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I recently purchased a '00 NSX-T Red/Black 6 speed,used with 2,400 miles on it, what a wonderful car! I previously owned a '91, and love the differences. I still feel the car needs a little more power and have decided the Comptech supercharger is my best option.
I have talked to Comptech and also Mark Basch about putting one on. I am interested in getting everyone's opinion on the differences between the 6.9 psi version and the 9 psi option. I plan on using the car as an everyday driver and I am transitioning from a '96 Porsche 993TT. I am also wondering about changing over the headers, exhaust and airbox. Comptech is really pushing for this, but Mark doesn't think that it offers much performance improvement. He did state that it gives the car a better sound and looks better, since this is going to be an every day car I don't want it to be prohibitively loud.
[This message has been edited by Carguy! (edited 08 November 2000).]
I have the Comptech header, exhaust, SC and the high flow intake. I would do all of them at the same time. I believe the header and exhaust are good for about 20 rwhp. I would do the 6 psi kit (that is what I have) because I serious doubt one can get anymore HP from the 9 psi kit on 92 pump gas due to timing retard.
I just went to Heartland Park driving school this weekend and I ran 92 pump gas both days.
multisync23
11-07-2000, 20:37
The supercharger will blow out the stock exhaust baffle. You'll have to change the exhaust, so you might as well do the headers too.
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Red (w/ red top) '91. Comptech Supercharger. RM headers. Comptech exhaust. Short ratio gears. Ring and Pinion swap. RM racing suspension. 18/17 wheels/tires.
I just bought a '00 NSX-T Yellow/Black, 6-sp, used, with 2,500 miles on it. It has tons of horsepower. Could it be that I'm used to driving a Civic? (grin)
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nsx1
2000 Yellow/Black/6-sp #172
http://www.nsx1.com
Yes, you might feel like you have alot of power, wait until a C5 is next to you then you will realize the need for a SC. At the road course last weekend, if it wasn't for the SC, I would be beaten by a stock M3 coupe due to my poor driving (my first time at track vs. his second track event). It is definitely not a necessity, but it make the car more fun.
Andrie Hartanto
11-07-2000, 21:42
Originally posted by Khuang:
At the road course last weekend, if it wasn't for the SC, I would be beaten by a stock M3 coupe due to my poor driving (my first time at track vs. his second track event).
Remember, the M3 is a lot easier to handle than NSX, especially ones w/ SC.
Thanks for all of the responses, the only one I question is the one that says you will blow out the baffles from the stock exhaust. Mark Basch said that this was an urban legend and that he has never seen it happen. He also stated that because the 3.2 already has a great exhaust you don't get as much benefit from replacing the headers and exhaust. He mentioned 4 h.p. and 3 h.p. respectively.
I hadn't thought about the problem with not being able to find high enough octane to run the engine at the higher boost and retarding the timing. I am going to first put on the supercharger and then have it dynoed and see what it does. I have a feeling I will be more than happy with the 6.9 psi pully.
Remember, the M3 is a lot easier to handle than NSX
I disagree. And I've instructed quite a few students in both cars in dozens of BMW CCA drivers schools at a number of racetracks.
The NSX is a lot easier to handle than the M3, and a lot easier to drive fast. However, if you get into trouble in the NSX (e.g. if the back end starts to come around), it can be tougher to recover than the M3.
Carguy, I have a 98 Coupe with CT Intake, Headers, & Exhaust. While my 1/4 mile times didn't change much, my MPH increase from 106 to 109. This is a clear indication of increased breathing capacity. And, while the increase isn't significant on a normally aspirated car, it would be with the SC. I would bet that you would see a 30HP increase at the rear wheels!
By the way, DYNO your car both before and after, or you'll always wonder how much improvement you achieved.
The exhaust problem is not an urban legend. I don't know if the exhaust has changed significantly on the newer models, but the Comptech supercharger blew out my stock '91 exhaust in a couple of months. Sounded like the Dukes of Hazzard for three weeks until the chambered replacement came in. No problems after that.
I just bought the aftermath of what the Comptech SC did to the Comptech Supertrapp exhaust setup. The baffles were bent, and the packing material was blown all the way to the back of the exhaust clogging the exit. THEN, the pressure from the exhaust BENT the end of the exhaust in order to escape from the pipe, and bent more of the exhaust, and nearly tore the backing plate off the supertrapp muffler section. VERY ugly.
Originally posted by David:
The exhaust problem is not an urban legend. I don't know if the exhaust has changed significantly on the newer models, but the Comptech supercharger blew out my stock '91 exhaust in a couple of months. Sounded like the Dukes of Hazzard for three weeks until the chambered replacement came in. No problems after that.
Argue if you like, but I have SC'd over 100 NSX's and have never witnessed this exploding exhaust syndrome. EVER. It is possible that it has happenned and I did not learn of it, but that is less likely because my SC customers and I always keep in touch. It is more likely that the exhaust was about to go anyway. Nick ustace had his CT exhasut split like a sardine can after 1 year of ownership, with no forced induction at all. Also, my comment here was that the 3.2L exhaust and "headers" from acura are already so well configged. CT headers on a 3.2L add 3 or 4 ponies, AT THE MOST.
Do as you like, or course, but do it for the right reasons.
Caveat Emptor.
MB
NetViper
10-09-2002, 12:39
Sounds like headers on a 97+ car is a total waste of money to me.
One question, If headers on a 91-96 car make about 20HP, that brings the total to ~290. Now we are making what the 97+ put out.
Why did they go to a 3.2L engine? It sound like they could have a achieved the same results by just using a less restrictive header. I know it added a little extra torque.. does the header on tha 91-96 do that also?
NetViper, wow, old thread that's been dug up here! Actually, I think that the headers (if they add 20 hp to the earlier cars I'd be surprised) do increase the top end of the car, but they actually drop the lower end of the power curve, whereas the change to the 3.2 increased the power across the range. By going to a higher flowing header arrangement, larger diameter pipes, etc, you can increase the top end of the car, but you reduce the lower end - headers don't add power, they just move the curve around a bit (on cars with well-designed headers for starters). IMO. http://www.nsxprime.com/ubb/smile.gif
I don't think every aftermarket header produces 20 HP and would be surprised if any did. I think this is urban ledged and would like to see a reputable and repeatable example where this was the case.
That said - no header (especially not the CARB cert. ones) completely eliminates enough back pressure to materially affect low end torque.
Bottom line for me is if you have a pre 97 car the headers may make your car sound a lot better (subjective), will probably allow you to drop weight (objective), and will probably lower your time to MPH times (objective), and can be enhanced with upgrades to the exhaust and with a chip designed to take advantage of the new breathing (objective).
The level of performance benefits can be measured for different mods and many have done this in the past and posted the results. The benefits are also born out of the fact that Honda did this "mod" themselves during the 3.2L upgrade.
Based on the information I had at the time from a dyno day (some of the info still posted on Dali's sight) - I went with the DC headers, DC Exhaust, K&N filter/stock airbox, and Dali "hot" chip. I am very happy with the NA performance of the car but like most - and after owning the car for 5 years and after riding and driving some of your FI NSXs (damn you SOBs for spoiling me!) - are looking for that extra FI setup.
Good luck - hope you find what you are looking for...
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Nick M
91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids
Originally posted by Edo:
I just bought the aftermath of what the Comptech SC did to the Comptech Supertrapp exhaust setup. The baffles were bent, and the packing material was blown all the way to the back of the exhaust clogging the exit. THEN, the pressure from the exhaust BENT the end of the exhaust in order to escape from the pipe, and bent more of the exhaust, and nearly tore the backing plate off the supertrapp muffler section. VERY ugly.
Sounds more like backfire or other abuse. I'd have a hard time believing that mere exhaust pressure can bend things that way with the possible exception of some very thin baffles.
Barn Man
10-13-2002, 00:50
I also have had a customer with an older style CT muffler that the can split down the middle. No SC. We sent it off to have it repaired at CT. Now 4 years latter, he has a baffle rattling inside. I, like Mark B. have yet to see a factory muffler blow out due to forced induction. (Now watch everyones mufflers start falling off of their cars).
Barn Man...
Well, I have a CTSC with all the fix'ns (cats are still on) and I've blown out a borla, and after one day a Willow last week, quite a bit of the inside of my brand new Comptech ended up on my back bumper... It just sounds better now. http://www.nsxprime.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
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