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An NA1 by any other name... would not be a miata.
To keep up with my own long standing tradition, I bought and started another project without 'finishing' any of my other projects.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...0b49733bd.jpeg No, I didn't buy a decommissioned Lexus car transport truck and trailer... https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...565899539.jpeg I guess you could call this a midlife crisis project car? https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a9614d72c.jpeg So the details: 1994 Acura NSX (NA1) 229000 miles on the odometer (don't know if that's even accurate) Clean title, though clearly the front end met with something at one point or another It was an east coast car so all the steel bits are rather rusty. Fortunately the car is mostly aluminum, so it's not as bad as it could be. No motor or transmission or axles... I've got an instagram for the build @red_goes_green, but instagram isn't the place for rambling or pondering, that kind of content is much better suited to a forum. And I like y'all so this is the forum it will be on. |
Rough around the edges...
220,000 miles will take its toll on any car, and while clearly loved by at least one of its owners at some point, others have been less caring.
We'll start at the front and work our way back. The front bumper, hood, and drivers headlight don't really line up at all. There is an unknown lip (I'm not yet a crazy NSX person who knows random aftermarket parts). Also just visible is the poorly roller front fender. And it's very hard to see here, but the windshield is cracked. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...13e4ad2b24.jpg Moving under the hood. Some kind of radiator shroud was riveted to the core support and then later removed by just cutting it out. New looking Koyo radiator. Poorly installed HID's, one of the boxes is just visible to the right of the ABS reservoir. Valuecraft battery, not bolted down and with poorly installed aftermarket cable ends. BC RACING (woooo, lol) coilover adjuster knobs visible in the cowl shroud. Tow hook cover located on the dash. Not shown: Radiator fan wires are cut(reason unknown), fuse box has the extra accessory fuses populated(who know's what they're connected to), Spare tire(no spare was included). https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...5315bff64.jpeg One more underhood shot. Carbon Fiber! Someone cared about this car at some point? Unclear if this was pre or post nose bonk. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...35581acc2.jpeg The interior looks decent for its age/milage. Missing trim on the front corner of the door, worn steering wheel, OE stereo doesn't work (makes weird noises), blower doesn't seem to run (but you can hear the flappy doors moving when changing settings). https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...30563438b1.jpg Proof of mileage https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ad5236ebe.jpeg The drivers seat has seen some things... but again isn't horrific given the use. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b1052a2196.jpg And the engine bay. The engine cover deck lid thing is missing... as are most of the other bits that should be here. More on that later. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...876d30405.jpeg And finally the backside. Another carbon fiber bit (aftermarket spoiler of some kind). Third brake light does not work. Ricer LED taillights (these do work). Rusty rear bumper support and plate mount. Center section of the OE diffuser has been cut out... Also visible are the strange letters glued to the tires to be sure that you can read that they're FEDERAL 595's from 20' away. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...bf396c6cb4.jpg And many other weird little details, like, 'why does't it have a rear sway bar' and 'why does the trunk smell like gas'? Stay tuned* for the answer to these questions (actually probably not) and for my future plans for this well loved "super car" * Don't hold your breath, this is likely all I've got for tonight. |
I'm holding my breath! Can't wait to see how this progresses!
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OMG YESSSSS
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Btw, did this come with an OEM hood prop? Inquiring minds would like to know
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Much excite :likecat:
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Interesting!
My late brother had a pristine NSX 3.0l auto, beautiful car, went like the clappers, but they need a certain amount of respect and TLC to last well. I am guessing that you will not be recreating a concours example, but will follow your progress keenly. |
You're a brave man.
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Not a miata but exactly what I like to see.
i got a chance to play around with an nsx on backroads once. It really is a sight to see popping out of a corner. Absolutely timeless bodystyle and red suits it excellently, I love it. Are you going to stuff a K series into it? |
Originally Posted by Scaxx
(Post 1618452)
Btw, did this come with an OEM hood prop? Inquiring minds would like to know
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...fdea6d811.jpeg
Originally Posted by Scaxx
(Post 1618450)
I'm holding my breath! Can't wait to see how this progresses!
Originally Posted by EO2K
(Post 1618451)
OMG YESSSSS
Originally Posted by 18psi
(Post 1618453)
Much excite :likecat:
Originally Posted by Gee Emm
(Post 1618457)
Interesting!
My late brother had a pristine NSX 3.0l auto, beautiful car, went like the clappers, but they need a certain amount of respect and TLC to last well. I am guessing that you will not be recreating a concours example, but will follow your progress keenly.
Originally Posted by rleete
(Post 1618459)
You're a brave man.
Originally Posted by WigglingWaffles
(Post 1618460)
Not a miata but exactly what I like to see.
i got a chance to play around with an nsx on backroads once. It really is a sight to see popping out of a corner. Absolutely timeless bodystyle and red suits it excellently, I love it. Are you going to stuff a K series into it? |
Weekend of work
A couple weekends ago, some friends (you know who you are) came by and we poked at the car.
First we started out by lubricating the important bits. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...51c63739b8.jpg Then we fueled up https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...5b1f8a6fde.jpg and finally we got to work. @EO2K and I removed the HID's and control boxes and replaced them with 9006 bulbs. The HID's made a terrible noise when on and the control boxes were just zip tied in place and the wiring was getting pinched by the popup mechanism (see wire in lower left of image below). It was only a matter of time before these wires were going to short out. I plan on eventually installing some LED bulb replacements, but the halogens will work for now :) https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...f1e188e67.jpeg Fuel tank removed! I really didn't expect to see moss on top of the tank, lol. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...77d320084.jpeg While removing the tank, it was noted that one of the wheels is cracked :( I'm not a huge fan of the wheels, so it's not the end of the world, but I had planned on selling them and now they're worth less (worthless?)... https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...98ea2dc30.jpeg |
Not only is it cracked, it sure looks like it had been 'repaired' and cracked again. I'm impressed that it was holding air!
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B6 swap is the obvious answer. because of the revs and low end grunt
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Why not a Geo 1.0 LP2/G10? That's a whole 3 cylinders of fury.
Simplify, and add lightness. |
Buick 3500.
Reliability is key. |
A fellow Bay Area resident! Will be following this build with great interest :likecat:
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Gotta go for a 13B BP with a weber. Add reliability and environmental friendliness to the package.
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I gave you the first kitten on this thread.
Oh, that is so cool. It's high enough mileage and molested enough that any mods you do will only help it. I wouldn't mod a pristine one of those at all; with yours the sky is the limit. My choice would stay Honda. J37A4, Darton sleeves, 8.5 cr forged pistons. Assimilated by the Borg, a pair of them. Biggest problem with this is transmission. I am not aware of any production transverse transaxle that can withstand the torque the above engine could produce. Maybe a race-oriented box could but they are not friendly for street use. Still, it would be fun to try... I've wanted one of those since they came out. Back when they could be had for 25-35K I really should have purchased one... You have my respect and admiration, Sir |
Technology
I was able to borrow an EinScan Pro and have started playing around with it.
I was a little concerned that it's intended to work on smaller objects, but initial tests have been promising. Miata content (first object I tried, I'm pretty sure I could get a much better scan now that I've used it more): https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...ef7ca1f47.jpeg Given a little success I decided to see how it would work with a larger object. This is the front engine mount/cross member from the NSX. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...6a7f3be1a.jpeg EDIT: test of youtube short embedding works! And finally gratuitous Honda on Honda action https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d45a425d63.jpg |
I like how there are 2 Honda motors and 2 Honda vehicles in that garage, and the only place the Venn Diagram overlaps is the Grom :cool:
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