So, I was thinking... the term "NSX tech" gets tossed around on this forum a lot, but what are the actual criteria to be recognized as an "NSX tech"?
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What is an "NSX Tech"?
- Thread starter naaman
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Quite simply, as the term is usually used, an "NSX tech" is a mechanic who works on NSXs and is paid for his/her work.
As to the experience level of an "NSX tech", it can vary. Some dealerships or independent shops may use it when referring to someone who has never even seen one before. Other dealerships use it to designate specific individuals who have been through all of Acura's training on the car, and only those techs get to work on NSXs.
As to the experience level of an "NSX tech", it can vary. Some dealerships or independent shops may use it when referring to someone who has never even seen one before. Other dealerships use it to designate specific individuals who have been through all of Acura's training on the car, and only those techs get to work on NSXs.
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The current "NSX tech" at Performance Acura didn't even know where the engine was. That's one of many reasons why I take my car to Source1 (independent). It's been 6 years since Acura sold a new NSX.
sent from my Evo4
sent from my Evo4
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Disgraceful... how can you be a Honda/Acura technician and not even know what an NSX is...? (I say he must not have known what is was because he didn't know where the engine was... he clearly didn't recognize the car).
Any idea where a person might get that training now-a-days? Or might a certified technician be able to familiarize with the NSX and be just as good as an "official" NSX tech?
Look these cars aren't Buggati Veryons. Any competent mechanic can work on an NSX. The good ones know all the nuances and tricks because they have seen or done it before many times. And this doesn't really apply to Acura service techs, this is stuff that isn't taught in manuals or at Acura training centers. This is called NSX "street smarts". In fact, I think alot of forum members know these cars much better than some of Acura's Techs. One of the reasons I read most threads on a daily basis is IF I am faced with a similar symptom I can go ah-ha, I remember reading something about this. This stuff isn't in troubleshooting manuals, this is the collective experience of many, many owners who have been there and done that.
And for the record - Justin, SourceNSX's main NSX mechanic, has done more engine drops and clutch replacements than both Acura dealers in town literally x10. In fact, he has custom made a rig so he can now do a clutch w/o dropping the engine. Who would you take your car to?
And for the record - Justin, SourceNSX's main NSX mechanic, has done more engine drops and clutch replacements than both Acura dealers in town literally x10. In fact, he has custom made a rig so he can now do a clutch w/o dropping the engine. Who would you take your car to?
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Justin.
Routine maintenance can be done by any competent mechanic. Easy stuff like brake and suspension work, and fluid changes, are no-brainers. The more complex tasks, like timing belt changes and clutch replacements, don't necessarily need prior experience, but that experience will make it easier and quicker for a mechanic who knows the short cuts and "gotchas".
Diagnosing problems is another matter entirely. That includes familiarity with common problems; anyone who works on NSXs a lot will immediately know why the door glass has dropped, or the shift knob is loose, and can order parts before even opening up the car.
Since I live in an area with an NSX tech who has been working on NSXs for twenty years, and has rebuilt NSX engines and transmissions, he's the guy who works on my car. There are enough such experienced guys around the country that they're not too hard to find.
If I didn't live in an area with a highly-experienced NSX tech, I'd find an extremely competent independent mechanic and let him do all the routine maintenance - at least the easy stuff, and maybe the complex stuff too. For diagnosing and fixing a complex problem, I might consider taking a trip to a place with an experienced NSX tech, and making a vacation trip out of it while he works on my car.
Diagnosing problems is another matter entirely. That includes familiarity with common problems; anyone who works on NSXs a lot will immediately know why the door glass has dropped, or the shift knob is loose, and can order parts before even opening up the car.
Since I live in an area with an NSX tech who has been working on NSXs for twenty years, and has rebuilt NSX engines and transmissions, he's the guy who works on my car. There are enough such experienced guys around the country that they're not too hard to find.
If I didn't live in an area with a highly-experienced NSX tech, I'd find an extremely competent independent mechanic and let him do all the routine maintenance - at least the easy stuff, and maybe the complex stuff too. For diagnosing and fixing a complex problem, I might consider taking a trip to a place with an experienced NSX tech, and making a vacation trip out of it while he works on my car.
"Routine maintenance can be done by any competent mechanic"
Yes but it is reassuring to have someone whom is very familiar with these cars. Many owners can't get that lucky unfortunately. It's kinda like having a gynocologist reset your broken arm.
Yes but it is reassuring to have someone whom is very familiar with these cars. Many owners can't get that lucky unfortunately. It's kinda like having a gynocologist reset your broken arm.
Thanks guys, I appreciate the good feedback!
In my opinion the " NSX tech" is not just another mechanic. But someone that carries the same passion for the car that myself or any other owner would carry. That is very important in my opinion. Mechanics look at them as a paycheck. " nsx techs" look at them as a piece of art, A special car, something to pay close attention to and double check everything.
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And Justin likes my piece of art the best.
sent from my Evo4
sent from my Evo4
There was a Certified NSX tech in the Acura dealer until 1996 or so. Each dealer had one. Now it is not a big deal any more, any one who is a certified Honda tech is capable of working on the NSX.
I think that in the early days, an NSX tech was only someone who has indeed taken all of Acura's NSX specific mechanical training. It's my understanding that the dealer has to pay for this training so there were probably very few techs attending NSX training after the first few years, if it was even available.
I know of quite a few mechanics who have been around since the NSX introduction in 1990. Including the guy who has been working on my NSX since I bought it that year.
I'm not saying they're everywhere. But there are quite a few still around.
Nick at Applied Motorsports fits the bill. Located in Southern California. A "master" NSX Tech if you will. Engine rebuilds, any maintenance, and arguably the best NSX trans guys out there.
Www.appliedmotorsports.com
Www.appliedmotorsports.com
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Larry B.
Acura tech certification was given to Acura techs who was selected to attend and achieve a 80% average in classroom training at a Honda training facility. Usually these were master techs. Also body men where sent for training to be able to do aluminum body work properly.
Yes any body could work on your " HONDA" if that is how you treat your NSX. If you want your NSX repaired properly you will bring it to a NSX certified tech or a tech that has educated himself on supercar and has lots of experience on the Nsx.(eg. Larry B)
Remember Honda doesn't have any mid engine models or bodies that are made from aluminum.
I have a ton of stories of independent techs calling our dealer and asking the most stupid question on how to repair the Nsx. One like how to replace a clutch to I pulled the engine and trans to replace the timing belt!
Then there is all those nsx's I ve had to repair properly that just came from a "any tech"! What a mess . Timing belts off a tooth, stripped bolts and silicone added to cam plugs instead of being replaced.
The Nsx has very tight assemblies mounted to it. Almost everything to replace is in hard to get areas. Most techs hate working on these cars because of it and usually " butcher" the car. It takes a experienced tech to finese the Nsx.
Next time your getting repairs at your tech. Ask what the green coating is used for on all the bolts on the Nsx. If he can't answer that, don't let him touch the Nsx. He doesn't know what he is doing on your Nsx and at you expense! If he tells you he wants to pull the engine out to replace the timing belt and it will be 30 hrs. Dont get it done there. The timing belt can be done in the car and for about 10hrs.
Acura certified techs have had training from the engineers who created the legendary supercar. They have been taught the proper way of working on the Nsx with the right tools. They were educated how to why things were made that way on your Nsx.
Yes it was produced from Honda. But wouldn't you want a experienced professional working on your supercar! It will also save you money since the Nsx tech is not learning on your Nsx at your expense!
Besides when Im getting something done to myself when I'm sick , I always want a specialist working on me!
For the record I'm a Acura certified Nsx tech with 25 years working on Acuras. Before that I worked at a Honda dealer for 5 years.
Yes any body could work on your " HONDA" if that is how you treat your NSX. If you want your NSX repaired properly you will bring it to a NSX certified tech or a tech that has educated himself on supercar and has lots of experience on the Nsx.(eg. Larry B)
Remember Honda doesn't have any mid engine models or bodies that are made from aluminum.
I have a ton of stories of independent techs calling our dealer and asking the most stupid question on how to repair the Nsx. One like how to replace a clutch to I pulled the engine and trans to replace the timing belt!
Then there is all those nsx's I ve had to repair properly that just came from a "any tech"! What a mess . Timing belts off a tooth, stripped bolts and silicone added to cam plugs instead of being replaced.
The Nsx has very tight assemblies mounted to it. Almost everything to replace is in hard to get areas. Most techs hate working on these cars because of it and usually " butcher" the car. It takes a experienced tech to finese the Nsx.
Next time your getting repairs at your tech. Ask what the green coating is used for on all the bolts on the Nsx. If he can't answer that, don't let him touch the Nsx. He doesn't know what he is doing on your Nsx and at you expense! If he tells you he wants to pull the engine out to replace the timing belt and it will be 30 hrs. Dont get it done there. The timing belt can be done in the car and for about 10hrs.
Acura certified techs have had training from the engineers who created the legendary supercar. They have been taught the proper way of working on the Nsx with the right tools. They were educated how to why things were made that way on your Nsx.
Yes it was produced from Honda. But wouldn't you want a experienced professional working on your supercar! It will also save you money since the Nsx tech is not learning on your Nsx at your expense!
Besides when Im getting something done to myself when I'm sick , I always want a specialist working on me!
For the record I'm a Acura certified Nsx tech with 25 years working on Acuras. Before that I worked at a Honda dealer for 5 years.
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Oh yah I also know the engine is in the back!
Here is the list I am aware of (mostly independents):
LarryB (NY)
Barnman (TN)
Eiffel (GA)
Jon Martin (CA)
Mark Basch (AZ)?
Ramon @ Niguel (CA)
Nabil @ First Class (FL)
Shad @ Driving Ambition (CA)
Mitch @ Mechanics Direct (MA)
Nick @ Applied Motorsports (CA)
Chris @ SoS (AZ)
Chris @ Flatirons Acura (CO)
Paul @ Pikes Peak Acura (CO)
I only know the dealer techs above because they came specifically recommended by local NSX owners. That is the best way to find out if a local dealer has a legit "NSX Tech". Your best bet with a dealer is to ask on Prime before service- it might save you $ and a major heartbreak.
LarryB (NY)
Barnman (TN)
Eiffel (GA)
Jon Martin (CA)
Mark Basch (AZ)?
Ramon @ Niguel (CA)
Nabil @ First Class (FL)
Shad @ Driving Ambition (CA)
Mitch @ Mechanics Direct (MA)
Nick @ Applied Motorsports (CA)
Chris @ SoS (AZ)
Chris @ Flatirons Acura (CO)
Paul @ Pikes Peak Acura (CO)
I only know the dealer techs above because they came specifically recommended by local NSX owners. That is the best way to find out if a local dealer has a legit "NSX Tech". Your best bet with a dealer is to ask on Prime before service- it might save you $ and a major heartbreak.
For the benefit of Ontario Canada NSX owners, I would add:
Robert (factorynsxtech)@ Acura of Oakville (Oakville)
Allan @ Erin Mills Acura (Mississauga)
to that list.
I would say around 60% of SW Ontario based NSXs are serviced by these two dealer techs, and Rob takes care of mine.
Robert (factorynsxtech)@ Acura of Oakville (Oakville)
Allan @ Erin Mills Acura (Mississauga)
to that list.
I would say around 60% of SW Ontario based NSXs are serviced by these two dealer techs, and Rob takes care of mine.
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You named some of the best but missed many others, including:
Ted @ Muller's Woodfield Acura (IL)
John, Steve, and Bill @ Acura of Brookfield (WI) - I know one of those has left but I forget which
Craig @ Pauly Acura (IL)
Bill @ Fox Acura (MI)
Brian and Justin @ SOURCE1 (OH)
Momin @ Elite (MN)
Bernie @ Davis Acura (PA)
Shane @ Autowave (CA)
Don @ Hilltop Auto Service (CA)
Steve @ Foreign Affair (CA)
Bruce @ Niello Acura (CA)
Jerry @ Greenlight (CA)
Morgan @ Acura of Portland (OR)
There are also body specialists like Joe @ Vince's (NY).
I would trust my NSX with any of those mentioned so far.
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