NSX auto transmission durability

[yesterday_is_over]

How much power can the NSX's automatic trasmission handle? Can it handle an additional 150-200hp realistically? I'm looking at the Cybernation stage 1 turbo kit. I searched throughout the NSX Prime site and couldn't find any information on this. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
yesterday_is_over

 

[NA1 #2853]

This has been discussed quite a few times, try doing a search for "auto" and "automatic" and you should find most of the discussions.

The final verdict is that the transmission cant handle much more than the basic Intake/Header/Exhaust mods. There have been a few misc ramblings of automatics with comptech superchargers, but i havent hard on how long they last.

There is also talk of Level10 modifying the transmission, but i doubt they have done a NSX tranny, have heard conflicting reports on how well their mods work.

If you must add power to the automatic, spend some money first on a cooler to keep the ATF fluids temperatures down. That is the #1 killer of autos.

-Ray

 

[Vytas]

Honda reduced the power output of the automatic NSXs to 250hp. There is a reason for it. If Honda engineers wouldn't keep the same 270hp engine of the manual cars for the automatic NSX considering it's only 20hp difference, what do you think adding 150hp+ may do? I'm sure the life of the transmission will be significantly reduced.

 

[Eric5273]

I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that Honda did not reduce the power output for the auto transmission models, but that they re-engineered the output to obtain a better low-end torque curve (which would be better suited for an auto trans) and a result was a reduced high end output. I don't think they intentionally reduced the peak hp for the reasons you stated.

 

[nsxtasy]

Honda reduced the power output of the automatic NSXs to 250hp.

252 hp.

There is a reason for it. If Honda engineers wouldn't keep the same 270hp engine of the manual cars for the automatic NSX considering it's only 20hp difference, what do you think adding 150hp+ may do? I'm sure the life of the transmission will be significantly reduced.

I agree.

Originally posted by Eric5273
I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that Honda did not reduce the power output for the auto transmission models, but that they re-engineered the output to obtain a better low-end torque curve (which would be better suited for an auto trans) and a result was a reduced high end output.

I disagree and I have never seen or heard any credible evidence to support this statement, other than mere conjecture.

However, if you believe that the automatic can handle the additional power, go ahead and try it. Just be prepared to live with the financial consequences if you're wrong. And that could be a very expensive lesson to learn. As several owners have already done...

 

[Eric5273]

I'm not sure about how much power the transmission can handle, but I remember reading in one of the car magazines a long time ago that the reason for the decrease in power with the auto transmission was that the engine is retuned. If you look at the torque curve, you'll notice there is more low end torque on the auto than on the 3.0 manual. You'll also notice that redline is lower on the automatic (7500 rpm as opposed to 8000 rpm) and peak hp comes at a lower rpm. This makes the engine more suitable for the auto transmission.

 

[nsxtasy]

Okay, it's possible.

Regardless, I think it's pretty obvious that there is a lot more risk adding 150 hp or forced induction than light mods like I/H/E...

 

[Eric5273]

Regardless, I think it's pretty obvious that there is a lot more risk adding 150 hp or forced induction than light mods like I/H/E...

I agree.