93mikeaccord

Well I finally convinced my wife about me buying a CL. Now the question is 3.0 or 2.2/2.3. What type of engine is in the 2.3 5-speed, H22A? I want the most power but would love a manual (and don't even mention the new 2003s, just too much $$$ right now). Other than the engine and transmission, are there any differences between the 3.0 and the 2.3?

Second, are there major differences with the years '99, '98 & '97 other than the wheels and grill?

Lastly are there any items to be weary about when purchasing a used CL? I'll most likely be buying something in the 40k - 70k mile range.

Any advice you can offer would be most appreciated, even color choices (I'm partial to the black or that Gold-Beige color).

Thanks!
-Mike

f0de

..its an f22a.. single over head cam motor.. 2.2 litre.. an h22a can be swapped in very easily.... but the only manual cl's are 2.x ones.. so if your not going to swap a motor in it.. i'd go with a 3.x auto.. just to have a faster car

KC CL 1785

My CL is for sale, it is a 2.2 5speed. Hint...hint...hint...

Bdog

I like my 2.3 because I know it is one of the most reliable 4 cyclinders out there. Yea, I wish I had an H22A (Prelude engine)which has the dual overhead cams, but that will be later. Either a 3.0 or 2.2/2.3 will be good, but if I have a car under 300 horeses I want a stick shift. I think the manual transmissions are better than the autos from what I have been hearing. Good luck on which ever you choose.

niedejb

The tranny in 3.0's are notorious for crapping out. Get the 2.2 or 2.3.

gjr2001

I have a 3.0 and love it. I have about 62,000 miles on it and no problems yet. The major differences between the 97,98,and 99's are: of course the rims and grills, the interiors have changed corresponding with the accord: 97 interior= 94-97 accord
98-99 interior = 98+accord
Which the interior changes aren't anything major, just look at some members sig's. Dustbuster has some nice interior pics of his 1997 3.0.

bryanz3.0cl

I have never heard of a 3.0 tranny having any problems unless it's from use of nitrous or a neutral drop, the 3.2's do have a lot of problems tho. Get a 98 or 99 with painted sideskirts...the 97's black plastic ones are ugly.

dustbuster4

I love my 3.0 and don't really miss the 5-speed. I find myself in rush hour traffic MUCH more than racing, so the auto comes in handy. The power of the 3.0 is adequate, and with several mods, you can increase that power.

If you really want a racer (and are still choosing a CL), you can put in nitrous for under $600. You can put in headers, but new ones will cost you over a grand (in the 3.0).

I think it comes down to whether you want a manual or auto. If you get the 2.2/2.3, get the 5-speed.

The center console is different on the '97 as compared to the '98/'99, as well as the '97 grill, and the wheels of each year. Also, the '97 does NOT have controls on the steering wheel for the stereo, and does not have the "home link" button.

MaCe

get a 5 spd.... dont get a slowmatic there no fun
the 97's have a nicer grill also

MaCe

RidinLow

My 5spd 2.2CL is for sale, 41k mi, with under 10k on a new tranny (old one was cracked by some kind of road debris, it was covered under warranty), & new tires too. Never been wrecked in any way.

KC CL 1785

WHat a conincedance, my 2.2 is for sale too, 5 speed with a little under 41k on the original tranny. Hint...Hint...Hint...

RidinLow

Yeah, but I'm a lot closer (relatively). :P

JLai

Get a 3.0. They're just so much quicker.

Plain fact...stock for stock, a 3.0 will rip the 2.2/2.3 apart. So unless your REALLY hung on wanting a stick shift, go with the 3.0 for more power.

KC CL 1785

I don't know about the 3.0 being that much quicker. I know that theoretically they are much quicker, but my friend has a 3.0 with no mods, and I only lost by about 1/8 of a car length. So, yeah they have much more orsepower but I can't agree with them being that much quicker.

Yes Ridnlow you may be closer, but I am willing to deliver anywhere in te continental United States

dustbuster4

Quicker is quicker! It depends on the driver, but my experience has been much more than 1/8 of a car length!

Good luck with your car sale [not being sarcastic].

RidinLow

"It doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile... winning's winning. Ask any real ricer."

dustbuster4

"I live my life, 1/4 mile at a time . . . "

"ricer", huh? :P

hougee

IMO... 3.0 has a much smoother ride... quieter too... if u do alot of highway driving.. do the 3.0... u won't regret it...

the diff between the years besides the grill and rims... 97 has black side skirts... and the counsol is alittle different below the decks.. the needle for the speedometer is white...

99+ has audio control on the steering wheels...
97 offers a 2.2 and 98+ are 2.3s ...


ne thing else?um... i guess that's about it

hg

exxxciteCL

Here is a thread that lists some of the differences between the '97 and the '98/'99:

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...threadid=59720

The '98 and '99 are basically the same except for the wheels. There are many small interior changes (such as the radio buttons, more wood trim, garage door opener) that appear on the '98 and '99 but not the '97.

I got a '98 because the '97 was the first year the CL was offered. I didn't know much about the CL at the time of my purchase, but I felt they might have fixed some of the manufacturing, fit/finish problems after its first year. But, if you look at the NHTSA's webpage all of the model years for the 1st gen have about the same number of common problems. I haven't read about many '97-specific issues, ball joint recall and EGR recall, that's about it.

As far as the 3.0 vs 2.2/2.3, I would try them both out. Your dealer should have both available. Drive them around the neighborhood, take 'em on the highway... See what you like. I personally liked the 3.0 because of the smoother/faster acceleration and the added torque, but the 2.3 stick does seem like it would be more fun to drive.

One last thing, GET A CARFAX ACCOUNT!! I wish I had got one when looking for my previous car. It was a problematic honda accord, and I didn't know until I traded it in for my CL that it had a salvage title in another state! A couple CL's I looked at did too.