Midway through 2020, we saw quite a few people posting about how the Covid lockdowns would end up producing a wave of new builds that would eventually see the light of day once things got back to “normal.” That prediction among the social media-verse was on to something, and this 1990 Honda NSX is one fine example. Assembled during the country’s mandatory lockdown downtime, and making itself known now things are opening, this is just the beginning for owner Marco Cruz and a project that, even in its simplest form, is already turning heads.
Solid Foundation
It’s not the tallest order by any means, turning heads in Honda’s sultry mid-engine, RWD, ’90s flagship, especially an imported right-hand-drive version. Sourced through Top Rank International Vehicle Importers right before the pandemic took hold of the nation, it’s remained relatively mild. The additional touches added throughout the chassis as well as the bonus items already installed prior to the purchase are few, but make a huge impact.
“I’ve had the car for about two years and four months now, and since I got the car, I’ve already bought three sets of wheels and added little touches here and there,” Marco notes. “I’ve only just begun to upgrade my ride and I already have parts lying around waiting to be installed.” Along with the 18-inch rear and 17-inch front bronze TE37 you see pictured, a set of Mugen M7, and custom offset NSX-R wheels are stashed away at home for those times that a change is in order.
Ride height and modern handling come courtesy of KW V3 coilovers and NSX Type R front and rear sway bars. The iLift Cup Kit offers a few inches of clearance for those steep driveway or speed bump encounters, and though the factory brakes are very good, NSX-R calipers, rotors, and pads are better. With Aviation Performance steel braided lines included in the stopping power makeover, this NSX has no problems winding down.
To compliment the wheel options and lower stance, a carbon fiber front lip was added as were Backyard Special side skirts and rear spats, and that’s the extent of the exterior aesthetic. There are no bulbous fender extensions or towering rear wing with extended scaffolding – the minimalist look maintains the car’s original direction, with just a bit of flair. Marco adds, “Changes to the front bumper, side skirts, and rear are going to be installed once I’ve received a long-awaited piece from Japan.”
Hidden Potential
At this point, the engine remains naturally aspirated, dressed up with titanium covers from Chasing J’s and firmly braced by a multi-point Foundry titanium engine room bar. Those were the updates made by Marco, but before he took ownership of this NSX, it had already been given a healthy internal makeover with Tracy Sports forged pistons, custom ported and polished heads, and KSP Engineering stage 1 cams.
An RF Yamamoto ported intake manifold and intake scoop take care of incoming air, while spent gases are pushed through GT-ONE F1 titanium headers and 5.1 titanium exhaust system with the factory catalytic converters swapped out for high-flowing SARD units. A Mine’s VX-Rom ECU is onboard for basic tuning and to keep the car’s set up safe and reliable.
Crimson Cabin
Bright red Recaro RSG replace the stock leathers and not only suit the svelte shape of the NSX fighter pilot layout, but the material screams against the deep, factory Berlina Black exterior and muted bronze rollers. A quartet of Omni gauges are perched atop the center stack to keep tabs on the action happening behind the cabin. OEM goods from overseas were incorporated, like the NSX Type S steering wheel with Works Bell tilt kit, and the NSX-R aluminum pedals, shift knob, boot, and lever. Marco says he plans to swap to a different set of seats and regardless of what he’s going with, we’ll miss these.
More than just the changes intended for the seats and lip kit, Marco has plans to increase his braking power, add some additional carbon fiber bits, and he’s currently mulling over a potential color change. He adds, “my options are wide and endless, so we’ll just have to wait and see.” Instead of throwing as many parts as possible at the NA1, Marco has been strategic with the updates, and we can’t wait to see the next phase.
1990 Honda NSX
Owner Marco Cruz
Instagram @nsx_wa_kessaku
Engine Tracy Sports forged pistons, rings; ported/polished head; KSP Engineering stage 1 cams, radiator; GT-ONE F1 titanium headers, Ver. 5.1 titanium exhaust; SARD high-flow cats; RF Yamamoto, ported/polished intake manifold, throttle body spacer; intake scoop; Chasing J’s titanium intake cover, manifold cover; Mines VX-ROM ECU
Drivetrain Type R short gears, final drive; RF Yamamoto clutch set and release bearing; JUN Auto lightened flywheel; OS Giken Super Lock LSD
Suspension KW V3 coilovers; Foundry 3 titanium 4-pt. chassis bar; Type R front/rear sway bars; iLift Cup Kit air system
Braking Type R slotted discs, pads, calipers; Aviation Performance steel braided brake lines
Wheels & Tires Volk Racing TE37 17×9 +34 front, 18×10 +45 rear; Dunlop Direzza Z3 235/40-17 front, 275/35-18
Exterior Backyard Special side skirts, rear spats; Shine carbon fiber front lip
Interior Recaro RSG seats; NSX Type S steering wheel; Works Bell Rapfix tilt system, hub; NSX-R aluminum pedal set, shift boot, titanium shift knob, lever; Zoom carbon fiber rear view mirror
Thank You Shout out to Fumiko who helped tremendously with acquiring this right hand drive NSX. Also to TopRank Vehicle Importers, Yaska and Brian for selling me this beauty. Shout out also to Hector G. aka @Heksef7 on IG, Anthony V. aka @Snisternsx on IG, Jasen @Genesis Honda and Acura on IG, and Junior A. aka @jr.redline.racing on IG for being there and letting me hang with the big boys 🙂 Last but not least to my old crew from back in the day HDS Racing @hsd4lyfe on IG.
Keyword: Lockdown Project: The First Phase of a JDM Honda NSX Makeover