What motor is in the 1990 NSX?
The 1990 NSX uses a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine known as the C30A, delivering about 270 horsepower.
Designed for high-revving performance and precise handling, the engine sits at the heart of a car that Honda positioned as a new benchmark for reliability and sports-car refinement. This article outlines the core specifications and the design choices that defined the motor in the original NSX.
Engine specifications
Below are the key specifications and design features of the 1990 NSX’s engine.
- Engine type: 3.0-liter V6 (C30A)
- Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 24 valves
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Fuel system: Bosch multi-point sequential fuel injection
- Power output: Approximately 270 horsepower (at around 7,000 rpm)
- Torque: About 210 pound-feet (around 5,500–6,000 rpm)
- Redline: Near 8,000 rpm
- Layout: Mid-mounted engine with a rear-wheel-drive, transaxle configuration
- Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission
These specifications reflect a package designed to deliver strong high-rev performance with an emphasis on balance and response, a hallmark of the NSX philosophy.
Design and engineering notes
The C30A engine was developed to maximize rev versatility and smooth power delivery. Its mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and precise fueling contributed to the NSX’s reputation for build quality and handling precision, helping it stand out in an era when many supercars prioritized outright power over everyday usability.
In the broader context of the NSX's debut, the 3.0-liter V6 established Honda as a serious performance car manufacturer, blending accessibility with high-performance engineering. The engine’s characteristics—strong mid-range torque, rapid throttle response, and a high-revving peak—were intentionally tuned to work with the NSX’s chassis and aerodynamics, creating a cohesive driving experience rather than a raw power fest.
Summary
In brief, the 1990 NSX is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 (the C30A) producing about 270 horsepower. Its mid-mounted layout, advanced fuel system, and high-revving character helped define a new standard for reliability and performance in a mid-engine sports car.
