Quick piece of mind question.

[ntenseone]

I see a lot of 235/40R17 & 275/35R18 combos here on Prime.

I did the math, and a 235/40R17 & 265/35R18 combo looks like it would work on an NA1. There is a 3.6% difference in diameter when compared to the 205/50R15 & 225/50R16 combo's 7.2% difference car was originally set up with. Think a read on here that as long as the difference is less than 8% it will work without a TCS light.

Did I read and understand this correctly?

 

[Hapa88]

nsxtasy is the expert when it comes to TCS issues, but my guess is that a 235/40/17 with a 265/35/18 will cause TCS issues.

265/35/18 best pairs with a 215/40/17 front.

When you say you see a lot of people running 235/40R17 & 275/35R18 combos, are they for the street or track? That's more of a track setup... expect lots of rubbing on the fronts if you plan to run those sizes on the street.

 

[nsxtasy]

Adrian is correct on all counts.

Some folks use the 235/40-17 front for the racetrack, primarily because R compound track tires are not available in narrower widths. It will indeed rub a lot, which is not a problem for track use. Furthermore, for the street, the TCS is going to be a problem with those sizes - not when they're new, but as the rears wear down it will probably not be happy.

With 17"/18" wheels, for street use (and even occasional track use), I strongly recommend 215/40-17 and either 265/35-18 (best for a '91-93 NSX) or 255/35-18 (for a '94-05). In those sizes, if you want the absolute best traction, you can get the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec, Yokohama Advan Neova AD08, or Falken Azenis RT-615K. If you're willing to accept only slightly less traction (still excellent) along with better treadlife, get the Continental ExtremeContact DW. (The Tire Rack does not carry the ExtremeContact DW in that front size, but is available at other tire retailers.)

 

[ntenseone]

I knew you would be able to shed some light.

Here's the problem...as I mentioned in another thread, I work for Bridgestone and we don't make a 215/40R17, so I'm trying to come up with a good alternate solution.

The RE-11 is available in the sizes that I mentioned, and being as I run them on my S2000 currently, I know what to expect out of them.

So the real question I need to have answered in this case is what needs to be done to help the rubbing problems in the front of the car? Also where does it rub? On the fender? Inner fender liner? Only at full lock?

Also, someone else had mentioned that they thought the 215/45R17 would rub as well, but once again, where will it rub at?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[MvM]

I have been running the 235/40/17 and 265/35/18 sizes on my '98 NSX for two years now.
So far I have had NO problems with it. Yes, it rubs a little at full lock, but it is rather minimal.
Am using the OZ Ultraleggera wheels and the car is lowered about .8"/2cm.

As far as I can tell, I have no problem with my TCS. Certainly no warning lights and the only times the TCS lights goes on is when the road is very slippery and I am taking a turn just a little too quick for the system.

I like the fact that I can really slow down the car quickly if needed. Am also using the RB BBK kit with stock calipers and really like their grip.

Just last week I found a shop who is selling the Federal 595 RS-R semi-slicks (semi-slicks are very rare where I live and hard to find) and next time I want to try these and see how they work.

 

[Hapa88]

I've run some pretty aggressive offsets on the front, always using 215s. I've found that most rub on the plastic fender liner closest to the outside edge.

It'll also rub on the inside wheel well portion (the metal), closest the wall separating the footwell from the wheel. That happens on turning.

Depending on the wheel sizes, offsets, tire sizes & suspension, the tires could also rub the strut assembly.

 

[nsxtasy]

I have been running the 235/40/17 and 265/35/18 sizes on my '98 NSX for two years now.
.
.
.
As far as I can tell, I have no problem with my TCS.

Remember, the TCS is calibrated for the stock tire sizes. What works on your '98 may not work on a '91-93. (We don't know what year the OP has, since his "NA1" could be any year NSX, from '91 to '05.)

 

[nsxtasy]

Here's the problem...as I mentioned in another thread, I work for Bridgestone and we don't make a 215/40R17, so I'm trying to come up with a good alternate solution.

Is it possible that another market (e.g. Japan) sells a Bridgestone in that size, either the RE-11 or something similar? If so, maybe you could get a hold of some.

Oh, and BTW...

Quick piece of mind question.

Did you want to give us a piece of your mind, or were you looking for a solution to give you peace of mind? :biggrin:

 

[Hapa88]

There is a 3.6% difference in diameter when compared to the 205/50R15 & 225/50R16 combo's 7.2% difference car was originally set up with.

Remember, the TCS is calibrated for the stock tire sizes. What works on your '98 may not work on a '91-93. (We don't know what year the OP has, since his "NA1" could be any year NSX, from '91 to '05.)

Based on the tire sizes he listed, plus the NA1, I'm thinking his is a '91-'93.

Is it possible that another market (e.g. Japan) sells a Bridgestone in that size, either the RE-11 or something similar? If so, maybe you could get a hold of some.

Bridgestone Singapore has them!
http://www.bridgestone.com.sg/product_re11.html

Or Nengun
http://www.nengun.com/bridgestone/potenza-re-11

 

[nsxtasy]

Based on the tire sizes he listed, plus the NA1, I'm thinking his is a '91-'93.

:biggrin:

 

[ntenseone]

Is it possible that another market (e.g. Japan) sells a Bridgestone in that size, either the RE-11 or something similar? If so, maybe you could get a hold of some.

Oh, and BTW...


Did you want to give us a piece of your mind, or were you looking for a solution to give you peace of mind? :biggrin:

Nope, I was trying to make sure that it won't cause problems on a 91-93. I really want a coupe, so I'm doing my homework so that I know how much things are going to cost me to set up the car the way I would like it to be after I get it. SO, it was a question to get some piece of mind for me.

As for the tires not marketed in the US...I don't know what kind of trouble I'd have to go through to get them, but I may look into that.
:tongue:

 

[alum04org]

Peace. For sure.

 

[ntenseone]

Bringing this back up, but with different sizes in mind.

Has anyone successfully used a 205/40R17 front and 255/35R18 rear setup?

The tires' overall diameters are exactly identical in difference from the 215/40R17 and 265/35R18 combo that so many of you use.

Still looking at options!

 

[nsxtasy]

Has anyone successfully used a 205/40R17 front and 255/35R18 rear setup?

The tires' overall diameters are exactly identical in difference from the 215/40R17 and 265/35R18 combo that so many of you use.

I haven't heard of anyone doing so, but it's possible.

Incidentally, rather than trying to match the outer diameters of an aftermarket setup, it's better to use comparisons against the stock outer diameters (205/50-15 and 225/50-16 for '91-93, 215/45-16 and 245/40-17 for '94-01, 215/40-17 and 255/40-17 for '02-05) because that's what the TCS looks for variations from.

Here's how the outer diameters of 205/40-17 and 255/35-18 compare with stock:

'91-93: 1.7 percent larger front, 0.7 percent larger rear
'94-01: 0.7 percent smaller front, 1.3 percent larger rear
'02-05: 1.3 percent smaller front, no difference rear

Based on these numbers, those sizes should not cause a problem with the TCS in any year NSX. And there shouldn't be any problems with rubbing, either.

Also, the 215/40-17 and 265/35-18 isn't exactly a "universal fit". The '94-05 stock sizes are a bit closer, front to rear, and do better with 215/40-17 and 255/35-18 rear than with the 265/35 rear. And the '91-93 stock sizes are so different that with a 215/40-17 front, the 275/35-18 would be a closer fit for the TCS, except that the handling starts to suffer with that large a difference in tread width, front vs rear.

 

[TURBO2GO]

How many different TCS's are there? do we know for sure? I thought there were 3? 91-93, 94-2002, 2002-2005 seem to have different ratios stock. Am I missing something here?

 

[nsxtasy]

How many different TCS's are there? do we know for sure? I thought there were 3? 91-93, 94-2002, 2002-2005 seem to have different ratios stock. Am I missing something here?

That's correct; the TCS came in three versions, calibrated for the three sets of stock tire sizes.

 

[Hapa88]

How many different TCS's are there? do we know for sure? I thought there were 3? 91-93, 94-2002, 2002-2005 seem to have different ratios stock. Am I missing something here?

That's correct; the TCS came in three versions, calibrated for the three sets of stock tire sizes.

Part numbers for Traction Control Units are as follows:
39900-SL0-013 - For the '91 NSX
39900-SL0-023 - For the '91-'94 NSX
39900-SL0-033 - For the '95-'96 NSX
39900-SL0-043 - For the '97-'01 NSX
39900-SL0-053 - For the '02-'05 NSX

I theorize that the 1991-1994 TCS Control unit part 39900-SL0-023 probably has the widest operating range, because it works for the 15/16 and the 16/17" tire combos, but I have NOT confirmed that.

Part number source:
http://www.acuraoemparts.com

 

[TURBO2GO]

Why would 97-01 be different than 95-96? The number of gears in the transmission seems to have an affect. Even if Happa's theory on the 91-94 part number is correct.

There are two too many part numbers here.

 

[nsxtasy]

It's possible that there are more than three versions of the TCS, to account for other differences in addition to the three sets of stock tire sizes.

It's also possible that they didn't get around to updating the calibration of the TCS for the change in '94 stock tire sizes until '95.

It's also possible that there are errors in the parts catalog.

 

[Hapa88]

The TCS units from the Automatic cars have other part numbers that I didn't bother listing..

 

[angus]

Bringing this back up, but with different sizes in mind.

Has anyone successfully used a 205/40R17 front and 255/35R18 rear setup?

The tires' overall diameters are exactly identical in difference from the 215/40R17 and 265/35R18 combo that so many of you use.

Still looking at options!

I have run that combo many times without issue.

I have also run 205/40/17 with:

285/30/18 (on '97, '95 and 92)

245/40/18 (on '95)

265/35/18 (on '91 and '95)

No issues.

 

[NSX2398]

Part numbers for Traction Control Units are as follows:
39900-SL0-013 - For the '91 NSX
39900-SL0-023 - For the '91-'94 NSX
39900-SL0-033 - For the '95-'96 NSX
39900-SL0-043 - For the '97-'01 NSX
39900-SL0-053 - For the '02-'05 NSX

I theorize that the 1991-1994 TCS Control unit part 39900-SL0-023 probably has the widest operating range, because it works for the 15/16 and the 16/17" tire combos, but I have NOT confirmed that.

Actually, I found a 39900-SL0-003 as well but when I called Acura parts for a replacement, they asked for my VIN and then said I would need a 013 and when I pulled mine out, it was indeed a 013. I have a late '91 (2398) but that would imply that 023 came later (since it's listed as being for a '91-94) and presumably very late in the '91 run since there were only 3163 built for North America

 

[HONDA_RJJ]

I always found TCS to be dangerours it would cut my power while turning so I removed the TCM takes less than 15 Minutes if you relize you dont have to mess with the hatch release and use power tools

 

[TURBO2GO]

I always found TCS to be dangerours it would cut my power while turning so I removed the TCM takes less than 15 Minutes if you relize you dont have to mess with the hatch release and use power tools

Why not just turn it off?

 

[nsxtasy]

presumably very late in the '91 run since there were only 3163 built for North America

That figure is for the 1991 model year for the United States only, and does not include cars built for Canada or anywhere else in North America (e.g. Mexico).

We don't know production figures by model year for Canada, but we know NSX sales by calendar year: 156 in calendar 1990 and 253 in calendar 1991 (ref).

And we know from the VIN that your car was built for the U.S. market. :wink:

Just lookin' out for our friends north of the border... :smile: