Handling Problems

[hrodgers]

Hi,
This is the first time for me on a forum. I have a 97 NSXT with around 10,000 miles. Several thousand miles ago, I replaced the stock Bridgestone tires with Michelin Pilot Sports (vtread), because I didn't like the ride qualities of the stock tires. My NSX doesn't handle well. The back end wants to come around too easily, which requires serious steering correction. The handling should be much better than it is. I don't take this car to the track, but want good sports car handling with a nice ride.

Can anybody help with suggestions?
Thank you.

 

[Hothonda]

Hi,
This is the first time for me on a forum. I have a 97 NSXT with around 10,000 miles. Several thousand miles ago, I replaced the stock Bridgestone tires with Michelin Pilot Sports (vtread), because I didn't like the ride qualities of the stock tires. My NSX doesn't handle well. The back end wants to come around too easily, which requires serious steering correction. The handling should be much better than it is. I don't take this car to the track, but want good sports car handling with a nice ride.

Can anybody help with suggestions?
Thank you.

Go back to the OEM tires........In my opinion they are the best for the 16/17
wheel size. The Bridgestones are the softest ride in a quality Hi-performance
tire...too rough a ride - lower the air pressure slightly.

 

[hrodgers]

Thank you for the suggestion. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to go back to the stock tires. Do you have any suggestions if I am willing to change my wheels? What combo could I consider?
I appreciate the help.
Howard

 

[nsxtasy]

The handling of an NSX should feel sharp and precise with any high-quality tire, including the Pilot Sport. (I assume you are talking about the Pilot Sport and not one of the variations like the Pilot Sport A/S all-season tire.) Granted, some tires, such as the OEM tires, provide an even sharper and more precise feel than others, but as long as you are using quality top-of-the-line summer tires, it should feel fine and the back end should not want to come around (driven smoothly and properly, of course). It's also worth noting that a mid-engine car like ours likes to turn (that's good news and bad news, of course) so you need to be smoother than with many other cars; you can't just stomp on the gas when turning the steering wheel. The NSX is not immune to the laws of physics!

There are a lot of reasons why the handling of an NSX may not reach its potential. Improper tire pressures are easy to identify. (Most tires are fine at 33 psi front, with the rears anywhere from 36 to 40.) Improper alignment is a common cause. Suspension problems (worn bushings, bent control arms, etc) are another cause. Cheap, crappy tires can be a problem. Worn shocks can be a problem, too; the stock shocks can soften after 50K miles or so.

I was hoping that I wouldn't have to go back to the stock tires.

Why not?

Do you have any suggestions if I am willing to change my wheels? What combo could I consider?

If you're considering aftermarket wheels, I would recommend 17x7.5 front wheels with 215/40-17 tires, and 18x9.5 rear wheels with 265/35-18 tires. The Goodyear F1 GS-D3 comes in these sizes and offers excellent all-around performance, both wet and dry, with very good treadlife.