

Thanks man. Do you know the best places to order OEM parts for NSXs? I am pretty new to all this NSX stuff, this is my first NSX and my first work on one.

 

[chrisbailey13]

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/jsp/home.jsp

 

[JohnOB]

Thanks. As far as a type R hood, I will have to take my chances with the downforce or another aftermarket brand?

 

[Rusted_nailz]

If you want an R style hood, Downforce is your best bet as far as fitment goes

 

[JohnOB]

Thanks.

 

[kevgk]

Teknotic in Toronto deals in oem parts.

 

[B2FiNiTY]

Here are some of the many threads I recommend you take a look at:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/115331-02-front-conversion-on-my-brooklands-green/page2

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/150587-Final-Cost-of-02-Conversion

 

[Nero Tenebre]

I recommend you sell your car and buy an 02+. Unless you have to have a coupe.

 

[Aaron94T]

I recommend you sell your car and buy an 02+. Unless you have to have a coupe.

+1, And I doubt he has to have a coupe since his a 96.

 

[brettowen]

I recommend you sell your car and buy an 02+. Unless you have to have a coupe.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Nero Tenebre]

It's the only thing that makes sense. If you want a targa facelift, you just buy an 02+. Don't be a dumbass like me LoL

Just noticed you have a 96 not 94. Sell your car and buy a newer one. Trust me I've already done everything you are thinking of doing so I'm seeing 20/20 hindsight.
[MENTION=4440]aaron[/MENTION] Oops was reading it on my phone.

 

[JohnOB]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the input. I think I will go ahead with the conversion I dont think I can afford an 02+ right now unfortunately. I am overseas for a while too so I dont necessarily need to buy it all and do it all at once. So I will buy the parts as I can and get it put together when I can too.

 

[Nero Tenebre]

It's cheaper to buy an 02.. But if you must I guess it does add some value to the car especially if you use oem parts which are $$$$. Though again it's cheaper and better to just get an 02 and you get all the other upgrades like 6MT and newer car, more rare, etc. Your call but you were warned about the coming regret!

 

[JD Cross]

It's cheaper to buy an 02. Your call but you were warned about the coming regret!

Agree completely.

You're going to spend a lot of money for an 02+ replica.
At least half the money you spend will not be recovered.
You won't have the NA2 engine, nor the 6 speed.
And at some point, if you have to sell, your car is neither an oem 96, nor an oem 02+.
That will eliminate any buyer wanting a collectible NSX so you'll be left with fewer buyers and a lower price.

However if you are the type of person who sees driving a replica rather than the real thing as a step up, and money is not important to you then by all means do the conversion.

 

[brettowen]

However if you are the type of person who sees driving a replica rather than the real thing as a step up, and money is not important to you then by all means do the conversion.

Lmao. Nail on the head.

 

[JohnOB]

If I was the "type of person" who could buy an 02 NSX right now, I would. But I can't, so I will do the conversion. I know lots of people have done and do these conversions so if any of them have any advice, much appreciated. Thanks.