Driving home after dropping off the gf, on Rte. 10. I merge onto the 4 lane road and pick up some speed(nice, open, 4 lane road with a speed limit of 65mph). I noticed he was coming up fast in the lane I just merged onto, at first I didn't bite, but he swerved into the fast lane and downshifted up about a half car. Just by looking at the car, I realized he had exhaust and rims and real dark tint, who knew what was under the engine. I proceed to drive normally, to see if he would make the first move. He blipped the throttle and I grabbed 3rd gear at about 60mph and got on it. He saw me and layed it down...when we began, he was a little over a car ahead of me so I had to case him down. 3rd gear finished with me passing his quarter panel. 4th gear was a dream as I pulled away no problem whatsoever and shut down at about 125mph gaining close to 3 car lengths by then.

His car was LOUD, especially when VTEC hit, but it really didn't impress me much. I've heard a lot of hype about them and this car just showed no ball$ at all. He even had a car headstart on me and I still walked him like no tomorrow.

Another one in the books.:evil2


EDIT: My mods are: Euro HFM kit, headers, track pipe, exhaust. I can't imagine the outcome if my 3.38 was installed.

sweet kill... NSX are nice cars... I guess your mods made the difference.... showed the NSX some M power...

Lot's of money and it's still a Honda/Acura.

Real quick question: I had always heard that VTEC was just for gas mileage, that it added valves only at high revs...Does it actually do anything performance wise? (Sure as hell doesn't seem like it):biglaughb :dunno

The new NSX are preety pathetic for how much they cost. Older ones are even worse.

I think they are outdated now as it appears that the car now & then is almost the same.... But I still think they are good cars but just outdated.

Originally posted by mmmbeefy42
Lot's of money and it's still a Honda/Acura.

:rolleyes:

Originally posted by mmmbeefy42
Lot's of money and it's still a Honda/Acura.

Real quick question: I had always heard that VTEC was just for gas mileage, that it added valves only at high revs...Does it actually do anything performance wise? (Sure as hell doesn't seem like it):biglaughb :dunno

The NSX has an early form of VTEC that switches to a more aggressive cam profile at about 5.5k RPM. It does help performance in that by switching to a more aggressive cam profile, the torque doesn't start falling off at high RPM, which yields more HP. It doesn't "kick in" in any perceptible way (in an NSX) except that the TQ curve remains flat across the entire rev range, though you won't hear it engage. Contrast that to an NA E36 engine that does in fact show a falling TQ curve in the upper RPM range.

Stock late model NSX 97+ coupes (admittedly rare, probably less than 65 in the US of which 49 would be '99 Zanardi lightweights) run in the high 12s, so despite the HP ratings, they're still fun to drive. And if you haven't driven one, it would be very hard to rationalize the purchase - but if you have, then you'd realize that they are definitely worth every penny.

So it's still a Honda, which means it's reliable and fast. Which of the two cars below would you rather have, if you couldn't have both? :alright

Everytime I see one on the road I think to myself.

Is that a Integra El Camino?

http://www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/spinaroundtown/02.acura.nsx/02.acura.nsx.r3-4.500.jpg

Japanese car designers couldn't design an original good looking car if their lives depended on it.

Brian

Originally posted by mmmbeefy42
Lot's of money and it's still a Honda/Acura.

Real quick question: I had always heard that VTEC was just for gas mileage, that it added valves only at high revs...Does it actually do anything performance wise? (Sure as hell doesn't seem like it):biglaughb :dunno
Of course it does. DOHC VTEC has an extra lobe on the cams, which engages at higher RPM's. The lobe increases the duration and lift, so it's like having more agressive cams, without losing low end.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question229.htm&url=http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/index.html

Originally posted by dallasbboy
Everytime I see one on the road I think to myself.

Is that a Integra El Camino?

http://www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/spinaroundtown/02.acura.nsx/02.acura.nsx.r3-4.500.jpg

Japanese car designers couldn't design an original good looking car if their lives depended on it.

Brian

Errr....anyone who calls an NSX ugly must be either blind, jealous, or a bit of both....you pick one :az:

Number9, I would want the ///M :buttrock honestly

Originally posted by Nimble
Errr....anyone who calls an NSX ugly must be either blind, jealous, or a bit of both....you pick one :az:

Well I was joking. I admire and respect the NSX. It does look a bit funny from certain angles though you have to admit.

Brian

I would take the NSX, and I for the most part HATE jap cars.....but have always loved that one...plus M's are everywhere, see about 4-5 NSX's a year

For some reason, it takes me a good minute to reg. this car from a distance.. perhaps it kinda looks too plain nowadays...

Originally posted by slickav
Number9, I would want the ///M :buttrock honestly
That's a perfectly reasonable choice since the ///M is way more practical and is still quite fun to drive. I guess another rational response is to take the SC Zanardi, sell it, get an SC M3 and pocket the change. I just don't get the notion of ///M car enthusiasts disparaging other perfectly fine cars... :confused:

Originally posted by dallasbboy
Well I was joking. I admire and respect the NSX. It does look a bit funny from certain angles though you have to admit.

Brian

I think the car still looks good for an almost 15 year old design:)

Oh and BTW, the newer NSX is MUCH faster than the old.....barring forced induction, an E36 M3 would get wasted by one, ask me how I know.:12:

Good kill arrag. It's actually pretty sad to put a loud exhaust on an apparently otherwise nearly stock pre-97 NSX because it would run maybe 240 RWHP which any number of modern BMW or MB sedans would kill in the acceleration department. Sort of ricey by definition. And if the guy instigated the encounter, then he got what he deserved - so kudos to you for giving the guy a reality check.

NSXs are nice cars, as are ///Ms, but bang-for-buck and pure HP are not either of their respective strong points, though handling might be...

Actually, some NSX's came with automatic transmission -- we all know what that does.

Hey number9, do u have any pics of your m? I would love to see it, judgeing by that very very small pic in your sig it looks sweet.

Originally posted by Flock
Hey number9, do u have any pics of your m? I would love to see it, judgeing by that very very small pic in your sig it looks sweet.
Here's a pic of it when it was the top placing bimmer in the 2K One Lap:
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/bimmer/2000/07/images/oloa-dinan-5-800.jpg
I don't have many other pictures yet, but there it is in its former life: It no longer has decals, splitter, or rear wing and now looks like a stock M3, but with much more power.

Yeah, Number9, I'd take the M3 too, esp yours. Thanks for the explaination of VTEC and stuff. And I think the NSX looks damn good. I didn't realize they were so rare, I see a black one around here at least once a month or so...

Reviewing this link http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=question229.htm&url=http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/index.html that someone was kind enough to post above, I realize the reason for my thinking all it did was increase gas mileage. I didn't realize there was more than one type of VTEC, the type I heard about in the past was appearently the VTEC-E, which, as you will see when looking at the site, all it does is raise gas mileage. That's where that came from...Good to know...

Originally posted by mmmbeefy42
Lot's of money and it's still a Honda/Acura.

Real quick question: I had always heard that VTEC was just for gas mileage, that it added valves only at high revs...Does it actually do anything performance wise? (Sure as hell doesn't seem like it):biglaughb :dunno

Have you ever driven an NSX??

Am I the only one who doesn't think that just because I drive a BMW I am special?? Damn, some of you guys need a reality check. :rolleyes:

What do you drive??

Originally posted by Nimble
Errr....anyone who calls an NSX ugly must be either blind, jealous, or a bit of both....you pick one :az:

I would agree...but i would also say that they are not car enthusiasts. Seems like too many people have judgements about cars they have NEVER driven....or know anything about.

The NSX is supposed to be a car that performs well...but is also meant to be an exotic car. That is why they are so expensive. Why do people buy NSXs???? Because they can.

The NSX is not intended for the guys who are budget car shoppers...if they were...they would get the Z06. Few people can say they own an NSX. You cna't say that about too many cars out there.

Originally posted by arrag
Driving home after dropping off the gf, on Rte. 10. I merge onto the 4 lane road and pick up some speed(nice, open, 4 lane road with a speed limit of 65mph). I noticed he was coming up fast in the lane I just merged onto, at first I didn't bite, but he swerved into the fast lane and downshifted up about a half car. Just by looking at the car, I realized he had exhaust and rims and real dark tint, who knew what was under the engine. I proceed to drive normally, to see if he would make the first move. He blipped the throttle and I grabbed 3rd gear at about 60mph and got on it. He saw me and layed it down...when we began, he was a little over a car ahead of me so I had to case him down. 3rd gear finished with me passing his quarter panel. 4th gear was a dream as I pulled away no problem whatsoever and shut down at about 125mph gaining close to 3 car lengths by then.

His car was LOUD, especially when VTEC hit, but it really didn't impress me much. I've heard a lot of hype about them and this car just showed no ball$ at all. He even had a car headstart on me and I still walked him like no tomorrow.

Another one in the books.:evil2


EDIT: My mods are: Euro HFM kit, headers, track pipe, exhaust. I can't imagine the outcome if my 3.38 was installed.

Hmm... Good kill (you certainly are the better driver :mdrbig )

Originally posted by dallasbboy
Everytime I see one on the road I think to myself.

Is that a Integra El Camino?

http://www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/spinaroundtown/02.acura.nsx/02.acura.nsx.r3-4.500.jpg

Japanese car designers couldn't design an original good looking car if their lives depended on it.

Brian

That El Camino will get more turns from young girls than your E46! :mdrbig :mdrbig

Originally posted by Nimble
Errr....anyone who calls an NSX ugly must be either blind, jealous, or a bit of both....you pick one :az:

I'll trade in my bmw for an nsx any day (assuming I have another daily driver car in the garage)

Awsome!

I think the NSX looks killer, lets not thrash it too bad, its just jap crap...I mean an import

Its funny... how in terms of performance... M3s are better bang for the buck compared to the NSX...

M3's are just hard to beat period. Even magazines like Muscle Mustang acknowledge the Presence in the Force.

I got to drive an NSX...what a blast. The car had about 290HP, so it felt pretty quick. And if I remember correctly, the VTEC came on a little harder than our VANOS. VANOS is definitely smoother.
And the feel of the stock shifter in that thing...oh man, it's nice.

Years ago I wasn't too much of a fan of the NSX. I had the same mentality as many of you and the rest of the car world had. The styling was awsome but it needed more power for 60ish back in 1991 to now 90 grand new.

Im not saying I would rather not have one, I would have taken a same model year NSX anyday over a same year M. ANYDAY of the week, but because of the reasoning of practicality etc...you just can't seem to believe that the NSX is "good"

Well after this summer on my road trip to DC in the viper along with 2 other guys in their NSX's I am VERY impressed with them. No they are not the quickest of cars but their build quality and just flat out construction is flawless yeah BMW's are good but this is just uncomparable. I was too busy driving the GTS so never really drove the NSX both were 91's with just a few mods. From then on seeing them on the highway and their performance I have been bitten by the NSX bug. It is now competing with the M5 as my next automobile... The style of the NSX is timeless and the quailty is unheard of in a "supercar" nothing compares.

Remember back in 91 how were BMW's doing. I can look back at the 92 viper RT/10s when they came out they were running around 13 flat or maybe high 12's in the 1/4. Now you have SRT-4's that with a few bolt ons are killing them

Good kill none the less :buttrock but just remember not to go around "bragging" how you beat a NSX or any supercar and calling them junk (not saying you thats a general statement) big pet peve of mine

Hey Number9, I've driven #8 more than a few times. ;)

Anyone who thinks the NSX is a joke needs to get behind the wheel of one, Zenardi or otherwise.

With great effort, my modded BMW can almost keep up with it on the road and track. But the NSX is just such a silky smooth, great feeling, beautifully designed package it's hard to find any real fault with it.

Wasnt saying they suck , they are gorgeous cars...exotics dont have to be the best i speed, its overall looks, fit , and finish

All this talk about NSX's and you guys have me missing my Dad's 00' Red/Black targa.....the car was lightened 200lbs, had an Arc titanium exhaust, and an air induction box, as well as Volk racing TE37 forged wheels. That car was an animal! But....now the father wants more speed so, low and behold, a modified 02' Red'black Z06 is coming to the garage in a week. Welcome 500hp and possibility of high 10's with drag radials. Well, at least I can drive around in truely one of the fastest street cars around here:evil2

Too bad I'd still rather have the NSX back again:(

When is the NSX going to re-designed already? Time for a VTEC V-8 under the hood. . err trunk?

seems like never... they appear to be running on the same design since the beginning.... that is one reason, it looks so outdated.

Originally posted by Andy
Have you ever driven an NSX??

Am I the only one who doesn't think that just because I drive a BMW I am special?? Damn, some of you guys need a reality check. :rolleyes:

What do you drive??

I've only been posting here for a while, but the people on these boards don't seem to think they're better than anyone else, regardless of what they drive. I love my 12 year old 3-coupe. Oh and by the way, don't criticize everyone by telling them that they think they're better because of what they drive, and then ask them what they are driving. I trust you see the flaw in any such an argumentative tactic?

I know that my negative comments toward Hondas and thoughts about VTEC are spawned because of people who pour thousands into their Civic, and they still run 15 sec 1/4s at best. These people have given the marqe a name that's sketchy at best. In terms of engine build, Hondas are very close to Mercedes-Benz. No, I haven't driven an NSX. I would be interested in doing so. Would I rather have it than my car? Sure. It's a supercar. But in terms of Go for dollar (not in quantity you understand), accept that BMW beats it. I've stated the reality, check it.

And not enough props can go to Croak, the #8 thing made me laugh. Hard. :biglaughb (No disrespect to anyone else is ment by that comment)

By the way: I'm looking at Preludes for my daily driver.

Originally posted by mmmbeefy42
And not enough props can go to Croak, the #8 thing made me laugh. Hard. :biglaughb (No disrespect to anyone else is ment by that comment)
Zanardi's were limited production cars and each had a unique autographed plate bearing production numbers 2-50, respectively. My car is #9 and I believe that Croak had in fact driven #8. So Croak, how'd you like the upgraded suspension? Also, where is #8 these days? I've only ever seen one other Zanardi in the Silicon Valley...

Early NSX's are surprisingly slow given their curb weight and power. Most of it is due to their HORRIBLE gearing. What does it hit in 2nd, close to 80mph or so? Usually Honda makes some of the sweetest geared transmissions for their sporty to sports cars(Integra Type R, late NSX come to mind immediately).

I will admit I do feel a streak of envy towards an NSX's suspension when I see one going around the track. Those double wishbones just soak up bumps and keep the car so amazingly controlled. Our front struts really blow arse in comparison. Good thing we can run massive negative camber up front and not worry about wear too much to get around most of that!

Originally posted by Number9
Zanardi's were limited production cars and each had a unique autographed plate bearing production numbers 2-50, respectively. My car is #9 and I believe that Croak had in fact driven #8. So Croak, how'd you like the upgraded suspension? Also, where is #8 these days? I've only ever seen one other Zanardi in the Silicon Valley...

It's still with it's original owner here in San Diego, my employer owns it, and still tracks it on occasion. Great car, looking out the window at it now.

a used nsx is one of the best sports car deals around, period. fwiw.

Oh, and #8's original BBS wheels are sitting in my garage. There was an unfortunate problem with worn rear Yoko's, rain, and a high concrete curb. Control arms needed to be replaced, and the wheels on the left side got pretty rashed up.

He replaced them with what he thought were identical BBS wheels, but the new wheels have a slightly different sized center cap hole, larger than the stock wheels. So he's running capless. Any ideas on where to get new "A" logo caps in the titanium that will fit?

Originally posted by Number9
Zanardi's were limited production cars and each had a unique autographed plate bearing production numbers 2-50, respectively. My car is #9 and I believe that Croak had in fact driven #8. So Croak, how'd you like the upgraded suspension? Also, where is #8 these days? I've only ever seen one other Zanardi in the Silicon Valley...

And you just made me look like an idiot. Which was due, I guess .:( Wow. I did realize they were that rare. Why 2-50? 1's in the factory museum or something? Are you the first owner of number 9?

Originally posted by mmmbeefy42
And you just made me look like an idiot. Which was due, I guess .:( Wow. I did realize they were that rare. Why 2-50? 1's in the factory museum or something? Are you the first owner of number 9?
No reason to feel bad about not knowing some obscure information about an even more obscure car. Zanardi #0 was a test mule for the car mags. #1 was a eurospec version and was given to Alex Zanardi. #2-50 were sold in the US. It's a slightly lowered, weight reduced version of the NSX with a much stiffer suspension. I am the first owner of #9.

Croak, Zanardi parts (wheels/caps/bbs valve stems) should be available special order from any acura dealers. You might also try daliracing.com or post a "parts wanted" ad at nsxprime.com.

Thanks. That's awesome.

NSX is beautiful. You guys are serious haters of the Jap cars. Come on now, look at it.

yea its pretty nice, my firend has one

Funny this should come up... my brother used to have a 91 NSX with rims and exhaust... and I had my 95 M3 tuned. We never raced or anything... but we would always debate who's faster. Perhaps I should show him this thread and show him what's up!! =)

Originally posted by nammysu
Funny this should come up... my brother used to have a 91 NSX with rims and exhaust... and I had my 95 M3 tuned. We never raced or anything... but we would always debate who's faster. Perhaps I should show him this thread and show him what's up!! =) Keep in mind that stock-for-stock, the 91 NSX would have about a 30 RWHP power advantage and about a ~150 lb weight advantage, assuming both cars are in good tune. (Early NSXs typically run 235 - 240 RWHP, while 95 M3s typically run 205-210 RWHP - though I've seen higher and lower outliers for both) All bets are off after you start modding the respective cars, but finding another ~40 RWHP (the M3 needs more RWHP than the NSX to account for the weight delta) in an M3 won't be easy using simple, inexpensive bolt-ons. (It's easy to find more than that using FI, though! :evil2 )

Executive Summary: Stock or lightly modded E36 M3s will generally lose acceleration contests vs. stock 94 (or earlier) NSX coupes, assuming equal drivers. Just physics... :atom

[i]Japanese car designers couldn't design an original good looking car if their lives depended on it.[/B]

I'm not sure that's true right now I think Nissan has a pretty good looking line of cars. The 350z looks really nice, and so does the 3.5 Ultima. Think about what's happening to BMW styling. It's hard for me to dislike any BMW, but lately I notice some design detail, or line I struggle with.
Hank

Executive Summary: Stock or lightly modded E36 M3s will generally lose acceleration contests vs. stock 94 (or earlier) NSX coupes, assuming equal drivers. Just physics...

But the E36 M3's gearing is superior to the early NSX's 5 speed box. I agree the NSX will pull as speeds get higher, but a 0-80 or 0-100mph race will probably put them pretty close, with maybe the NSX barely nudging the M3 out on the top end.

Plus I thought NSXs were just a bit lighter than an E36, not a huge amount? E36 M3's curb weight is ~3150-3175lbs according to BMW. I thought an NSX was in the high 3000's? I could definitely be wrong tho...

Originally posted by Def
But the E36 M3's gearing is superior to the early NSX's 5 speed box. I agree the NSX will pull as speeds get higher, but a 0-80 or 0-100mph race will probably put them pretty close, with maybe the NSX barely nudging the M3 out on the top end.

Plus I thought NSXs were just a bit lighter than an E36, not a huge amount? E36 M3's curb weight is ~3150-3175lbs according to BMW. I thought an NSX was in the high 3000's? I could definitely be wrong tho...

The 91 had a curb weight of only 3010 lbs. Later models gained weight and by the time the Targa was introduced, the curb weight was about the same as an E36 M3, though the coupes continued to weigh quite a bit less than the E36 M3.

As for the gearing, you are correct in your analysis that the pre-97 cars had a relatively large gap in the 1-2 transmission ratio that hurts acceleration, but I think you are overestimating the net effect. The suboptimal gearing only costs about .2 sec in 0-60 and about .1 sec in the 1/4 mi compared to an NSX with more ideal ratio spacing (i.e., one with the so called "short gears"). The gearing deficit is more than offset by the 30 RWHP advantage. You are also correct about the high speed acceleration comparison where the NSX's better Cd*A (drag coefficient times frontal area) and taller top gear give the NSX better acceleration at triple digits and a higher top speed.

That said, both of these cars excel at handling are not exactly in their element drag racing. I definitely like 'em both.

HAHAHA that funny..I raced one in my M3 with just an intake and chip...It was from a 10 mph roll all the way threw 1st ans 2nd, then we lead off..I pulled him like 1/2 a car...I was expecting to get walked to piss..Everyone always talks about the NSX...Well it wasnt anything at all..should have bough a BLOWN M3..That would be way more fun and cheaper!

Ive run a nsx with my 98 conv. M3 now my car ran a 14.1 @ 100
not bad for a conv. but that nsx cr

that nsx crushed me bad up to 130 by about 15 cars+ so dont sleep on the HONDA NSX

I'm a wee bit below stock M3 curb weight and a wee bit over stock M3 RWHP, geared shorter than a stock M3, reving more freely than a stock M3, and it's all I can do to stick with Brad's 99 bone stock NSX-Z from a launch, let alone from a roll or on the track.

NSX's rock and all, but to be brutally honest, if I were to go with a car that has looks and performance, it would be the Efini RX-7 FD. I'd have to go with an M5 for daily driver and an RX-7 for weekend warrior! As for now, I'll have to settle on my M3 to do all of the above. It's going to be a blast!

http://www.rx7club.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=666324
http://www.rx7club.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=666328
http://www.rx7club.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=666334

But they don't have roundels :confused: