The Devil's Chariot

[RC-DEVIL]

I am just so proud to be here. This has always been my dream car since i was just a kid, i have never wanted another supercar.

My very first car when i was 15 years old, about to turn 16 in a few months was a 2001 Acura 3.2CL Type-S (Gold Trim package). fresh recall transmission (common thing) 70k miles when i got it, 162k sold it ran like a top!

Mugen intake, Magnaflow mufflers, 1-12" JL W7, Rockford-Fosgate component speakers, ADR 17" wheels on Toyo Proxes 4, Window Tint and smoked tails. Genuine Acura Type-S badges from a 2007 TL-S i scored in a junkyard.

I loved that damn car, put every cent i had into it when I was a kid. Now looking back on it everything was cheap stuff but it seemed like so much money back then, God Bless the creator of Craigslist!

$8300 in 2007, Sold $3000 in 2017 without the sound system or wheels.

I wanted a "driver" so i didnt mind higher mileage unit if the price was right, just had to be properly maintained. I had a budget of about 55-60k but after driving a 6-speed 3.2L NSX I didnt think it was "$20k better" and I would rather have it 100% my way; as I never plan to sell it anyways.

My requirements were:
-Targa
-Flip-Up Headlights
-Not Yellow or Black
-Manual
-Clean Title
-Well Maintained
-Relatively stock (or rather tastefully modified)

Found my unicorn in AZ from a member here on prime (Thanks @Roadkilchef). After agreeing on what i thought was a relatively reasonably price. My best friend and I booked a flight from ATL to PHX.

155k miles, 100% bone stock besides:
USAspec ipod adapter (now sold)
ScienceOfSpeed SOS High Flow Cats
ScienceofSpeed SOS Engine Hatch Struts
Dali/Eibach Sway Bars-Front/Rear
Wired for battery tender

Everything worked and didnt immediately need anything.


Maintained primarily by SOS and Larry B.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showt...SX-T-Red-Tan-5-Speed-155021-JH4NA1189ST000690

I drove the car straight from the dealer handling the sale to SOS to have Chris Willson have a look over my new purchase. I essentially barged in 1hr before closing (no appointment) on a Friday. Begged and pleaded with Chris to have a mini-PPI on my car as I planned to drive it across the country from PHX back to home to Atlanta. He showed me a few basics about NSX ownership, showed me around SOS and I of course had to pick up some parts! (My first NSX purchase was a SOS Knob, Zanardi floormats and spare OEM Monel key)

I knew of SOS long before I had the money to even think about buying a NSX. I always respected that it was USDM firm putting out parts of higher quality than many JDM items. The simple fact I was there purchasing parts for MY OWN NSX was almost a bit too much; had to sit there after i left and soak it in for a moment. I still remember sitting in the SOS parking lot gripping my new SOS Rapid shift-knob on MY NSX. Still a surreal moment for me.

It was at this moment I thought I shall have as many ScienceOfSpeed parts as I could get my hands on.

Below are some of the first pics of my NSX. (Me on the Left in the black)



In Front of Science Of Speed, Chandler AZ for mini-PPI by Chris Willson himself


Got Home from PHX to ATL: ripped the stock exhaust off, day one. I had managed to find a used SOS Endura-Lite from a 2003.

 

[RC-DEVIL]

The only pics I have of the day I brought it home. i think i put the Pride NSX-R spoiler and theNSXShop S2000 antenna kit on like 2-3 days after this. I think it still looks great even on stock wheels.



Advan RS 17/18" Gunmetal. Managed to find these used and they came with the center caps. Originally sold by Science of Speed. Complete with SOS hub ring adapters and black lugnuts sold by SOS. I love the simple timeless look, and they were priced right.

Thanks Todd, for being a stand up guy! (@mcrider)

mated to Falken Azenis RT615k



I was not planning on upgrading the brakes but Ole had these sitting for a bit and i figured "buy once cry once". In all honesty for my type of driving these StopTech's are overkill.....and i didnt even think about clearance issues....apparently i have the ONE set of Advan fronts that wont clear these without a 5mm spacer (i dont know sh*t about offsets or stance etc.)

But I make em blush at the s2000 meets and thats all that matters :biggrin:

 

[RC-DEVIL]

with the Stock wheels and Pride NSX-r Spoiler.

Suspension are latest Tein MonoSport with the EDFC controller (a bitch to put in). I would have liked the KWV3 but the extra $1000+ i could use elsewhere, looking back on it the EDFC controller was a pain to put in and something ill rarely use. At $1100 delivered for the whole setup i didnt think it was that bad of a deal.

Placed an order with ScienceOfSpeed for some shiny things.

ScienceofSpeed SOS Exhaust Adapters 1995-1999 (

ScienceofSpeed SOS Endura-Lite Exhaust (used, Thanks Ryan A.)

ScienceofSpeed SOS Advanced Exhaust Headers 1995-1999 ScienceofSpeed SOS Rapid Shift Knob - Electro Polished Stainless Steel ScienceofSpeed SOS Radiator Shield Kic's Magnetic Oil Pan Plug ScienceofSpeed SOS Stretch Satin Car Cover RED+ bag ScienceofSpeed SOS Non-Compliance Toe Links <tbody> </tbody> <tbody> </tbody> <tbody> </tbody> <tbody> </tbody> Spoon Rigid Collars (thanks to the Speedhunters article i couldnt stop thinking about them) CRF tunnel chassis brace, just because i found it on the cheap while cruising the NSX facebook page ScienceofSpeed radiator guard is some of the best insurance money can buy! <tbody> </tbody> <tbody> </tbody> <tbody> </tbody>

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For years i wandered here the first Sunday of every month as a kid with a twinkle in my eye.
My first Caffeine&Octane car show in Atlanta where I got to be literally on the "other side of the fence" with all the exotic cars. Not with the mustangs, challengers, camaros, evos, and import crew close to the mall. I got to park with the proper supercars, meet other professionals with similar interests. People tried to sell me stupid sh*t, charge me money to take pictures of my own car, and asked me where I got my money. I finally knew how really rich people felt.

.....and of course I took my Mom first, because im not a piece of garbage (call your mom right now, if you still can). First and foremost a mama's boy. Second: a NSX fan.

A row of 3 NSXs Benson's 91, Rafael's 98, My 95 in back

 

[RC-DEVIL]

Starting to pile up, got some OEM parts from TheNSXshop
-Type-S short shifter, NA1-R shift boot painted the gate pattern red with some paint, OEM front fender liners etc. (Marc is a great asset to the community)

Redid the lowbeam headlights with a "WhiteNSX" (a member here on prime) LED headlight kit, installed and works like a charm.very detailed and thorough instructions, neatly tucked away the ballasts out of sight. I used Sylvania Ultrastar 9005 for the highbeams as I didnt want to run two ballasts and this setup is MORE than adequate. You could probably even get away with just swapping both bulbs for Ultrastars and it would be more than acceptable.

Secured a OEM NSX Service Mat 07MAZ-SL0000A (long discontinued) to work on the car! what an awesome accessory, complete with the little red tag on the bag!!! I lay down a series of 4 towels on the car before I put on the Mat. Its like a prayer process, a ritual and sense of gravity everytime I put it on.

also a OEM nose cover bra thing, brand new with tags/bag. Im not sure i will use this yet but maybe for the trip to NSXPO 2019??

STMPO Rear Targa Bar (found it used on the Facebook page late night, $660 shipped) is actually a huge upgrade and i noticed a significant amount of reduced noise in the cabin from the targa flexing around, i also greased all the seals in the car with Shin-Etsu grease. The STMPO bar is really nice, installs in 20min retaining all the OEM mounting points for the engine cover. (Thanks for the new decals Nemo!).

Traded my Taitec fixed steering hub (ended up with a NRG QR setup) for a Toda timing belt (will stash this for the next 200k service interval) SOS cam plugs, CRF pulley shield and SOS LMAs as well. I figure i might as well get ahead on this cost while i can.

I have also managed to get a good deal on a brand new SOS AEM V2 from a member here that will go on at some point, but i still need to pass emissions for another year or two. I dont know if the AEM V2 is the latest and greatest but it was like 1/4th of the cost of the Infinity series; it looked more and more appealing every time it became an option. I always want the car to be naturally aspirated. The car makes more than enough power now with modifications done, The NSX has always been a weapon of finesse. Some engine management is better than nothing, I just want the motor to be run at optimal settings etc. for long term health.

Redid the doors myself, window regulators from Window Motor World ($200/ea side) in Florida. i figured this was worthwhile rather than do it myself with the Hugabuuga or the SOS kit. WMW offers a lifetime warranty on these redone units. Original Bose speakers still seem to sound great, Patty at Bose is on backorder so these will do for now. redid the seals with Butyl rope as advised here.

-WMW rebuilt regulators
-grease/clean window tracks
-replace vapor barrier
-clean sh*itty white adhesive used by honda
(my OEM vapor barriers were all there but brittle)
-Remove OEM mirrors
-Shin-Etsu lube all rubber pieces not in contact with glass

 

[RC-DEVIL]

SOS Intake Garnish (discontinued)
SOS clearance section silver intake manifold cover
DownForce Scoop/Uni Air Filter

Replaced the OEM radio (knob was crackling) with another unit i sent off to @cmc140 for repair and bluetooth handsfree in place of the tapdeck. not bad at $550 and more than half the cost of Wilman's mod. It was appealing to me because it looks 100% stock and cost effective when compared to other options. I sold the USASpec Grom thing that came with the car for $100 so i think i made out OK.

Momo Team 300mm wheel, NSX-R OEM Horn Trim, Acura Momo Horn, Sparco buttons wired for cruiser control, NRG QR Hub to help getting in/out of the car.

Got a spare set of seats from a 1996 on the cheap (thanks Vinny Hollar), got seat covers from ridies.com (formerly Interior Innovations), 100% Genuine Napa Leather, perforated centers, red stitch. $749 shipped for the cover set ($200 install labor locally). The installer commented that the fitment was very good as well as stitch quality. I also secured a genuine Zanardi Rear Trunk Mat!

Also while I was shopping around I managed to make a complete set of Trunkmat (came with the car) and floormats (matching bought on ebay)

 

[RC-DEVIL]

Throttle Body (Larry Bastanza "LarryB" is literally an angel sent by Soichoro Honda, read everything he has posted!) cleaning as thorough as I could be without taking the manifold off. Idles and feels much better now (perhaps?) I dunno maybe just a placebo effect but i realy forgot how much i enjoy these type of small projects. Low impact, high sense of reward!!! Replaced the Coils, NGK iridum spark plugs and checked valves clearances.

had someone pickup Spoon Mirrors while they were in Japan (at a HUGE discount) and rearview glass, got them sprayed Berlinia Black NH547. figured while the door was apart id have these on, its amzing the amount of reduced windnoise with the targa top off. Plus, i think they look really cool. I dont know how much of a fan of the color-matched top on the targa tops so i try bring in as much black i can to offset the red (wheels, wing, mirrors, tint, etc.)

I also installed NSX-R upper and lower front chassis bars, close fit with the Dali sway bars but it clears. I might sell the front bar for a STMPO replica just to have a matching set but either way, low hanging fruit!

I love my Quickjack!!!

 

[RC-DEVIL]

OSideTiger 11mm Denso 12-Hole 270cc Injector Remanufactured

So while i was perusing the top end of the motor i figured i would clean and service the injectors. After nearly 160k miles i can certainly say they were not "clean" but they weren't terrible. RC Engineering wants $150 to service the OEM injectors ($25x6) plus my cost to ship, lets call it $160. What the Heck. You only live once.

I found some 4-hole Bosch injectors ($225) from this company called OsideTiger. California based and in the fuel injection game for almost 17 years, Charlie has been messing with CRX and 90's Honda models for awhile. He informed me that the 250cc 3.0L C30A injector is common for a few different models, they have successfully adapted the 4-hole Bosch units which work perfect.

He told me they were working towards a 12-hole Denso UC solution (apparently more holes, finer atomization, cleaner burn etc. etc.)
My understanding is that the OEM injectors are essentially late 1980's technology and there have been some major improvements since then.

These 12-hole type injectors (~$275) are essentially what are provided in modern cars, providing the cleanest stream/atomization. The kit includes everything needed to install, even wiring adapters that allow no-cutting. The stock ECU can handle these injectors no problem, just reset and let it relearn.

I have had them installed and running in the car for 100 miles, so far no problems. Idle seem smoother, starts faster, i "certainly feel" a bit more power or torque from 4k onwards. It feels "better" at low speeds around town (its like i can feel the bite point of the clutch easier now?). I will update again as soon i put more miles, hopefully this is something that can benefit the NSX community.

update: 200 more miles (now 300 total). I am definitely getting better MPG, i need to figure out how much by running a tank through it at once.

install notes:
-REPLACE Fuel line 12mm crush washers x2 (90428-PD6-003) where fuel line meets fuel rail or risk burning your $60k car to the ground over $10 (ask me how i know:tongue
- ziptie adapters to vacuum line for fuel pressure regulator so it will still fit under injector covers
-i used 1mm washer/shims to push up the fuel rail a bit. These injectors are 1mm taller. I think Charlie will start including these now, but if not they are like 12 cents at home depot.
-make sure the wires for the adapters are not touching the valve covers
-align injectors with marks on fuel rail
-put just a SMALL amount of clean motor oil to lube the injector O-Rings to go in easy on both ends
-prime fuel pump 2-3x before initial start as fuel rail will be empty
-let the engine warm up completely to temp before driving off for the first time, pull over every so often to check for leaks and carry a fire extinguisher just to be extra safe! leave intake manifold cover and fuel rail covers off during this process.

*this is great time to clean or replace the Intake Air Temp and if your feeling cheeky remove/clean the Throttle body as well following Larry Bastanza's article in the NSXCA magazine.

advantages for this to me:
-plug n play- no cutting
-will work with stock ECU (im sure even more benefits with aftermarket engine management)
-includes all needed harness adapters (the stock connectors suck to get off, get a pick or really small flathead screwdriver ready)
-relatively high reward, low impact project
-easily reversible
-removes a large-unsightly box in the engine bay
-better MPG
-relatively "cheaper" than $160 ($150+10ship) just to clean my OEM injectors from RC Engineering.
-100% genuine Denso, I confirmed this with Charlie at OsideTiger. OsideTiger remanufactures/cleans them etc.

I will really only know 100% with live data once i get this thing on a Dyno and my SOS AEM V2 installed, but for now.....it works pretty damn well:biggrin:

Charlie's Contact

Ask For RC-DEVIL's NSX Kit

270cc 11mm Osidetiger's custom remanufactured high impedance Denso fuel injectors

[email protected]

 

[116_s2k]

I test drove this car and wanted it so badly. I didn't have the liquid funds at the time but I'm very happy this went to a good home . Congrats on the car keep up the good work !

 

[RC-DEVIL]

haha so your the other guy! yea it was actually a pretty nice car, service records were mostly SOS and LarryB. It is my dream car, its in good hands i cherish it every morning as i stare at it in the garage before leaving for work.

Once i drove it one time, it felt basically the same as many of the lower mileage units i have driven. Everything was tight, everything worked. Just a good honest NSX.

 

[MotorMouth93]

Most NSX seat cover swaps end up looking terrible with wrinkles and bulges all over but yours look amazing! I might have to pick up a set of covers from Ridies now.

 

[I_M_Legend]

Most NSX seat cover swaps end up looking terrible with wrinkles and bulges all over but yours look amazing! I might have to pick up a set of covers from Ridies now.

Exactly!

OP, do you have any more pics of your seats? Any imperfections that you've noticed?

 

[RC-DEVIL]

so i have lots of pics but the forum wont let me upload anything else as an attachment. it says im using 9.3mb of 9.5mb space for attachments. I dont know, ill have to work out how to get more pics up.

If anyone would like pics, just PM me and i can email them.

Fitment and quality of the ridies.com covers were very good, i think it really comes down to the installer and having the proper tools/experience. My installer was able to steam some of the foam to make it pliable again. I am very pleased with the fitment, they look "factory plus". Ridies.com is/was Interior Innovations but Ridies is the new site.

 

[116_s2k]

Haha yeah me and a buddy went to check it out and it was the first nsx we have driven . Best day of our lives so far lol. I saved all the pictures from the listing if you want them for nostalgia sake. Seemed like a very well sorted car and perfect candidate for your goals !

 

[RC-DEVIL]

Exactly!

OP, do you have any more pics of your seats? Any imperfections that you've noticed?

I have just updated the thread with more pics of everything, figured out how to host on google photos.

 

[I_M_Legend]

I have just updated the thread with more pics of everything, figured out how to host on google photos.

The seats look awesome!

 

[neuronbob]

Awesome thread. Glad you are enjoying!

 

[RC-DEVIL]

test fitted the ScienceofSpeed SOS Car Cover. Car is pretty much out of service for the winter, so its sitting like this while i convince myself to not buy anymore parts. Fitment is awesome, quality is nice.....only complaint the extra $23.50 for a super cheap thin carrying bag is cheeky...cover is pretty good but for $249.50...toss that bag in or get better bags IMO.

S2000 Antenna from TheNSXShop. its nice because it can be removed in 5seconds and then you can essentially install any car cover.

The garnish piece on the rear was the only piece of paintwork on this car that looked tired and a bit faded. Otherwise everything was in awesome shape and i dont think it needs anything else. I was looking at the DF and Pride USA pieces but im honestly not a huge fan of non structural carbon-fiber (I still kind of doubt myself on the spoiler, but i promise thats it)

So i pulled it when i did the STMPO RSTB and got it painted for $100 in the original NH556 Gloss Black. Now it looks brand new.

Installed ScienceofSpeed Clutch Slave Hose Kit, nice and firms up the feel. Vehicle had the clutch replaced at 110k with a OEM unit and it still engages and works smoothly. It engages at the end of the throw definitely but its still tight and grabs. I opted to not get the damper delete because it will come with the SOS clutch when i replace at 200k anyways.

I paid Acura $30 for two little rubber Plugs that go in the holes when the Targa top is off. Im still sour about it, i felt like a victim on Law and Order: SVU.

 

[Honcho]

Wow, what a great story and build! Congrats on finding the car and you've done a fantastic job with your updates! Really interested in the 12-hole injector upgrade. I had 14-hole Bosch in my GTR and they were flawless. I was kind of hoping something similar would be available for the NSX.

 

[RC-DEVIL]

Wow, what a great story and build! Congrats on finding the car and you've done a fantastic job with your updates! Really interested in the 12-hole injector upgrade. I had 14-hole Bosch in my GTR and they were flawless. I was kind of hoping something similar would be available for the NSX.

i put 200 more miles on these things yesterday at Blood Mountain in the North GA area. Now totaling 300 miles or so, I believe the OEM ECU has properly relearned setting fuel trim values now. Motor runs like butter, idle and just around town is the most noticeable difference. It performs beautifully up to redline. I am DEFINITELY getting better MPG, but i need to run a whole tank through at once to be sure just how much and calculate. Ill say this I left my house with 1 notch above half a tank, did ~200 miles (maybe a little less) of mountain backroads at spirited pace and came back home with still 1 notch above E, no gas light on. I think thats pretty damn good lol.

Contact Charlie and ask him for RC-DEVIL's 270cc Osidetiger Denso NSX Kit [email protected]

this was probably one of the most worthwhile upgrades ive done yet, if the MPG theory holds up this could be a huge innovation for the NSX community. Charlie has been really great to work with.

UPDATE: These 270cc Denso Injectors popped up lean codes on both banks.
I have moved on to 315cc Bosch 18-hole injectors, these seem to be working fine. Updated on the next page.

 

[BBVNSX]

Wow, what a great story and build! Congrats on finding the car and you've done a fantastic job with your updates! Really interested in the 12-hole injector upgrade. I had 14-hole Bosch in my GTR and they were flawless. I was kind of hoping something similar would be available for the NSX.

+1 Really interested in the 12-hole injector upgrade!



Great story and great work!

 

[RC-DEVIL]

Went out for a drive today, a few pics! i think its almost done

 

[Hass]

Congrats, nicely written thread. Interior looks so much better with the black, I like what you've done so far.

 

[Dynamic-uzed-auto]

the rims and mirrors look awesome, great build and enjoy it

 

[Speedmaster]

You are really doing a nice job with your build thread. And, thank you from me and the community on the 12-hole injector thread. That looks promising enough to get me motivated to start wrenching again. Thanks!

 

[UnhuZ]

Hi,

just got through all of your thread... nice work... tasteful mods

about the injectors... i got confused... are they Bosch or Denso ??

keep up this awesome work you've been doing !!

Thanks,
Nuno