tlturbo2003

Well here is the plan. I can handle the engine. I'll sort out the engine management, welding the piping for the turbos, finding the right turbos (leaning towards modifying some porsche designed variable veins if I can) ect. I can weld and machine. I'll sort it out. But I want to know if there is an easy way to join a 4th gen SH-AWD manual system (specifically the 2014 version) to a 2003 tl base. And don't worry about the why. It's basically because I want a turbo 2003 tl. It's not practical, it's not easy, I don't care. I'm just looking for a trans that can handle the power if I stick a pair of big ass turbos on a 3.2 engine. That is the weak point on this generation of tls. Let me know if anyone has ideas.

Skirmich

mmmm... The amount of logistics and planning to make that work just baffles me. The SH-AWD system is controlled by the ECU and by itself is complicated enough to stop you from doing this retrofit as it will be a complete nightmare to make the Rear Electromagnetic Diff even work properly.


What you can do though is make your current TL a 6MT and Turbo the sucker and call it a day, Far less complicated, Cheaper and by the end of the day probably faster since far less weight.

tlturbo2003

So what I'm hearing is "It's not easy but make the new computer talk to the rest of the car and you got it" ok, so electronics are going to be an issue, do you know if I need a custom bellhousing to physically mate these two? The 2014 uses a 3.5 and I really don't know if it's a totally different block or just bored out to different displacement.

tlturbo2003

And again it's not a, "I want a bolt on system" because fuck those lazy assed people. It's what are the challenges I'll have to bitchslap down to make this work.

Skirmich

The trans will certainly not fit the J32A1, J32A2 and J35A3 since they are same bells, modern than that and bamm the bell housing changed so you can't make those engines plug in to the newer trans without a custom housing plate.

Basically you are in to retrofit even the new engine completely since the ECU that controls the diff needs the input from the engine to control the power transfer to the rear axle.. If you are in for a challenge this certainly is

3.2TLc

No easy way, why ask why ?
Your easiest and most logical option is as Skirmich previously suggested: Do the CL-S 6 speed swap for the best manual tranny to mate up to your Turbo powered 3.2 TL motor.

But if ya don't care about being practical, bolt in the fabricated complete SH-AWD drivetrain along with it's 3.5 motor and all of the electrical stuff to make it work. Install a supercharger and you'll have a unique "one-of-a-kind" super awesome 2nd Gen TL. You seem to have the skills, talent and motivation to pull this off.

Keep us posted and start a build thread for your project. Just do it !!!

fsttyms1

The Block is whats different. The way they get the increased displacement is the crank. The ONLY block that has a different bore is the J37.

Again, The trans will NOT bolt up to your engine. You will need the newer J35A8 or newer. Next comes the wiring. There is more to it than just the ECU, there are all sorts of Yaw, wheel speed and other sensors that make up the system. Next comes the mechanical. Both the front and rear subframe and suspension were NOT designed for the Trans and rear dif. You will need to have all of that, then comes the little problem of the center tunnel not being anywhere near big enough to handle the drive shaft. Can it be done, sure. With tons and tons of custom modifications. Remember the 4th gen TL is MUCH larger than the 2g TL. In the end it would be cheaper to buy a used TL SH-AWD and turbo that unless you can find one hell of a deal on a wrecked donor car to get all the parts.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

basically; you're going to be cutting up everything and the end result wont even look like your TL.


there is a 3G RWD +V8 turbo conversion going on right now.

except; everything that makes the 3G TL special, (suspension and weight distribution) is LOST.

they used a MUSTANG II front end clip and a ford diff. rear end.

even if they get it started, drive ability is LOST. and that's no fun.

3.2TLc

..............

Improvise with ingenuity !!!

yungone501

iTrader: (4)

I'm not going to try and discourage the optimism here BUT after having learned how the TL 3.7 all wheel drive system actually is, I would never waste my money on the swap. I know that Flexer is currently doing a similar swap (RL j35a8 w/TL 3.7 AWD 6mt) and has shared with me the ridiculousness of the swap electrically and mechanically.

The newer systems work differently due to CAN bus module communications and each module will "look" for all other modules and when unnoticed, it can and will deactivate certain systems and/or features. I've went through this on the 08 TLS dash swap in my 98 Accord. I'll say though I'm a well seasoned automotive electrical tech, it was even a task for me to make things work without the use of unnecessary modules that were not seen by the essential modules.

It's quite a possible swap/conversion but DO prepare yourself for a significant amount of trial and error, problem solving and improvising.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

i guess i'll be Debbie Downer and say this will never happen.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

oh, I had already knew it wasnt happening.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

ya everyone knows, but someone had to say it. I had to be the crabby one today!

fsttyms1

Im actually still mad i didnt do this back in '11 when i found a perfect donor car for it.

3.2TLc

Never say never !!! Anything is possible with inspiration and a realistic goal.

While these kinda projects seem to be rather far-fetched, they should be accepted and considered as a challenge for the folks with a vision. Most often, these projects which are out of the normal box don't happen because of the difficulty involved. But, never take a person's dream away.....instead try to be supportive and assist if possible. Realistic advice is what's best, even if it shows potential issues and shortcomings.

Perhaps Fsttyms1 may pull off a similar trick project such as this, before he hits the million mile mark !!!

00TL-P3.2

fify.

Gabru678

iTrader: (1)

What about taking the bits off of the Saturn Vue V6's? I know those ran our engines and always wondered 'what if' would that be easier for him?

Skirmich

^ aside from the engine the Saturn Vue uses a completely different chassis and transmission. The SH-AWD system is more suitable since it's based on the TL/Accord Chassis.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

also, you dont want to use the Vue's J35.
the components inside are not as stout as the versions in the Honda and Acura's.

i think it even makes less power on paper too.

fsttyms1

Its still a honda engine, with honda insides. Any downgrade in power is from tuning, and right on par with the oddy power.

fsttyms1

That AWD system is junk. Cant even compare it to sh-awd, nor would i waste time thinking about it.

ErickUa5

What about moving the drive train to the back, When you mentioned Porsche this popped up in my mind.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

eeeK! I wouldnt touch them!

yungone501

iTrader: (4)

I agree with Justin on this one. Anything with a GM logo on it repulses me. Even if there is a "Honda" engine beneath the hood.

What in the HELL is wrong with Honda for doing this!

You go to the corner and think about what you've done! Bad Honda!!!

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Do you have a link to this abomination, I could use a good laugh.

Hey guys I am going to install a 2nd engine in my trunk to provide power to rear wheels. How do you think it will handle (being sarcastic).

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

Hahaha that's hilarious. Some guy with 3 posts comes in asking how to turbo SH-AWD his 2G TL, and you guys entertain him. That's rich

Skirmich

^ If you can dream it you can do it!!!!

Also it was a slow week after all.

350

iTrader: (4)

Lots of money is the only way it'll happen. Hack up a 30K car to put parts in a 5K car, then throw a turbo on it and break it all. Money pit, if it's your thing go for it, but you should probably just pick a different car. What about a mechanical Haldex or Torsen center diff to eliminate the electronics?

brian6speed

iTrader: (5)

Reminds me of the guy on ebay selling a Ferrari F430 he had modified to look like an Enzo. He is asking 400k starting bid hahaha.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-2-door-coupe-2007-ferrari-f-430-custom-one-of-a-kind-enzo-re-body-carbon-fiber-heart-/291314505379?forcerrptr=true&hash=item43d3b296a3&item=291314505379&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

Big Ak

Youtube vid conversion part 1:


Youtube vid conversion part 2:


Doesn't show much tbh. No idea if it was ever finished.

fsttyms1

Then you got the guy who is putting a Acura 3.5 v6 in a Mustang

Click ---> https://acurazine.com/forums/car-tal...-build-888207/

Station

You would be better off getting a J35A3/A4 from a Honda Pilot or an MDX and trying to convert your tl to use there VTM-4 AWD system. its FWD most of the time as long as the front tires have traction. once they lose traction power is sent to the back wheels. its even possible that because its mostly running in FWD you are saving a little in fuel. if you do decide to try and go this route make sure to get an 03' 5spd auto tranny as the previous years have reliability issues like our tls have and it was fixed in 03'. you would also gain the ability to lock the rear diff like an off roader but this only stays locked in 1st 2nd 3rd and reverse up to 18mph but is really only useful for off roading so its useless for us. i have heard of someone converting their Honda civic to AWD using the crx setup and it got me thinking if it was possible in ours. i would say this would be your best bet and if you do go this rout dont forget to post your progress with pics. if only you could hook up a 6spd m tranny to this setup :-)

fsttyms1

If i was going thru the trouble of putting AWD on the TL, i wouldnt waste my time with the useless VTM-4. The SH-AWD system is one of the best all wheel drives systems out there period.

Oh and with the SH-AWD setup you CAN have a 6 speed.