Project NSX: Part 8 – 2002 Facelift and Widebody

Over at Downforce USA, the 2002 Conversion and new headlights were installed and test fit.  Our car was used to the mockup for the development of their 25mm wider rear fenders that match their 8mm wider front fenders.

The fender is taped off to determine the profile, and a 25mm strip of metal was added to create width increase.

The fenders were then filled and profiled to create the larger flare.  I really like how they kept the concave curvature of the flare that looks just like OEM, but bigger.  This is very understated and isn’t as obvious or ‘loud’ as a sharp crease and a convex curved flare.

Bracing the fender when making the mold is crucial for consistency and accuracy of the new fender.

Downforce USA has a larger “DFR” carbon fiber side scoop (it’s NOT a “vent” – Vents let air out) that is a little more aggressive than stock.  This matches the increased stance of their wide fender kit, unlike the NSX-R GT side scoops which stick out significantly and throw the visual balance of the car off.

13 comments

    1. Looks are subjective but NSXs look great with a diameter stagger. Plus, there are better tire options in 19″ for the rear.

  1. Great job Billy and those involved with the project!

    I have close to 300k miles on my CTSC E85’d 91, but I think I’ll keep her and consider an update instead of saving up for the NC1.

    Why turbo vs. s/c?

    1. Thank you, and it’s great to hear your NSX is being driven!

      It’s pretty difficult to get air intake temps under control on supercharged NSXs during continuous use on road courses, plus that’s a lot of weight at nearly the highest part of the car -hurting the car’s center of gravity and handling. They are easy to install and improve the car’s torque and are GREAT on the street, but for this project, a turbo is a better route:

      I’ve always been a turbo guy and the first NSX i’ve ever driven was turbocharged and made 500whp. Turbos are far more complex to install but there is so much more you can do with them. Many are done poorly with sub-par turbo sizing, engineering, components, and tuning. But when done right, they are incredible. I’m taking what was learned on the record-setting FXMD NSX Time Attack car, and pulling from world-class motorsports engineering to make the most advanced turbocharged NSX ever made. Stay tuned!

  2. Hey, it’s cool you went to the Lookout Roadhouse above Lake Elsinore! My wife and I go there all the time for breakfast. Great view of the area from up on the moutains! They’ve made it through the pandemic, but barely.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*