Acura NSX 1990-2005 Drivetrain Specifications
Acura NSX 1990-2005

Acura NSX 1990-2005 Drivetrain Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 1990-2005 Acura NSX drivetrain system. Includes engine, transmission, differential, driveshaft, axles, and related components. Ideal for technicians, enthusiasts, and repair professionals.

Updated

Drivetrain Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a detailed overview of the drivetrain specifications for the 1990-2005 Acura NSX. It includes technical details, performance metrics, and key features of the vehicle's powertrain and drivetrain systems. Users can navigate through sections to find specific information or use the quick reference guide for key specifications. The document is designed to assist enthusiasts, mechanics, and researchers in understanding the drivetrain components and their functionalities.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords related to the drivetrain components (e.g., 'engine', 'transmission', 'horsepower'). Results will be highlighted for easy navigation.

Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section provides detailed subsections with technical points. Use the quick reference guide for fast access to key specifications.

Key Specifications

Horsepower

270-290 hp

Torque

210-224 lb-ft

Top Speed

168 mph

Engine Type

3.0L DOHC V6

Transmission

5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic

Available Specifications

Engine Specifications

This section details the engine specifications of the 1990-2005 Acura NSX, including its type, performance capabilities, and technological features.

Engine Overview
  • 3.0L DOHC V6 engine (C30A)
  • 270 horsepower @ 7,100 rpm
  • 210 lb-ft torque @ 5,300 rpm
  • Redline at 8,000 rpm
  • Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
  • Dual-stage intake manifold
Engine Technology
  • Titanium connecting rods
  • Forged aluminum pistons
  • Lightweight aluminum alloy block
  • Quench cooling system
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • Dual exhaust system with variable exhaust control

Transmission and Drivetrain

This section covers the transmission types, drivetrain configuration, and related components of the 1990-2005 Acura NSX.

Transmission Options
  • 5-speed manual transmission (standard)
  • 4-speed automatic transmission (optional)
  • Manual transmission with limited-slip differential
  • Automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control
  • Final drive ratio: 4.06:1 (manual), 4.26:1 (automatic)
Drivetrain Configuration
  • Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
  • Limited-slip differential
  • High-capacity driveshaft
  • Constant velocity joints
  • Rigid mounting of drivetrain components

Suspension and Handling

This section provides details on the suspension system, chassis, and handling capabilities of the 1990-2005 Acura NSX.

Suspension System
  • Aluminum double-wishbone suspension (front and rear)
  • Coil-over shock absorbers
  • Anti-roll bars (front and rear)
  • Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
  • Variable power-assisted steering
Chassis and Frame
  • All-aluminum monocoque chassis
  • Extensive use of lightweight materials
  • Aerodynamic underbody design
  • Tuned suspension geometry for optimal handling
  • Race-inspired chassis stiffness

Braking System

This section outlines the specifications and features of the braking system in the 1990-2005 Acura NSX.

Brake Components
  • Ventilated front brake discs (11.4 inches)
  • Ventilated rear brake discs (11.0 inches)
  • Dual-piston front calipers
  • Single-piston rear calipers
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
Mid-mounted V6 engine with rear-wheel drive
Configuration
Transverse mounted engine
Platform
NA1 (1990-1996), NA2 (1997-2005)
Material
Aluminum alloy engine block
Location
Rear transmission with driveshaft

Dimensions

Engine Displacement
3.0L (2977 cc)
Power Output
270 HP @ 6700 RPM
Torque Output
210 lb-ft @ 5300 RPM
Weight Distribution
43% front, 57% rear
Wheelbase
100.8 inches (2559 mm)
Front Track
59.0 inches (1499 mm)
Rear Track
60.2 inches (1529 mm)
Fuel Capacity
15.9 gallons (60 liters)

Materials

Engine Block
High-strength aluminum alloy
Cylinder Head
Aluminum alloy with titanium valves
Transmission Housing
Aluminum alloy
Driveshaft
High-strength steel
Exhaust System
Stainless steel with titanium mufflers

Features

Engine Features
  • Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
  • Dual overhead camshafts
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • Titanium intake valves
  • Forged steel connecting rods
Transmission Features
  • 5-speed manual transmission
  • Limited-slip differential
  • Optimized gear ratios
  • Short-throw shifter
  • High-capacity clutch
Drivetrain Features
  • Rear-wheel drive layout
  • Lightweight aluminum-intensive construction
  • Rigid chassis mounting
  • Aerodynamic undertrays
  • High-performance exhaust system
Suspension Features
  • Double wishbone front suspension
  • Forged aluminum control arms
  • Gas-filled shock absorbers
  • Progressive-rate coil springs
  • Anti-roll bars
Braking Features
  • 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
  • Dual-piston front calipers
  • Single-piston rear calipers
  • Brembo brake rotors
  • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Aerodynamics Features
  • Ground-effect underbody design
  • Active rear spoiler
  • Air curtains
  • Aerodynamic wheel arches
  • Drag coefficient of 0.32

Safety Features

Structural integrity
  • Reinforced space frame
  • Crashworthy front structure
  • Side impact beams
  • Energy-absorbing materials
Active Safety
  • Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Passive Safety
  • Dual front airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Three-point seatbelts
  • Seatbelt pretensioners

Comfort Features

interior
  • Premium leather upholstery
  • Heated seats
  • Power adjustable seats
  • Manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel
infotainment
  • Premium audio system
  • CD player
  • Cassette player
  • 6-speaker sound system
Climate Control
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Air conditioning
  • Heated windshield
  • Rear defogger
Convenience
  • Power windows
  • Power door locks
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Steering wheel audio controls

Accessories

Exterior Accessories
  • Rear spoiler
  • Front lip spoiler
  • Side skirts
  • Carbon fiber trim
interior Accessories
  • Aluminum shift knob
  • Carbon fiber trim
  • Floor mats
  • Cargo net
Performance Accessories
  • High-performance air filter
  • Sport exhaust system
  • Suspension upgrade kit
  • Lightweight alloy wheels

Maintenance

Service interval
  • Miles: 5,000 miles, Months: 6 months, Items: Oil change,Filter replacement,Tire rotation,Brake inspection,Fluid check, Note: Regular maintenance interval
  • Miles: 15,000 miles, Months: 12 months, Items: Spark plug replacement,Belt inspection,Suspension inspection,Driveshaft inspection,Battery check, Note: Intermediate service
  • Miles: 30,000 miles, Months: 24 months, Items: Transmission fluid change,Differential fluid change,Coolant flush,Brake fluid flush,Air filter replacement, Note: Major service interval
Maintenance Notes
Follow recommended service intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

Warranty

Basic Warranty
Miles: 36,000 miles
Years: 3 years
Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain Warranty
Miles: 70,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Engine, transmission, driveshaft, and rear differential
Corrosion Warranty
Miles: 70,000 miles
Years: 5 years
Coverage: Perforation of body panels
Battery Warranty
Miles: 100,000 miles
Years: 8 years
Coverage: Battery and corrosion protection

Production Details

Manufacturer
Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Location: Tochigi, Japan
Facility: Takanezawa Plant
Manufacturing Process
  • Robotic welding
  • Laser cutting
  • CNC machining
  • Hand-assembly
  • Quality control inspection
Quality Control
inspection Points: Weld quality, Paint finish, Engine performance, Transmission operation, Electronic systems
Testing Procedures: Dynamic testing, Static testing, Environmental testing, Durability testing, Performance benchmarking
Sustainability Practices
  • Recyclable materials
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing
  • Emission reduction
  • Waste reduction
  • Recycling programs
Production Metrics
Units Produced: Approximately 18,000 units
Production Years: 1990-2005
Assembly Time: Approximately 100 hours per unit
Quality Rating: 98% defect-free rate

Service Information for drivetrain Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

5,000 miles
6 months
  • Oil change
  • Filter replacement
  • Tire rotation
  • Brake inspection
  • Fluid check

Regular maintenance interval

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Belt inspection
  • Suspension inspection
  • Driveshaft inspection
  • Battery check

Intermediate service

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Transmission fluid change
  • Differential fluid change
  • Coolant flush
  • Brake fluid flush
  • Air filter replacement

Major service interval

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of drivetrain does the 1990-2005 Acura NSX use?

The 1990-2005 Acura NSX features a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout with a mid-engine configuration. It utilizes a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission (available from 1994 onwards). The drivetrain is designed to optimize weight distribution and handling performance.

Q2

What is the gear ratio of the 5-speed manual transmission in the NSX?

The 5-speed manual transmission in the 1990-2005 Acura NSX has the following gear ratios: 1st gear - 3.071:1, 2nd gear - 1.952:1, 3rd gear - 1.400:1, 4th gear - 1.034:1, 5th gear - 0.771:1. The final drive ratio is 4.062:1 for models with manual transmission.

Q3

What is the torque capacity of the NSX drivetrain?

The drivetrain of the 1990-2005 Acura NSX is engineered to handle up to 210 lb-ft of torque, which is the maximum torque output of the 3.0L or 3.2L V6 engine. The drivetrain components, including the transmission and differential, are designed to withstand this torque under normal operating conditions.

Q4

How often should the differential fluid be replaced in the NSX?

Acura recommends replacing the differential fluid in the NSX every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. Use only genuine Acura Dual Pump Fluid II (P/N 08200-9006) to ensure proper lubrication and performance of the limited-slip differential.

Q5

What type of differential does the NSX use?

The 1990-2005 Acura NSX is equipped with a torque-sensing limited-slip differential (LSD). This differential enhances traction and stability by distributing torque between the rear wheels based on driving conditions, improving cornering performance and reducing wheel spin.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

NSX Drivetrain Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

A detailed guide on maintaining the drivetrain components, including transmission, differential, and driveshaft, for optimal performance and longevity.

NSX Transmission Fluid Replacement Procedure

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the transmission fluid in the 1990-2005 Acura NSX, including recommended fluid types and torque specifications.

NSX Differential Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official service manual section covering the inspection, maintenance, and repair of the NSX limited-slip differential.

NSX Drivetrain Torque Specifications

Coming Soon

Comprehensive list of torque specifications for all drivetrain components, including transmission bolts, differential mounts, and driveshaft fasteners.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

15+ Years
Experience
500+ Guides
Guides
50+ Makes
Vehicles
1000+ Solutions
Solutions

Diagnostic

Specialized in advanced diagnostic techniques using modern scan tools and oscilloscopes.

Repair

Expert in both traditional mechanical repairs and modern vehicle systems.

Additional Expertise

Documentation

Created over 500 detailed repair guides and technical documents.

Training

Conducted technical training sessions and contributed to repair databases.

Certifications & Research

Certifications

  • ASE Master Technician Certification
  • Advanced Diagnostic Specialist
  • Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Systems
  • Performance Tuning Expert

Research & Community

Actively researches emerging technologies and contributes to automotive forums.

Legal Disclaimer

Important information about using this content

Always refer to your vehicle's service manual and take appropriate safety precautions when performing any maintenance or repairs.

General Information
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to maintain accuracy in our content, all specifications, procedures, and technical information should be verified against your vehicle's official service manual or with the manufacturer directly.
Warranty & Liability

The content on this website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or availability of the information.

We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of information on this website.

Technical Information
  • All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
  • Vehicle specifications and procedures may vary by model year, trim level, and region.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and safety precautions.
  • Working on vehicles can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety equipment.
  • If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified professional mechanic.
Intellectual Property
All content, including text, images, and specifications, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Any unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

© 2025 Acura Specs. All rights reserved.