The NSX is just so special, there’s so much history and legend surrounding it and owning one is a sense of pride and joy. It almost becomes an identity with that car, glad you decided to keep it.
I've been through a lot of cars. Owned Lamborghini (2), Ferrari (1), BMW M cars (2 including an e92 M3 GTS that I still own today) and more than 6 Porsche 911s including a GT3 RS, Evo 9 RS and R35 GTR. Did over 70 track days in them. But none of them are keepers like the NSX. You will be doing back road drives a lot longer than you would be track days (I am now in my 50s) and the NSX is the most enjoyable real world car.
I met a guy who ownes over 5 cool cars including Porsche ….he sold his NSX years ago….misssed it so much he purchased another quickly after he sold it. He said nothing in his collection compares to it. My 98 has been my baby for 5 years and I fully understand your mind set. This car is special and when released back in 1990 I wasn’t allowed to even open the door to sit in it. I was told I would have to buy it to take a test drive….lol. It was twice my salary….but wanted to dream….Anytime I feel bored about my NSX, I get on TH-cam and watch related videos, read the comments of people that wish they had the car….Then hop inside my NSX and appreciate what I have.
You won't be disappointed, I had an NSX-R but hated the rhd, i now have a NA1, fully build into a NSX-R ( box, singlemass flywheel, 1230kg, nsxr gears/r&p ) Car is phenomenal and gets more seat time than my 3.8RS.
YES! Mindset is key to these things. That shorter gearset will be loads of fun. As you get older you will appreciate and be grateful for keeping this token of sentiment. Anyways we'll done, happy new year!
NSX of this generation will always be considered highly respected and in rare company as a defining car of it's time. It was the epitome of Japanese car culture next to the GT-R's. Dial it in to exactly what you want and it will make you happy all over again. Like having a new car. I am a Porsche guy and have held onto my cars for very long times. 10+ years on average. Any time I get that wild hair to upgrade, I treat myself to a little mod or upgrade that makes the car feel different and new to me. Whether it's an exterior head light upgrade, tail light upgrade, new steering wheel design, stick shift cables, or short shift kit, new wheels/tires, or adding a new intake or ecu bump in power. Maybe even a suspension upgrade. Dial it in and all of these things, when done right and tasteful, will make you fall in love with the car again. Drive it like you stole it. Garage queens are the worst for mechanical problems and oil leaks because all the seals dry out and hoses become brittle when not warmed up and lubed properly. So enjoy and drive it more often.
Fellow NSX owner here. Solid decision to keep the car. Would be difficult to replace. Also, good decision to switch out the gears. I own a pop-up NA2 (ie 6MT) and the gearing makes that NSX engaging to me. Shorter gears for the 5MT NA1 can only improve it. Good luck!
I'm happy to see you stay in the NSX family. There is nothing as special under $150k, and most cars above that price aren't as special. I'm hopeful that there will be continued support to keep these cars on the road as time goes by. The owner of Science of Speed has stated that his company is dedicated to this.
Been watching for years. You are my favorite car video guy. I'm glad you're keeping the NSX. It seemed to me, when you raised the question about whether to keep it, that the question really came down to whether you would enjoy driving it as your daily driver and canyon carver whenever you did not need a third seat. My sense was that the NSX, perhaps with a small number of mods, must provide a tactile, interactive, and pleasurable driving experience that no other car can provide. Enjoy!
Great to hear your story as I also am thinking about selling my 91 NSX. Like you making a personal decision is always more difficult than helping a friend make a decision. I've always wanted a formula 3 car to drive on Suzuka but marriage made that difficult so bought the NSX 15 years ago and have often been to Suzuka. Recently sold my wife's Boxster and bought a new Civic which is the first 'modern car' with buttons and digital stuff everywhere but so easy to drive. The NSX 80,000 miles just looking at it still makes me smile and playing with the pedals never gets old but I am in my twilight years. I think about the decision everyday.
Good for you. I was one of the move on commenters but can also understand when something means so much to someone. I personally havent come across a car like that to me so i cycle, enjoy and move. Good luck w your future plans!!!!!
Great decision as I also had the same feeling for my 1991 with 16 years ownership. Driving on the street is a minor part of the experience. When I lap Suzuka the shift from 2nd to 3rd the continuous acceleration really keeps the eyes open and with headers and good open mufflers the engine sound and VTEC can easily be felt. Depending on your height with the OEM seats you might not get a race helmet on so added a bucket seat which not only solved that problem but the bolsters will hold your body firmly freeing your hands with the high g's. On the circuit you don't have to run 100% to enjoy and after circuit experience then fast driving on the street seems pointless.
I'm sad to hear about the limited available of the short gears. A friend of mine got them last year and let me drive his car and it got me thinking about doing them in the future next time I need to replace the clutch. I was always worried about the increased noise/RPM on the highway, but with the 4.23 it really only runs something like 200 RPM higher in 5th gear so the difference is barely noticeable. I think you made the right choice with keeping it. I've had my NSX for over 20 years and I've seen a bunch of people sell their cars in that time. Quite a few of them missed their car and bought another one a year or two later.
Oh I am so relieved you stuck with the NSX. And congrats on scoring that short gear kit. I can’t imagine how frustrating extra long gearing combined with a VTEC engine would be for me. This video reminds me of why you have risen to the top of my favorite car enthusiast channels. You are so often driving the cars I wish I could drive and yet remain just within reach of a true dream car. And you seem to be saying the things I’d be thinking such that it allows me to get a taste for what it’s like to get behind some of these truly great enthusiast cars. Well done.
Really glad to hear the NSX is staying and super excited to see how the gearing mods transform the car! Most people don't appreciate the difference optimised gearing has on the driving experience.
I think you made the right choice. I currently have an 18 WRX as a daily, plan on getting an AP1 for my weekend car and I plan on keeping and working on them forever. Theyre too special they just don't make em like they used to
Nostalgia and just that general personal connection is a very powerful thing. It's what makes me believe that I will never sell my E46 M3 (and I'm still hoping maybe you'll get one since you've talked about it in the past - I would LOVE to see you make content about your ownership of one). The NSX is an incredibly special car, and as great as those Porsches you mentioned are, I do believe they lack that X factor that can make all the difference between something you think is great and something you truly love. Looking forward to more NSX content - with every video like this I get one step closer to dreaming of owning one someday myself.
Although I thought the C8 would be a good replacement for your budget, road and track versatility, I totally get your decision. I'm keeping and restoring my RSX just because they won't be making an analog car like that anymore. On a different note, my Cayman's 2nd gear redlines at 65-70 MPH, so I feel your pain. SharkWerks sells a shorter gear set for only $8K 😵
Doing the same with my 05 Type S. Realized it is a mentality switch - enjoy her for what she is. A time machine. Slow by 2024 standards, but it has its own charm. Missing the LSD and 5.06 gears to transform her into what she was always meant to be.
@@Save_the_Stick_Shifts Good Luck! I've got a LSD, K24 small block while keeping the K20 head among many other performance mods. I'm buying better coilovers this week, in addition to new wheels, tires, and a full body color wrap change soon.
When you said your keeping it the clump in my stomach dropped in relief and it's not even my car 😂 Super stoked for you and i hope you keep it forever!
Great video!! It was really awesome to hear your rational for keeping you car. Porsche's as incredible as they are, are a dine a dozen. An Acura NSX has timeless cool factor and rarity to it. I'm stoked to hear that not only are you keeping it but your doubling down and making it your the forever car you dreamed of!!
I am glad you decided to keep it. Its funny after watching your 1st video my initial impressions was that you were going to sell it. But them I wondered, what's the real story behind why you bought it and I felt you may keep it. Good on you man!!
Been at a crossroads for a while now with my 00 NSX. Had a baby and it has just sat since then, every excuse not to drive it. Wife and I used to just hop in it and ride but can't do that now. I know alot of people ditch their cars during this stage only to jump back into something down the road, but I know I couldn't do that with the market on these. I don't have any dough to mod the car anymore, don't know if I ever will at this rate, but I'm gonna try to hang on tight. Sorry for my rant, thanks for the vid.
I added short gears and type r final drive. Does make it more fun to drive. But i still ended up selling the nsx after owning it 10 years and tbh don't miss it. I ended up switching cars every 2-3 years to experience new cars. That was much more satisfying vs having the same car for a decade and trying to mod it to make it feel "new"
Dude, I bought all the sequels from the original TXR on Dreamcast to TXR0 on PS2 for dirt cheap on eBay when I discovered those old hidden gems in 2008 (even bought the Dreamcast cheap). The West Corvettes (C4 and C5) were my mythical beasts that made me realize that peak JDM was their country's obsession with USDM. JDM culture is the reason I have a C8 lol
Your reasoning resonates with me. Plus I love how you use terms like "qualitative" to describe what you're looking for. It shows that you're looking at your decision more objectively opposed to a majority of the population who focuses heavily on subjectivity (although I know a large component of the decision is subjective). - Sincerely, New Subscriber.
I thought I would let you know Zygrene. When I saw Best Motoring channel here on TH-cam wherein they pitted NSX tuners against each other. I saw 2 NA1 NSXs where in they swapped out the 4-speed AT and the 5-speed MT to a 6-speed MT and replaced the Final Drive gear with one with a Type R spec gearing. Perhaps you may want to look into that alternative.
good call, I had said you should get rid of it in your last video but you're right; it's all about your feelings with the car and if you have the money to hold on to it and upgrade it why not? like others are saying if you regret it you'd be hard pressed to find another one
I remember that game so well! I wish we had a game like that now. Just so much more simplified than the open world type games we have today. Race, upgrade, repeat. Glad to see you're keeping the NSX! It has it's faults like anything else but there aren't too many cars out there as special as the NSX!
I have a 2017 Type R. Garage queen, with 18k miles on it. I’ll never sell it. The best thing about no daily driving is the joy I get with every driving opportunity.
glad you kept it, i feel like us car guys that have oppertunity to own a couple cars at the same time go through the same phase.... should i seel and get something else because i don't drive, but as you mention we will then go through that same phase with the next replacement as well. so at some point we need to live in the moment and enjoy the car we wanted for a long time as kids. as a society, we tend to keep wanting the next thing and the next thing.
Good decision. I knew with a few changes to the gearbox, the car will drive much better and you’ll even be happier with the car like I am. I’m glad I did the gears and R&P. Best money spent on the car. I had my 92 for 12 years before I finally did this swap. It’s like riding a bike and going from 1st to 3rd with the bog you feel until you start pedaling faster and pick up speed. If you like to drive my car while you’re car is in the shop, let me know. I’m in San Jose and drive up to Pleasanton/Dublin often.
Glad you’re keeping it. In regards to finding a JDM gear set, or just modding in general with rare parts; if there’s a will there’s a way. If you were really serious about it, I’m sure you would have found the Austrian shop and upgraded it a long time ago, and probably have been driving it more. I’m still not totally sure if I understood what each car’s primary duties are tho. I REALLY don’t think you should move any further into the track car spectrum for the ITS tho. It’s too nice of a daily driver, and you’ll just keep compromising it.
I don't plan to the modify the Type S in any way that would further compromise daily drivability. I'm pretty happy with the way it sits now. Might just need an exhaust. Maybe a seat. That's it.
Excellent. Trust in your prior decision-making process that got you to where you are today. Is there a deeper diff ratio available? The speeds in gears you quoted, and the difference in FD ratios (roughly 4.0:1 going to 4.2:1) doesn't seem like enough (says someone with no hands-on NSX experience).
The JDM short gears involve replacing gears 2/3/4, with the main goal of dramatically shortening the huge rpm drop from 1-2. And the 4.06 to 4.23 FD swap shortens all 5 gears another 4-5%. These 2 changes together should result in the perfect balance of performance, fun, and maintaining a reasonable 5th gear for highway driving.
Glad you are keeping it. I've had my 91 since 2005. I have the 4.55 rear end and the JDM short gears. I love the short gears, but the 4.55 rear is a bit extreme.
Happy you came to your decision! And great find on the guy in Austria for half the price! I think this is a great way to go. Soon you will need the house and kid. And I pray you can find a place with a 4 car garage! Spot for your Daily, spot for the NSX, spot for the dedicated track demon, and spot for the SUV for the lady!
I found your channel in the beginning when you got the NSX because I found out we're around the same age and graduating year, but I can't responsibly afford one and wanted to see how it'd be. I grew up in a Honda family and even have an original 97 Acura NSX dealer booklet thanks to my older brother who got us siblings our PlayStation and Gran Turismo! Then I learned of the RX7 and its beauty along with its flaws from the same game! I had no idea you also were influenced by Tokyo Xtreme Racer Zero. I loved that game so much it's literally my online identity! I've stuck to Honda's and have yet to obtain my dream RX7, passing up opportunities because I only want to own one if I could do it justice. The NSX is also forever my dream car, and on my 97 Accord track car I run the NA2 NSX calipers on a 5-lug setup. Even though I can't go after my dream car, I at least have bits of it I can experience. Glad you didn't give it up and decided to refine it into your dream specs! It's hard being a responsible adult these days hahahaha Side note: at 8:15 a TSX Wagon appeared which is my choice of daily in Vortex Blue Pearl!
@@Zygrene that White FD has been cemented in my memories forever haha I was pretty close to being DreamyGhost, but didn't like the sound of it as much. I didn't know what WhiteCharisma meant and now Rizz memes ruined it too LOLOL
You certainly made the right decision. Once you get the gear set switched out please drive it more and enjoy it. 7 years and 13k miles just won't cut it. Look forward to more NSX content.
If it were me, I would keep the NSX if I could just because it is so special and will only continue to go up in value. Glad you made the right decision. Btw, if you do need garage space or you want to store the car long term somewhere, I work at a car storage facility for collectors in Silicon Valley that I could recommend.
I am overjoyed for you. Hearing that you were thinking of getting rid of my ideal car, the NSX, broke my heart. It was once called the most dependable exotic vehicle on the market. Because the car was so well-designed, many drivers did not enjoy how well it handled because it did not frighten them when driven to the limit. Less informed drivers mistakenly believed that the NSX is a boring car to drive, not realizing that the car is a superior design at high speeds. Professional race drivers were the ones to highlight how comfortable the car is at the top of the performance curve, compared to many others. This fact exudes an unrivaled confidence. Although I was unable to purchase one, I was able to drive one once. At one point in my career, I worked for a used car dealership in Southern California where I had the opportunity to test drive a lot of very nice cars. I drove that NSX for fifteen minutes, and not a single car, regardless of price, could compare to the overall enjoyment I felt. So, stop wasting time right now. Take the wheel of the vehicle. I am delighted for you. If you're ever driving through West Texas...
Gotta learn to stop worrying! Just use it. It's meant to be used. If something happens, it happens, it can be fixed. You can always insure it on track.
Fellow owner here. You made the right choice brotha! There's so many emotions being behind the wheel. Theres those cars that have their place in history and the NSX is one of them. Let me know how you like the type R gearing, that is one of my next mods. Maybe I'll see you out on the road. 🤙🏽
Nice NSX! Im in the process of potentially buying a 1991 NA1 as well, wanted to ask you a question, which shops are good reputable shops for servicing on NSX in the bay area? I live in Walnut Creek and work in Livermore…
The Cayman GT4 is a wonderful car. I am glad it exists. It's something for guys like me to aspire for...because we can't get a reasonably priced 1st gen NSX.
Great call! Years ago I had a well sorted and heavily modified porsche 930, back when they were more affordable. I let it go, the prices went to the moon, and I’ve regretted it ever since!
The Japanese car manufacturers had a gentleman’s agreement back in the late 80’s and early 90’s of horsepower cap of around 275 or 280 for performance cars in Japan. I dunno maybe that’s why the short gear ratio of JDM NSX?
The best choice! You can’t take cars with you to the grave. They need to be enjoyed by their owners and allowing them to sit in some garage withering away to collect value does a huge disservice to the amazing engineers who spent all the time and money to develop amazing machines like the NSX. As a community I’m pretty sure I stand with everyone in saying we would love to see more content with the NSX!
Ha, I have been through this same thought process with my 2002 S2000. Not to make it about me, but we are close in age and GT introduced me to many cars like the NSX as well. When I drive it, I want to keep it. So, definitely DRIVE IT!
good move, I agree (having owned one) that the cayman GT4 is boring and long geared and just another porsche. Road noise is horrible, engine doesn't sound all that good, and repairs are absurdly expensive, and mods are costly as well (for example the short gear set for the cayman is like 12k lol) Make an effort to drive when you can, you're in California so you get more opportunities than me just east of you, enjoy it!
I went through those exact thoughts on selling my lotus elise years ago, I came to the same conclusion, unfortunately at the start of COVID an unlicensed driver took it out and I did the responsible thing for my wife and 1 month old child and put that money toward a house. I still miss the car terribly
Great choice! There will never be analog ICE cars like this again. The value will just continue to go up! Install a supercharger if it is a power issue. DO NOT get rid of it or you will really regret it.
YES !! I think you're making the right decision, I'm excited as hell along with you ! Couple questions : - How do you plan on modifying your habits to drive it more ? - Do you plan on tracking it more since it's finally gonna perform like you want it to ? - Any more performance/driving mods in mind ? If you're putting 5k into gearing, 5k for a supercharger isn't that far-fetched at this point lol.
1) I've started checking myself every time I feel like driving it but hesitate due to some irrational fear of "messing it up" 2) I will take it on track once after the mods, and then assess whether I want to keep doing it. Could be a slippery slope. My main objective is to maximize enjoyment on the street since I'm building it as a grand tourer (which is one reason why I'm not going for something like the OS Giken LSD) 3) I'm not convinced by the supercharged NSXs I've driven so far. The throttle response seems to take a hit, and I don't really like the whine. I also want to maximize reliability. I will consider bolt ons to extract a bit more power but that's hard since the car must remain CARB legal.
@@Zygrene Thanks for the reply ! I would probably keep it NA as well. Just out of curiosity, what specifically makes you stay away from the OS Giken for a street build ?
Lmao didnt realize the 3rd gear in rhe NSX @ 70 is the same as my na miata in 5th @ 50mph! Thats crazy. Granted I've been tossing around the idea of changing out my 5th gear for an rx7 ine which is supposedly taller.
Can't wait to see how your build vision ends up, I'm sure it will be spectacular in the end. I still think it would be sweet to NSX-Rify it with lightweighting. Sounds like you're halfway there already with the gearset and diff.
Hell yeah dude. There aren't many forever cars out there, but to me, the original NSX is one of, if not, the MOST forever car.
The NSX is just so special, there’s so much history and legend surrounding it and owning one is a sense of pride and joy. It almost becomes an identity with that car, glad you decided to keep it.
Good choice. You will regret losing it. You can never get one like it again.
@easyboost7460exactly
I feel bad for whoever sold me mine
I've been through a lot of cars. Owned Lamborghini (2), Ferrari (1), BMW M cars (2 including an e92 M3 GTS that I still own today) and more than 6 Porsche 911s including a GT3 RS, Evo 9 RS and R35 GTR. Did over 70 track days in them. But none of them are keepers like the NSX. You will be doing back road drives a lot longer than you would be track days (I am now in my 50s) and the NSX is the most enjoyable real world car.
I met a guy who ownes over 5 cool cars including Porsche ….he sold his NSX years ago….misssed it so much he purchased another quickly after he sold it. He said nothing in his collection compares to it. My 98 has been my baby for 5 years and I fully understand your mind set. This car is special and when released back in 1990 I wasn’t allowed to even open the door to sit in it. I was told I would have to buy it to take a test drive….lol. It was twice my salary….but wanted to dream….Anytime I feel bored about my NSX, I get on TH-cam and watch related videos, read the comments of people that wish they had the car….Then hop inside my NSX and appreciate what I have.
I've thought about selling my ap1 s2k for years. I've finally decided to keep it for life. Nothing will ever come close to the experience it offers.
I'm in the same boat with my ap2, this is my favorite car I've owned and there isn't going to be a replacement in the foreseeable future.
@@signal_rr same have owned my ap1 for 20 years, giving it to my son when hes old enough
@@signal_rr Never will be.
You won't be disappointed, I had an NSX-R but hated the rhd, i now have a NA1, fully build into a NSX-R ( box, singlemass flywheel, 1230kg, nsxr gears/r&p ) Car is phenomenal and gets more seat time than my 3.8RS.
Patiently waiting for the day I get to review an NSX-R on a proper road
YES! Mindset is key to these things. That shorter gearset will be loads of fun. As you get older you will appreciate and be grateful for keeping this token of sentiment. Anyways we'll done, happy new year!
Tokyo Extreme Racer was one of my favorite games growing up!!
Glad you're keeping your NSX.
It was addicting! One of these days I should dig it up and play just for nostalgia's sake.
Glad your keeping her man like fr you won't regret it with this car and it's only getting harder to find and more valuable as the time passes us by
Same. Love that game.
NSX of this generation will always be considered highly respected and in rare company as a defining car of it's time. It was the epitome of Japanese car culture next to the GT-R's. Dial it in to exactly what you want and it will make you happy all over again. Like having a new car. I am a Porsche guy and have held onto my cars for very long times. 10+ years on average. Any time I get that wild hair to upgrade, I treat myself to a little mod or upgrade that makes the car feel different and new to me. Whether it's an exterior head light upgrade, tail light upgrade, new steering wheel design, stick shift cables, or short shift kit, new wheels/tires, or adding a new intake or ecu bump in power. Maybe even a suspension upgrade. Dial it in and all of these things, when done right and tasteful, will make you fall in love with the car again. Drive it like you stole it. Garage queens are the worst for mechanical problems and oil leaks because all the seals dry out and hoses become brittle when not warmed up and lubed properly. So enjoy and drive it more often.
Mate these cars have souls. You take such good care of her, your her lifelong custodian.
Fellow NSX owner here. Solid decision to keep the car. Would be difficult to replace. Also, good decision to switch out the gears. I own a pop-up NA2 (ie 6MT) and the gearing makes that NSX engaging to me. Shorter gears for the 5MT NA1 can only improve it. Good luck!
I'm glad you kept it. My s2k is my forever car and your nsx should be too
Yesssss matching spec! JDM gearing + final drive/LSD + Sakebomb Ohlins
Well was it the right decision? Lol
I'm happy to see you stay in the NSX family. There is nothing as special under $150k, and most cars above that price aren't as special. I'm hopeful that there will be continued support to keep these cars on the road as time goes by. The owner of Science of Speed has stated that his company is dedicated to this.
Love to see this! Great call on keeping it
Been watching for years. You are my favorite car video guy. I'm glad you're keeping the NSX. It seemed to me, when you raised the question about whether to keep it, that the question really came down to whether you would enjoy driving it as your daily driver and canyon carver whenever you did not need a third seat. My sense was that the NSX, perhaps with a small number of mods, must provide a tactile, interactive, and pleasurable driving experience that no other car can provide. Enjoy!
You're spot on! Thanks for the kind words.
That a boy. Enjoy your dream car brother
Christian is amazing. ATR racing is great. I am so lucky to live in Upper Austria, just an hour drive away from his shop. His service is excelent!
Wow you are LUCKY
@@Zygrene Yes Sir!
Great to hear your story as I also am thinking about selling my 91 NSX. Like you making a personal decision is always more difficult than helping a friend make a decision. I've always wanted a formula 3 car to drive on Suzuka but marriage made that difficult so bought the NSX 15 years ago and have often been to Suzuka. Recently sold my wife's Boxster and bought a new Civic which is the first 'modern car' with buttons and digital stuff everywhere but so easy to drive. The NSX 80,000 miles just looking at it still makes me smile and playing with the pedals never gets old but I am in my twilight years. I think about the decision everyday.
So happy you decided to keep it. It's a gem. I couldn't agreed more to all you said. Can't wait to see more NSX contents.
Good for you. I was one of the move on commenters but can also understand when something means so much to someone. I personally havent come across a car like that to me so i cycle, enjoy and move. Good luck w your future plans!!!!!
Absolutely CORRECT answer. Keep it!!!
Happy that you're keeping the NSX! Its truly a stunner and one of a kind.
That's a clean TSX wagon @8:14 🤩
Great decision as I also had the same feeling for my 1991 with 16 years ownership. Driving on the street is a minor part of the experience. When I lap Suzuka the shift from 2nd to 3rd the continuous acceleration really keeps the eyes open and with headers and good open mufflers the engine sound and VTEC can easily be felt. Depending on your height with the OEM seats you might not get a race helmet on so added a bucket seat which not only solved that problem but the bolsters will hold your body firmly freeing your hands with the high g's. On the circuit you don't have to run 100% to enjoy and after circuit experience then fast driving on the street seems pointless.
I'm sad to hear about the limited available of the short gears. A friend of mine got them last year and let me drive his car and it got me thinking about doing them in the future next time I need to replace the clutch. I was always worried about the increased noise/RPM on the highway, but with the 4.23 it really only runs something like 200 RPM higher in 5th gear so the difference is barely noticeable.
I think you made the right choice with keeping it. I've had my NSX for over 20 years and I've seen a bunch of people sell their cars in that time. Quite a few of them missed their car and bought another one a year or two later.
Oh I am so relieved you stuck with the NSX. And congrats on scoring that short gear kit. I can’t imagine how frustrating extra long gearing combined with a VTEC engine would be for me. This video reminds me of why you have risen to the top of my favorite car enthusiast channels. You are so often driving the cars I wish I could drive and yet remain just within reach of a true dream car. And you seem to be saying the things I’d be thinking such that it allows me to get a taste for what it’s like to get behind some of these truly great enthusiast cars. Well done.
I really think you made the right choice here--a change in mentality like this essentially means you just got yourself a new car.
Well said! When I look at or drive my NSX now, I get the "new car butterflies" which feels AMAZING
Great decision looking forward to seeing you build and enjoy the NSX!
Really glad to hear the NSX is staying and super excited to see how the gearing mods transform the car! Most people don't appreciate the difference optimised gearing has on the driving experience.
Great man. NSX is my dream car to own. Keep it till the end.
I think you made the right choice. I currently have an 18 WRX as a daily, plan on getting an AP1 for my weekend car and I plan on keeping and working on them forever. Theyre too special they just don't make em like they used to
Nostalgia and just that general personal connection is a very powerful thing. It's what makes me believe that I will never sell my E46 M3 (and I'm still hoping maybe you'll get one since you've talked about it in the past - I would LOVE to see you make content about your ownership of one). The NSX is an incredibly special car, and as great as those Porsches you mentioned are, I do believe they lack that X factor that can make all the difference between something you think is great and something you truly love. Looking forward to more NSX content - with every video like this I get one step closer to dreaming of owning one someday myself.
I strongly advise against selling it. I had previously sold one and have been searching for a replacement for a remarkable 11 years.
5:39 for anyone who wants to skip to the decision 😂
beautiful. glad you are keeping it man!
Although I thought the C8 would be a good replacement for your budget, road and track versatility, I totally get your decision. I'm keeping and restoring my RSX just because they won't be making an analog car like that anymore.
On a different note, my Cayman's 2nd gear redlines at 65-70 MPH, so I feel your pain. SharkWerks sells a shorter gear set for only $8K 😵
Doing the same with my 05 Type S. Realized it is a mentality switch - enjoy her for what she is. A time machine. Slow by 2024 standards, but it has its own charm. Missing the LSD and 5.06 gears to transform her into what she was always meant to be.
@@Save_the_Stick_Shifts Good Luck! I've got a LSD, K24 small block while keeping the K20 head among many other performance mods. I'm buying better coilovers this week, in addition to new wheels, tires, and a full body color wrap change soon.
@@DC5Brandon once you start you have to do the whole shebang!
Maaaan, good to hear man. You’re gonna love this car even more as you commit modding it your way!
That's really great to hear! Good thinking with the gearing. Also like that TXR:0 was where you discovered the NSX. Loved those games back in the day.
Glad you decided to keep it. Looking forward to a video of installing the short gears.
I been following this channel for sometime now. I'm so glad I hear those words out of your mouth. You made the right decision.
Now go out and drive! Life is too short and you can’t take it with you.
When you said your keeping it the clump in my stomach dropped in relief and it's not even my car 😂 Super stoked for you and i hope you keep it forever!
Glad you’re keeping it 😄 thanks for sharing the back story, too.
Great video!! It was really awesome to hear your rational for keeping you car. Porsche's as incredible as they are, are a dine a dozen. An Acura NSX has timeless cool factor and rarity to it. I'm stoked to hear that not only are you keeping it but your doubling down and making it your the forever car you dreamed of!!
I am glad you decided to keep it. Its funny after watching your 1st video my initial impressions was that you were going to sell it. But them I wondered, what's the real story behind why you bought it and I felt you may keep it. Good on you man!!
I think I’m more excited that you are finally upgrading your car. Can’t wait to see the results.
Been at a crossroads for a while now with my 00 NSX. Had a baby and it has just sat since then, every excuse not to drive it. Wife and I used to just hop in it and ride but can't do that now. I know alot of people ditch their cars during this stage only to jump back into something down the road, but I know I couldn't do that with the market on these. I don't have any dough to mod the car anymore, don't know if I ever will at this rate, but I'm gonna try to hang on tight. Sorry for my rant, thanks for the vid.
I added short gears and type r final drive. Does make it more fun to drive. But i still ended up selling the nsx after owning it 10 years and tbh don't miss it. I ended up switching cars every 2-3 years to experience new cars. That was much more satisfying vs having the same car for a decade and trying to mod it to make it feel "new"
Enjoy that NSX :)
TXR0 was awesome, the intro was always exciting as a kid especially the team logo zoom following the Skyline and NSX fly by!
The V6 sound under hard throttle is glorious! Good choice to keep.
Dude, I bought all the sequels from the original TXR on Dreamcast to TXR0 on PS2 for dirt cheap on eBay when I discovered those old hidden gems in 2008 (even bought the Dreamcast cheap). The West Corvettes (C4 and C5) were my mythical beasts that made me realize that peak JDM was their country's obsession with USDM. JDM culture is the reason I have a C8 lol
Your reasoning resonates with me. Plus I love how you use terms like "qualitative" to describe what you're looking for. It shows that you're looking at your decision more objectively opposed to a majority of the population who focuses heavily on subjectivity (although I know a large component of the decision is subjective). - Sincerely, New Subscriber.
I thought I would let you know Zygrene. When I saw Best Motoring channel here on TH-cam wherein they pitted NSX tuners against each other. I saw 2 NA1 NSXs where in they swapped out the 4-speed AT and the 5-speed MT to a 6-speed MT and replaced the Final Drive gear with one with a Type R spec gearing. Perhaps you may want to look into that alternative.
good call, I had said you should get rid of it in your last video but you're right; it's all about your feelings with the car and if you have the money to hold on to it and upgrade it why not? like others are saying if you regret it you'd be hard pressed to find another one
Case in point. The things you own end up owning you. Live free and minimally.
Excellent! Happy to hear you are keeping it. Wise choice. Highly recommend ATR Racing!
I remember that game so well! I wish we had a game like that now. Just so much more simplified than the open world type games we have today. Race, upgrade, repeat. Glad to see you're keeping the NSX! It has it's faults like anything else but there aren't too many cars out there as special as the NSX!
I have a 2017 Type R. Garage queen, with 18k miles on it. I’ll never sell it. The best thing about no daily driving is the joy I get with every driving opportunity.
Great decision! So glad you decided to enjoy the car more. There is no other car like it.
glad you kept it, i feel like us car guys that have oppertunity to own a couple cars at the same time go through the same phase....
should i seel and get something else because i don't drive, but as you mention we will then go through that same phase with the next replacement as well. so at some point we need to live in the moment and enjoy the car we wanted for a long time as kids. as a society, we tend to keep wanting the next thing and the next thing.
All valid points you made. Good choice and looking forward to the upcoming mod videos on the NSX!
Congrats !!!! This is a beauty. Probably will give you many more years of enjoyment.
Side note. I agree with your comment on the color
Good decision. I knew with a few changes to the gearbox, the car will drive much better and you’ll even be happier with the car like I am. I’m glad I did the gears and R&P. Best money spent on the car. I had my 92 for 12 years before I finally did this swap. It’s like riding a bike and going from 1st to 3rd with the bog you feel until you start pedaling faster and pick up speed. If you like to drive my car while you’re car is in the shop, let me know. I’m in San Jose and drive up to Pleasanton/Dublin often.
That would be fun! Please shoot a quick email to zygrene@gmail.com
Yes!!! Even though I don’t even know you, I’m glad you decided to keep it. This is such a great car with great history.
Great decision. These cars evokes feelings that are distinguished between the older and newer eras. I'm happy for you dude, enjoy your nsx!
Glad you’re keeping it. In regards to finding a JDM gear set, or just modding in general with rare parts; if there’s a will there’s a way. If you were really serious about it, I’m sure you would have found the Austrian shop and upgraded it a long time ago, and probably have been driving it more. I’m still not totally sure if I understood what each car’s primary duties are tho. I REALLY don’t think you should move any further into the track car spectrum for the ITS tho. It’s too nice of a daily driver, and you’ll just keep compromising it.
I don't plan to the modify the Type S in any way that would further compromise daily drivability. I'm pretty happy with the way it sits now. Might just need an exhaust. Maybe a seat. That's it.
Ha the seat is what puts it over the threshold, unless you score and figure a way to put the CTR seats in there.
Excellent. Trust in your prior decision-making process that got you to where you are today.
Is there a deeper diff ratio available? The speeds in gears you quoted, and the difference in FD ratios (roughly 4.0:1 going to 4.2:1) doesn't seem like enough (says someone with no hands-on NSX experience).
The JDM short gears involve replacing gears 2/3/4, with the main goal of dramatically shortening the huge rpm drop from 1-2. And the 4.06 to 4.23 FD swap shortens all 5 gears another 4-5%. These 2 changes together should result in the perfect balance of performance, fun, and maintaining a reasonable 5th gear for highway driving.
But there is a 4.44 FD available too. I've heard it makes the car pretty compromised on the road.
Glad you are keeping it. I've had my 91 since 2005. I have the 4.55 rear end and the JDM short gears. I love the short gears, but the 4.55 rear is a bit extreme.
Yeah the 4.55 sounds like it will compromise the car's strengths as a grand tourer
@@Zygrene Revs a bit high on the freeways. 😃 Your 4.23 should be perfect.
Great decision to keep and upgrade the car to what you want. Im debating getting the JDM gearset...
This needs to be a forever car! Such an iconic car when it first came out and even now in today's standards!
Happy you came to your decision! And great find on the guy in Austria for half the price! I think this is a great way to go. Soon you will need the house and kid. And I pray you can find a place with a 4 car garage! Spot for your Daily, spot for the NSX, spot for the dedicated track demon, and spot for the SUV for the lady!
I found your channel in the beginning when you got the NSX because I found out we're around the same age and graduating year, but I can't responsibly afford one and wanted to see how it'd be. I grew up in a Honda family and even have an original 97 Acura NSX dealer booklet thanks to my older brother who got us siblings our PlayStation and Gran Turismo! Then I learned of the RX7 and its beauty along with its flaws from the same game! I had no idea you also were influenced by Tokyo Xtreme Racer Zero. I loved that game so much it's literally my online identity! I've stuck to Honda's and have yet to obtain my dream RX7, passing up opportunities because I only want to own one if I could do it justice. The NSX is also forever my dream car, and on my 97 Accord track car I run the NA2 NSX calipers on a 5-lug setup. Even though I can't go after my dream car, I at least have bits of it I can experience. Glad you didn't give it up and decided to refine it into your dream specs! It's hard being a responsible adult these days hahahaha
Side note: at 8:15 a TSX Wagon appeared which is my choice of daily in Vortex Blue Pearl!
Omg mind blown. WhiteCharisma is a boss from the game!
@@Zygrene that White FD has been cemented in my memories forever haha I was pretty close to being DreamyGhost, but didn't like the sound of it as much. I didn't know what WhiteCharisma meant and now Rizz memes ruined it too LOLOL
You certainly made the right decision. Once you get the gear set switched out please drive it more and enjoy it. 7 years and 13k miles just won't cut it. Look forward to more NSX content.
If it were me, I would keep the NSX if I could just because it is so special and will only continue to go up in value. Glad you made the right decision.
Btw, if you do need garage space or you want to store the car long term somewhere, I work at a car storage facility for collectors in Silicon Valley that I could recommend.
I am overjoyed for you. Hearing that you were thinking of getting rid of my ideal car, the NSX, broke my heart. It was once called the most dependable exotic vehicle on the market. Because the car was so well-designed, many drivers did not enjoy how well it handled because it did not frighten them when driven to the limit. Less informed drivers mistakenly believed that the NSX is a boring car to drive, not realizing that the car is a superior design at high speeds. Professional race drivers were the ones to highlight how comfortable the car is at the top of the performance curve, compared to many others. This fact exudes an unrivaled confidence. Although I was unable to purchase one, I was able to drive one once. At one point in my career, I worked for a used car dealership in Southern California where I had the opportunity to test drive a lot of very nice cars. I drove that NSX for fifteen minutes, and not a single car, regardless of price, could compare to the overall enjoyment I felt. So, stop wasting time right now. Take the wheel of the vehicle. I am delighted for you. If you're ever driving through West Texas...
15 minutes was all it took? That's some praise! Thanks for the comment
Gotta learn to stop worrying! Just use it. It's meant to be used. If something happens, it happens, it can be fixed. You can always insure it on track.
Keep it. You will regret selling it. Thats a very special car.
Fellow owner here. You made the right choice brotha! There's so many emotions being behind the wheel. Theres those cars that have their place in history and the NSX is one of them. Let me know how you like the type R gearing, that is one of my next mods. Maybe I'll see you out on the road. 🤙🏽
Nice NSX! Im in the process of potentially buying a 1991 NA1 as well, wanted to ask you a question, which shops are good reputable shops for servicing on NSX in the bay area? I live in Walnut Creek and work in Livermore…
The Cayman GT4 is a wonderful car. I am glad it exists. It's something for guys like me to aspire for...because we can't get a reasonably priced 1st gen NSX.
Great call!
Years ago I had a well sorted and heavily modified porsche 930, back when they were more affordable.
I let it go, the prices went to the moon, and I’ve regretted it ever since!
The Japanese car manufacturers had a gentleman’s agreement back in the late 80’s and early 90’s of horsepower cap of around 275 or 280 for performance cars in Japan. I dunno maybe that’s why the short gear ratio of JDM NSX?
The best choice! You can’t take cars with you to the grave. They need to be enjoyed by their owners and allowing them to sit in some garage withering away to collect value does a huge disservice to the amazing engineers who spent all the time and money to develop amazing machines like the NSX. As a community I’m pretty sure I stand with everyone in saying we would love to see more content with the NSX!
Good choice and look forward to the transformation 💪🏾
CONGRATS! And ALWAYS ENJOY your cars. Thanks, mate.
I can still hear the tire screeching fx in tokyo xtreme racer lol that game def put a few of us on
Drive a lotus Elise/Exige… I’ve had plenty of seat time across all the cars mentioned… nothing comes close to lotus for a driver from the box
Awesome NSX) what a car 😊 love it
Ha, I have been through this same thought process with my 2002 S2000. Not to make it about me, but we are close in age and GT introduced me to many cars like the NSX as well. When I drive it, I want to keep it. So, definitely DRIVE IT!
Great choice. You would've been filled with regret otherwise. Even a beat up nsx is a head turner and conversation starter wherever you go
Very well said. We get in our own way when it comes to enjoying and living our best life. Drivers>collectors
good move, I agree (having owned one) that the cayman GT4 is boring and long geared and just another porsche. Road noise is horrible, engine doesn't sound all that good, and repairs are absurdly expensive, and mods are costly as well (for example the short gear set for the cayman is like 12k lol) Make an effort to drive when you can, you're in California so you get more opportunities than me just east of you, enjoy it!
I went through those exact thoughts on selling my lotus elise years ago, I came to the same conclusion, unfortunately at the start of COVID an unlicensed driver took it out and I did the responsible thing for my wife and 1 month old child and put that money toward a house.
I still miss the car terribly
Great choice! There will never be analog ICE cars like this again. The value will just continue to go up! Install a supercharger if it is a power issue. DO NOT get rid of it or you will really regret it.
YES !! I think you're making the right decision, I'm excited as hell along with you ! Couple questions :
- How do you plan on modifying your habits to drive it more ?
- Do you plan on tracking it more since it's finally gonna perform like you want it to ?
- Any more performance/driving mods in mind ? If you're putting 5k into gearing, 5k for a supercharger isn't that far-fetched at this point lol.
1) I've started checking myself every time I feel like driving it but hesitate due to some irrational fear of "messing it up"
2) I will take it on track once after the mods, and then assess whether I want to keep doing it. Could be a slippery slope. My main objective is to maximize enjoyment on the street since I'm building it as a grand tourer (which is one reason why I'm not going for something like the OS Giken LSD)
3) I'm not convinced by the supercharged NSXs I've driven so far. The throttle response seems to take a hit, and I don't really like the whine. I also want to maximize reliability. I will consider bolt ons to extract a bit more power but that's hard since the car must remain CARB legal.
@@Zygrene Thanks for the reply ! I would probably keep it NA as well. Just out of curiosity, what specifically makes you stay away from the OS Giken for a street build ?
Lmao didnt realize the 3rd gear in rhe NSX @ 70 is the same as my na miata in 5th @ 50mph!
Thats crazy. Granted I've been tossing around the idea of changing out my 5th gear for an rx7 ine which is supposedly taller.
Can't wait to see how your build vision ends up, I'm sure it will be spectacular in the end. I still think it would be sweet to NSX-Rify it with lightweighting. Sounds like you're halfway there already with the gearset and diff.
What’s the spec on your wheels and tire model/sizes? Looks great!!
the nsx has also been my dream car since a child, good to hear that you're keeping yours!