needspeed said:
So how do you feel about the car stock. Even though I know you are going to mod it what do you think of it out of the box???
Well to me the most impressive is the suspension. I am amazed of the supple ride with the level of handling this car has. "Adult rollercoaster" is what a passenger just called the thing yesterday. The streets here are terrible but I will say for a fact... the ride is much better compared to something even like the Maserati GS that I recently drove. The suspension also commuincates with me so well, I feel in such control even at ultra high speeds... I think this is one thing that for me, with these roads, will always remain stock and I love it.
I am amazed of how quiet the stock exhaust is. I hear a growl when I get on the motor, but its not the exhaust at all!!! Its the intake! I threw the downforce AIS in which essentialy doubled the volume of that growl, and in Vtec its just nasty.... but where is the exhaust noise? I don't hear it at all. I thought the clip on the official exhaust thread was nice stock, but now I realize that was not the exhaust I was hearing. For me, and I am conservative, this is too quiet and has to go. Its just too bottled up.
The driving position and the view are awesome. You feel the speed when the ground is right in front of you... great visibility... I really *LIKE* sitting this low now.
I find the throws on the stock lever to be a bit long. I also have caught myself grabbing the stick BELOW the knob... it feels more comfortable for me as my arm rests on the armrest. This is something I will definitely change.
I think I may have to keep the stock radio, and upgrade the speakers and amps. My factory CD changer plays MP3!! Does yours Steve? It says "MP3" right on the changer. I leave the top off too often, and I prefer the stealth of the factory radio... I don't want some clown damaging my car to get to a $2400 nav/radio. I have a portable Magellan 700 I may just use that.
My second gear is sometimes a bit notchy. Not bad, but not as smooth as the shift to third, 4th, etc... I try matching revs, but it doesn't help. Seems to be better at times, but I am having Acura check it out.
Overall, I can't believe how quick, responsive, and FUN this car is. I really don't have any desire to upgrade in a year. My thoughts of keeping the milage low and resale high have been thrown out the window. This is no Benz or Aston to be babied and waxed... this car is to be DRIVEN. And it really makes me wonder... when I "Upgrade", where am I going to GO?!!! Ferrari? forget it... too finicky... Maserati? I have more fun in my NSX... The only thing I see happening is my going to the new HSC if its really better.
This car is just *ME*. It fits me so well in every way. Its definitely a car that is not for everyone. Two seats, mostly stick, low position, no "cachet" with the name, expensive, its not for everybody. Thank God. I have seen one other NSX in like 4 months. People ask me all the time what it is, and I reply "Honda"... to which their reply is "really?" in a "maybe I will buy one if its $25,000" tone of voice...
So far my mods were the AIS, removal of the badges, and my attempt at the short thow shifter (which I have to tackle again with a grinder). I gotta say... I am pretty happy... a better muffler will make me more happy. The engine revs, sounds awesome, is smooth, the intake is demonic on Vtec, I am happy happy happy happy. I ****
LOVE**** driving this thing.
I am having second thoughts on the necessity of a Supercharger... but... I have bought it already and will have to either sell it or intsall it. I will miss the change in sonic character. I just love it right now. I am torn on what to do with the SC... this car is awesome as it is.