Honda NSX NA1/NA2 Complete Specifications (1990-2005)

The Honda NSX represents one of the most significant automotive achievements in Japanese history—a mid-engine exotic developed with input from Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna that challenged Ferrari and Porsche on their own turf. This comprehensive specification guide covers both the NA1 generation (1990-1997) with the C30A 3.0L V6 and the NA2 generation (1997-2005) with the upgraded C32B 3.2L engine.

Generation Overview

NA1 (1990-1997):

• Engine: C30A 3.0L VTEC V6
• Power: 270 hp @ 7,100 rpm (JDM), 252 hp @ 6,600 rpm (USDM 1991-1994), 270 hp @ 7,300 rpm (USDM 1995-1997)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
• Chassis code: NA1 (coupe), NSX-T (targa)

NA2 (1997-2005):

• Engine: C32B 3.2L VTEC V6
• Power: 290 hp @ 7,100 rpm (manual), 252 hp @ 6,600 rpm (automatic)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
• Chassis code: NA2
• Key improvements: Larger displacement, revised gearing, improved electronics

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Engine Specifications

NA1: C30A 3.0L VTEC V6 (1990-1997)

Specification	Value
Engine Code	C30A
Configuration	90° DOHC V6
Valvetrain	VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
Displacement	2,977 cc (3.0L)
Bore × Stroke	90.0 mm × 78.0 mm
Compression Ratio	10.2:1
Power (JDM)	280 PS (276 hp) @ 7,100 rpm
Power (USDM 1991-1994)	252 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Power (USDM 1995-1997)	270 hp @ 7,300 rpm
Torque (JDM)	294 Nm (217 lb-ft) @ 5,300 rpm
Torque (USDM)	210 lb-ft @ 5,300 rpm
Redline	8,000 rpm (fuel cut at 8,300 rpm)
VTEC Engagement	5,800 rpm (JDM), 5,500 rpm (USDM)
Fuel System	PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type	Premium unleaded (91+ octane)

NA2: C32B 3.2L VTEC V6 (1997-2005)

Specification	Value
Engine Code	C32B
Configuration	90° DOHC V6
Valvetrain	VTEC
Displacement	3,179 cc (3.2L)
Bore × Stroke	93.0 mm × 78.0 mm
Compression Ratio	10.2:1 (manual), 10.0:1 (automatic)
Power (Manual)	290 hp @ 7,100 rpm
Power (Automatic)	252 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque (Manual)	224 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (Automatic)	210 lb-ft @ 5,300 rpm
Redline	8,000 rpm (fuel cut at 8,300 rpm)
VTEC Engagement	5,800 rpm
Fuel System	PGM-FI
Fuel Type	Premium unleaded (91+ octane)

Key Improvements (NA2 over NA1):

• +10mm bore (93mm vs 90mm) = +202cc displacement
• +20 hp / +7 lb-ft (manual transmission)
• Improved low-end torque delivery
• Revised intake manifold and throttle body

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Drivetrain Specifications

Transmission Options

NA1 5-Speed Manual (1990-1997):

• Gear ratios: 3.071 / 1.952 / 1.428 / 1.125 / 0.914
• Final drive: 4.062:1
• Clutch: Single-plate hydraulic
• Differential: Helical LSD

NA2 6-Speed Manual (1997-2005):

• Gear ratios: 3.071 / 1.956 / 1.428 / 1.125 / 0.914 / 0.717
• Final drive: 4.062:1 (1997-2001), 4.235:1 (2002-2005)
• Clutch: Twin-plate hydraulic (1997-2001), single-plate (2002-2005)
• Differential: Helical LSD

4-Speed Automatic (All Years):

• Gear ratios: 2.400 / 1.500 / 1.034 / 0.787
• Final drive: 4.384:1
• Type: Electronic control with manual shift mode
• Torque converter: Lock-up type

Layout

• Configuration: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
• Engine Position: Longitudinal, behind driver
• Weight Distribution: 42% front / 58% rear (manual), 44% front / 56% rear (automatic)

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Chassis & Suspension

Construction

• Body: All-aluminum monocoque (industry first for mass-production car)
• Subframes: Aluminum front, steel rear
• Panel Materials: Aluminum doors, hood, trunk, roof
• Rigidity: 10,000 Nm/degree torsional stiffness (exceptionally high)

Front Suspension

• Type: Double wishbone with coil springs
• Dampers: Gas-charged monotube shocks
• Anti-roll bar: Hollow steel, 26mm diameter
• Control arms: Forged aluminum A-arms
• Camber adjustment: Yes (eccentric bolts)

Rear Suspension

• Type: Double wishbone with coil springs
• Dampers: Gas-charged monotube shocks
• Anti-roll bar: Hollow steel, 18mm diameter
• Control arms: Forged aluminum A-arms
• Toe links: Aluminum, dual-axis geometry
• Compliance pivots: Reduces bump steer

Brakes

Front (All Years):

• Type: 4-piston fixed aluminum calipers
• Rotor size: 282mm × 30mm vented discs
• Pad material: Semi-metallic
• ABS: Standard (4-channel from 1991)

Rear (All Years):

• Type: 2-piston fixed aluminum calipers
• Rotor size: 282mm × 22mm vented discs
• Pad material: Semi-metallic
• Parking brake: Cable-operated drum-in-disc

Brake Assist:

• TCS (Traction Control System): Optional 1991-1994, standard 1995+
• ABS: 4-channel, standard from 1991

Wheels & Tires

NA1 (1990-1994):

• Front: 15×6.5 aluminum, 205/50ZR15
• Rear: 15×8 aluminum, 225/50ZR15

NA1 (1995-1997) & NA2:

• Front: 16×7 aluminum, 215/45ZR16
• Rear: 17×8.5 aluminum, 255/40ZR17

Optional BBS Wheels (Type R):

• Lightweight forged aluminum
• Front: 16×7 (6.8 kg / 15 lbs)
• Rear: 17×9 (8.2 kg / 18 lbs)

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Dimensions & Weight

Dimension	NA1 Coupe	NA1 NSX-T	NA2 Coupe	NA2 NSX-T
Length	4,430 mm (174.4 in)	4,430 mm	4,430 mm	4,430 mm
Width	1,810 mm (71.3 in)	1,810 mm	1,810 mm	1,810 mm
Height	1,170 mm (46.1 in)	1,170 mm	1,170 mm	1,170 mm
Wheelbase	2,530 mm (99.6 in)	2,530 mm	2,530 mm	2,530 mm
Track (F/R)	1,500 / 1,530 mm	1,500 / 1,530 mm	1,520 / 1,556 mm	1,520 / 1,556 mm
Curb Weight (Manual)	1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)	1,380 kg (3,042 lbs)	1,370 kg (3,020 lbs)	1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Curb Weight (Auto)	1,420 kg (3,131 lbs)	1,450 kg (3,197 lbs)	1,440 kg (3,175 lbs)	1,470 kg (3,241 lbs)
Ground Clearance	135 mm (5.3 in)	135 mm	135 mm	135 mm
Drag Coefficient	0.32 Cd	0.32 Cd	0.30 Cd	0.30 Cd

NSX-R (JDM Only, 1992 & 2002):

• Weight reduction: -120 kg (-265 lbs) vs standard NA1/NA2
• Curb weight: 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs) 1992 model
• Lightweight components: No audio, A/C, sound deadening, power steering

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Performance Data

Acceleration

NA1 Manual (C30A, 5-speed):

• 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds (1991), 5.2 seconds (1995)
• 0-100 mph: 13.2 seconds
• Quarter mile: 14.0 @ 102 mph
• 60-0 mph braking: 115 feet

NA2 Manual (C32B, 6-speed):

• 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
• 0-100 mph: 11.8 seconds
• Quarter mile: 13.3 @ 107 mph
• 60-0 mph braking: 110 feet

Top Speed:

• NA1 Manual: 168 mph (270 km/h)
• NA2 Manual: 175 mph (282 km/h)
• Automatic (all): 160 mph (257 km/h, electronically limited)

Handling

• Lateral acceleration: 0.97g (skidpad)
• Slalom: 66.5 mph (NA2)
• Turn radius: 5.8 meters (19 ft)

Fuel Economy (EPA)

• NA1 Manual: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined
• NA2 Manual: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined
• Automatic: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined
• Fuel tank: 70 liters (18.5 gallons)

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Capacities

Fluid	Capacity	Type
Engine Oil (w/ filter)	5.3 quarts (NA1), 5.5 quarts (NA2)	10W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic
Coolant	8.5 quarts	Honda Type 2 or equivalent
Transmission (Manual)	2.5 quarts	Honda MTF or Synchromesh
Transmission (Auto)	6.9 quarts (total), 2.6 quarts (drain/fill)	Honda ATF-Z1
Differential	1.2 quarts	Honda MTF or 90W hypoid
Brake Fluid	0.8 quarts	DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering	0.9 quarts	Honda PSF or ATF
Windshield Washer	1.3 gallons	Washer fluid

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Interior & Features

Seating

• Configuration: 2-seat coupe (no rear seats)
• Seat material: Leather (standard), cloth (optional)
• Seat adjustments: 8-way power (driver), 4-way manual (passenger)
• Seat heating: Optional
• Lumbar support: Driver only

Dashboard & Controls

• Instrument cluster: Analog gauges with digital odometer
• Tachometer: 9,000 rpm scale, redline at 8,000 rpm
• Speedometer: 180 mph / 280 km/h scale
• Steering wheel: Leather-wrapped, tilt/telescopic adjustment
• Airbags: Dual front airbags (standard from 1991)

Climate Control

• Type: Manual A/C (standard), automatic climate (optional NA2)
• Refrigerant: R-12 (1991-1993), R-134a (1994+)

Audio

• Head unit: AM/FM cassette (1991-1996), CD (1997+)
• Speakers: 6-speaker Bose system (optional)
• Amplifier: 200-watt Bose amplifier (optional)

Cargo

• Front trunk: 5 cubic feet (141 liters)
• Rear cargo area: None (engine bay)

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Variants & Special Editions

NSX-R (JDM, 1992)

• Weight: 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs), -120 kg vs standard
• Engine: C30A with blueprinted internals, 280 PS
• Transmission: Close-ratio 5-speed manual, 4.4:1 final drive
• Suspension: Stiffer springs, Bilstein dampers
• Deleted: A/C, audio, sound deadening, power steering, ABS, TCS
• Added: Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel, titanium shift knob
• Production: 483 units

NSX Type S (JDM, 1997-2001)

• Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs), -100 kg vs standard NA2
• Engine: C32B, 280 PS
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4.062:1 final drive
• Suspension: Sport-tuned, Bilstein dampers
• Deleted: Sound deadening, spare tire
• Added: Recaro seats, BBS wheels
• Production: 1,559 units

NSX-R (JDM, 2002-2005)

• Weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)
• Engine: C32B, 280 PS
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4.235:1 final drive
• Suspension: Race-tuned, Bilstein dampers, stiffer springs
• Deleted: A/C, audio, sound deadening, power steering, TCS
• Added: Carbon fiber components, aggressive aero
• Production: 140 units

Zanardi Edition (USDM, 1999)

• Weight: 2,970 lbs (-50 lbs vs standard)
• Engine: C32B, 290 hp
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4.062:1 final drive
• Deleted: A/C delete (reinstalled by dealers), spare tire, sound deadening
• Added: BBS wheels, red badging, Alex Zanardi signature
• Production: 51 units (all Formula Red)

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Technology & Engineering Highlights

All-Aluminum Construction

The NSX was the world's first mass-production car with an all-aluminum monocoque chassis, reducing weight by 200 kg (440 lbs) compared to an equivalent steel body.

Aluminum components:

• Monocoque body shell
• Front/rear subframes
• Suspension A-arms
• Brake calipers
• Wheels
• Hood, doors, trunk, roof panels

Manufacturing innovations:

• Extruded aluminum sills (ultra-high rigidity)
• Adhesive bonding + spot welding (3,000+ welds)
• Aluminum casting for complex shapes

VTEC Technology

Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control system revolutionized high-revving performance:

Low-RPM mode (<5,800 rpm):

• Single intake/exhaust valve per cylinder
• Low lift, short duration cam profile
• Optimized for torque and fuel economy

High-RPM mode (>5,800 rpm):

• Both intake/exhaust valves per cylinder
• High lift, long duration cam profile
• Maximum power and revs

Transition:

• Hydraulic pin engages secondary rocker arm
• Seamless power delivery (unnoticeable to driver)
• Instantaneous response

Ayrton Senna Input

Three-time F1 World Champion Ayrton Senna tested the NSX prototype at Suzuka Circuit in 1989 and provided critical feedback:

Senna's recommendations:

• Stiffen chassis rigidity (Honda increased from 7,000 to 10,000 Nm/degree)
• Improve steering feel (Honda revised EPS software)
• Sharpen throttle response (Honda retuned VTEC transition)

Senna famously said: "I'm impressed. It's a very excellent car. I could drive this every day."

Titanium Connecting Rods

The NSX uses forged titanium connecting rods—the first production car to do so.

Benefits:

• 40% lighter than steel (weight savings: 500 grams)
• Reduced reciprocating mass = higher revs, less vibration
• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio

Cost:

• Each titanium rod costs ~$1,000 (vs $50 for steel)
• Total engine build time: 4x longer than typical Honda V6

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Common Issues & Reliability

Known Problems

1. Window Regulator Failure (All Years)

• Symptom: Power windows move slowly or fail to operate
• Cause: Plastic gears in regulator mechanism wear out
• Fix: Replace window regulator assembly ($300-$500 per side)
• Frequency: Very common on high-mileage cars

2. Climate Control Unit Failure (1991-1994)

• Symptom: A/C not blowing cold, inconsistent temperature
• Cause: Capacitors on CCU circuit board leak/fail
• Fix: CCU rebuild service ($200-$400) or replace ($600-$800)
• Frequency: Common on early NA1 models

3. Timing Belt & Water Pump (All Years)

• Interval: Every 90,000 miles or 6 years (whichever first)
• Cost: $2,000-$3,000 (includes timing belt, water pump, seals, tensioners)
• Consequence of failure: Catastrophic engine damage (interference engine)
• Note: This is maintenance, not a defect, but critical

4. Steering Rack Bushing Wear (All Years)

• Symptom: Clunking over bumps, imprecise steering feel
• Cause: Rubber bushings in steering rack mounts deteriorate
• Fix: Replace steering rack bushings ($200-$400)
• Frequency: Common after 100,000 miles

5. Snapring Transmission Failure (1991-1992 Manual)

• Symptom: Transmission jumps out of gear, won't shift into 2nd/3rd
• Cause: Factory defect in transmission snapring (range: #J4A4-1003542 to #J4A4-1005978)
• Fix: Transmission rebuild with upgraded snapring ($3,000-$5,000)
• Frequency: ~20% of affected VINs will fail
• Check VIN before purchase!

6. Bose Amplifier Failure (Bose-equipped cars)

• Symptom: No audio output, intermittent sound
• Cause: Capacitors in Bose amplifier fail over time
• Fix: Amplifier rebuild service ($300-$500)
• Frequency: Common on 20+ year old cars

Maintenance Costs (Annual Average)

• DIY: $800-$1,200/year
• Independent shop: $1,500-$2,500/year
• Dealer: $2,500-$4,000/year

Major services:

• Timing belt + water pump (6 years): $2,000-$3,000
• Clutch replacement (70k-100k miles): $2,500-$4,000
• Transmission rebuild (if snapring issue): $3,000-$5,000

Reliability Rating

• Overall: Excellent (especially for an exotic)
• Engine: 9/10 (bulletproof if maintained)
• Transmission: 8/10 (avoid snapring-range VINs)
• Electrical: 7/10 (window regulators, CCU issues)
• Suspension: 9/10 (very durable)

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25-Year Import Rule & USA Availability

Legal Import Eligibility (USA)

NHTSA 25-Year Rule:

• Vehicles manufactured ≥25 years ago are exempt from FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards)
• No crash testing required, no safety modifications needed
• EPA 21-Year Rule: Vehicles ≥21 years old exempt from emissions compliance

Currently Legal to Import (2026):

• 1990-2001 NSX models (all legal now)
• 2002 NSX: Legal January 2027
• 2003 NSX: Legal January 2028
• 2004 NSX: Legal January 2029
• 2005 NSX: Legal January 2030

JDM vs USDM Differences

Power Output:

• JDM: 280 PS (276 hp) @ 7,100 rpm (advertised, actual ~300 hp)
• USDM NA1 (1991-1994): 252 hp @ 6,600 rpm
• USDM NA1 (1995-1997): 270 hp @ 7,300 rpm
• USDM NA2: 290 hp @ 7,100 rpm

Transmission:

• JDM: Shorter final drive ratios (more aggressive gearing)
• USDM: Taller gearing (better highway cruising)

Other Differences:

• JDM: Optional NSX-R and Type S variants (not sold in USA)
• JDM: Right-hand drive
• USDM: Left-hand drive
• JDM: Amber front turn signals
• USDM: Clear/white front turn signals

Import Pricing (2026 Market)

• NA1 Coupe (1990-1994): $60,000-$90,000
• NA1 NSX-T (1995-1997): $70,000-$100,000
• NA2 Coupe (1997-2001): $80,000-$120,000
• NA2 NSX-T (2002-2005): $90,000-$140,000
• NSX-R (1992): $250,000-$400,000
• NSX Type S: $120,000-$180,000
• NSX-R (2002): $500,000-$800,000
• Zanardi Edition (USDM): $150,000-$200,000

Price factors:

• Mileage (low-mileage examples command premium)
• Service history (timing belt/clutch receipts critical)
• Snapring transmission (VINs in range devalued by $5k-$10k)
• Modifications (stock cars worth more)
• Color (Formula Red, Sebring Silver most desirable)

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Conclusion

The Honda NSX remains one of the most significant sports cars ever built—a daily-drivable exotic that combined Ferrari-level performance with Honda reliability. Whether you're considering an NA1 or NA2, both generations offer an unparalleled driving experience with the added benefit of Honda's legendary build quality.

Key Takeaways:

• NA1 (1990-1997): Lighter, more analog, raw driving experience
• NA2 (1997-2005): More power, 6-speed gearbox, refined but still engaging
• Avoid 1991-1992 snapring-range transmissions
• Budget $2,000-$3,000 every 6 years for timing belt service
• JDM imports legal now for 1990-2001 models
• Current market: $60k-$140k depending on year/condition

For more information on NSX maintenance, see our NSX NA1/NA2 Maintenance Schedule.