drive linkage slack???

[tbromley]

Hey guys,

I have a question about what these cars feel like when they are fine and it has to do with what I would characterise as slop in the drive train - best I can come up with to explain it.

I have a 91 with 43k miles on it now, has had all kinds of things brought up to snuff by Barney the barn man. When I'm driving the car slowly it seems like as I lift up on off and back on the throttle there seems like slack or play in the drive train? I'm wondering if there are bushings or something back there that would make that feel a little more firm as a new one would be I think - I say think cause this is the only one I've ever ridden in or driven. So I don't know what to expect but are their bushings or rubber engine mounts or something like that, that need replaceing after all this time and usage which is minimal, the usage that is. I'm driving it more now than it's been driven over the last 10 years at least. I had the axle boots replaced but that didn't make much difference if any.

I know it's an old car I'm just wondering what they felt like new and what others feel when they drive their N2s of course that may not be a fair comparison. So I'm looking for someone to chime in about how these 20 year old cars feel under the best conditions.

If I was ever to contemplate selling mine, which is doubtful, I would only do it to buy a later model - newer with newer rubber and drive trane. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Tim

 

[angus]

some slack is normal , I notice it most when going on - off the clutch in a prking lot , mostly the springs in the clutch winding up , I have a '95 with 40k and a 6 speed tranny purchased new less than 10k ago.

 

[W]

It's normal. I believe what you're feeling is due to the amount of backlash between the ring and pinion.

 

[tbromley]

Is this typical in all model NSXs, N1s and N2s ? I can't believe that the later models say 2002 and beyond don't feel different in the drive trane than a 91? There has to be some difference in that play or I would wonder why people would pay 89k for the car. Not that it's awful it's just not something I would expect to find in a car like this - I don't believe you find that in a 911 for example. There is not that much slack. Very curious. I must ask Larry Bastanza.

Thanks for writing guys I appreciate this and actually thought I would have gotten a lot more entries from folks.

Tim

 

[W]

People may still be at work.

There are lots of parts that make up a car. Not all of them will meet everyone's expectations. I wish the NSX had more camber adjustment up front as well as wider front wheel wells. Oh yeah, and a shorter second gear, and no compliance beam, and better steering feel, and quicker steering, and lighter, and some sort of factory club racing support,... The car is still pretty awesome.

If you look at a 911, what do you think you would think is lacking? Go to one of their message boards and check out what 911 owners wish or think should be different. One big thing for me would be I would wish it were not rear engine but then I've never driven one and hear they are wonderful cars.

 

[tbromley]

W,

The car is very awesome, don't get me wrong I'm just getting used to the car and being maybe a little nit picky, but I've owned a lot of cars and others haven't exhibited this kind of feel. Bimmers or 911s and I've owned both - 4 bmws, 3 911s and now I'm in the NSX and glad to be there! No doubt much of what you say is so true. One thing about 911s they handle beautifully and feel very much different. My Turbo Look 87 felt tough to steer - no power steering and 225s up front made it a bear till it got going but the drive trane felt taught - almost no slack and the brakes in the Porsche are second to none.

I am going to enjoy this car as it is - spending a lot of money to "improve" it is not happnin for me. I don't want to get upside down in any car that is a depreciating asset and NSXs are a depreciating asset. I've put a bunch in it already - have 34k in a 91 Sebring with 42k miles and it's in great shape now but little stuff like this makes me wonder if I needed to reset something.

I contacted Larry B, and he said I might try resetting the motor mounts by loosening them up and reving the engine up and then retightening them. Something I've never heard of but then I'm sure there are a lot of things I haven't heard of on the NSX. Have you ever done that?

Anyway, Larry B is such a pal to answer emails. I really appreciate this site and all the people on it. Say, btw, what model NSX do you have? I went to your spot to find out a little about you and there was really no info there other than your in CA.

Thanks for writing,
Tim

 

[W]

I know nothing compared to Larry B. If he says to reset the motor mounts, then that is the current step. I've never done this. I don't know what he is trying to loosen/tighten/re-align, but if that what he says to do then that's what I'd do unless another master NSX technician or similarily qualified tech says otherwise.

BTW, I have a silver '92 that I've had the pleasure to enjoy for many miles.

 

[tbromley]

Hey W,

How many miles do you have on your 92? What have you done to your car over the years of your ownership.

The only mod that was done to my car that i'm really happy about is Comptech headers - it has a Dali chip and limiter - no biggy, and 16 and 17s wheels TSW. I like the wheels and tire size. I wonder though what the stock wheels and tires would be like.

What about you?

 

[ChopsJazz]

People may still be at work.
... as well as wider front wheel wells. Oh yeah, and a shorter second gear, and no compliance beam,

Ever sit in a Viper or the new Lotus Evora? There is no dead-pedal room because the front wheel wells are so big. That's one of the reasons the car was designed with smaller front wheels.

And the second gear distance is easily remedied with the short gears.