Today at Atelier Kaz - ex-Honda R&D, F1, Indy/CART engineer

Bit more R&D time.....

Based on what I saw on the bench, I wanted to see whether the level converted filtered wheel speed signal is available from this non-NSX ABS modulator to the TCS controller or not.
At least on the bench, the I/F circuit was not disabled.

As another NSX is on the lift, I only checked the wheel speed at FR corner and only spun it with my hand so not representing the actual driving condition.
Also, I didn't check the signal for the rest of FL, RR and RL corners so can't confirm whether these remaining signals are assigned at the same terminals as the NSX.

I already disabled the TCS long time ago on my NSX as it's non-DBW model (91 - 94) and I hate the way the stepping motor shuts the intake air.
It felt like On/Off control and not smooth at all. Thus, I can't confirm whether there will be no TCS light or not unless I re-connect everything.


On top of these, the software on the latest ABS modulator could disable the output control under certain conditions such as above the walking speed so the followings could be still wrong.


Even this country spec/model came without the TCS, the FR wheel speed signal for the TCS is available on the non-NSX ABS modulator at the same terminal position for the NSX under the test condition that I carried out.

Therefore, it is possible that it won't trigger the TCS warning light as long as the software doesn't disable the signal and rest of the 3 signals are available at the correct terminal for NSX.
I have no idea whether the TCS will be disabled or not at high speed like well over 100mph.
I only tested it by spinning the wheel by hand....










Initially, the owner was planning to cut and modify the different bracket came with the non-NSX modulator.
However, I recommended getting hold of the bracket for NSX as it is not that expensive and from long term usage point of view, you don't want applying any stress on the complicated design brake pipes.

In the above photo, left one is the non-NSX modulator with NSX bracket. Right one is the non-NSX modulator/bracket.

And it was a very good idea.
Perfect match with the NSX bracket (should be because the basic housing design is the same with minor difference and just different software).

Thus, the owner can safely use the new 8 x brake pipes designed for NSX.




Modified the T3TEC ABS Loom to suit the non-NSX ABS modulator with owner's NSX country spec and the year model.

Project done.


Kaz

very interesting.... looking promising that with your research so far, there might be a viable, more affordable alternative to the NSX specific ABS.....

The original idea came from another owner who contacted me through email many years ago.
I responded in the same way as in my very old post on here that even if the system may operate fine, the software mapping is fairly different with several other algorithms may react in unexpected way so the driver just needs to be aware of these facts.

Recently, I saw almost the same subject on NSX Prime using S2000 AP1 modulator and again, I posted the same info.


It doesn't have to be AP1 modulator as long as the sensor input signal, I/F circuit, wheel speed trigger teeth ratio, etc are the same and thus, I just call them non-NSX modulators.

In ideal world, it is best if you can get hold of the new NSX standard spec ABS modulator, –Z03.
You can 'install' 02+ NSX-R modulator –N21 but for the same reason above, without other NSX-R specific parts and chassis setup, you won't get max benefit and may even end up in longer stopping distance compared to –Z03 under panic braking mode. Still, probably far better than using the non-NSX modulators.

You may be able to find used –Z03 modulator but please make sure to have a way of testing it before installation because even with the new modulator out of the box, there were very rare but few issues reported in the past.
I always check the new modulator immediately after the delivery in case of claim under warranty even it’s covered for 1 year by Honda.
Not easy sending back this heavy parts with potential brake fluid seepage during the delivery to Japan.


If your classic NSX ABS is already dead and if you want to save the cost, this non-NSX ABS modulator approach could be an option as long as you know what you are doing with the risk involved.


For the clarification, it's not my recommendation. It's a 'conversion' and not the 'upgrade'.


The new NSX modulator will cost nearly GBP600 even before leaving Japan and it’s fairly heavy that by the time you have it delivered in UK, it will be around/over GBP800 and this is just for one single modulator without any other parts required such as the brake pipes, Prop valve, ABS loom, etc…..
I even can't recommend the -Z03 ABS 'upgrade' for the owners with very limited annual mileage unless the owners can justify the cost..... You better invest the money in different area.

On the other hand, you can find used non-NSX modulator at around GBP30 – 40 delivered in UK.
As long as you are happy to take the risk, it could be big saving until when you really need the 'upgrade' setup and not the 'conversion'.


Still, after experiencing the scary potential design flaw of classic ABS or if one's classic ABS is already dead, it's not for me but this approach is probably better than having no ABS unless you are so called 'human ABS'.


Kaz