Wanna-be Newbie

[carnal]

Gentle-people,
I currently own a Honda s2k. Really like it but I’m interested in swapping for an NSX. However, based upon my review of this message board and the NSX Sports Car forum, I believe that I will only settle for a turbo-charged or supercharged NSX (my S2k suffers from lack of torque and I’d like more hp). My goal is to purchase a used vehicle with TC or SC. I can add any suspension/handling mods as needed.

My questions for you experienced guys are:
- Supercharged vs. Turbocharged. Lots of different opinions on the boards. My concern also centers on reliability of each. Also, it appears that improved SC and TC are being created all the time. This of course confuses a newbie like me.
- Which leads to the second question, how reliable is each and what type of engine mods are musts to insure that the twin turbo in particular is not placing too much wear and tear on the engine.
- Finally, what do you guys think about purchasing a used NSX? Am I nuts?

Sorry for the lengthy message, any help and insight is appreciated.

 

[Edo]

Before you go settling yourself on buying a SC or TT NSX, go DRIVE one.
Compared to the S2000 the even the 3.0L NSX feels like a Torque Monster.
I was BLOWN away by the amount of Torque put down by the NSX engine when I first drove it. I was heavily into Musclecars and used to 300+lb-ft of Torque and did NOT expect much from a puny 3.0L with only 210lb-ft.

Needless to say..I am DEFINITELY happy with the NSX. A SC or TT would be nice for sure, but the NSX is not torqueless by any means..even at 2000rpms.

85% of Max Torque from 2000rpms all the way up to redline if I remember right.
That means the NSX puts down 180lb-ft of Torque at near idle speeds. Thats 30lb-ft more than the S2000 at MAX PEAK during VTEC at 2000rpm's nonetheless.

So..uhh back to my original statement. Go drive one first. Feel free to private me if you have any questions.

 

[carnal]

Thx Edo...good advise. As I move forward, I'll be sure to email you. I'm traveling alot during the month of Nov, but I plan on test driving a few NSX during Dec...the comparison to my s2k will be interesting.

 

[Edo]

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I recently took a Honda Salesman (A La Hal Jones) out who OWNS an S2000, in my NSX.
He insisted that his S2000 was equally as fast in a straight line as a 3.0L NSX.
Boy was he surprised when I mashed the throttle...

I also took an S2000 owner out on the track at PIR. He was dricing in the Intermediate group so he wanted some instruction from me.
He ended up getting out of the car feeling sick. His impression? He said "The G-Forces are incredible. Acceleration G's, Cornering G's AND Braking G's. I feel sick, and my whole body hurts from holding on so hard."

Keep in mind he went for a ride in his own S2K with an instructor driving it.

Also, Hal said his Automatic NSX felt significantly quicker than an S2K and he only has 252hp.

I still want an S2000 though...
They handle better than an NSX at low-mid speeds.


[This message has been edited by Edo (edited 06 November 2001).]