NSX is a Honda

[Sockeye]

I have had my car for over 10 years and it has been an ongoing hobby, project, obsession. When i added comptech sc this forum was fairly set against turbo set ups because after all its an NSX and on and on and on. Dont let your ego and fear keep you from going to a good solid mechanic as opposed to (an nsx specialist) its a frigiin honda, yes 10 years ahead of its time, a changer for the whole Italian exotic market , and a beautiful hand assembled work of art but it is just a car for crying out loud. Have fun with your cars and know that because it's a honda it will almost always start and work for many many miles. IMhO the Japanese may not have been first at a lot of things (except a dependable semi exotic) but they are the masters at reverse engineering and refining to the point of perfection. Dont be afraid to do stuff on your own and know its a bit of a special car but a car it is.

 

[jazzmann]

Dont let your ego and fear keep you from going to a good solid mechanic as opposed to (an nsx specialist) its a frigiin honda, yes 10 years ahead of its time, a changer for the whole Italian exotic market , and a beautiful hand assembled work of art but it is just a car for crying out loud.

I dunno, I think there's only so far you can go with that logic. Honda did a lot of things that were specific to the NSX to meet the performance targets. From reading the DIY threads and especially the advice given by LarryB and Kaz, it seems whoever is doing the work needs to have NSX-specific knowledge when going beyond the basics. Just a recent example, this thread;

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showt...teering-at-speed-after-driveshaft-boot-change

about how to properly align the driveshaft assembly doesn't seem like the kind of thing the average mechanic is going to know. If you know someone you trust enough to work on your car without NSX-specific training, that's certainly your choice and I hope it works out well. But as the cars age and start to have age-related issues that average Joe's seldom or never see, I want someone who knows the car inside and out and can use that knowledge to diagnose an odd-ball issue instead of playing parts darts like most of the dealer techs do these days. Just my $.02.

 

[s14_tat]

Knowing how to initialize the position of the twin disc clutch, knowing how to properly align the side windows. There are a lot of things about this car that you need to know about to make sure it gets done right the first time and perform as designed. I run a very competent auto repair shop, and beyond the basics, I take the car straight to larry b.

 

[shawn110975]

I think taking my NSx to someone that works on Hondas and the mechanic telling me it the same motor in an Accord keeps me far away from them.

now if you wanna save $36.76 then go for it. but don't make a thread called "I should have known better "

 

[Larry Bastanza]

about how to properly align the driveshaft assembly doesn't seem like the kind of thing the average mechanic is going to know.

Funny you comment on this. Yesterday I had a car that I needed to rebuild both axles. Well the right side axle had the CV's improperly aligned. I called the owner and asked, and he had it rebuild previously by an inexperienced tech, good tech, but never saw an NSX before. Frankly I do not think this is unique to an NSX, every car has its own unique things that experience allows you to learn. What you really need to do is READ THE BOOK!!

With that said every good tech has issues sooner or later, you need to stand behind your work, if you make a mistake, just fix it. I talked about reading the book, and here is a quick story. A goof I did on my own car. I had to replace a front knuckle on my 2005 CR-V. I thought to myself, piece of cake. Ordered the knuckle and a new wheel bearing, disassembled it, pressed out bearing, pressed in a new one, put it back together, very straightforward. Got it done, started the car, backed it off my lift and the dash lit up, ABS,traction control, etc. Well since I am "so smart" I did not read the book this time, and after reading it, I learned the bearing is an integral part of the wheel speed sensor system, and I had installed the damn thing backwards. CRAP!! I had to get another bearing, do the job over, and install the bearing correctly. Shame on me!!! So my point, there is a damn good reason they make service manuals, and it is good to actually read them, especially if you are working on something new.

My $.02

Regards,
LarryB

 

[tof]

Amen, Larry. Great story illustrating a very good point. I did a lot of little mechanical things with my S2000. In every case I would not open the hood until I read the appropriate section of the Helm manual several times. Well...except for replacing the top. I read the manufacturer's instructions several times in that instance. But then again, I didn't have to open the hood for that job, since I am not British.

 

[91 X]

I think taking my NSx to someone that works on Hondas and the mechanic telling me it the same motor in an Accord keeps me far away from them.

now if you wanna save $36.76 then go for it. but don't make a thread called "I should have known better "

This^^^

 

[clutch1]

One of the biggest problems with that logic is laziness in the auto repair industry!!

Everyone started out knowing nothing about the NSX. Not a thing. Well, except the engineers who designed it, I suppose. Some folks took the time to read the factory manuals for NSX specific repair procedures, some (one) took the time to build an entire test bench out of an NSX dash to test and repair climate control modules. Those folks were the good ones, the ones who care, and the ones who would do good work not just on an NSX, but probably any car because they're smart enough to know when to look up proper procedure, how to put the time and care into doing it right, etc.

On the other hand, some mechanics are parts slingers. They'll impact out the bolts on a strut, impact in the new ones, gotta go baby, money in the till. If it's an electrical problem, ship it. If it's not a simple parts swap, ship it. Those are the guys that you don't don't don't want to take your NSX to. Same thing goes for a ton of dealerships. The line level techs diagnose through flow charts to find the problem, and without being able to put some brain power into finding the answer from your own expertise, it can get ugly and turn into an expensive (for the customer!) waste of time, since they bill you for all the time they waste 'diagnosing'.

So there you have it.. be smart about who you take your car to. Not everyone who isn't an 'NSX pro' is going to burn your car to the ground, and not everyone who is the 'dealership's best mechanic' is going to take the time to do the job correctly (pride plays big into the senior guys who 'know how it's done, damnit').

 

[BAVARIA]

Funny you comment on this. Yesterday I had a car that I needed to rebuild both axles. Well the right side axle had the CV's improperly aligned. I called the owner and asked, and he had it rebuild previously by an inexperienced tech, good tech, but never saw an NSX before. Frankly I do not think this is unique to an NSX, every car has its own unique things that experience allows you to learn. What you really need to do is READ THE BOOK!!

With that said every good tech has issues sooner or later, you need to stand behind your work, if you make a mistake, just fix it. I talked about reading the book, and here is a quick story. A goof I did on my own car. I had to replace a front knuckle on my 2005 CR-V. I thought to myself, piece of cake. Ordered the knuckle and a new wheel bearing, disassembled it, pressed out bearing, pressed in a new one, put it back together, very straightforward. Got it done, started the car, backed it off my lift and the dash lit up, ABS,traction control, etc. Well since I am "so smart" I did not read the book this time, and after reading it, I learned the bearing is an integral part of the wheel speed sensor system, and I had installed the damn thing backwards. CRAP!! I had to get another bearing, do the job over, and install the bearing correctly. Shame on me!!! So my point, there is a damn good reason they make service manuals, and it is good to actually read them, especially if you are working on something new.

My $.02

Regards,
LarryB

Larry makes a good point (as usual). However, if I have access to the likes of Larry/Rob Magro in Ontario, Canada/Mike Michalik (lead tech at one of the suburban Detroit Acura dealers), each of whom has worked on numerous NSXs and each of whom have excellent reputations, or if I have access to any one of a number of other highly regarded/recommended and experienced NSX techs, why would I even consider putting my car in the hands of someone else? I second the point in one of the other posts -- every vehicle has its peculiarities and best to stick with someone who knows the vehicle intimately. Who would you rather perform surgery on you -- the surgeon who has done the particular operation hundreds of times or the surgeon who has done it a couple of times? I'm not saying that there aren't plenty of competent technicians out there capable of working on an NSX but only that if I had the choice I'd prefer someone who is very well acquainted with the vehicle. Point taken -- it is not a Ferrari but then again, its not a Chevy.

Best,
Jeff

 

[nsxtasy]

It also depends on the complexity of the work needed. For routine tasks like fluid and filter changes, brake pad replacements, and tire services, any competent mechanic can work on an NSX. (Although one with NSX experience might know little tips like how to jack it up and have the shop mat to put over the side.) But for the really complicated tasks, like timing belt replacements, clutch replacements, and (especially) problem troubleshooting, you'll be much better off taking it to someone with a lot of experience working on NSXs. You can find a list/map of NSX-experienced mechanics here.

 

[Phoenix599]

I rescued my 91 NSX from a used car lot over 10 years ago. Whoever owned it before me (not the original owner) did not do any favors to my car...at all. I have now spent more money restoring and improving the car than I originally spent to purchase it...and I have not regretted one cent spent (try saying that several times fast).

Because of this, I am very, very particular about who will work on my car. Only two Acura techs have ever touched the car...and that was only because the first one left to work elsewhere. I've had two after-market tuners work on the car, with PTuning in Manassas VA doing all work over the last five years. I actually "interview" anyone who has anything to do with the car. If I see the passion in their eyes and my BS meter reads "0"...I'll try them.

I drive my NSX quite often, and I may take it to Summit Point (after some engine mods) to compare lap times to when I used to race motorcycles there. I take care of my NSX as if Ayrton was looking over my shoulder, and on occasion, I drive it as if he were sitting in the passenger seat.

 

[BETRNSX]

Do whatever you want. Work on it yourself, mess it up, fix it, learn about it. Or take it to your trusted mechanic but just enjoy it and DRIVE it. Cars are meant to be on the road, especially these. Just make it look tasteful.

 

[Nukem]

Funny you comment on this. Yesterday I had a car that I needed to rebuild both axles. Well the right side axle had the CV's improperly aligned. I called the owner and asked, and he had it rebuild previously by an inexperienced tech, good tech, but never saw an NSX before. Frankly I do not think this is unique to an NSX, every car has its own unique things that experience allows you to learn. What you really need to do is READ THE BOOK!!

With that said every good tech has issues sooner or later, you need to stand behind your work, if you make a mistake, just fix it. I talked about reading the book, and here is a quick story. A goof I did on my own car. I had to replace a front knuckle on my 2005 CR-V. I thought to myself, piece of cake. Ordered the knuckle and a new wheel bearing, disassembled it, pressed out bearing, pressed in a new one, put it back together, very straightforward. Got it done, started the car, backed it off my lift and the dash lit up, ABS,traction control, etc. Well since I am "so smart" I did not read the book this time, and after reading it, I learned the bearing is an integral part of the wheel speed sensor system, and I had installed the damn thing backwards. CRAP!! I had to get another bearing, do the job over, and install the bearing correctly. Shame on me!!! So my point, there is a damn good reason they make service manuals, and it is good to actually read them, especially if you are working on something new.

My $.02



Regards,
LarryB

Yeah, but Larry we are man, we never read the instructions. You make a good point, There have been many of times where not reading up on something has bitten me. Lucky I am too scared to hurt my NSX to do that, then again stuff I normally would do on my daily TL or my wife's Mazda I won't try on the NSX.

 

[BAVARIA]

Yeah, but Larry we are man, we never read the instructions. You make a good point, There have been many of times where not reading up on something has bitten me. Lucky I am too scared to hurt my NSX to do that, then again stuff I normally would do on my daily TL or my wife's Mazda I won't try on the NSX.

And let's not forget that we never ask for directions even when hopelessly lost -- that's for wimps. LOL.

 

[Sockeye]

This thread was started with some hopeful common sense built in with reader, it is nsxprime, do not trust anyone that doesnt ask for a service manual, do not do anything you question yourself on without someone of brain power in mechanics....and other common sense things. If you have a very good competent mechanic that asks the right qustions and you are smart enough to get all the proper information for yourself and him it should be fine. I stand by what i said in the beginning of thread, but i guess i will say maybe its not the best idea for EVERYONE.