I’ve been an NSX owner since 1998. It may have been in ’96 or ’97 when “Car & Driver” columnist Patrick Bedard was asked, “Which automobile would car magazine editors keep in their garage, on standby, fully fueled and ready to go?” His answer…The Acura NSX. That’s where it started for me. Some time later ‘AutoWeek’ ran a story about a guy who took an NSX to Ferrari Day at Pocono International. They let him on the track and he proceeded to ‘Spank!’ Every Ferrari There! That…Was All I Needed To Know! That was the moment I decided to own an Acura NSX.
At the time my daily driver was a ’92 Civic DX that I bought from a hospital bed after my left leg had been paralyzed in a car accident. We named her “Blue Betty” and I gotta tell you, that Civic gave me a reliable, engaging, fun filled and thrifty, 400K miles. And Man, that engine would Hummmmm! She ‘Sang a Really Sweet Song’. One day I had given a lift to these young boys whose car had skidded into a ditch on the side of the road. There were at least 6 people in the car. During the ride one guy piped up, ‘Wow! Ya hear that engine. That sounds better than yours Joe!” ;0) I’ve heard it said that Honda is an engine company that happens to build cars. So Yeah, I “Worshipped at the Altar of Honda”.
The NSX was a car engineered with a focused attention to the fundamental elements of performance driving. The degree of consideration given to these elements was such that the car is still highly capable 30 years after its original presentation To The World! As I see it, they pulled out all the stops and offered the car buying public an opportunity to experience advanced technology for the street. Here’s a quick example of the forward thinking approach in the NSX’s development.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EIeHWNd-as
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBWGHBxiTEM
I read as as much as I could about the NSX. I found that a small change in wheel alignment had been made in model year 1993. A minor sacrifice in high speed stability was traded for increased tread life. They also addressed a reported transmission gear whine. That year’s model also didn’t carry the extra weight of later models which had been built with extra bracing for the T-Top. The 1993 version of the car became my target.
A nationwide search found a car in Ft Lauderdale, at a place called Exotic Cars Wholesale. They were affiliated with Prestige Imports. They’re no longer around. Finding a car with 20, 000 miles on the odometer was just good fortune. I flew in, had the car inspected at a local Acura dealer, and quickly made the purchase.
My intention was to ship the car home via railroad. But there was a hurricane making its way up the east coast at the time, rail service was disrupted. I hadn’t planned on it but I drove that car back to the Great North East. To this day I’m amazed (and Thankful) that I didn’t get stopped once by any uniformed state, county or municipal employee who, in the performance of their duties drives a car with, cop motor, cop shocks, lights, sirens…stuff like that. I did have a brief conversation at a roadside restaurant in Tennessee with two members of the local constabulary. I asked what was the fastest speed I could travel without being stopped. That became my cruise default.
As any red blooded man or woman would, while driving one of the most incredible cars ever made, I let that engine sing, and danced on the pedals like Michael Jackson. Who could not fall in love with how the chassis would take a set and intimately caress every curve that comes its way. It was really a blessing to have friends and family along the route that I could stay with as I drove her home. I gave everybody a ride!
Part of the reason that I wanted a ‘Great Car’ was that I had a ‘Great Drive’…actually, a Pretty Long Commute. I mean if you have to drive about 100 miles, one way to work, it makes sense that you enjoy it! Im glad I didn’t have to drive it every day. But, I did put a lot of highway miles on the car. Every Single One…was an Absolute Joy!
The NSX has a Style and Beauty all its own. It follows then that thieves would consider it a desirable car to ‘take for a ride’. Just for curiosity I pulled up two online vehicles history reports and they both show a clean history. I’m here to tell you, that ain’t the truth. The car has been stolen twice and driven hard enough one time to warp the front rotors. Hooray for Lojack! Those warped stock rotors were replaced with a set of rotors that were crossed drilled. I won’t do that again, the ones I got cracked over time. Ironically, both thefts happened to take place in New Jersey. The cop who filled out the 2nd report said that “Of the top ten cities in the nation for car theft, five of them are in New Jersey.” I had taken a friend to a movie at the Hudson Mall, in Jersey City and had no idea that it was a haven for car thieves. I can only imagine that this condition has changed for the better.
The car was also hit on the driver’s door when I was unaware of the impact of chronic jet lag on my physiology and cognitive functioning. All repairs were done by the best NSX specialists that I could find. I’d heard of an Acura specialist near the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania reputed to be excellent and knowledgeable. That shop proved to be an absolute horror. I recently read a post on FaceBook about what may very well be the same shop. Seems they have not yet learned to operate with integrity.
I attended the NSX Club of America’s meet in 2005, drove to Connecticut with DocJohn along U.S. Route 84. That was a Blast! I was dancing like a kid at Christmas when the car was featured on the cover of the subsequent issue of the club magazine as we took a parade lap of Lime Rock Park.
Just before the meet at Watkins Glen, a track that I longed to drive, I lost my clutch. I replaced it with the RPS clutch featured by SOS at the time. Yes! It’s Heavy, But, I figured if I ever increased engine power I would want a clutch that could handle it. Fact is I never minded it, even in NYC traffic. I wonder if I’ll continue to feel that way when I’m back on the road. It does help in keeping my weak left leg stronger.
One of the driving schools I went to was Bertil Roos Racing School at Pocono International. Finishing their three day course allowed me to return every year for a ‘Practice Day’ in Formula Fords before putting my car back on the road in the Spring! In 2009 my finances were such that I wasn’t able to. So, on Sundays, I’d hit the local industrial park and do some light drifting to get a feeling for the car. Seems I was doing it to a degree where oil wasn’t getting to the pump; oil starvation lead to rod bearing failure. Suddenly, the show was over.
The car was ‘on blocks’ in my garage for years. I figured I needed about $10K - $12K to rebuild the engine and well, I just got distracted by things like divorce and re-marriage, college tuition for my daughter and other kindsa ‘life stuff’. In 2016 I decided to loosen my grip on some cash and just get the car done! Yeah, It hurts to say that it’s been nearly three years, but I’m sure you don’t wanna hear ‘that story!’
If you’re reading this, I feel safe in saying that you understand the attraction of increased power. Throughout the entire time I’ve owned my NSX my thought process was a little different. Instead of making The Car Faster, I endeavored to make Me Faster. I hold the belief that the NSX is a car whereby the better you can drive, the faster and more safely, you can drive the car. So for me driving schools, and track time whenever I could get them, were purchased in place of “Go-Fast Parts!” And let me be clear, I harbor no illusions that I’m the 2nd coming of Senna…not by a long shot…not even remotely! My right foot has a Deep and Profound Belief in self preservation. Oh! And I’ve never tracked my car. It was always ‘their car.’
In order to maintain the car’s relevance in the millennial age an increase in horsepower is required. I won’t do anything crazy! NSXMugen lives nearby and built a 500 RWHP BEAST that simply overwhelmed the rear wheels! And BTW ‘THANKS’ David! for the input/advice during the rebuilding process, Genuinely Appreciated! I say a prayer for Filip every day.
For me it’ll just be a Balanced and Blueprinted Engine, and your basic I/H/E setup. It’ll feature: Downforce Intake Scoop, backed by a K&N Air Filter. CT Headers and a Custom Exhaust featuring Borla mufflers and fabricated by Nick Saprona of Gouldsburgh PA. I’m going for the “Relatively Quiet But Purposeful” sound. My overall objective is to preserve the essential spirit of the NSX.
The engine was rebuilt by Jeff Murray of ‘Murray Engines’ in Northeast Pennsylvania. Jeff spoke highly of the assistance and consideration afforded him by Wade at Science of Speed, The Cathedral of all things NSX. I’d like to express my gratitude for the level of cooperation, communication and information that the S.O.S. staff provided. Thank You All!!!
I’d also like to Thank Brian of Shelby Racers, I believe he's in Minnesota, for an excellent Crankshaft. That was the lynch pin of the entire rebuild. Joe Toth in Brooklyn, NY got me a solid connecting rod and Christian Mittendorfer got me an engine oil cooler at the very last minute. Thank You All So Very Much!
Now, Jeff Murray is known as a master engine builder among the dirt track crowd in this part of Pennsylvania. His clients also include those who track their cars at Monticello Motor Club in upstate New York. His engines are held in high regard as they present increased performance and reliability, while fully complying with race series engine build specifications. I’m confident that this engine will be a jewel.
Build Specifics:
Engine Block Line Honed
SOS High Volume Oil Pump with Oil Pan Baffle and Billet Steel Gears
(no more oil starvation for me)
SOS RS Spec Type A Pistons (Wiseco lightweight forged pistons with graphite and molybdenum skirt coating).
SOS Performance Valve Springs with Titanium retainers
Ceramic Coated CT Headers
ATI Super Damper Harmonic Balancer
Kevlar Timing Belt
Cometic Gaskets
OPL Radiator
DiscItalia Stainless Steel Brake Lines with Teflon Inner Line
EBC Slotted Rotors and ‘Yellow Stuff’ Brake Pads
Downforce Air Intake Scoop
Custom Exhaust Featuring Borla Mufflers, Fabricated by Nick Saprona.
I made sure to get the oil pan baffle as oil starvation caused the bearing to fail in the first place.
I kept the con rods stock because, after all the NSX was the first production car to feature titanium connecting rods. I count them as ‘Good Enough’!!!
I also added a set of SOS adjustable sway bars and a set of Koni
Sport shocks. I may consider springs or coilovers at a later date.
I would like to auto cross. It affords me the opportunity to compete, not so much against others, but against myself. I like the idea of making myself better. Maybe one day that 2nd coming of Senna tag will apply [insert ‘laughed so hard I cried’ emoji here]!
The one area that I think I didn’t get quite right, was the wheels. I’m a ‘5 Spoke’ guy. I LOVE the look of Brushed Silver Advan Kreuzer V1’s. I was committed to a 17”/18” Wheel Setup. I searched everywhere and just could not find those wheels. I even looked at a vendor in Hong Kong. If anyone knows of a set in 17/18 and is willing to talk or negotiate please hit me up. I settled for a look that I thought was similar. Based on the attached JPEG Image.
I really think I blew this, not in terms of fitment, but in terms of appearance. The wheel is ARC’s VF495. It’s not what I wanted in that the spokes are much wider than they appear in the sales image. But they are Custom-Made, Lightweight, 2 Piece, Forged Wheels and well, they’re paid for. So, they’re mine! It is ,what it is and it’ll be what it’s gonna be!
Next on the list is lights and sound.
I hear that LED’s are the way to go on lighting. So I’m digging into that now. I’ve pretty much decided on a blue tooth setup for audio. I believe that Daryl guy in Texas has the best system. I’m considering Daytime Running Lights and will most likely get those first as I see that as an immediate and vital improvement in safety. Hey, my right foot isn’t the only body part interested in self preservation!
I’m expecting to get the car within the next 2 weeks…Can’t wait until Springtime.
Color me EXCITED!
Be Smart, Be Safe and Keep the Wheel Side Down!
Darryl
[/B][/B][/FONT][/B]
So here I am just under three months after getting this car back on the road. In July I took my first long drive. I drove out to my daughter’s house, a trip of about 106 miles one way. I am not as nimble as I once was and getting used to driving her again was surprisingly not as free flowing as I thought it would be and after surgery, my hip is a little stiff. Getting back in this car was my first time driving a clutch in about 9 or 10 years. There are certain things that you don’t forget, but I found that I lost my ‘Heel & Toe’.
On the way back home from my daughter’s, I developed a problem getting the car into gear. I had to slam the shifter for gears to engage. I limped home just hoping that I didn’t hit traffic but of course that was inevitable in NYC metro. Somehow I managed to get home with nothing more than an elevated BP and the shocking realization that I had lost all my hair!!!
Turns out a seal on the clutch slave cylinder had been leaking and one of the forks in the assembly was actually broken or bent to something like that.
$$$$OOOOO….NEW CLUTCH!!!
Out with the RPS, in with the EXEDY HYPER Single Plate.
I went with the EXEDY Single because while I may eventually autocross, my driving is not yet at the point where I can really handle more power. Mind you the upgrades to the engine internals plus the I/H/E setup must have improved horsepower and torque. But honestly, the car does not feel as fast as it once did. I will Dyno the car when time and funds permit. I’ve found one nearby and plan to use that when I am ready to power up. Presently, it seems that my first move in that direction will be the AEM EMS V2. Engine Control Unit.
As it stands, once the car gets up to speed she feels SWEET! I can handle curves at velocities equalling those of my B8.5 Audi (with that Seriously Sublime Quattro Grip). The NSX amazingly feels more secure in the corners and I know there is more left. I want to get more comfortable with my old friend before I attempt to take her beyond certain limits. Learning how she breaks away and managing that drift is next on the list. But I will approach that in a safe and controlled manner. That’ll be my excuse for time at a local cart track. I am deeply satisfied with how the car feels in a curve and under braking.
Like I said earlier I’m still trying to find my “Heel and Toe”. When I’m at a comfortable position in terms of distance from the clutch, my knee hits the bottom of the steering wheel when I shift. Beyond that I have yet to habitually position my foot on the brake in order to allow that smooth rollover to the throttle, the one that generates that matching blip that sounds so sweet when done right. But each time I drive her I can see that I am slowly but steadily getting better.
But I gotta tell you that I’ve noticed something…
Every time I’m on the road and having fun. If I come up on somebody with a hot car…they back off! I suspect that a lot of YOU GUYS have intimidated the hot car driving populace. They think I have, what YOU GUYS have under the hood. You know, Superchargers and Turbochargers and that Nitrous stuff.
My exhaust systems SOUNDS!
At low RPM’s the car sounds angry…like a muscle car in my opinion. But at higher revs it doesn’t sound bad at all. Check it out…I think because of that noise they think I’m armed for battle.
At the time my daily driver was a ’92 Civic DX that I bought from a hospital bed after my left leg had been paralyzed in a car accident. We named her “Blue Betty” and I gotta tell you, that Civic gave me a reliable, engaging, fun filled and thrifty, 400K miles. And Man, that engine would Hummmmm! She ‘Sang a Really Sweet Song’. One day I had given a lift to these young boys whose car had skidded into a ditch on the side of the road. There were at least 6 people in the car. During the ride one guy piped up, ‘Wow! Ya hear that engine. That sounds better than yours Joe!” ;0) I’ve heard it said that Honda is an engine company that happens to build cars. So Yeah, I “Worshipped at the Altar of Honda”.
The NSX was a car engineered with a focused attention to the fundamental elements of performance driving. The degree of consideration given to these elements was such that the car is still highly capable 30 years after its original presentation To The World! As I see it, they pulled out all the stops and offered the car buying public an opportunity to experience advanced technology for the street. Here’s a quick example of the forward thinking approach in the NSX’s development.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EIeHWNd-as
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBWGHBxiTEM
I read as as much as I could about the NSX. I found that a small change in wheel alignment had been made in model year 1993. A minor sacrifice in high speed stability was traded for increased tread life. They also addressed a reported transmission gear whine. That year’s model also didn’t carry the extra weight of later models which had been built with extra bracing for the T-Top. The 1993 version of the car became my target.
A nationwide search found a car in Ft Lauderdale, at a place called Exotic Cars Wholesale. They were affiliated with Prestige Imports. They’re no longer around. Finding a car with 20, 000 miles on the odometer was just good fortune. I flew in, had the car inspected at a local Acura dealer, and quickly made the purchase.
My intention was to ship the car home via railroad. But there was a hurricane making its way up the east coast at the time, rail service was disrupted. I hadn’t planned on it but I drove that car back to the Great North East. To this day I’m amazed (and Thankful) that I didn’t get stopped once by any uniformed state, county or municipal employee who, in the performance of their duties drives a car with, cop motor, cop shocks, lights, sirens…stuff like that. I did have a brief conversation at a roadside restaurant in Tennessee with two members of the local constabulary. I asked what was the fastest speed I could travel without being stopped. That became my cruise default.
As any red blooded man or woman would, while driving one of the most incredible cars ever made, I let that engine sing, and danced on the pedals like Michael Jackson. Who could not fall in love with how the chassis would take a set and intimately caress every curve that comes its way. It was really a blessing to have friends and family along the route that I could stay with as I drove her home. I gave everybody a ride!
Part of the reason that I wanted a ‘Great Car’ was that I had a ‘Great Drive’…actually, a Pretty Long Commute. I mean if you have to drive about 100 miles, one way to work, it makes sense that you enjoy it! Im glad I didn’t have to drive it every day. But, I did put a lot of highway miles on the car. Every Single One…was an Absolute Joy!
The NSX has a Style and Beauty all its own. It follows then that thieves would consider it a desirable car to ‘take for a ride’. Just for curiosity I pulled up two online vehicles history reports and they both show a clean history. I’m here to tell you, that ain’t the truth. The car has been stolen twice and driven hard enough one time to warp the front rotors. Hooray for Lojack! Those warped stock rotors were replaced with a set of rotors that were crossed drilled. I won’t do that again, the ones I got cracked over time. Ironically, both thefts happened to take place in New Jersey. The cop who filled out the 2nd report said that “Of the top ten cities in the nation for car theft, five of them are in New Jersey.” I had taken a friend to a movie at the Hudson Mall, in Jersey City and had no idea that it was a haven for car thieves. I can only imagine that this condition has changed for the better.
The car was also hit on the driver’s door when I was unaware of the impact of chronic jet lag on my physiology and cognitive functioning. All repairs were done by the best NSX specialists that I could find. I’d heard of an Acura specialist near the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania reputed to be excellent and knowledgeable. That shop proved to be an absolute horror. I recently read a post on FaceBook about what may very well be the same shop. Seems they have not yet learned to operate with integrity.
I attended the NSX Club of America’s meet in 2005, drove to Connecticut with DocJohn along U.S. Route 84. That was a Blast! I was dancing like a kid at Christmas when the car was featured on the cover of the subsequent issue of the club magazine as we took a parade lap of Lime Rock Park.
Just before the meet at Watkins Glen, a track that I longed to drive, I lost my clutch. I replaced it with the RPS clutch featured by SOS at the time. Yes! It’s Heavy, But, I figured if I ever increased engine power I would want a clutch that could handle it. Fact is I never minded it, even in NYC traffic. I wonder if I’ll continue to feel that way when I’m back on the road. It does help in keeping my weak left leg stronger.
One of the driving schools I went to was Bertil Roos Racing School at Pocono International. Finishing their three day course allowed me to return every year for a ‘Practice Day’ in Formula Fords before putting my car back on the road in the Spring! In 2009 my finances were such that I wasn’t able to. So, on Sundays, I’d hit the local industrial park and do some light drifting to get a feeling for the car. Seems I was doing it to a degree where oil wasn’t getting to the pump; oil starvation lead to rod bearing failure. Suddenly, the show was over.
The car was ‘on blocks’ in my garage for years. I figured I needed about $10K - $12K to rebuild the engine and well, I just got distracted by things like divorce and re-marriage, college tuition for my daughter and other kindsa ‘life stuff’. In 2016 I decided to loosen my grip on some cash and just get the car done! Yeah, It hurts to say that it’s been nearly three years, but I’m sure you don’t wanna hear ‘that story!’
If you’re reading this, I feel safe in saying that you understand the attraction of increased power. Throughout the entire time I’ve owned my NSX my thought process was a little different. Instead of making The Car Faster, I endeavored to make Me Faster. I hold the belief that the NSX is a car whereby the better you can drive, the faster and more safely, you can drive the car. So for me driving schools, and track time whenever I could get them, were purchased in place of “Go-Fast Parts!” And let me be clear, I harbor no illusions that I’m the 2nd coming of Senna…not by a long shot…not even remotely! My right foot has a Deep and Profound Belief in self preservation. Oh! And I’ve never tracked my car. It was always ‘their car.’
In order to maintain the car’s relevance in the millennial age an increase in horsepower is required. I won’t do anything crazy! NSXMugen lives nearby and built a 500 RWHP BEAST that simply overwhelmed the rear wheels! And BTW ‘THANKS’ David! for the input/advice during the rebuilding process, Genuinely Appreciated! I say a prayer for Filip every day.
For me it’ll just be a Balanced and Blueprinted Engine, and your basic I/H/E setup. It’ll feature: Downforce Intake Scoop, backed by a K&N Air Filter. CT Headers and a Custom Exhaust featuring Borla mufflers and fabricated by Nick Saprona of Gouldsburgh PA. I’m going for the “Relatively Quiet But Purposeful” sound. My overall objective is to preserve the essential spirit of the NSX.
The engine was rebuilt by Jeff Murray of ‘Murray Engines’ in Northeast Pennsylvania. Jeff spoke highly of the assistance and consideration afforded him by Wade at Science of Speed, The Cathedral of all things NSX. I’d like to express my gratitude for the level of cooperation, communication and information that the S.O.S. staff provided. Thank You All!!!
I’d also like to Thank Brian of Shelby Racers, I believe he's in Minnesota, for an excellent Crankshaft. That was the lynch pin of the entire rebuild. Joe Toth in Brooklyn, NY got me a solid connecting rod and Christian Mittendorfer got me an engine oil cooler at the very last minute. Thank You All So Very Much!
Now, Jeff Murray is known as a master engine builder among the dirt track crowd in this part of Pennsylvania. His clients also include those who track their cars at Monticello Motor Club in upstate New York. His engines are held in high regard as they present increased performance and reliability, while fully complying with race series engine build specifications. I’m confident that this engine will be a jewel.
Build Specifics:
Engine Block Line Honed
SOS High Volume Oil Pump with Oil Pan Baffle and Billet Steel Gears
(no more oil starvation for me)
SOS RS Spec Type A Pistons (Wiseco lightweight forged pistons with graphite and molybdenum skirt coating).
SOS Performance Valve Springs with Titanium retainers
Ceramic Coated CT Headers
ATI Super Damper Harmonic Balancer
Kevlar Timing Belt
Cometic Gaskets
OPL Radiator
DiscItalia Stainless Steel Brake Lines with Teflon Inner Line
EBC Slotted Rotors and ‘Yellow Stuff’ Brake Pads
Downforce Air Intake Scoop
Custom Exhaust Featuring Borla Mufflers, Fabricated by Nick Saprona.
I made sure to get the oil pan baffle as oil starvation caused the bearing to fail in the first place.
I kept the con rods stock because, after all the NSX was the first production car to feature titanium connecting rods. I count them as ‘Good Enough’!!!
I also added a set of SOS adjustable sway bars and a set of Koni
Sport shocks. I may consider springs or coilovers at a later date.
I would like to auto cross. It affords me the opportunity to compete, not so much against others, but against myself. I like the idea of making myself better. Maybe one day that 2nd coming of Senna tag will apply [insert ‘laughed so hard I cried’ emoji here]!
The one area that I think I didn’t get quite right, was the wheels. I’m a ‘5 Spoke’ guy. I LOVE the look of Brushed Silver Advan Kreuzer V1’s. I was committed to a 17”/18” Wheel Setup. I searched everywhere and just could not find those wheels. I even looked at a vendor in Hong Kong. If anyone knows of a set in 17/18 and is willing to talk or negotiate please hit me up. I settled for a look that I thought was similar. Based on the attached JPEG Image.
I really think I blew this, not in terms of fitment, but in terms of appearance. The wheel is ARC’s VF495. It’s not what I wanted in that the spokes are much wider than they appear in the sales image. But they are Custom-Made, Lightweight, 2 Piece, Forged Wheels and well, they’re paid for. So, they’re mine! It is ,what it is and it’ll be what it’s gonna be!
Next on the list is lights and sound.
I hear that LED’s are the way to go on lighting. So I’m digging into that now. I’ve pretty much decided on a blue tooth setup for audio. I believe that Daryl guy in Texas has the best system. I’m considering Daytime Running Lights and will most likely get those first as I see that as an immediate and vital improvement in safety. Hey, my right foot isn’t the only body part interested in self preservation!
I’m expecting to get the car within the next 2 weeks…Can’t wait until Springtime.
Color me EXCITED!
Be Smart, Be Safe and Keep the Wheel Side Down!
Darryl
[/B][/B][/FONT][/B]
So here I am just under three months after getting this car back on the road. In July I took my first long drive. I drove out to my daughter’s house, a trip of about 106 miles one way. I am not as nimble as I once was and getting used to driving her again was surprisingly not as free flowing as I thought it would be and after surgery, my hip is a little stiff. Getting back in this car was my first time driving a clutch in about 9 or 10 years. There are certain things that you don’t forget, but I found that I lost my ‘Heel & Toe’.
On the way back home from my daughter’s, I developed a problem getting the car into gear. I had to slam the shifter for gears to engage. I limped home just hoping that I didn’t hit traffic but of course that was inevitable in NYC metro. Somehow I managed to get home with nothing more than an elevated BP and the shocking realization that I had lost all my hair!!!
Turns out a seal on the clutch slave cylinder had been leaking and one of the forks in the assembly was actually broken or bent to something like that.
$$$$OOOOO….NEW CLUTCH!!!
Out with the RPS, in with the EXEDY HYPER Single Plate.
I went with the EXEDY Single because while I may eventually autocross, my driving is not yet at the point where I can really handle more power. Mind you the upgrades to the engine internals plus the I/H/E setup must have improved horsepower and torque. But honestly, the car does not feel as fast as it once did. I will Dyno the car when time and funds permit. I’ve found one nearby and plan to use that when I am ready to power up. Presently, it seems that my first move in that direction will be the AEM EMS V2. Engine Control Unit.
As it stands, once the car gets up to speed she feels SWEET! I can handle curves at velocities equalling those of my B8.5 Audi (with that Seriously Sublime Quattro Grip). The NSX amazingly feels more secure in the corners and I know there is more left. I want to get more comfortable with my old friend before I attempt to take her beyond certain limits. Learning how she breaks away and managing that drift is next on the list. But I will approach that in a safe and controlled manner. That’ll be my excuse for time at a local cart track. I am deeply satisfied with how the car feels in a curve and under braking.
Like I said earlier I’m still trying to find my “Heel and Toe”. When I’m at a comfortable position in terms of distance from the clutch, my knee hits the bottom of the steering wheel when I shift. Beyond that I have yet to habitually position my foot on the brake in order to allow that smooth rollover to the throttle, the one that generates that matching blip that sounds so sweet when done right. But each time I drive her I can see that I am slowly but steadily getting better.
But I gotta tell you that I’ve noticed something…
Every time I’m on the road and having fun. If I come up on somebody with a hot car…they back off! I suspect that a lot of YOU GUYS have intimidated the hot car driving populace. They think I have, what YOU GUYS have under the hood. You know, Superchargers and Turbochargers and that Nitrous stuff.
My exhaust systems SOUNDS!
At low RPM’s the car sounds angry…like a muscle car in my opinion. But at higher revs it doesn’t sound bad at all. Check it out…I think because of that noise they think I’m armed for battle.
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