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Today at Atelier Kaz - Private NSX Enthusiast, ex-Honda R&D engineer with F1, Indy/CART background

Final Touch

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After spending some time installing the rear sash and adjusting the glass alignment at the left side door, carried out another showering test on both side doors.

Happy with the result so time for the test driving session to look for any wind noise.
Before going out for the test driving session, carried out the usual check-up.

Considering the cooler outside temperature, decided not to use the lower tyre pressure and set them to the OEM level on this occasion.




As reported long time ago, depending on the luck or batch of the header tank, the coolant could seep out from the bonded section of the header tank even within a few years after replacing it with a new one.
It’s not structure fatigue or stress from external force as you don’t just replace it without pre-caution (at least with the ones that I replaced).

NSX uses higher cooling system pressure compared to other ordinary production cars and considering the thermal shock, the designers took these into consideration at the drawing level and hence, the complicated internal structure and bonding method using plastic material.
The issue is more of manufacturing process but on top of this, even after a few years, you won’t be able to check the fluid level without using the flashlight as the tank colour turns into creamy yellow and no longer transparent.

To me, this is a huge issue for any drivers and the manufacture should have done something to fix it.
The coolant level haven’t dropped so it’s just a tiny seepage and just need to keep eye on this as it’s too late for claiming under Honda warranty as it’s just about 3 years old.


Went out for the test driving session.
At about 50mph, I started to notice some wind noise with constant frequency at each speed range but couldn’t feel any air flow around the edge of the glass. Strange.....
So, lowered the window completely and found out that exactly the same frequency noise was still there.
It’s not easy to tell but seemed to be coming somewhere around the B-pillar black metal panel or even from lower section.
So, it’s not the air getting inside the cabin through the edge of the glass and now I understood why I didn’t see any water getting inside the cabin despite the wind noise.
I think I found the cause of the wind noise so will show it to the owner.




By the way, returning the old right side window regulator and old parts removed in the past so created small box and placed it inside the boot.


Although I used strong stream of water for the showering test, I prefer testing it under the real raining environment so kept the car outside as there was heavy shower forecasted.
I also want to drive the car under the wet condition as the air pressure will change the alignment of the window glass and may result in water seeping into the cabin.




Well, it rained but nothing like heavy shower. The sun even came out so no way I can test it properly..... Thank you BBC weather app.....
As the owner cant’ collect the car for a while, I’m going to try the same test on Wednesday as it should be heavy rain, I hope the weather forecast is correct this time......



For now, thank you for using my service and hope you will enjoy the nice looking and functional new parts around the door section.

Regards,
Kaz


Comments

  1. Kaz-kzukNA1's Avatar
    Finally, managed to test the car in heavy shower on last Wednesday.




    Stayed inside the car for about 30min with paper towel in hand and continuously looking for any water seepage around the front and rear sashes as well as from around the edge of the window glass.
    Happy with the result so decided to go out for the test driving session.


    It was really heavy rain so if there was no water seepage under this condition, it would be fine in almost other wet conditions.
    Lots and lots of standing water and it was still raining heavily that majority of the time, I was under 50mph but occasionally, managed to get upto 60mph for a few seconds.






    Came back and once again monitored the area around the sashes and glass edges from inside and outside.
    I can only attach 4 photos in the comment section so rest of the photos will be inside the owner's photo album.
    Happy with the result so ready for the collection.



    Later, I power washed the car and still no seepage so if it can withstand the power wash, should be fine under natural rain.
    The car is ready for the collection and in fact, the owner collected it yesterday.

    Thank you for using my service.


    As a side note, for some reason, the engine on this NSX feels much more powerful compared to the same year model/spec NSX despite still having the OEM 3.0L anchor manifold.

    And once again, this NSX has one of the most comfortable and really good feedback through the suspension setup.
    I had three NSX (all red, the fastest colour) at my place and test driven them on exactly the same road on the same day with the same tyre on all three NSX and this one was the best feeling from the suspension setup point of view.
    I must admit, I made big mistake in selecting Type-S OEM damper/coil on UK road even with the corrected rake between the front and rear based on my test on Japanese road.

    I just lose traction on rough surface and the resonance frequency around 50 – 60mph on very bad surface is a nightmare as it shakes my body continuously and very uncomfortable...…

    One day, when I have some time, I’ll switch to the same suspension setup as this one but probably, the A/C evaporator is the higher priority….

    Kaz