Modified and Supercharged Acura NSX
Many people that modify their cars are usually the ones that do it for personal expression, with the exception of trust-fund babies, who modify their cars just for the hell of it or for a possible tax write-off. But of course you don’t need a high IQ and paycheck to realize that many auto platforms can be improved upon. Only one example of this is the very early Acura NSX. While praised for its light weight of 3100 pounds and handling dexterity the two-seater with a mid-engine really doesn’t pack much of a punch in the hp unit. The NSX has a horsepower of 270 and a 210lb-ft. of torque, which doesn’t quite compare with the other fast cars of the time.
Then there is Dr. Ron Warnick, who bought the car in 1997. He soon after installed a Tubi exhaust system and later won the best –sounding exhaust award at the 2002 NSXPO convention. At that time, Warnick considered adding other modifications but always had the “too little time, not enough money” excuse. It was a year later in 2003 that the doctor had received a terrifying phone call. His physician friend had told Ron that he had a brain tumor and that he needed the surgeons help. Despite Dr. Warnick’s best efforts, his friend passed away six months later from the malignant brain tumor. It was then that Ron decided to move ahead with his dream car. He stated that, “I … had a realization that life is short and I needed to move ahead with my dream car.” Coincidentally, Ron also had just received an application for a MBNA credit card with a $50,000 credit limit, which he used to buy his first $25,000 worth of parts.
Of the $25,000 parts were a Comptech supercharger, small interior parts, and about half of the aero parts. Warnick then shipped the car, along with its assortment of parts, down to Chris Wilson and Seth Rowan of S.O.S. They then put a Taitec GT500 spoiler on the car and more parts from Marga Hills. Warnick said that he thought the kit looked too young and that he wanted something a little more appropriate for a doctor of his age. He also stated that he didn’t like the open headlights, so it was back to the beginning. To change the look of the Taitec parts, S.O.S. fitted the GT bumper front Cantrell Studios. This bumper modification was also a change for S.O.S., the addition of the bumper and accompanying wide fenders differed from their other signature cars. S.O.S’s NSXs are usually modeled after JGTC racers with larger spoilers and open fenders, in which Warnick’s car is not. Contributing to the high class appearance of this custom Acura, is a Cantrell Studio GT wide quarter-panel, a Honda 2002 rear valence kit, a Craft Square carbon-fiber mirror, and a 2002 NSX headlight assembly. The more subtle carbon-fiber spoiler at the tail currently is a NSX R-type from Procar. To finish off the look, several coats of Grigio Alloy paint were added. Warnick’s daughter chose this Ferrari 360 Modena color, which is silver with a blue sheen depending on the light. Although the car looked great at this point, Warnick was not completely satisfied.
After having the supercharger installed at S.O.S., the engine was decided to need more horsepower and a frantic engine roar. He then had the car shipped out to Autowave in Huntington Beach, California. It was then Shane and Michael LaPiere, the father-son duo, put the car on their Dynojet. They found that the engine was having issues while putting out the 310hp. When the revs reached 6,000rpm, it ran way too lean and had to be shut down. This meant it was time for a new makeover and the first to go would be the stock ECU and the accompanying FMU. The injectors would no longer have to run with 100 pounds of pressure per injector along with a 100 percent duty cycle, all because of a programmable stand-alone unit from AEM and a set of RC Engineering 550cc fuel injectors. Also added, was a large pulley meant for a 3.2liter motor. Because the NSX is a 1991 model, the larger pulley size compared to the Comptech charger will boost the psi to 8.5 verses the stock 5psi. The vamped up Acura passed emissions easily but had trouble reaching its expected 375whp figure. This was due to the unfortunate combination of 90degree temps and 90percent humidity. With all excused aside 360whp isn’t that bad. Consideration the drive train loss and the Acura is easily changed into the super car comp. of Ferdinand’s finest and Enzo’s elite.
Engine:
Comptech Sport Supercharger System
AEM Stand-Alone ECU
3.2-liter Pulley
NGK spark plugs
RC550 Injectors
255lph Walbro fuel pump
Comptech Sport High-Flow Airbox Assembly (Carbon Fiber)
Cantrell Concepts Air Induction System
Cantrell Concepts Ultra-Lite Engine Cover (Carbon Fiber/Lexan)
Science of Speed Valve Covers
Science of Speed Polished Coolant Tank
Science of Speed Polished Fuse Box Cover
Cantrell Concepts Oil Cap (Billet/Carbon Fiber)
Cantrell Concepts Polished Oil Dipstick
Source: http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/turp_0501_1991_acura_nsx/index.html
Tags: Acura, acura nsx, Cars, modified acura, supercharged nsx, tuned acura nsx
the NSX is the ONLY car in world that I prefer the pop-up headlights in over the projectors. NSX is exotic car.
It is pretty amazing how much potential there is in a car. this one is no exception, it is beautiful and powerful, my favorite kind of ride. thanks for sharing these photos.