Question: 1997 Spare Tire Rack in a 1995?

**nsxcellent** · 03-21-2012, 12:33

Can I use a spare tire rack from a 1997 in my 1995?

Please correct me if I'm wrong. #5 is for model 1996 and older, and #6 is for 1997+. Can I use #6 spare tire rack in my 1995 NSX? Thank you to Prime Experts!

**Hapa88** · 03-21-2012, 18:28

You probably could use the new rack, but the spare tires are also different, so a 1995 spare will probably not touch the bottom of the 1997+ rack. The 1997+ spare tire is larger to clear the larger brakes of the 1997+ cars.
Left is the 1991-1996 spare, right is the 1997+

**nsxtasy** · 03-21-2012, 19:23

I don't know for sure, but based on the above photo, it appears that the rack was enlarged to account for the larger outer diameter of the '97+ spare tire. If that's the case, it's possible that the wing bolt that goes through the center of the spare would be positioned too high on a '97+ rack for using a '91-96 spare; the spare might not sit on the rack (putting all the weight on the wing bolt - not a good thing).

**nsxcellent** · 03-21-2012, 23:47

Originally Posted by Hapa88

You probably could use the new rack, but the spare tires are also different, so a 1995 spare will probably not touch the bottom of the 1997+ rack. The 1997+ spare tire is larger to clear the larger brakes of the 1997+ cars.
Left is the 1991-1996 spare, right is the 1997+

Would I need a nice "set of rack" if I want to keep these two round spare tires in this picture?

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**angus** · 03-22-2012, 00:42

The whole lower pan is different too so you cannot just bolt the rack to it.

**mrgurudude** · 11-26-2012, 13:16

You could try calling the retailer and asking them directly.

**nsxtasy** · 11-26-2012, 14:24

Originally Posted by mrgurudude

You could try calling the retailer and asking them directly.

Huh?

I can guarantee you that they won't know.

**angus** · 11-28-2012, 21:16

OK guys, my car has a 2002 lower pan in it, I did this as part of my complete update to '02 specs, I changed every part and it fits just fine.

**Hapa88** · 11-29-2012, 07:26

Originally Posted by angus

OK guys, my car has a 2002 lower pan in it, I did this as part of my complete update to '02 specs, I changed every part and it fits just fine.

What fits just fine? The 1991-1996 spare fits in the 1997+ lower pan just fine?

**nsxtasy** · 11-29-2012, 08:14

Originally Posted by angus

OK guys, my car has a 2002 lower pan in it, I did this as part of my complete update to '02 specs, I changed every part and it fits just fine.

I think the question is, how many parts have to be changed to make the tire fit. Will the tire fit without changing anything? Do you need to replace the T-shaped bracket? Do you need to replace the lower pan? Are there other parts that need changing too, to add clearance? Sure, you can change every part and it will work, but is that the only way to get it to work?

**Hapa88** · 11-29-2012, 11:06

So the inset is for the 1991-1996 cars
The outer picture is for 1997-2001 cars

I believe that #5 is a single piece that includes the bottom tray and the T shaped bracket and is specific to 1991-1996 models.
#3 is the ACURA NSX SST HOLD PIPE ASSY which is a part specific to 1991-1996 models
#4 is also the ACURA NSX SST HOLD PIPE ASSY but that part is specific to 1997-2005 models.

So back to the original question "Can I use a spare tire rack from a 1997 in my 1995?"
If I were to guess, I would say "YES, but you need items #4 and #6 which would replace items #3 and #5 respectively.

This brings up another question. "Will a 1995 spare tire fit on a 1997+ spare tire rack?".
The answer to that would probably be "Yes, however, while it will fit in the position it may not be properly braced (since it is smaller than the 97+ spare tire) putting undo stress/weight on the wing bolt holding it to the rack. My recommendation would be to also replace the spare to match the rack, as a 1997+ spare will fit all year NSXs."