Barn Find NSX

[ToTallForAnNSX]

Hello everyone,

I recently stumbled upon a 1999 Acura NSX-T NA2 in a barn (yes, you read that right—a barn find NSX! ). Here’s the quick backstory: the previous owner spun a bearing in the engine and sold the car to a mechanic. Fast forward about eight years, and I managed to pick it up from that mechanic.

When I got it, the motor was already pulled out and in pieces. At first, I considered restoring it to stock, but after some reflection, I realized this isn’t exactly a "collector-grade" vehicle. It has its fair share of scratches, stains, and a well-earned 136,xxx miles. This is undeniably a driver’s car, and I want to treat it as such.

After mulling it over, I’ve decided to give it new life with a turbo K24 swap. My goal is to create a fun, balanced build with respectable power—something I can truly enjoy driving.

That said, I’m considering selling the original motor and its components, as well as the 6-speed transmission. However, I’m still undecided about the motor/transmission, as I may keep it to revert back to stock at some point in the future.

I’ll use this thread to share updates on the project, and I’d love to hear any feedback or suggestions from the community as I bring this car back to life.

 

[MotorMouth93]

Nice find. The K swap is pretty well documented so should be relatively straightforward to do if you're familiar with such things. The 6 speed transmissions are fairly valuable too at around $8k so would fund a decent chunk of the build. Parting out the blown up 3.2 could probably get you another $4k or so but might take a while to find buyers for everything.

If you opt to rebuild you'll likely have to replace the crank and source a new rod and piston. The 3.2 block uses FRM cylinder liners so if the bores are not perfect you're looking at doing iron sleeves and new pistons too.

 

[mwagner10702]

Have you watched this?

 

[Honcho]

Wow cool find! Welcome to NSX Prime!

We always love a good build thread here. You're fortunate to find a NA2 like that. Bummer about the original engine and I love the idea of running a K in there. However, long term you may want to consider having the 3.2L repaired. If all that's wrong is the spun bearing, the pistons and rods should be ok. Also, the crank may be salvageable depending on the amount of wear. I think at a minimum it might be worth it to have the block and components inspected to get an idea of what you're dealing with. A 1999 NSX-T in good condition with its original engine is a valuable car... You'll likely make back far in excess of what you spend fixing the engine. Just my two cents.

 

[MotorMouth93]

Spun bearing nearly 100% ruins both the rod and crankshaft since there are no over or under sized bearings available for the C32, and its difficult to remove the rod from the original piston without damaging the piston so you're better off just replacing both.

 

[ToTallForAnNSX]

Wow cool find! Welcome to NSX Prime!

We always love a good build thread here. You're fortunate to find a NA2 like that. Bummer about the original engine and I love the idea of running a K in there. However, long term you may want to consider having the 3.2L repaired. If all that's wrong is the spun bearing, the pistons and rods should be ok. Also, the crank may be salvageable depending on the amount of wear. I think at a minimum it might be worth it to have the block and components inspected to get an idea of what you're dealing with. A 1999 NSX-T in good condition with its original engine is a valuable car... You'll likely make back far in excess of what you spend fixing the engine. Just my two cents.

Thanks man!
Well, theres a little more to it then just a spun baring. The rod is bent and the crank shaft has maring. I guess you can get them resurfaced but that introduces some weaknesses into it. Not to mention the motor is in 1,000,000 pieces.

Cost wise it would be about 10k to rebuild the motor, rebuilding the motor properly about 20k and about 25k entirely for the swap. Plus, its most certainly in drivers condition, this one isn't a collectors piece unfortunately. Minor accident on record, 136k miles, scratches, small split in bumper... Definitely not perfect! BUT! it will be soon!

By the way i noticed your location is in Denver, Ill be out that way this coming week. Would you happen to have any interior or exterior parts for sale?

 

[ToTallForAnNSX]

Spun bearing nearly 100% ruins both the rod and crankshaft since there are no over or under sized bearings available for the C32, and its difficult to remove the rod from the original piston without damaging the piston so you're better off just replacing both.

Yeah theyre both toast, Its gonna be a K24 swap for me.

 

[ToTallForAnNSX]

Have you watched this?

Yeah i have! that guys doing amazing work.

 

[GGawaran]

Congrats on the purchase! I remember seeing this on marketplace and it got sold pretty quickly. If you are in texas and decide to sell the 6-speed let me know, I would be interested in it!