With a '92 NSX being 21+ years old, and assuming they typically are approaching 100k+ miles, what are the odds there are any out there with an original transmission where the snap ring defect hasn't been addressed already? Just curious.
91-92 Snap Ring - What's the chance it hasn't been fixed by this time?
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4+1999/4578-3340>334(2342)= about a 1 in 523 chance........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................JK............but who really knows.
I'm sure there are plenty of them in which the upper transmission case hasn't been replaced. I would not assume any particular NSX with a tranny in the snap ring range has had it replaced unless there is evidence that it has.
OTOH if you're familiar with the symptoms of snap ring failure - a loose-feeling gear shift knob, basically - it's reasonable to buy an NSX in the snap ring range without any such evidence, as long as you're prepared to park it immediately and get it towed if and when it shows such symptoms. As long as you haven't driven on a failed snap ring, you can usually then replace the upper transmission case and snap ring, and you're good to go (whereas driving a significant distance risks having to replace the entire transmission). In the absence of symptoms, you can also replace the upper transmission case if and when it needs any transmission work (clutch replacement, etc), or you can replace it proactively if you don't mind spending the $2500 it will cost including the labor to R&R the transmission.
Don't they typically fail in lower mileage?
Usually they do, but its no guarantee.
Not necessarily. They can fail at any mileage, as reflected in the wide range of mileages reported for snap ring failures here.
^+1
Yep, mine failed at 87,00 miles. 2,000 after I bought it. Awesome intro to NSX ownership.
Should have listened to everyone and kept looking for one already fixed...
Mine failed in 2001 around 50k miles and a local guy's 1992 also failed recently around 50k miles.
Steve
Steve
To answer your question directly: 50/50 
Failed on my 92 at 35k miles just a year ago.
My snapring failed at 90000 kms not miles. The previous owner babied the car while I actually used second gear. I am sure that if I did not drive the car past 4000 RPM it would have lasted longer.
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