I just got the new set of 17/18 rims and tires combo today. I will also be installing new koni adj shocks on Monday. I will also get aligment at the same time. My nsx is 91' and I heard if I use the 97' aligment spec. the rear tires will last longer and the car perform better. Is this true?
91' nsx aligment spec.
- Thread starter nsx2000
- Start date
No.
When Honda/Acura introduced the NSX for 1991, the recommended alignment settings gave terrific handling and turn-in response, at the expense of fairly rapid tire wear. Honda was sued by an owner for the tire wear. As part of the settlement of the lawsuit in 1993 (not 1997), Honda gave out certificates good for free tires and a free alignment to the "new" alignment spec, which Honda recommends for all years of NSX. The revised spec increases tire life somewhat, but reduces handling and turn-in response slightly.
If you care more about tire life, then use the revised alignment spec. If you don't care so much about tire life and you want to maximize handling - particularly if you use your car on the track - then you may wish to consider the original alignment spec.
This is well-documented in the section of the FAQ called "Alignment ". Read it for additional information about these and other alignment settings.
[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 08 February 2002).]
Ken, your response generates an interesting tech question though:
Can you use the pre 93 specs on a 97+ and enhance the handling or there are so many other changes incoprorated since 1993 (in spring rates, dampners, sway bar - some clearly stated by Honda others we are still guessing like the dampner rates on the T model, and especially 97+ that such alignment "may" not be best for later models?
I know one cannot maintain the balance of the oem car once mods are done but the sway bars are an absolute must on the T; they make a huge positive difference in straight line tracking not to mention body roll.
Can you use the pre 93 specs on a 97+ and enhance the handling or there are so many other changes incoprorated since 1993 (in spring rates, dampners, sway bar - some clearly stated by Honda others we are still guessing like the dampner rates on the T model, and especially 97+ that such alignment "may" not be best for later models?
I know one cannot maintain the balance of the oem car once mods are done but the sway bars are an absolute must on the T; they make a huge positive difference in straight line tracking not to mention body roll.
Can you use the pre 93 specs on a 97+
That is indeed an interesting question. IOW, "will the original alignment specs also provide crisper handling and turn-in response on a '97+ NSX than the manufacturer's recommended specs?" I'll take a guess at an answer, keeping in mind that my NSX is a '91.
When an automobile manufacturer provides alignment specs, they are designed to balance a number of competing handling and wear factors. No single spec is going to give you the longest tire life AND the sharpest turn-in AND the best cornering etc etc etc, but the recommended spec is a balancing of all these different factors. You may have a different set of objectives than those for which the manufacturer developed their recommendations (as noted above, in the example of someone who wants their car optimized for track usage). If you feel that this is the case, you can experiment with different alignment settings. Some folks have already done this (for the early model cars, as noted in the FAQ) and come up with some alternative alignment settings that work better for specific objectives. So the manufacturer's alingment settings are not necessarily carved in stone. But you should know something about alignments before you make changes, and you should make your changes in small increments to see how they work out.
That's my long answer. My short answer is: "I don't know. Try it and see."
That is indeed an interesting question. IOW, "will the original alignment specs also provide crisper handling and turn-in response on a '97+ NSX than the manufacturer's recommended specs?" I'll take a guess at an answer, keeping in mind that my NSX is a '91.
When an automobile manufacturer provides alignment specs, they are designed to balance a number of competing handling and wear factors. No single spec is going to give you the longest tire life AND the sharpest turn-in AND the best cornering etc etc etc, but the recommended spec is a balancing of all these different factors. You may have a different set of objectives than those for which the manufacturer developed their recommendations (as noted above, in the example of someone who wants their car optimized for track usage). If you feel that this is the case, you can experiment with different alignment settings. Some folks have already done this (for the early model cars, as noted in the FAQ) and come up with some alternative alignment settings that work better for specific objectives. So the manufacturer's alingment settings are not necessarily carved in stone. But you should know something about alignments before you make changes, and you should make your changes in small increments to see how they work out.
That's my long answer. My short answer is: "I don't know. Try it and see."
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