Need to make a quick decision on Short Gears

[sjs]

The fact that the performance improvement is merely nominal is not an opinion, whether you model it or measure it. Whether you care about the nominal difference is the subjective part. I'd rather ACTUALLY go faster, hence my preference for power adders...

That, combined with someone's comments about it changing the "character" of the car, pretty much sum it up. Bang for the buck in measurable performance overall is quite low, but many people find the car more enjoyable. And of course that's what counts.

 

[sjs]

Before doing both (sounds like you won't, but just in case) I would weigh the cost of that to this:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16172

Of course you'd still need the reverse lockout from CT or something similar.

 

[Russ]

I have short gears and 4.235 R&P and love it, for all the reasons already stated. I can only add that any aftermarket exhaust and/or headers will have a much greater impact on highway cruising sound levels than will gears. You will never notice the few extra RPMs from the R&P, and even if you do, hey, it's a wonderful sound!

Go for it.

 

[ANYTIME]

Chris has rebuilt trannies in stock with short gears and R&Ps here
http://scienceofspeed.com/products/.../NSX/ScienceofSpeed/transmissions/default.asp

Or a used 6spd with 4.55's here
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=16172

 

[ChopsJazz]

I meant that I was afraid with short gears and R&P if i was going 80 mph on the highway, the engine noise would be loud ... a constant "buzz" if you will....

Nothing mechanical... just annoying for long trips...

My '91 has the shorties and 4.23 R&P. 80 mph is about 3000 rpm and I don't find it annoying in the least. In fact, it's about the perfect rev range for snappier acceleration!

 

[nsxbuilder]

Hmmm.

I've got the stock US 5-speed trany gears and 4.235 R&P and 70mph is 3200rpm, 75 is 3400.

-ed
www.nsxbuilder.com

 

[ncdogdoc]

Before doing both (sounds like you won't, but just in case) I would weigh the cost of that to this:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16172

Of course you'd still need the reverse lockout from CT or something similar.

I keep seeing remarks like this but do not get it. The stock 5 speed does not have a reverse lockout, and nobody ever mentions that. It is much easier to try to find sixth gear in a five speed than seventh in a six, at least to me. Now that I have sold the Cooper S, this should no longer be a problem for me, I hope

 

[JChoice]

ChopsJazz:

Hmm, I have the 4.23 and short gears and I am at 3500 at 80MPH.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Assuming a rear tire diameter of 24.9" (standard tire size 1991-94) the calculated RPM at a cruising speed of 70 mph is approximately:

5-spd standard & short gear transmission: 2959 RPM
5-spd standard & short gears, NSX-R (4.23) final drive: 3083 RPM
5-spd standard & short gears, Comptech (4.55) final drive: 3317 RPM

Keep in mind that the varying of tire sizes makes a difference. For example, the previous rear racing tires on my 1992 were approximately 25.7" tall (an extreme difference), and the effect was as if the final drive was lowered to about 4.41. Engine speed effect was:

5-spd standard & short gears, Comptech (4.55) final drive: 3213 RPM

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Justin's noted engine speed is spot on, as the calculated engine speed at 80 mph is 3524 RPM with the same tire size noted above.

Cheers,
-- Chris

ChopsJazz:

Hmm, I have the 4.23 and short gears and I am at 3500 at 80MPH.