You might think you’ll never be caught dead in a minivan, but have you seen what Mugen’s done with Honda’s ’09, JDM Odyssey? The JDM super tuner’s family-sized aero package features a front bumper package that consists of, well, a replacement front bumper, fog lights (HIDs are optional), and a camera cover. Van lovers can also pick up Mugen’s side skirts, rear bumper spoiler, front grill and bumper garnish, even a roof spoiler and window visors. Mugen also offers two different exhaust systems, one of which integrates into the OEM tips and looks strangely cool. Of course, they’ve also got a coilover suspension, and rotors and pads, because we all know every minivan driver needs bigger, more robust brakes and a stiffer, adjustable suspension.
Filed under: Project NSX | Tags: Honda Tuning magazine Project NSX, JDM fenders, NA1
The USDM NSX has two fairly obtrusive sidemarker lights for each bumper. The JDM version has two smaller sidemarkers up front and none out back. Less is more.
Sometimes the subtlest of modifications are the most rewarding, like getting your ride-height just right, down to the last 1/8 inch, or sourcing a set of thin side moldings for your Civic that only you and a select group of enthusiasts will know are special. Such is the case with Project NSX. Dorky body add-ons and NSX-R wannabe nonsense were out of the question, but there are a couple of basic exterior mods we’re addressing, despite how subtle they may be.
For the most part, there are few differences between the JDM and USDM NA1 NSXs. Of course, the JDM version is RHD but almost everything else is the same. Almost. In the name of highway safety, the U.S. DOT requires automakers to do all sorts of silly things, one of which is to plaster a couple of huge sidemarker lights on both sides of cars like the NSX. Don’t kid yourself, they look out of place and they’ve got to go. But despite how subtle the mod might be the solution is either really time-consuming or really expensive. We’re cheap so we took the time-consuming route. Remember, the NSX is rare and its fenders are made of aluminum, both factors that contribute to some expensive pieces of metal. It’s not unheard of for a couple of fenders and rear quarter panels to go for the price of a clean DC2. With that in mind we decided to bust out the old TIG welder. The trick is to leave the fenders on the car while welding, do a bunch of periodic stitch welds, and keep the metal cool with a wet towel in between welds. Skip any of these steps and, like it or not, you’ll have to forget about that DC2 you wanted and shell out for some new NSX hardware. Four precision-cut pieces of sheet aluminum, several dozen stitch welds, and a few hours later and we’ve got a complete set of make-shift, JDM fenders. Almost – the body shop still has to get its hands on them for a truly finished product. Stay tuned for more NSX updates.
