NSX Purchase

[Dane083]

Hello forum.

Im starting to get my research done on the possible purchase of a NSX and have a few questions (I have searched the forum for the last couple of days and answered a lot already).

1. Im Australia we seem to have a lot of Automatics for sale, from what I have read to convert to manual your best bet would be to purchase a half cut. Due to the rarity of these cars do half cuts become available often? What price would it roughly be? Would there be a market for the purchase of the Auto engine and ancillaries?

2. Is there a NSX specialist in Australia? or would a conversion be able to be completed by any workshop.

Idealy I would like to purchase a manual but just getting my info together. Thankyou for your time,

Dane

 

[SweetChuck]

Hi Dane and welcome , Yes there is a shortage of manual NSX's in Australia . I bought an Auto car about 3.5 years ago knowing I had access to a Manual Halfcut. So I did the conversion right away , even then it was a huge job, but you learn so much about the car in the process and it is a dream to work on if you do things correctly. The Importer I got the halfcut off is a pain in the backside as I've been trying to get some more halfcuts out of him for a while now, and I've given up. I also have a 91 black Auto NSX for sale that you can modify, if you can find a halfcut. The car is in minty condition bone stock not a ding on it. Japan would be the place to look for a halfcut if you can find a good importer , I can do the modification no problem . My conversion cost $5300 I think for the halfcut and around $700 for missing bits , I resold the auto engine drive train and some parts for around $4.3k and scored a heap of other spares as well , so it was a worthy excercise . Pm me for more details

Heres a post I made when doing the conversion http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96979

 

[OzzieJohn]

Hey Dane,

Yes welcome to Prime & hope you find yourself driving a NSX soon! Having kept an eye on the NSX market for a few years, some of the Autos for sale have been for sale for a long time. The manuals tend to sell quickly, and at a premium.

Both are great cars to drive, as they come from the factory there isn't much between them. However the manual gearbox allows more potential for engine upgrades, no power steering, and of course the extra involvement of the 3rd pedal.

It could be argued that a loud exhaust makes at least as much difference to the character of the NSX than the manual/auto specification. I'd suggest driving a few cars and deciding for yourself just what the differences are worth to you.

There are perhaps around 200 NSXs total in Australia, and given their reliability there is not a big market for either half cuts or NSX mechanics.

Ricky (Sweetchuck) certainly knows his stuff regading the auto > manual conversion if you go that route. I have had only good experiences dealing with him.

All the best

John

 

[SweetChuck]

as they come from the factory there isn't much between them.

Really ? I thought the difference was quite vast , or just maybe I'm just biased as I don't get the logic of auto sports cars :smile: Upgrades was also a major reason for me to go manual , supercharging. I also know where you can get a Comptech SC kit in Australia.

Don't mean to hyjack your thread Dane but while I'm thinking about it I'm suppose to show John my Marga hills Skirt pictures . Dremil Diamond cutter and custom brackets saved the day here , Thanks John I love em :biggrin: Just need to do something with the rear spats I think and a bit of lowering

 

[sparky]

Seeing as this thread's been hijacked :smile: ... great shots sweetchuck, I hope all that extra air you're NSX is now able to ingest will be put to good use (i.e. HP multiplier?) ? :tongue:

 

[A.S. Motorsport]

I'd recommend swapping the engine and tranny over. if funds allow
It isn't like on most cars just swapping the transmission over the engine is different (less power, camshafts and various other parts)

 

[OzzieJohn]

Really ? I thought the difference was quite vast , or just maybe I'm just biased as I don't get the logic of auto sports cars :smile:

From memory, stock there's only 20hp difference between auto and manual versions.

Maybe the auto has a little more drivetrain loss but power-wise the difference is certainly not vast, and everything else is subjective.

Some people - strange people I agree - actually prefer to have an auto box and power steering, which do fit with the original NSX design philosophies of offering the creature comforts and highly accessible driving experience which Honda felt were lacking in the exotics of the day.

That said the manual NSX steering feel and single-finger gearshift operation is still incredible after 20 years... but it's subjective.

BTW your car looks good Ricky! Yes I think the rear spats would be a good move.

 

[Dane083]

Hi Dane and welcome , Yes there is a shortage of manual NSX's in Australia . I bought an Auto car about 3.5 years ago knowing I had access to a Manual Halfcut. So I did the conversion right away , even then it was a huge job, but you learn so much about the car in the process and it is a dream to work on if you do things correctly. The Importer I got the halfcut off is a pain in the backside as I've been trying to get some more halfcuts out of him for a while now, and I've given up. I also have a 91 black Auto NSX for sale that you can modify, if you can find a halfcut. The car is in minty condition bone stock not a ding on it. Japan would be the place to look for a halfcut if you can find a good importer , I can do the modification no problem . My conversion cost $5300 I think for the halfcut and around $700 for missing bits , I resold the auto engine drive train and some parts for around $4.3k and scored a heap of other spares as well , so it was a worthy excercise . Pm me for more details

Heres a post I made when doing the conversion http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96979

Thanks for the information, I caught the thread you posted on the 300zx forum, very informative.

Those figures are a lot less that I originally though but I guess finding a halfcut would be like winning the lotto. Ill keep searching America and Japan to see what comes up.

Hey Dane,

Yes welcome to Prime & hope you find yourself driving a NSX soon! Having kept an eye on the NSX market for a few years, some of the Autos for sale have been for sale for a long time. The manuals tend to sell quickly, and at a premium.

Both are great cars to drive, as they come from the factory there isn't much between them. However the manual gearbox allows more potential for engine upgrades, no power steering, and of course the extra involvement of the 3rd pedal.

It could be argued that a loud exhaust makes at least as much difference to the character of the NSX than the manual/auto specification. I'd suggest driving a few cars and deciding for yourself just what the differences are worth to you.

There are perhaps around 200 NSXs total in Australia, and given their reliability there is not a big market for either half cuts or NSX mechanics.

Ricky (Sweetchuck) certainly knows his stuff regading the auto > manual conversion if you go that route. I have had only good experiences dealing with him.

All the best

John

Thankyou John, it is a matter of preference for me to buy a manual and the reason I want a NSX is the tuning ability so will need to start with a manual.

Really ? I thought the difference was quite vast , or just maybe I'm just biased as I don't get the logic of auto sports cars :smile: Upgrades was also a major reason for me to go manual , supercharging. I also know where you can get a Comptech SC kit in Australia.

Don't mean to hyjack your thread Dane but while I'm thinking about it I'm suppose to show John my Marga hills Skirt pictures . Dremil Diamond cutter and custom brackets saved the day here , Thanks John I love em :biggrin: Just need to do something with the rear spats I think and a bit of lowering

Nice car, I think you need to do something with the bumper section now to match the lowness of the rest of the kit.

I'd recommend swapping the engine and tranny over. if funds allow
It isn't like on most cars just swapping the transmission over the engine is different (less power, camshafts and various other parts)

I have read that, thankyou! Do you find it hard to get the engine and transmitions where you are?

 

[AU_NSX]

Just to clarify some info...

The only NSX's that do not have power steering are the '91 and '92 manuals. From '93 onwards, ALL NSX's have power steering.

There is only 24hp difference between the 91-96 models auto/manual comparison (252hp auto vs 276hp manual). However it is how and where that power is delivered that makes all the difference. There are different cams giving the auto more torque low down in the rev range to suit the automatic transmission.

From memory, stock there's only 20hp difference between auto and manual versions.

Maybe the auto has a little more drivetrain loss but power-wise the difference is certainly not vast, and everything else is subjective.

Some people - strange people I agree - actually prefer to have an auto box and power steering, which do fit with the original NSX design philosophies of offering the creature comforts and highly accessible driving experience which Honda felt were lacking in the exotics of the day.

That said the manual NSX steering feel and single-finger gearshift operation is still incredible after 20 years... but it's subjective.

BTW your car looks good Ricky! Yes I think the rear spats would be a good move.

 

[whrdnsx]

I'm thinking a cheaper option might be to just buy the Manual transmission & parts & a pair of Manual Inlet Cams for the engine & a 2nd hand Manual ecu or just get the Auto ecu Socketed & put a manual Map in it.

 

[leong]

Hi All,
I am new to the forum. Looking to purchase a NSX, hope you do not mind me joining this thread.

I am looking at a car in country NSW, see photos. Car was originally a Gold Coast delivery and appears to have been owned by Honda Australia. It is a 93 manual, stock except for wheels and exhaust. Have not seen the car yet just photos. Does anyone know this vehicle ? In particular would like to know history, accident damage, previous owners, etc

If you wish you can also email me at [email protected] I am in Melbourne.

Many thanks.

 

[clr1024]

Just to clarify some info...

The only NSX's that do not have power steering are the '91 and '92 manuals. From '93 onwards, ALL NSX's have power steering.

There is only 24hp difference between the 91-96 models auto/manual comparison (252hp auto vs 276hp manual). However it is how and where that power is delivered that makes all the difference. There are different cams giving the auto more torque low down in the rev range to suit the automatic transmission.

Unless it's different from the US market this is what I know about the PS, There was no power steering in any 1991 - 1994 5-speed NSX, but those with automatic transmissions did have power steering. Beginning in 1996, all NSXs were equipped with power steering.

 

[AU_NSX]

Unless it's different from the US market this is what I know about the PS, There was no power steering in any 1991 - 1994 5-speed NSX, but those with automatic transmissions did have power steering. Beginning in 1996, all NSXs were equipped with power steering.

This is an Australian thread and you need to note two things...

1. US quote the year model of their cars differently. A '94 model in the US is actually a '93 model in Australia. (We use the date of manufacture stamped on the compliance plate.)
2. The cars for the US market were spec'd differently to JDM and other OS markets. In Australia, our cars had a higher level of equipment as standard when compared to the US cars. For example, Australian cars had driving lights as standard as well as a more comprehensive tool kit.

My '93 5 speed manual has Electronic Power Steering as did all Australian delivered NSX's '93 onwards...

 

[clr1024]

This is an Australian thread and you need to note two things...

1. US quote the year model of their cars differently. A '94 model in the US is actually a '93 model in Australia. (We use the date of manufacture stamped on the compliance plate.)
2. The cars for the US market were spec'd differently to JDM and other OS markets. In Australia, our cars had a higher level of equipment as standard when compared to the US cars. For example, Australian cars had driving lights as standard as well as a more comprehensive tool kit.

My '93 5 speed manual has Electronic Power Steering as did all Australian delivered NSX's '93 onwards...

Well I did clarify if similar to US:redface: I wasn't sure if the model was of by one year as in some other countries, in any case wouldn't that be 90 - 93 for Australian cars then. Or did they not release them in Australia until a year later?

 

[sparky]

my Australian delivered NSX, production number 343 (on door sill) has a build date of Dec 1990

Well I did clarify if similar to US:redface: I wasn't sure if the model was of by one year as in some other countries, in any case wouldn't that be 90 - 93 for Australian cars then. Or did they not release them in Australia until a year later?

 

[AU_NSX]

Well I did clarify if similar to US:redface: I wasn't sure if the model was of by one year as in some other countries, in any case wouldn't that be 90 - 93 for Australian cars then. Or did they not release them in Australia until a year later?

NSX's started getting delivered to Australia with build dates in 1991. I only know of one JDM NSX imported into Australia privately that had a build date in 1990. So it is really only the '91 and '92 models that did not get the EPS in Australia.

 

[sparky]

I only know of one JDM NSX imported into Australia privately that had a build date in 1990.

As stated above my Australian delivered NSX (#343) has build date plate stating Dec 90 (in engine bay next to fuse box). Although the VIN plate (under bonnet) shows 5/91 which indicates it took quite a few months for the first Australian NSX's to get shipped and made ready for sale...

Attached is a rather poor quality picture of the build plate, with "DEC 90" barely visible (sorry!)

 

[AU_NSX]

As stated above my Australian delivered NSX (#343) has build date plate stating Dec 90 (in engine bay next to fuse box). Although the VIN plate (under bonnet) shows 5/91 which indicates it took quite a few months for the first Australian NSX's to get shipped and made ready for sale...

Sorry didn't see your post before mate otherwise I would have said there are two NSX's ... blah blah blah... :smile:

No but that is interseting... 5 months from production till landing in Australia... What do ya reckon, they were building stock so they had enough cars for their release here? Or are we really that far away...???

 

[NSX-SA]

Sorry didn't see your post before mate otherwise I would have said there are two NSX's ... blah blah blah... :smile:
QUOTE]

Make that 3:smile:

Build date Nov 1990
Compliance Jan 1991
Chassis # 290

 

[sparky]

yes 5 months does seem long time, and I think they put VIN plate on before they even go into showroom for sale?

I'm going to guess Honda Australia did one shipment from Japan around April 1991, so they were manufactured and stock piled in Japan between say Nov 90 and March 91 before shipping... but this is all just a guess!

My understanding NSX sold slowly because it was very expensive. When they came to market in 1990 I recall the new price was circa $160K when a Porsche 911 was nearer $120K !! Perhaps Honda Oz was waiting for orders to build up before shipping ??

 

[sparky]

Looking to purchase a NSX ... I am looking at a car in country NSW, see photos.

Looks clean, original, well except for wheels.
How many kms and how much are they asking?

 

[AU_NSX]

Looks clean, original, well except for wheels.
How many kms and how much are they asking?

Details here: http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9681915

Hi All,
I am new to the forum. Looking to purchase a NSX, hope you do not mind me joining this thread.

I am looking at a car in country NSW, see photos. Car was originally a Gold Coast delivery and appears to have been owned by Honda Australia. It is a 93 manual, stock except for wheels and exhaust. Have not seen the car yet just photos. Does anyone know this vehicle ? In particular would like to know history, accident damage, previous owners, etc

If you wish you can also email me at [email protected] I am in Melbourne.

Many thanks.

Sorry I don't know this vehicle... Anyone else?

 

[sparky]

it's always hard to assess actual quality of a used car from photos, but if it's in very good condition that's a fair asking price for those kms. But I'd offer them a lot less to start with.

 

[leong]

Hi Sparky,

Appreciate your feedback ....assuming that the car is as described and photographed what do you think is a fair start ?

 

[sparky]

Well you realy need to see the car in person to check condition of the interior especially leather, paintwork, is there any corrosion, oil / fluid leaks etc. They won't all be perfect, but use any flaws as price negotiators.

Also check service history. It doesn't have to be perfect but I would like to see the owners have done the important / major services, especialy the 100k service when the engine belts get changed ( or maybe thats at 80K?) If all these are in really good condition then price is fair, but I would offer 50 to start with and work from there. Be aware many of us have paid 60K or more in recent years, and the NSX seems to be holding it's value very well. Hence 57.5 is a fair price. But they do take a long time to sell so it can be a buyers market if owner needs to sell. But if seller is patient the price may not be negotiable. I would never give mine away for a sing, I consider it a rare gem i.e. collectors item :smile: and one day someone else will treasure it just as I did & do.