Thanks to a dry sump oil system and its seven drain plugs, changing oil in a new NSX is nothing like the first gen NSX.
If you’ve even thought about getting a second gen NSX, how dealerships go about changing your oil and how much an Acura dealership charges isn’t a worry to you. But, if you’re curious anyway, this 2017 Acura NSX owner uploaded the oil change process his local Houston Acura dealership performed on his supercar. At the end of the video he gives us a cost breakdown but keep in mind this is an Acura dealership approved to work on the NSX.
Here’s the video below.
As mentioned, since this new NSX uses a dry sump system, oil collects in several low points in this new engine.There are seven different drain plugs that need to be removed.
First, the Acura technician removes the passenger side engine cover, trunk carpet and all the trunk trim to gain access to the oil filter and oil fill oil.
Next, the technician removes the engine underbody shield. There are 28 clips and connectors that need removing.
Then, the main reservoir is drained first before the technician can drain the other six.
After draining the oil and reinstallation of all the drain plugs and underbody shield, the NSX is lowered.
Next, the oil filter cartridge is removed and replaced.
Finally, oil is poured in, Mobil 0W30, one quart at a time. Although the NSX can hold 8 quarts, only between 6.5 and 7 quarts is added to prevent overfilling. An in-car oil change diagnostic check and a look at the dipstick confirms if enough oil is added.
Here’s a screenshot of the final bill. This particular Acura charges $480, around 200 for parts and the rest in labor and taxes. Believe it or not, this is a multi-hour job, this the high labor cost.
My .02
Although the Acura manual says that oil changes aren’t a DIY job, technically, you can do it yourself. A quick check on Amazon shows that 0W30 oil is around $10 a quart and a WIX oil filter cartridge is about $20. Given you have all the tools, the proper lifting equipment, and don’t inevitably break a clip or connector, you could probably change your oil for around $120.
That extra $360 you’re paying for is labor but also years of experience from a trained Acura NSX approved technician that money can’t buy. When you own a six-figure supercar, that’s peace of mind worth spending the extra money for.
Sure, the procedure might look like a P.I.T.A but, with a dry sump system, the engine gets precious oil at the right pressure at all times. Contrast this with the first gen NSX wet sump system where it would behoove owners to modify their lubrication system if they want to flog it on the track. This new NSX is track ready out of the box.
The NSX is a special vehicle and if you’re a first time owner with little wrenching under your belt, paying and watching someone do it the first time at a dealership is a good idea. Then, if you wanted to change your own oil, I don’t see why not.
After all, the NSX is supposed to be an everyday supercar.
