front suspension hasn't settled...

[Osiris_x11]

I have a '91 NSX 5spd. w/ 17/17 wheels & Zanardi suspension (shocks/springs).

Ever since the install of the suspension, the front-end seemed slightly higher than I had anticipated (perhaps my OEM shocks were worn?). Rear-end was fine. Anyways, this wasn't as noticable until I replaced my OEM 15/16 wheels (F: 205/50/15 R: 225/50/16 tires) for a set of aftermarket 17/17 wheels (F: 215/40/17 R: 255/40/17 tires). Then it seemed like I added a lift of 1.25" - 1.50" to the front end!?! :frown:

Ref: http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showpost.php?p=60992&postcount=9

It should be noted that approximately 1 year ago, I got some suspension components replaced in the front (ie. front-right knuckle assembly, front-left lower control arm, etc'). I had a low-speed curbing incident in rain; instead of trying to force things into OEM specs' for alignment, I simply replaced suspect components w/ brand-new OEM ones. Handling and alignment were fine, resultingly.

After the suspension-install, I went for some brake-work and new tires. When I went for alignment, I noticed my front-right wheel is closer to the wheel-well towards the passenger-door than the front-left wheel. There is some allowance attributed to fender-position, fender-liner fitment, etc'. But the difference is quite pronounced and not negligable. Also, the left-side seemed 'taller' than the right. Rudimentary fender-to-tire measurements verified it.

Is there any adjustment within the suspension components that my mechanic may have missed or not known about when replacing some parts?

He is proficient w/ import sportscars, aftermarket suspensions/coilovers, frame/chassis, etc'... but, he isn't what you would call a NSX-tech' of the LarryB, MarkBasch, Joe/pbassjo, and BarnBan mold.


As much as I hate to ponder this, I received the Zanardi rear shocks/struts separately from the Zanardi front shocks/struts from the parts dealer. The Zanardi rear shocks/springs had proper OEM part numbers matching the parts manual. The Zanardi front shocks/springs didn't have the OEM part numbers sticker, but had a two-digit code that differed from my existing '91 OEM shocks/springs. The Zanardi front shocks/springs arrived weeks after the Zanardi rear shocks/springs had arrived, even though both were supposedly from the same 'special' low-mileage NSX that met it's demise while being transported. The parts dealer shipped the Zanardi rear parts from FL and the Zanardi front parts from NY. Yea...

(comparing to my OEM shocks/struts, the Zanardi ones were slightly shorter when compared prior to installation)

Could the Zanardi suspension I acquired be defective/damaged?


The alignment shop suggested I goto adjustable dampeners/coilovers, which I'm not keen on at all. I'd like to correct the matter, not mask it.

But, thinking along those lines: I came across this...

Koni Threaded Spring Perch Sleeves
http://www.kingmotorsports.com/product.asp?product=348&vehicle=NSX

and this...

Coilover Conversion kit, Honda Acura NSX (must be used with Koni)
http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=511/CA=64

I recall Koni shocks for the NSX (yellow-blue) have a single perch unlike the Bilsteins. Going by a post in a related thread:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28853&highlight=Perch+Sleeves

namely...

titaniumdave: http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showpost.php?p=254662&postcount=5

Any possible way to make some perch sleeves work on a Zanardi shock/spring setup?!?

I do plan to get the local Acura shop tech' to look at it soon, hopefully. He was the one who originally did the initial assessment following the curbing-incident.

Thanks! :smile:


Addendum:
* There was no cosmetic damage, body-panels were straight
* Previously aligned to OEM specs' & driven nearly 10k over the past year
* Tire pressures measured and verified
* Both shoes worn, one per foot, when measuring... :biggrin:

 

[goldNSX]

I don't think your Zanardi setup is defective. It's just the way it is. That's why I went for revalved Bilsteins (to Zanardi specs ) Install and pics will be posted soon. I guess that the Zanardi front needs additional 1'' and the rear 0.7''.

I wouldn't modify a Zanardi shock, very unsafe.

 

[mickeylex]

Anyways, this wasn't as noticable until I replaced my OEM 15/16 wheels (F: 205/50/15 R: 225/50/16 tires) for a set of aftermarket 17/17 wheels (F: 215/40/17 R: 255/40/17 tires). Then it seemed like I added a lift of 1.25" - 1.50" to the front end!?! :frown:

The wheel/tire size on the front is a contributing factor for your lift.

The 214/40/17 tire/wheel combo is usually 0.5" to 1.0" taller than the OEM 91-93 size depending on tire make/model. I used the PowerDog tire calculator and the "calculated" increase in overall diamter is 0.7" (http://powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi).

 

[Nihilation]

Sounds like Mickey nailed it...

 

[Osiris_x11]

adjustment points...

Thanks guys for the insights. I'm getting a NSX-tech to take a look at it this weekend, get his insights. I'll try to see if driving/time will settle the front-end. It's rather odd, my rear-end sits lower than it should & my front-end sits higher than it should!?! haha...

Indeed the larger outer-diameter of the front tires (215/40/17) have contributed to some 'lift'. But there is a more sinister underlying factor, as the tire-to-fender gap is probably a normal fist (8-9cm's) + 1/2" - 5/8".

Anatomy of the front-suspension...

Taking-apart & reassembling, what components are critical in terms of precise adjustment/orientation/positioning when fastening and bolting that can affect the 'height'? (not worrying about alignment, yet. That'll be dealt w/ later.)

Thanks!

 

[rbirling]

Did you measure the suspension height according to the manual? That would tell you if you're above or below stock (plus your extra tire height). I don't know if the measurement for the Zanardi suspension is around here somewhere. Someplace to start, though....

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Zanardi suspension IS higher in the front.

 

[MJK]

Take a look in my gallery here or here, I have the same springs. I've noticed it sits a little higher in the front, but then so did my old stock suspension here. I assumed before swapping out suspensions that it was due to settling, but afterwards I am beginning to think it is normal.

How severe is the discrepancy?

 

[Osiris_x11]

consolation...

Ok, some relief from the comments thus far.

I'm still going to get someone to take a look underneath, perhaps see if something might've been off slightly, etc'. Afterall, I did have the front taken-apart then put back together about a year ago. The alignment shop was apprehensive as well, till I got some further inights.

I'm telling you guys, it looks I got switches on my dash but I ain't be hittin' dem...

I don't want ya'll to be tweakin' when I post pics!?!

(Bob, I'm above the OEM spec's...)

 

[MJK]

Re: consolation...

I'm telling you guys, it looks I got switches on my dash but I ain't be hittin' dem...

I don't want ya'll to be tweakin' when I post pics!?!

This is OEM:

This is Zanardi/Koni (with OEM preches)

I know the comparison is not ideal, but it is the best I have. :redface:

 

[JeffShoots]

Alright, Now a fix for the front end scrape.

Sorry:biggrin: