neuronbob

How have you found wet traction on the AD08s? I've read that wet traction is not good. It's mostly a concern because even though I plan to use this car mostly in dry weather, I will likely run into the wet occasionally. The S.Drives give up ultimate grip for wet traction.

Thanks!

TacoBello

I haven't had much wet weather experience on the AD08s. I had some limited experience, but not an overwhelming amount. I've never really pushed a car overly hard in the wet, because, well, drive for the conditions, right? I've pushed them to the point where I could feel them wanting to start slipping and they could still take a fair amount of pushing.

I honest to God, still stand by the RE-11s/RE-11As. I've referred many people to them, but I haven't had anyone really take the bite on them here on AZ. They are simply a marvelous tire, even in the wet. I don't know how the prices are down south, but up here, the REs were significantly cheaper than compared to the ADs.

While, yes, traction may not be as great in the wet, you still have to push the tires fairly hard to get them to break traction. It's not like "oh, I was driving the car for the conditions and the car was all over the place and I ended up hitting a light pole." Not even close. Personally, I STILL prefer the REs. There's just something about that tire that makes me feel like no matter what I do, I never have to worry about traction.

Also, don't trust the tire wear ratings 100%. There is no governing body that looks after those ratings. I don't want to get into it here, but they are somewhat of a "best guess", at best. I know that for the REs, Bridgestone went and changed the ratings overnight, without changing anything on the tire, just so that tire could be used in a different class of racing. It wasn't a huge change, but still. I've had my REs last for a good, long time. I mean, it all comes down to how you drive. If you aren't consistently spinning your tires and your alignment isn't out to lunch, you'll still get a good amount of tread life out of them.

neuronbob

If the RE-11s came in 17-18 NSX fitment, I'd consider them. I've not had them but know many who have, and they are really good. They get buried, honestly, in the near-universal love for the Michelin PSS (which I have on my CTS-V wagon, and OMG they are really the shiz).

I don't push cars in the wet, either, but I'd like to know I'm not going to slide off the road from poor hydroplaning resistance.

TacoBello

Wait, what exact sizes are you looking for, front and rear?

neuronbob

215/40-17 for the fronts--more than that is reported to rub in the NSX, especially if I decide to do a drop in the future; and 255/35-18 for the rears. Like I said, really odd sizes but that's what is recommended for the NSX on a 17-18 stagger. Keeps the traction control happy. (Note: for 1991-5 cars, one can go as wide as 265 in the rear keeping the TCS happy).

So to have matching tires, Tire Rack has only three tires that fit the bill, those I listed a few posts above. With more creative searching, the Yokohama S.drives also have the correct size.

Honestly, it's almost enough to make me stay stock.

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

FYI bob I'm 1995 with 225/35/18 and 275/30/19 with no tcs issues. I've seen people run wider than that with none either.

neuronbob

^^^
Don't front 225s rub at full lock with your 18s? That's the other issue I keep hearing about. Folks on Prime keep saying to stick with 215s for the front, whether stock height or lowered. In my case, there is a non-zero likelihood that I'll get a drop in the future and I don't want to rub.

The bigger problem is that there are very few decent tire choices in plus-sizing to 17-18 for the NSX. I'm now wondering whether to sell this 17-18 set I've just bought, and move to 18-19, where there is more manufacturer support, or just stay stock.

PS Those wheels on your car are beautiful, diddy.

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

well as far as rubbing thats a different story. depending on your height you would need to trim your liners. im slammed so i removed my liners and rolled fenders. my point was more so to let you know wider tires won't be as bad for your tcs as you think.

thanks btw, i plan on powder coating them white.

neuronbob

Well, the AD08s are off my list of potential tires. They can apparently be damaged by even being stored in cold temperatures. Given that my potential storage sites are not climate-controlled, they will get cold. It's looking more like I'm ending up with S.drives or the Star Specs, more likely S.drives. I wish I had more choices. I could sell the wheels I just bought and try for 18/19 fitment, where I have more tire choices, or stay stock--The stock 16/17s are growing a lot on me.


On a more positive front, I have been looking out the door to my garage, just gazing in wonder at the NSX that's right by my back door. I am still in complete shock that I bagged a NSX. I'm completely used to the clutch and the steering now and it is close to feeling "just right"....just as we are expecting our first accumulating snow tonight. It's gotta go into storage soon!

Here's an iPhone photo I just took of the view from my garage door, standing in the kitchen.

UNCTYPE-S

LOL you're going through the same thing I did when I secured mine. Think I spent more time in my garage than my home at a certain point. And the feeling never goes away if it is truly a car you love.

Just took mine off insurance, battery tender and cover on. It was a sad day.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

you are actually allowed to take the vehicle off insurance while you still own it? here in NJ, as long as you own the car, you are still required to keep liability on it all year around...

00TL-P3.2

^ Same here in TX I believe.

neuronbob

^^^^
Same here in Ohio. I can lower the limits, but I must carry minimum vehicle insurance.

Anyhow, updates:

1. I purchased a non-working stock NSX radio for $80!!!!!! Instead of sending my currently working stock head unit to Willman Electronics, I will be sending this non-working radio in later in the week for conversion. Willman is in Texas and removes the guts of the NSX radio and replaces them with the guts of a Clarion M510 head unit. He then puts on stock plugs for the stock NSX speakers and antenna. There's even a built-in mic for Bluetooth-mediated phone calls. It's about a ten-minute operation to swap out the head units, and I get to keep my stock head unit for purity's sake.

2. I have a 17X8 +45 and 18X9 +45 set of SSR Integral GT1 wheels--yes, the same type of wheel I ran on my S2000!--being delivered to my house today. I got them for cheap! I think it's a classic style for the S2000, though I will admit relatively slim 5-spoke wheels are not for everyone.

Here's what they look like on a NSX, at stock ride height (images stolen from the official Berlina Black thread at NSXPrime.com):




I like them, so if you don't.

I've also decided on Yoko Advan AD08-R tires. Will be ordered from the Tire Rack shortly unless Discount Tire has a sale coming up , mounted on the wheels, stored in my basement, and I'll put them on in the garage come spring.

3. Now there's a lot of space above those tires. So synth19 and p.diddy have "talked" me into lowering the car. After lots of research, I have decided that instead of a full coilover system, I will use the time-honored, tried-and-true tradition (in NSX-world anyway) of Bilstein shocks with stock springs. When the Bilsteins are on their lower perch, the car is lowered 0.8 inch. With these tire sizes, I should have no rubbing. Should sharpen up the handling a bit without worsening the stock ride quality. I just have to find where I can find them the cheapest.

That's it!

Car goes into storage this weekend, so I won't drive it again until spring.

00TL-P3.2

Good choice on the wheels Bob. Going to look great.

UNCTYPE-S

I just leave comprehensive on in the winter.

neuronbob

Looks and feels like a quality piece.

I received my new to me busted stock NSX radio and have shipped it out to Willman's Electronics for conversion. It should be ready in 3-4 weeks.

Wheels arrived. Now awaiting tires. Changed my mind on those and ordered Pirelli Zero Nero GT as that reportedly gives good handling with longer tread wear on the NSX. I'll try the more aggressive tires next time.

Looks like Bilsteins are on sale via at least one NSX Prime vendor for Black Friday weekend, total cost shipped around $650. I just have to find someone around here to install it if I go through with it. not ready for KW3s yet. We'ss see how it goes with the Bilsteins first.

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

I didn't see if you got your vanity plate yet. If not, I vote for :

NTA4R3

Congrats on the car, it looks great!

neuronbob

^^^^
Good one, LOL! I still don't have the NJ title, so I still can't get plates here in Ohio. I have all winter to get it sorted out, though.

DCH sent me my S2000 wheels and aftermarket exhaust back, good to their word. Would deal with those guys again if I lived in the area. I have most of my items back, but FedEx messed up the delivery (long story, still ongoing). DCH's asking price for my S2000 is now down to $21k!

neuronbob

Bilsteins arrived!

First thing I did was to put the rings on the lower perch so when they are installed, car is lowered.

TacoBello

You will LOVE the AD-08s. The S.Drives simply don't compare. The NSX begs to have the best tires put on it... seriously, you'll be shocked how hard you can push that car with those tires before they even start to chirp in a corner

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

yea they are a great place to deal with... i think that price will further come down with winter coming... even though it's been holding in the mid 50's this week snow is inevitable...

UNCTYPE-S

Do you or have you owned an NSX?

neuronbob

The mod pile grows!

Tires arrived. TacoBello, as stated above I went with Pirelli Zero Nero GT as many Primers who street their cars with limited track go with these, and they have theoretically better treadwear than the AD08s or Star Specs. I'll go with the AD08s next time....which, given the tendency of this car to eat tires, will be really soon.

Also finally received the title, yay! Now I can get Ohio plates.

Have also decided on an exhaust. I'm buying a Pride Lightweight exhaust. It has a nice deep, non-raspy sound, is reportedly without drone (key in my decision making), and sounds godly on acceleration. The price is reasonable, too, at a little over $900 shipped. I have to spend another $130 on adaptors for my NA2 to help the exhaust fit. Here it is... (edit: in the first video, fast forward to 1:10, then 2:23 for exhaust sound porn).


The weather is still good, so there is a non-zero likelihood that I'll get all this stuff installed soon.

00TL-P3.2

Exhaust sounds great!

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

Good choice. That exhaust is basically the pride version of the taitec exhaust I have. Great sounding exhaust.

neuronbob

Passed emissions, first try. Previous owner clearly took care of the car well. I hope I am as good an owner to this car. Finally got plates ordered just now...NB NSX. Not original, but will do the job.

This car makes everybody who sees it happy! There was excitement at the title bureau when I parked outside it, and at the Ohio E-check, the guys were taking pix of the car. One certainly cannot be a wallflower when purchasing this car...

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

Expect those reactions to happen all the time.

cu2wagon

NSX, Vagon, RLX-SH...

...yeah, someone is going to be gushing over whatever car you drive on any particular day

Sorry, but I don't think you're rolling in incognito mode anymore. Unless you take out the Buick Breadbox.

neuronbob

This is orders of magnitude more attention than I get with the V wagon. The V wagon attracts car nerds, which as you know are far too few of us. The NSX attracts EVERYBODY. When I drove up to the title bureau a couple hours ago, the workers flocked to the window and I was asked the eternal question, "is that a Ferrari?" The answer, of course, is "it's cheaper and more reliable than a Ferrari!"

00TL-P3.2

I can definitely see the NSX getting a lot more attention than the Vagon.
To most people, the V is just a Cadillac Wagon in an attention grabbing color. The average person likely doesn't know anything more than that.

The NSX, on the other hand, Still looks just as exotic as when it was new.

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

See - I told you your tag should be NTA4RE - Not a Ferrari.... :-P

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

was the car able to make it over the rollers without scraping the diffuser?

TacoBello

I was looking very hard at buying one about 2 years ago, but just couldn't bite the bullet. I have two friends with NSXs which I've had plenty of seat time, behind the wheel in.

One was a white 1998 modified NA2 (he actually sold it this summer), the other is a silver 2004 completely stock NA2 which the other friend still owns. Both were equipped with 6MTs.

nist7

Yup. Most people don't think a station wagon is cool...but a drastically different design like the NSX will definitely grab attention and people will ask if it is a "Ferrari" and all that.

neuronbob

By some miracle, yes!

On another note, I'm now seeking a shop to install my Bilsteins this week or next. I'm taking advantage of this fabulous (for Cleveland) weather to drive this car as much as possible. I'm paying for storage space I'm not using, LOL!
Awaiting Pride LW exhaust now.

00TL-P3.2

^ December 10th & we're expected to hit 80* today

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

Dec 10 in NJ and we are expected to hit 60*F today!!! woot

synth19

Bob, update us on the radio conversion. I think I'll be doing that next!

neuronbob

As it happens, I called for an update earlier this week because I had to ask Daryl a question about the functionality. I sent my radio in just after Thanksgiving. It's in queue for conversion and should be ready just after the new year. I'll keep you posted!

neuronbob

Pride Lightweight exhaust arrived today. It's a beautiful piece. Had a tiny dent on the canister, but since it's under the car, no one will see it and I won't worry about it.

Terrible picture:



I am off this week, so I may try to install it myself.