Midnight_Raven's Build

[bzyrice]

Hi guys I finished doing the install. I got a total weight savings of 11.4lbs. Lexan Hatch with frame is 23lbs and glass hatch with frame is 34.4lbs. I guess I over tightened some of the screws on the hatch and noticed stress cracks near the holes of the lexan hatch this morning. I didn't realize it was that easy to crack . I guess a lesson learned for you guys really be careful with how tight you tighten the hardware on your lexan hatch. With that said I've reduced 20 lbs with the hatch and speaker update. In combination with my wheel upgrade (30lbs) I should be at ~2710lbs curb weight at the moment. Need to think what else I can do to further reduce weight. Maybe get rid of traction control module and SRS wiring system. Just need to figure out how to get the SRS light to stay off.

Here are the pictures of it after it's been installed.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/48391513562/in/dateposted-public/" title="20190727_102858"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48391513562_aba8976a2e_k.jpg" width="2048" height="996" alt="20190727_102858"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/48391371976/in/dateposted-public/" title="20190727_102840"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48391371976_edce1d9acb_k.jpg" width="2048" height="996" alt="20190727_102840"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Next step is ordering and installing a Masiv radiator to improve cooling capabilities of the car. I got to wait two weeks for more to be available for order.

Bummer about the lexan. But weight savings is always good!

 

[Midnight_Raven]

It's a shame but considering the cracks are not huge I'm okay with it. Plus I figure I could get another lexan hatch down the road if it does get really bad. Hopefully not anytime soon.

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Well I thought it wasn't going to happen but it did. My SOS 425 Sport Hybrid Clutch has started slipping at approximately 14K miles. I was on a highway on ramp and decided to give it full throttle in 5th gear to speed up a bit a little. Engine revved up to 5K with no acceleration ... I can still drive the car but it seems that I wont be able to go full throttle anymore. Looks like I'm going to have to get another clutch now. I'm thinking the OS Giken R2CD clutch. Should be able to handle a power increase later down the road. Anyone have another recommendation besides OS Giken?

 

[Black NSX F1]

My clutch is going but due to worn age unlike you that’s a track junkie
Who is installing your clutch???

 

[Valhalla]

Exedy?

 

[Midnight_Raven]

My clutch is going but due to worn age unlike you that’s a track junkie
Who is installing your clutch???

I am considering trying to do the clutch job myself but most likely will just take it to Mitch at Mechanics Direct because I may ask him to open up the 6 speed and check the syncros and change out the input shaft to a dual spline one to give me more options for clutches. It seems most of the aftermarket clutches are only compatible with the dual spline input shaft. A bummer and probably somethign I should of done the first time I did the 6 speed swap, but you live and learn I guess.

Anthony

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Little update on my situation. After reading for a bit about different clutches I felt the ones with the most positive feedback from people with only complaint being the noise when clutch pedal was depressed was the OS Giken STR2C. What I mainly read about other cars using the OS Giken R2CD is that at higher revs it becomes difficult to shift. I watched a video of someone who has a NSX with a R2CD and it did look like shifts weren't as smooth as usual or maybe it's in my head. I'm not sure why, but that didn't seem reassuring. I've read good things about the STR2C from multiple people so I think that would be the best clutch to try out next. Seems like it's still streetable, but also capable of taking abuse from higher power. With that said since I've ordered the dual spline shaft from SOS so I have more options on clutch choices in the future. The dual spline shaft should be in about 6-8 weeks. The clutch I had already ordered and has arrived.

In addition I also ordered a MASIV radiator finally. Radiator should be shipping out today. So basically with the delivery estimates it looks like my NSX is down until next Spring. Hopefully I can get the clutch/transmission done in the late fall. I'm still on the fence if I want to tackle this job myself. I've never done a job like this before but I figured I could invest some money on tools and try to do this myself. I figure I would be saving thousands if I do the job myself vs take it to a shop. I believe I would need to get a press for the transmission rework and a transmission jack and a larger torque wrench.

Any one have suggestions/recommendations on a specific manufacturer of these tools to do this job?

Picture of Clutch in Packaging.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/48808805986/in/dateposted-public/" title="Clutch arrived"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48808805986_cedcbce92c_k.jpg" width="2048" height="996" alt="Clutch arrived"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

The Masiv radiator arrived last week. Very nice looking piece. Just need some more parts and then I guess I have to decide to do the work myself or just take it to Mitch.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/48885214088/in/dateposted-public/" title="Masiv radiator for NSX."><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48885214088_0a915efbf4_k.jpg" width="2048" height="996" alt="Masiv radiator for NSX."></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Well I decided to take the NSX to Mitch to do the coolant system update. Had him put in the Masiv Radiator and also replace my old worn coolant expansion tank with a new one with a NSX-R cover on it. Engine bay looks a little cleaner now without the obvious white plastic blob in it. Still waiting for the twin spline input shaft so I think that means the transmission/clutch work will have to be done in the spring. I'm going to have the mechanic do it and since it's cold out I will be putting the NSX away for the winter.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/49031429906/in/dateposted-public/" title="Masiv radiator and new coolant expansion tank with NSX-R cover"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49031429906_e49b58c129_k.jpg" width="2048" height="996" alt="Masiv radiator and new coolant expansion tank with NSX-R cover"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Radiator is on as well. Looks like it fits pretty good. Mechanic told me the radiator ports seems slightly smaller than the oem ones but tightening down the clamps made it work and wasn't leaking so I can't complain.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/49031647502/in/dateposted-public/" title="Masiv radiator and new coolant expansion tank with NSX-R cover"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49031647502_68b72295fc_k.jpg" width="2048" height="996" alt="Masiv radiator and new coolant expansion tank with NSX-R cover"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

So finally after a long wait I got the parts I've waited so long to arrive. Happy to be getting closer to my end goal.

Back story is that just before figuring out that clutch was slipping I had reached out to SOS about their Twin Turbo System. I ended up going for it and put a deposit. Then the clutch shenanigan happened a month after that so that leads me to the whole needing a new input spline shaft and new clutch. Either way the majority of the parts arrived yesterday. I'm now going to have to wait until later spring to do the turbo system install and tuning since I want to do a baseline dyno run at the tuners with the new clutch before I install the turbo system. Hopefully we have a short winter so I can get on top of doing the clutch job sooner rather than later.

Opened all the boxes to check what was inside. Here's a pic of the turbo system parts kind of put back in the boxes for the winter
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/49203456973/in/dateposted-public/" title="Car parts yay! lol"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49203456973_f9e5f8f775_k.jpg" width="2048" height="1152" alt="Car parts yay! lol"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Well it's been a while but I figure for documentation reasons I'll update on what has happened so this year. I dropped off my car at Mitch's shop on late February to get the new clutch installed and to swap over to the twin spline input shaft. I asked him to replace any gears/synchros that show any signs of damage (I did still get some grinding into 2nd randomly at autox). He found 4 parts that needed replacing. Pandemic hit and 1 part I needed was on backorder most likely due to covid. I had to wait until June for last transmission part to arrive. I got the car back in early June and decided I was going to put the turbo project on hold until the upcoming winter. With that said I did get to enjoy the car over the summer, which was great. As you'll hear in video below the clutch does chatter when disengaged. I think my video does a good job letting you hear that chatter.

I didn't realize this turbo kit required an adapter between the manifold and the catalytic converter, missed it when going over their site. Alternatively you could also order SOS catalytic converters that were designed for this turbo setup that has the adapter built in. So I opted to order the SOS catalytic converter to adapt between my exhaust and the Turbo system. I'll just sell the current catalytic converter once I swap it over to recoupe some of the cost of the new one. I believe I have everything I need to do the turbo swap now. I scheduled a tuner to do dyno run on October 14 to get a baseline done on the same dyno I will be tuning on. After that I'll probably drive it a little more until it's too cold for my summer tires, and start on the turbo system install during the winter. I'll post more pictures and maybe even make a mini youtube video series on my channel showing details of installing the SOS Twin Turbo System on the NSX. I don't think I've seen a video covering an actual turbo installation on a NSX yet, just the after result basically. We'll see could be a fun thing to do.

As for some content I did do some autox this summer, 3 so far and got 1 more left at end of October.

Below are two of my fastest runs. Got another gopro suction cup so I can have an inside and outside perspective in a single video. I think it a good addition to the video. Kind of enjoy the smaller setups for Autox now with events going much faster but now they fill up so fast it's far and few between. I didn't even get to sign up for an track day either. May still try to sign up for one during the fall.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WUMb1uFWDhE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Qk0_kLSah8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Well I went to do my baseline dyno pull at the tuners dyno so that I have a good before and after. Temperature outside was about 55-58 degrees so that is what I'll shoot for when I go in the spring. Picture of dyno plot shown below.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/50480914267/in/dateposted-public/" title="Baseline Dynojet Pulll on 10-14-2020"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50480914267_6c4e65f8fc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="733" alt="Baseline Dynojet Pulll on 10-14-2020"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


I have a track day coming up this weekend so I'll try to get some video of that and post it up afterwards. It'll be at club motorsport. Looks like a very nice track so excited to try it out.

 

[docjohn]

solid numbers for NA.

 

[Honcho]

Well I went to do my baseline dyno pull at the tuners dyno so that I have a good before and after. Temperature outside was about 55-58 degrees so that is what I'll shoot for when I go in the spring. Picture of dyno plot shown below.

I have a track day coming up this weekend so I'll try to get some video of that and post it up afterwards. It'll be at club motorsport. Looks like a very nice track so excited to try it out.

Raven are you still on the GRF exhaust?

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Raven are you still on the GRF exhaust?

Honcho I am still running the GRF exhaust. Even though I'm probably loosing power I do plan on running the turbos with this exhaust because I really do like the sound these produce. I should of recorded the dyno pulls because you could hear the exhaust at full load which was awesome.

Docjohn I was happy to see it still putting down good power with 120K miles on it.

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Here is a video from my track day yesterday. Club Motorsport in Tamworth, NH is awesome. Definitely want to drive here again. I'll admit I did hit quite a bit of traffic throughout the day, which did spoil some of the session with having to pit in to find a gap. Basically some drivers were not giving point by at all (Trains forming and I think they actually talked to the specific people after I'm assuming someone complained). Either way it was an eventful day and overall good.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZvR4ePVRbY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Honcho]

Honcho I am still running the GRF exhaust. Even though I'm probably loosing power I do plan on running the turbos with this exhaust because I really do like the sound these produce. I should of recorded the dyno pulls because you could hear the exhaust at full load which was awesome.

Here is a video from my track day yesterday. Club Motorsport in Tamworth, NH is awesome. Definitely want to drive here again. I'll admit I did hit quite a bit of traffic throughout the day, which did spoil some of the session with having to pit in to find a gap. Basically some drivers were not giving point by at all (Trains forming and I think they actually talked to the specific people after I'm assuming someone complained). Either way it was an eventful day and overall good.

Aw man, I know you are sold on the turbo, but boy does that NSX sound great NA with the GRF! The Ti version has a deeper roar than the steel version. Club Motorsport looks like my version of track heaven- trees, granite, green grass and elevation changes! Here in Colorado, our track is just surrounded by dead brown grass most of the year lol.

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Honcho Club Motorsport is definitely now my most favorite track in New England. I haven't driven Palmer yet but I hear it's very similar to Club Motorsport just less run off compared to it. I guess all that I have left to try out locally is Palmer, Lime Rock, and Canaan motor club. Apparently Palmer is coming up this weekend.... I am considering it lol.

 

[docjohn]

scda has an afternoon event this Saturday at lrp

 

[Honcho]

Honcho Club Motorsport is definitely now my most favorite track in New England. I haven't driven Palmer yet but I hear it's very similar to Club Motorsport just less run off compared to it. I guess all that I have left to try out locally is Palmer, Lime Rock, and Canaan motor club. Apparently Palmer is coming up this weekend.... I am considering it lol.

When I lived in NY I drove Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio and Lime Rock. Because I lived in Rochester, I spent most of my track time at the Glen, however, I really liked the ambiance and history of Lime Rock. Only drove there twice, but it was fun! I'm jealous!

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Forgot to post I started to make my youtube video project. I unfortuneatly had bad lighting and got frusterated with the headmount cam so I think for the sake of helping others I'm goign to throw the exhaust and subframe back on so I can properly film the removal of these parts. Either way here is the two videos I made. One is basically a summary of this build thread and the other is the very dark headcam footage that I didn't want to redo. I'll try to post more as I work on the car from now on.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7TBLoHpMuA0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/09fIn2dKY5c" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Just mounted the wheels yesterday and put them on the car today. Took the car for a spin and it just felt so much better with the lighter wheels/tires. I went from 255/35R18 Fronts & 305/30R19 Rears to 245/45R17 Fronts & 275/40R18 Rears. Overall diameter of the tires went down by .3 in the front and .6 in the rear. Gives me more clearance and I barely rub at all now. Also steering feels lighter at driveway speeds which is a nice plus.

In addition to that I replaced the driver side window molding strip because my old one ended up tearing near the top of the B pillar.

Next up is the hatch. Might tackle that tomorrow or leave it for next weekend. Update: I'm ordering an extra hatch frame so that I can keep my original hatch as is and not sacrifice it for this mod. Need to wait until it arrives until I can replace the hatch now.

View attachment 159172View attachment 159178View attachment 159179View attachment 159180

Just was informed of something and I made a typo on this post. The front is actually a 245/40R17, not 245/45R17. Thanks for the catch NSX-ST!

 

[Midnight_Raven]

Hey guys,

I just uploaded next part of the disassembly part of the project. SD version is only available at this time but if you wait a little longer the HD and 4K version will be processed and ready for your viewing pleasure. Any feed back on improving the video is appreciated. I'm planning on doing this slowly so I should have time to incorporate changes if doable in short notice.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BhSg68gehjI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

I forgot to share my next part of the project on prime again. Discovered issue with OS Giken clutch and this particular turbo kit that requires a work around. Details in video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2laTvHlFSSc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_yUAJPnTswE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Midnight_Raven]

I've slowly worked on the car over the whole year and it's basically ready to tune. I'm leaving front bumper and rear diffuser off to allow easier access to the tie down points of the car when I need to put it on the dyno and to get it on and off the tow truck to get it to the tuner. The SOS tune isn't intended for driving for what it sounds like so I have to tow it over. My video project has slowed down a bit, as I'm really busy with work and just don't want to keep working when I get home. I'll try to release more videos soon once things slow down at my job again (hopefully soon). Either way this is the current state of the car as of today. Car is due to go to the tuner on the 29th of the month so hopefully I should have the car back some time in the beginning of November to try it out at least once before I put it away for the winter.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/51599054652/in/dateposted-public/" title="20211002_143046"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51599054652_56dac898fe_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="20211002_143046"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/51600094363/in/dateposted-public/" title="20211002_151450"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51600094363_03fa92b30d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="20211002_151450"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/51600536294/in/dateposted-public/" title="20211002_151516"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51600536294_0347fd5474_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="20211002_151516"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/77613264@N02/51600536284/in/dateposted-public/" title="20211002_152341"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51600536284_5f936f8755_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="20211002_152341"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>