2002 Acura NSX - Cheat Code

Keeping in mind the dual-purpose nature of his NSX, Piercey balanced the street/race tightrope act by opting to leave much of the reliable stock Honda hardware alone, since the car was already well over-engineered. Only the intake was replaced with a K&N panel filter while additional power was found with a set of Comptech tubular exhaust manifolds and custom test pipes for track weekends. For show days, an ARC intake assembly is fitted.

Tuning an NSX suspension is even trickier. Since Honda's engineers already tested and refined the stock suspension extensively, there's little space for further improvements that don't compromise the delicate balance of comfort and performance. But since Piercey decided to use wider and grippier tires, there was some room to increase the spring and roll rates. By keeping the original high-quality remote reservoir dampers (which contribute most to controlling body motion and ride quality), and matching them to higher-rate Eibach Sportline lowering springs and Comptech adjustable anti-roll bars, Piercey was able to maintain comfort levels while slightly lowering the center of gravity-without compromising the stock suspension geometry. This arrangement increased the roll rate for the added grip of the Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (or Falken Azenis RT-615 for track) mounted on lightweight forged 8- and 9.5-inch wide Volk CE28Ns. Peircey also stiffened the stock aluminum body with OEM Type-R front suspension braces.

The final details were cosmetic. In the case of the NSX, 'cosmetic' doesn't always mean more drag and weight. Since the car was already an updated NA2 model with better aerodynamics than the earlier NA1, it was updated with NA2 Type-R composite parts from Seibon. Using a replica of the NSX-R's ducted hood and larger rear wing, the overall coefficient of lift, especially in the front, was reduced for better high-speed stability.

With just minor bolt-ons, a good dose of power and a healthy respect of how good out of the box a performance-oriented Honda can be, Piercey now has the ideal solution. In his words: "It's like cheating." Whether on the street, turning every head with its supercharged whine and exotic allure, or on the track-with its perfect racecar balance-what separates a true supercar from a tuner car boils down to uncompromised pedigree.

2002 Acura NSX

Engine
Engine Code: C32B
Type: 3179cc, V6, aluminum block and heads, DOHC, VTEC variable valve timing
Internal Modifications: Stock
External Modifications: Comptech supercharger kit (6psi), exhaust headers, 65mm exhaust, Spugen test pipes, BDL Industries custom baffled oil pan, crossbrace, Dali Racing coolant tank, fuse box cover, ARC intake box(show)/stock box w/K&N drop-in (track), K&N oil filter, Cantrell intake scoop
Engine Management Modifications: Walbro 255lph fuel pump, RC Engineering 270cc/min fuel injectors, BDL industries fuel pressure regulator, fuel rail, Comptech 'black box' piggyback ECU

Drivetrain
Layout: Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Drivetrain Modifications: Comptech short shift kit, Autowave-spec RPS single clutch, pressure plate, lightweight flywheel

Suspension
Front: Eibach Sportline springs, Comptech adjustable race anti-roll bar, NSX Type-R upper and lower brace
Rear: Eibach Sportline springs, Comptech anti-roll bar

Brakes
Front: Opak Racing 330mm slotted rotors, Hawk HPS brake pads, Science of Speed stainless steel braided brake lines, Motul RBF600 fluid
Rear: Opak Racing 324mm slotted rotors, Hawk HPS brake pads, Science of Speed stainless steel braided brake lines, Motul RBF600 fluid

External
Wheels: Volk Racing CE28N, 18x7.5 (F), 18x9.5(R)
Tires: Falken Azenis RT-615, 225/35/18 (F), 275/35/18 (R)
Body: Seibon carbon fiber vented hood, carbon fiber TT rear wing spoiler, black vinyl wrap for targa top
Interior: Comptech harness bar, six-point harnesses, DefiLink display, boost gauge, Momo steering wheel, NRG quick release hub, Eclipse navigation head unit