Standard set up VS Type R

[robfenn]

Our 3.2 NSX has Type-R suspension, rear ARB, front braces and a Triangular rear strutbrace from SoS. The car rolls a lot less, and is undoubtedly quicker, and the ride isn't as bad as the press make out. However, it now understeers on turn in and has a fairly quick transition to oversteer..perfectly manageable but not ideal considering the OEM set up didn't understeer. There is a pendulum effect, you get the feeling if you were on a straight and needed to take avoiding action the car you would spin pretty easily!

The car also has Type R geo settings but it seems it needs more negative at the front and our tutor reckons we need a thicker front ARB.

Has anyone else had trouble with this set up, and if so, what have they done? Oh, and what aftermarket (adjustable) coilovers are better?

Cheers,

-Rob

 

[VBNSX]

where are you testing this? (I'm just curious)

x

 

[robfenn]

Well, the stuff was originally tested at Dunsfold Aerodrome. If you have ever watched the Top Gear motorshow where 'The Stig' does test laps, that is where they do it. It got really tested yesterday at Donnington (Relatively famous..Ayrton Senna holds lap record) which is a pretty fast track save for a chicane at the end.

-Rob

 

[OLDE GUY]

I have the Type R suspension with Type R front ARB. My NSX has been on different tracks for 12 or more days and I find it very neutral.

Are you using the Type R front ARB with stock rear ARB which is the recommended combination with the Type R springs and shocks/dampers? I think this is probably what you need. You can e-mail Chris at SOS about this too.

How many track days have you done - how experienced are you? I ask this because there have been posts here by people new to the NSX (stock even) who find it "twitchy" because they are not used to its responsiveness.

If you have the appropriate ARBs, then the issue could be the alignment. I can send you my alignment numbers if you like.

 

[ncdogdoc]

Olde Guy is spot on. You should not have changed your rear bar. That is where your understeer and quicker transition is coming from. Try just stock bars first, then try Type R front bar up front and see how you like that. HTH.

I like a lot of negative camber in the front for both handling and tire wear issues.

You will not get a better setup shock/spring wise than the Type R until you spend well over twice the price, and more like 3 times the price (Comptech pro or Motons) IMO.

 

[robfenn]

None of the Tein kits come into play then?

Yeah our instructor said try disconnecting the rear ARB but now she has a beefier front one so i shall let you know

-Rob

 

[ncdogdoc]

None of the Tein kits come into play then?

Yeah our instructor said try disconnecting the rear ARB but now she has a beefier front one so i shall let you know

-Rob

I am confused, I thought you had the Type R dampers and springs on the car. When did Tein come into the equation. If in fact you have Tein on your car, then that would easily explain the tendency to oversteer, as they have higher rated springs on the rear than the front. Apparently the Japanese like their cars tail happy, whereas Americans just like their tail

 

[OLDE GUY]

Oh, and what aftermarket (adjustable) coilovers are better?
Cheers, -Rob

My interpetation is that he DOES have the NSX-R shocks and springs but he didn't purchase the type R front anti-sway bar - has some other bars. As an after thought, he asked the above question. You gave him an informed answer which I agree, by the way.

Now he is wondering why you (NCDOGDOC and my friend) didn't include TEIN in your recommendations. I could say more about TEIN but I have said it in an earlier post.

My suggestion to Rob is that he does some searches about TEIN, NSX-R and various suspensions to become more informed.

 

[kenjiMR]

The Type-R, Comptech Pro, and Motons are all superior to the TEIN RA/REs... you will find this consensus if you do a search around here.

I have TEIN RA now, but have driven both Type-R and Comptech Pro setups... those are definitely faster at the track, not to mention more comfortable.

 

[robfenn]

Olde Guy - Your interpretation was right, sorry for not being clear.

The rear ARB has been removed now (and replaced with OEM) so i'll see how it is this Friday.

I'll have a search to see what i can find then.

Thanks.

-Rob

 

[the nsxnut]

...I have TEIN RA now, but have driven both Type-R and Comptech Pro setups... those are definitely faster at the track, not to mention more comfortable.

Not to mention MUCH more expensive, as noted by DOGDOC!
Quick comparison:
Tein RA: about $1400 US, and much better than stock
Type R: about $2500 US, and WAY better than stock (of course, it is stock, in a way...)
Comptech PRO: about $4000 US, and in a whole different league than stock!

you get what you pay for!

and, PS, I use Tein RA, 10K/10K F/R, with NO rear ARB (softer rear=less oversteer)

 

[robfenn]

Has anyone got Moton on here?

 

[2slow2speed]

Has anyone got Moton on here?

The SOS Demo car that was used for Time Attack had Moton's, send a PM to Andrie who drove it for Time Attack last year, he might be able to give you a head to head comparison between the Moton's vs the Comptech Pro vs Tein vs TypeR and what he though of them. (That's assuming that Andrie even has time to read Prime these days, knowing that he's preparing for his 2nd Pro Race in 2 weekends at the San Jose Grand Prix USTCC race I doubt that he will have the time right now)

 

[robfenn]

Thanks, do you think Chris at SoS will have an idea too then?