What year NSX is best to Mod?

[O-Ace]

Reason I'm posting here is I've heard a couple of different opinions from different NSX owners. I need to know which specific year is best for modications. Is the 3.2 L motor much better for perf. mods? Hope some of you can shed some light on this topic.

Thanks.

 

[Michigan NSX]

Please describe what you mean by "mods". I/H/E, Forced Induction, Supension Tuning, Wheels/Tires, Brake Upgrade, etc...

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'91 Black/Black

 

[O-Ace]

Well, the plan is to get an NSX and immediately do the basic I/H/E and then slap on a Supercharger

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

All years will accept those mods. You'll get more "bang for your buck" on the earlier cars (1991-94). OBDI makes tuning a little easier if you get deeper into tuning.

Cheers,
-- Chris

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[email protected]
http://www.ScienceofSpeed.com

 

[cojones]

I'd go with an OBD-I 5-speed coupe with manual steering. 1993 or 1994 ??

Cost-neutral, I'd start with a 99 Zanardi

 

[topdaytrader]

How come someone post at http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Performance/measure.htm that they lost HP when a header was added?

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Super Xenon

 

[O-Ace]

Chris, is that the only difference? So, if I went with a 95+ with OBDII, I would just have to invest a bit more in tuning? If that's the case, I'd rather get an NSX with a power steering. If you have any more info, that'd be great!

Thanks!

Originally posted by ScienceofSpeed:
All years will accept those mods. You'll get more "bang for your buck" on the earlier cars (1991-94). OBDI makes tuning a little easier if you get deeper into tuning.

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[Nsxotic]

what's OBDI?

 

[ACR_Motorsports]

OBD1 and OBD2are both emissions systems. The earlier systems, OBD1s are easier to do major modifications/tuning with.

Originally posted by Nsxotic:
what's OBDI?

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www.acrmotorsports.com

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Something is wrong with the car or the dyno.

-- Chris

Originally posted by topdaytrader:
How come someone post at http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Performance/measure.htm that they lost HP when a header was added?

 

[BoneZ]

If you are going to modify an earlier generation NSX, 92 I would say is the best years to modify. You get the lighest NSX made, without all the initial recall issues of a 91, however if you stumble across a good 91, and the recalls are performed then you are on equal playing ground with a 92.

They don't have the added weight of the 2nd airbag, along with a few other minor changes that were made in 93, none the less adding weight.

If you care about the airbag, for safety reasons, then 94' would be the best year from a resale perspective, and the new rim style was added that year.

If you want a 3.2L, then any 97-99 would be a good choice, to reduce initial purchase costs.

Another thing to take into account is cost. If you went with an earlier generation NSX, ie: 91/92 your initial car purchase price will be less, and if you've set a certain budget that leaves the excess money to be used in more advanced mods.

Spend 50k on a 97, or spend 30k on a 92 and 20k in mods... the 92 with mods sounds more appealing, as 20k will do a significant amount of car changes to give your NSX a unique feel and look.

Just my opinion ..

-B

[This message has been edited by BoneZ (edited 17 June 2002).]

 

[nsxtasy]

The other big advantage of the '91-94 over the later ones is that all were coupes, with more structural rigidity than the '95 and later cars (aside from the fifty Zanardis and the other few-and-far-between later coupes).

Originally posted by BoneZ:
If you are going to modify an earlier generation NSX, 92 I would say is the best years to modify. You get the lighest NSX made, without all the initial recall issues of a 91

I disagree with this. The '92 was the same weight as the '91. There were very few recall issues with the '91, and the most serious issue - the snap ring problem - affected virtually all of the '92 five-speed cars but only about 20 percent of the '91. The other frequent issue - the window regulator problem - affected the '92 as well as the '91.

 

[Roadrunner]

Or you go with the 97+ if you like a Targa roof. You also get a 6spd manual that is geared great without the power band problem I hear mentioned on the 5spd. Brakes are larger on the 97+ so some feel that saves a modification if you are not running the car to the level that you need a major brake upgrade. (They stop fast in my experiences) The engine is already stronger and has factory headers which reduces the need for the header modification though some still do it and claim several HP is gained. Just not cost effective imho. Do you plan to keep the car long term? That may justify a newer car. It is a mixed bag depending on your likes and needs. If you are set on a coupe though you are limited to an earlier version or a Zanardi 99 limited edition. Some of these have been sold with these mods already done and that is an E-ticket hard to beat.

 

[NSXY]

O-Ace:

I suggest that you buy a 2002 and do a retro facelift. This way you get the bigger engine, silky smooth 6 speed transmission, thicker anti-sway bars, perforated leather seats, an out-of-sight new color combo, a higher top end speed, and lots of other subtlties in a car that looks like an NSX.

You might start a new trend.....

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NSXY
95 NSX-T, 5 sp, Red/Tan, Tubi exhaust, Dali street anti-sway bars, Dunlop SP9000s

 

[NSXTC]

I was thinking of doing that but decided not to becuase the top speed increase would be lost when you go back to the earlier bodywork...

Originally posted by NSXY:
O-Ace:

...... a higher top end speed, and lots of other subtlties in a car that looks like an NSX.

You might start a new trend.....

 

[O-Ace]

Thanks for all the info guys! I'll probably be looking into buying a 97-99 NSX. A Zanardi edition would be nice

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2001 QuickSilver Corvette Coupe - Not Stock

2002 Black Acura 3.2 TL/S

 

[naaman]

Why would the body work reduce the top speed? Sure, the new head light reduce drag, but compared with an earlier NSX, if you just leave the lights down, there shouldn't be a problem, right?

 

[docjohn]

the magazines claim that the small rear trunk spoiler aids in the 5mph increase.

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by docjohn:
the magazines claim that the small rear trunk spoiler aids in the 5mph increase.

7 mph increase.

'91-01 top speed: 168 mph
'02 top speed: 175 mph

 

[O-Ace]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
7 mph increase.

'91-01 top speed: 168 mph
'02 top speed: 175 mph

The top-speed is really not a huge concern. I currently have a C5 Corvette which can easily do over 180 mph since it's pushing close to 500 HP, but the max I've taken it to is about 160 mph. So, speed isn't really a huge concern. 168 MPH is plenty for me

And I'm sure a 91-01 Supercharged NSX could do over 175 mph unless limited by gearing.

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2001 QuickSilver Corvette Coupe - Not Stock

2002 Black Acura 3.2 TL/S

 

[Redeye]

If I remember correctly, from the FAQ's page, the gearing gives a top speed on the 5 speed cars of 186 mph. BUt because of drag, the top speed winds up only to be 168 or so. WIth a supercharged NSX, Im sure that it will have enough power to over come the drag and go all the way to the end of the gearing at 186. Thats plenty fast!

Please correct me if Im wrong.

 

[O-Ace]

Sounds right to me. Has anyone tested the top-speed on a Supercharged NSX yet?

 

[Roadrunner]

Help FAQ Nazi!! Somewhere I read a post of a race car driver who had run his to 193 in the desert playing against a Lexus. Someone have track of that article?

 

[Forums Nazi]

Originally posted by Roadrunner:
Help FAQ Nazi!!

My brother is gone, but I can assist.

Originally posted by Roadrunner:
Somewhere I read a post of a race car driver who had run his to 193 in the desert playing against a Lexus. Someone have track of that article?

If you tried searching these forums for "193" in the subject, you would have found this topic.


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