The 3.0-liter 24-valve Honda C30A engine was produced in Japan from 1990 to 2005 and was installed only on the Honda NSX sports model, including those produced under the Acura brand. There were two versions of this unit: for a manual transmission with 274 hp and for an automatic transmission with 256 hp.
C-series family: C27A, C30A, C32A, C35A, C32B.
Specifications
| Production years | 1990-2005 |
| Displacement, cc | 2977 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 256 – 274 |
| Torque output, Nm | 284 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 90 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 78 |
| Compression ratio | 10.2 |
| Features | VVIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | VTEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda NSX 1995) — city — highway — combined |
17.9 9.1 12.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 195 |
The engine was installed on:
- Acura NSX 1 (NA) in 1990 – 2005;
- Honda NSX 1 (NA) in 1990 – 2005.
Disadvantages of the Honda C30A engine
- The main problem of the engine is oil consumption, it can appear up to 100,000 km.
- It is very important to monitor the lubrication level; even a slight decrease in it is dangerous.
- Sometimes you can get away with just replacing the pushers, but often the camshaft is changed.
- The timing belt is renewed every 90,000 miles, and if it breaks, it always bends the valves.
- The weak points of the engine include a short-lived catalyst and ignition coils.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda C30A
How much power does the Honda C30A make?
The Honda C30A develops 256 - 274 hp and 284 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Honda C30A take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Honda C30A have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda C30A uses a timing belt.
Is the Honda C30A turbocharged?
No, the Honda C30A is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda C30A need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Honda C30A last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda C30A is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda C30A?
Honda NSX 1995: city 17.9, highway 9.1, combined 12.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda C30A installed on?
Acura NSX 1 (NA) in 1990 - 2005; Honda NSX 1 (NA) in 1990 - 2005.
What are the common problems of the Honda C30A?
The main problem of the engine is oil consumption, it can appear up to 100,000 km. It is very important to monitor the lubrication level; even a slight decrease in it is dangerous. All known problems.
