NSX Upgraded

[Saclam]

Hello Primer's. I'm starting this build thread because I wanted to remember all the obsession and fun I had getting my NSX perfect (to me), and have a diary of sorts. My intention with this car is to use as much OEM parts as possible, preserve the OEM parts I remove and upgrade to only the best parts I can find that are deserving to the history of the NA1. I just recently bought my car on January 23rd from a fellow prime member. A while ago he promised to sell it to me (or at least ask me first), and he did. The car has a little over 200,000 miles but has been factory maintained it's entire life. The day I took it home was incredible, and I want to drive it everywhere!

The day after I got her, I decided to start from scratch. I've ordered a timing belt kit and all the coolant hoses, a drivers side regulator and a drivers side window seal.I'll be changing all the fluids and she should be good to go. I'm actually doing this as a preventative measure as timing belt should be good for 15,000 miles.

I dropped her of on Saturday to Double Take Auto Spa for a full ceramic coat. If you opt for the lifetime warranty they will add that report to your Carfax which I think was pretty cool. The door panels, center console surround, door handles and vent shroud are removed for new carbon pieces thanks to Euroboutique and Rick a member here. I plan on some slight audio upgrades just for ease of using my phone. I'll do a write up when that happens.



At the auto spa, (sorry for the horrible photo it was a challenging environment) I'll pick her up this Saturday. It takes roughly a week to ceramic coat. They have to wash , polish, detail and then apply the coating.





My plan of attack is to update the interior a little and the first thing I bought was this Mugen Steering wheel to replace the OEM wheel which I don't love.

 

[Saclam]

I also ordered and received this from Evasive Motorsports. Recaro Pole position in Jerey Red.



and these OEM Zanardi edition mats from a place called Flat Iron Subaru for only 80 dollars!

 

[Saclam]

With the interior on it's way to being sorted, I had a friend call me from ICBmotorsports in AZ. Matt owns the shop and he had seen my new car (the NSX) on Instagram. I have ordered many parts for my S2000 from Matt and he knows I'm passionate about authentic parts. He was able to source a Saclam Exhaust manifold and Exhaust for me. They come in two versions. A and B with the B being much quieter but not as good looking. I am leaning toward the A but we shall see when the shipment arrives from Japan on the 23rd of March.

<a href="https://ibb.co/g9Mdsc"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/i554Xc/IMG_8065.jpg" alt="IMG_8065" border="0"></a>


<a href="https://ibb.co/gqNCJH"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/hOymdH/IMG_8130.jpg" alt="IMG_8130" border="0"></a>


<a href="https://ibb.co/dxdf7c"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/mASJtH/IMG_4969.jpg" alt="IMG_4969" border="0"></a>

 

[Saclam]

Oops I forgot that I ordered a Titanium key that will attach to this Keychain a friend picked up for me in Japan.


<a href="https://ibb.co/jLWTtH"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/kz6Hnc/IMG_4913.jpg" alt="IMG_4913" border="0"></a>



<a href="https://ibb.co/mzzsLx"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/bT0cnc/ipp_991.jpg" alt="ipp_991" border="0"></a>

 

[Saclam]

​The suspension I decided on was an Ohlins coilover from Sakebomb Garage. I know them locally and Heath and crew do many great track pieces for the S2000, Rx-7 etc. Why I like their Ohlins is the long stroke shocks they equip for the rears. On the S2000 this is a problem because of the extremely short stroke the car has. The coilovers are custom valved and have top hats, with Swift springs at your desired rate. I am still undecided on rates. Either way damper technology is so good these days it almost doesn't matter. If your in the bay area call Heath or Dave they will set you up. My coilovers should be finished being built in a few weeks. I will give a full review then. I only plan on lowering the car 10mm or so and add OEM inner and outer tie rod ends and boot that was supplied with the car. Upon visual inspection these look ok on the car but the right side has a tear. Better safe than sorry. In my past life I was a Master Honda tech and a MB Master alignment tech. Little things like tie rod ends make a car so much better when properly adjusted and aligned. My NSX in its current state feels amazing! However, i'd like to add more RF caster as it does follow road crown a little too much.

 

[Saclam]

The car is running 17x8 and 18x10 Advan RS III's on Yokohoma S drives. I like these wheels a lot but I am not in love with black on black. I think they sort of disappear. I will probably have them powder coated a bronze. The color that I think compliments black cars the best is Formula Silver. Unfortunately they do not offer that color on TE37's but they do on CE28N's. It just so happens that when I placed a call to evasive Motorsports that Rays of Japan was doing a special NSX sizing batch.

The Ce28N's are 17x8 +39 and 18x10 +33 for those that would like to know. Rays will make any size and color you want but you must order 10 sets of wheels ha ha. I'll be running Advan AD08R's on these.

 

[pvmike]

How much were the CE's from Evasive and what's the timeline for delivery? And are you sure about the sizes and offsets for the rears? I've never seen those rear sizes before. A more typical size for CE28 rears are 18x9.5 +28, and frankly that would better match the aggressive front offset.

I have a set of CE28s that are 17x7.5 +33, 18x9.5 +34. That would be roughly equivalent to 17x8 +39, 18x10 +40, so similar to your new proposed setup but with a less aggressive front. And as is, I still feel that the rears could still use a 5mm spacer to better match the front. Your proposed sizes are even further off.

Great build btw.

 

[Saclam]

How much were the CE's from Evasive and what's the timeline for delivery? And are you sure about the sizes and offsets for the rears? I've never seen those rear sizes before. A more typical size for CE28 rears are 18x9.5 +28, and frankly that would better match the aggressive front offset.

I have a set of CE28s that are 17x7.5 +33, 18x9.5 +34. That would be roughly equivalent to 17x8 +39, 18x10 +40, so similar to your new proposed setup but with a less aggressive front. And as is, I still feel that the rears could still use a 5mm spacer to better match the front. Your proposed sizes are even further off.

Great build btw.

I'm sure about the offsets. Standard Volk sizing is a compromise, and while it can be done it's not perfect. This is as flush as you can go. I agree that the rear could have a few mm less offset but all of the Ray's people I spoke to say this offset is perfect for most ride heights without extreme camber. They take into count the varying tires people would run on this set up (good tires) unlike many people who run an expensive wheel with a low cost tire.

Advan AD08r's are a good example of thickness. Back in the day Bridgestone S0 series had an incredible sidewall thickness as well. The 10 inch rear is actually a much better compromise for a wheel and tire. It allows for a proper tire width without compromising for stretch which weakens a tire from heat build up. The sidewall is the achilles heal of a tire which the "stance" crowd has yet to understand (not that I'm against stance per se).

If you wanted a set of these, my suggestion would be to call your local speed shop that is an authorized dealer for Rays and order a set. The great advantage is that they're perfect for a stock width NSX, and you can get it in any color that Ray's offers. I am not sure how many sets are left but there was an original order of 10 which was already fulfilled. My order was +2 so you might be able to squeeze in there.

Also, although I am not able to say who but I know that TE37's in a concave front and rear are being worked on in any color specifically for the NSX. If thats a wheel you've wanted hold out. I believe that will happen soon. I pre ordered a set in Formula Silver as well.


P.S.

Thanks for the compliment!

 

[Saclam]

P.S.S.

My quote from Evasive was 14 to 18 weeks. Typical ha ha.
Expect to pay one thousand per corner with center caps or less.

 

[pvmike]

I'm sure about the offsets. Standard Volk sizing is a compromise, and while it can be done it's not perfect. This is as flush as you can go. I agree that the rear could have a few mm less offset but all of the Ray's people I spoke to say this offset is perfect for most ride heights without extreme camber. They take into count the varying tires people would run on this set up (good tires) unlike many people who run an expensive wheel with a low cost tire.

Advan AD08r's are a good example of thickness. Back in the day Bridgestone S0 series had an incredible sidewall thickness as well. The 10 inch rear is actually a much better compromise for a wheel and tire. It allows for a proper tire width without compromising for stretch which weakens a tire from heat build up. The sidewall is the achilles heal of a tire which the "stance" crowd has yet to understand (not that I'm against stance per se).

If you wanted a set of these, my suggestion would be to call your local speed shop that is an authorized dealer for Rays and order a set. The great advantage is that they're perfect for a stock width NSX, and you can get it in any color that Ray's offers. I am not sure how many sets are left but there was an original order of 10 which was already fulfilled. My order was +2 so you might be able to squeeze in there.

Also, although I am not able to say who but I know that TE37's in a concave front and rear are being worked on in any color specifically for the NSX. If thats a wheel you've wanted hold out. I believe that will happen soon. I pre ordered a set in Formula Silver as well.


P.S.

Thanks for the compliment!

I run AD08r's on my CE28s, 215 and 265, and they are meaty tires. As I mentioned, my current 18x9.5 +34 rears would look very similar to a 18x10 +39, and I agree that it is a very trouble free offset. There's a little room for a few mm of less offset, but really it's a minor complaint.

You mentioned that you are against a stanced look. If that's the case, your front offsets may be bit more aggressive than you prefer. A 17x8 +33 will need to be low to tuck the wheel in, as an ideal front offset with an 8 inch rim is around +37 to +40.

I do see that TE37 Saga's are offered in a 17x8 +38 in a slightly concave Face 2 and an 18x9.5 +30 or 18x10 +35 in a very concave Face 4. That's pretty ideal. If you're telling me that you have those sizes on order in Formula Silver, let me know where to sign up!

I've ordered from Evasive before, so that sounds about right!

 

[Saclam]

I run AD08r's on my CE28s, 215 and 265, and they are meaty tires. As I mentioned, my current 18x9.5 +34 rears would look very similar to a 18x10 +39, and I agree that it is a very trouble free offset. There's a little room for a few mm of less offset, but really it's a minor complaint.

You mentioned that you are against a stanced look. If that's the case, your front offsets may be bit more aggressive than you prefer. A 17x8 +33 will need to be low to tuck the wheel in, as an ideal front offset with an 8 inch rim is around +37 to +40.

I do see that TE37 Saga's are offered in a 17x8 +38 in a slightly concave Face 2 and an 18x9.5 +30 or 18x10 +35 in a very concave Face 4. That's pretty ideal. If you're telling me that you have those sizes on order in Formula Silver, let me know where to sign up!

I've ordered from Evasive before, so that sounds about right!

Ha ha. I'm sorry, I've been working too late. I reversed the offsets. The fronts are 17x8 +39 and the rears are 18x10 +33. I don't know how I missed seeing that. For the TE37's the size is being worked out in a concave face front and rear in these offsets. The front is a challenge so a few mm might change, but it will be the first time a concave face for both front and rear wheels will be offered for the NSX . PM me and I will keep you updated. 10 sets of these are not a problem to order but there is waiting on final approval from Rays of Japan. Half of these are pre-ordered if Rays ok with it. Colors are open, and Mercury Silver is also something you might consider. I'm still undecided.

BTW, I am not a vendor or have any interest in selling wheels or any other parts. My only desire is to put the best parts on my NSX and share info on what I find.


Thanks for catching that offset switch. Theres enough confusion on wheel offsets out there. I will reiterate this when I receive my wheels.

 

[Saclam]

I ordered a slew of parts from Marc at the NSX shop. He is great and super patient with me. Shout out. My dilemma is I have a Voltex Type 4 wing that I bought for my S2000, but was originally made for the NSX at 1700mm. I'm missing the correct stands which I can source through Voltex but I'm really not sure I want to go that way. In the interim I ordered a Route KS's
wing from Marc which I like because of the third brake light positioning, and it's a little more "street". Fitment is said to be great. We shall see.

<a href="https://ibb.co/jrNnoS"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/bWYtTS/syouhin05.jpg" alt="syouhin05" border="0"></a>

 

[Saclam]

I also ordered these thanks to Matt at ICB Motorsports. They are the Type R NA1 rear tail lights. They are slightly darker than the US version, and of course have the Red Honda type R emblem.
I'm always curious as why the JDM does this. It would seem to me that having multiple versions of the same parts would not be cost effective. But what do I know. Regardless, I always prefer their parts to the USDM versions. Maybe it's because the grass is always greener.

 

[Saclam]

I almost forgot, this small detail. The original Type R front emblem. I know i'm insane and obsess over small things but this badge really is cool. It's not rounded like almost every other Type R badge to come out. Very reminiscent to the Formula 1 badge. I wonder if it's an homage to Senna.

<a href="https://ibb.co/mNU08S"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/eeWDTS/JDM_NSX_NA1_Type_R_Red_H_Front_1.jpg" alt="JDM_NSX_NA1_Type_R_Red_H_Front_1" border="0"></a>

 

[Professor X]

Nice thread and build. I'm tuned

 

[CB72]

I've been running CE 28's for years now.
Front 17*8 +38 mm, Rear 18*9.5 +42 mm.
As I'm using 330*32 disks upfront I had to use a 5 mm spacer bringing the offset down to 33 mm.
To keep it tidy, I use Downforce wide fenders upfront.
A nice combo but I prefer the obsolete SE 38 K's I use for my semi-slick tires.
Here with the CE 28's

 

[Hass]

Cool thread, welcome to the group. This thread reminds me of my sponsorship for my legend in the early 2000's lol, I was a human ad lol

 

[Saclam]

I've been running CE 28's for years now.
Front 17*8 +38 mm, Rear 18*9.5 +42 mm.
As I'm using 330*32 disks upfront I had to use a 5 mm spacer bringing the offset down to 33 mm.
To keep it tidy, I use Downforce wide fenders upfront.
A nice combo but I prefer the obsolete SE 38 K's I use for my semi-slick tires.
Here with the CE 28's

View attachment 151748

Great looking car! I'd like to see a shot where I can actually see the wheels ha ha! As for CE28N offsets, I think the 10 inch rear in a + 39 is pretty ideal. I'll post up pics. I'm running Advan AD08 R's which are pretty thick in the sidewall so we'll see how much camber i'm going to have to run.

 

[Saclam]

Cool thread, welcome to the group. This thread reminds me of my sponsorship for my legend in the early 2000's lol, I was a human ad lol

Legend? I never visited that forum I will check it out (and the car). As for a human ad, I know what you mean. Normally, I build a car over a year but these days I buy all my parts ahead of time and then start assembling. Also, I like to let people know where I get my parts to keep my PM box empty ha ha. Detroit? Your NSX must really turn heads. Here in the Bay Area, every supercar is a pretty common sight.

 

[Saclam]

I went to Target Yesterday after getting the car back from Ceramic Coating. This is why I love this car, you can drive it anywhere and it's fun!


<a href="https://ibb.co/dMTAdS"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/mp01k7/IMG_4991.jpg" alt="IMG_4991" border="0"></a><br /><a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>photo gallery online</a><br />

 

[CB72]

Great looking car! I'd like to see a shot where I can actually see the wheels ha ha! As for CE28N offsets, I think the 10 inch rear in a + 39 is pretty ideal. I'll post up pics. I'm running Advan AD08 R's which are pretty thick in the sidewall so we'll see how much camber i'm going to have to run.

I like the spirit of your modifications: keep it close to stock and not trying to turn it into a super car.
It's so easy to fall in the trap of too much.
Here's a first picture with the SE 38 K's (running Avon ZZR tires in 215 and 265 widths) just to give you an idea of the colour.



And here the shots with the CE 28's:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/188952-Bilstein-shocks-with-Zanardi-springs

And another view here with Toyo R 888 235/40*17 tires ( they rub at full lock)

 

[Saclam]

I like the spirit of your modifications: keep it close to stock and not trying to turn it into a super car.
It's so easy to fall in the trap of too much.
Here's a first picture with the SE 38 K's (running Avon ZZR tires in 215 and 265 widths) just to give you an idea of the colour.

View attachment 151780

And here the shots with the CE 28's:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/188952-Bilstein-shocks-with-Zanardi-springs

And another view here with Toyo R 888 235/40*17 tires ( they rub at full lock)

View attachment 151781

I love your setup. I really like the SE 37K's, they suit the NSX. As for falling into the supercar mods, yes it's easy to do. I'm really looking at modifications that enhance the car rather than detract. :smile:

 

[CB72]

I love your setup. I really like the SE 37K's, they suit the NSX. As for falling into the supercar mods, yes it's easy to do. I'm really looking at modifications that enhance the car rather than detract. :smile:

If I had to make one recommendation would be to go with the 2002 ABS system.
I did it the cheap way with an S 2000 ABS modulator and the wiring harness from [MENTION=25737]Kaz-kzukNA1[/MENTION].
I've used it on the track in the rain and it's unbelievable!
It will not only save your car but maybe your life...

 

[Saclam]

If I had to make one recommendation would be to go with the 2002 ABS system.
I did it the cheap way with an S 2000 ABS modulator and the wiring harness from @Kaz-kzukNA1.
I've used it on the track in the rain and it's unbelievable!
It will not only save your car but maybe your life...

Thats good to know. With aftermarket ECU's handling launch control, traction control, and almost everything else I might venture into that route. Honestly, I never really liked ABS. I find it modulates traction exactly at the wrong time for me. The Stoptech's equipped with the car are pretty good, but I feel like there might be a mismatch with the OEM master cylinder in pedal feel. Also, they squeek like crazy so I'm going to change the pads soon. The brake pad dust is prodigious. BTW, I really like your CE28N's color. I'm not sure I can place it?


Kindest Regards,

Mark

 

[Saclam]

Update: I've had some issues with clutch engagement. The clutch seems to engage only in the last few inches of pedal travel. I wasn't sure if this was normal and did a few searches only to find out it was. Then, I tried out Ricks car at Euroboutique. His beautiful NA2 had a clutch pedal pressure and engagement very similar to my S2000. My S2000 has a Mugen pressure plate with a stock disc and Toda flywheel. Basically a stock setup with a very light flywheel.

I decided to replace the clutch, although it is not slipping because the on off engagement really bothers me at stoplights. I feel like I have to anticipate green lights because dumping the clutch is not how I typically drive. I wonder if this is how a clutch feels at the end of its life on an NSX.

Regardless, the decision was a lot easier to make since I decided to go with NSX-R gearing and final drive at 4.23 I believe. The transmission will be off the car anyways so a gear swap at this point only makes sense. Also, I'd like new synchros to smooth up shifting. I've cleaned the shifter actuator rods and the resistance is now only within the transmission itself. I'll be replacing
all of the coolant hoses, master and slave cylinders with a SS clutch line.

Interfaces in cars are really important to me and a good clutch, transmission, steering feel are what the NSX is all about. I'll detail the rebuild and overall process I go through. It seems getting OEM parts for the NSX are the most important aspects of a good service. As I've already found out.... order the parts first then plan the service!

Thanks to Marc at the NSX shop for ha ha more JDM OEM parts.