Hey RLers... I have a 1st gen 3.2 TL so I hang out at the corner of Acurazine.com. This mod has been done before on 1st gen TLs so there is no question if it can be done. I'm wanting to put a 3.5 (C35A) in my TL; however, I noticed that the hp increased from 210 to 225 between your 1996 - 2001 and 2002 - 2004 1st Gen RLs.
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Now, my question is... is it the intake manifold (better flowing manifold) that gives the C35A the extra 15hp? For the example, if you put a Acura Legend Type II intake manifold on a 1st Gen TL, it would increase the hp approx 10 to 15hp. So, basically, what on or in your C35A engine gives your 2002 - 2004 3.5L an extra 15hp? Thank you in advance.

 

Hey guys nevermind... I did more reading over your RL forum and found the answer to my question... "The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is one of the biggest engines that has ever powered an Acura sedan. Thanks in part to the addition of a new variable silencer, the engine now generates 225 horsepower, a significant improvement over the previous model's 210-hp output.

 

So, next question... is the RL's intake manifold better flowing then the Legend Type II intake manifold? Thanks in advance guys... I'm trying to build a monster 1st Gen TL.

 

IT'S... ABOUT... TO... GO... DOWN... 1st Gen TL & RL Frankenstein!!! A 1998 Acura TL 3.2 with a 2000 RL 3.5 engine with 1994 Legend Type II Cams and Intake Manifold!!!! May take a week or two... or maybe three.
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2000 Acura RL 3.5


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1994 Acura Legend with Type II Manifold and Cams



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My 1998 Acura TL

 

good luck! that's quite a job you are taking on!

 

Wow, looks like it will be a fast car when done. I have not personally heard of the 3.5 going into anything other than a legend. Definitely come back with results!

 

Awesome man, can't wait to see the results!

 

Day 2: Took the 2000 RL engine apart... All this gunk and slug is stuck all in the inside of the engine. I didn't know where to start. Bought some wire brushes, Purple Power, Carb Cleaning spray, and rubber disposable gloves and went to scrubbing. For hours and hours and hours and hours and hours and hours etc etc etc. Went thru 2 walmart shirts and a nice pair of Jeans. That gunk/slug gets everywhere like a damn ninja.

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Day 4: I scrub as much as I could with Purple Power. I got all the tight spots and corners with the carb cleaning, and power washed it under water pressure hose. Now, I sent it off to the machine shop to get a chemical dip.
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Apparently, the prior RL owner didn't like getting oil changes, but loved to just add oil.

 

Kinda make you want to add a cup of Seafoam in you oil to help prevent this... I added some in my Hummer's oil.

 

Christ, that looks rough. Hopefully you won't have any issues with it once you get it cleaned up and back together.

 

Wow, that doesnt look good lol. All that gunk and the hours you spent in it.
I got a question, I have a 96 RL and about to get an engine replacement from 99-04. So do I also need to get the ECU from the newer model too? Thanks.

 

Since no one has answered yet, I will give it a try.

From what I have read on the forum...

All the engines are the same from '96--04. The difference in the power ratings from 2002-2004 is from the exhaust and ECU. So from what I can tell, you will only need an new ECU if you plan on going with the '02-'04 variable silencer. I am sure someone will chime in if I am incorrect or said something incorrectly. Good luck, and please share your results.

I hope this helps some.

 

Ok, thanks for the info. but I'm a little confuse about the part you said "02-04" variable silencer. So let me get this straight, if i'm going to get an engine from 02-04 for my 96 then I must get the ECU from 02-04 too, rite? Hopefully I don't have to get the engine replace. Here in Cali. the emission test is really strict, so I don't know my 96 will pass this time. Hopefully it passes so I can get my car slam to the ground lol

 

I will still be using my 1998 TL 3.2 ECU for the 2000 RL 3.5 Engine. I'm hoping the TL OBD2 is smart enough to calibrate itself for the 3.5. If it doesn't work, I will get the RL 3.5 ECU. Actually, it wouldn't be bad idea for me to go ahead and get if from the salvage yard.

 

Everything is back from the machine shop except for the valve covers, which is at the powdercoat shop. The machine shop did a good job cleaning. OBX headers came in the mail as well.
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Time for me and Ron "Mad Scientist" to do a test fit.
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I agree, just it in case..

 

 

Seems like quite the build... but from what i have seen and read... there MIGHT be problems with the cams and intake manifold when it gets to chipping OBD2 ECUs...

but maybe you found a loop hole and things will work out for you. And maybe this is just a problem for the RL chassis itself.


Keep us updated.

 

OBD issue solve...
Type II 6-Speed Transmission
Type II ECU
Type II Goodies to support 6-speed Tranny
Starting the build already

 

Legend Type II ECU? Sweet. Did you use a custom harness or what?

 

Well, it looks as if we are (custom). I have one TL harness, one RL harness, & one Type II harness to play with... but first we (my mad scientist and I) are still getting the engine together... About to send the 6-speed tranny to be rebuilt after a test fit to the 3.5.

 

Legend 6spd trans bolts up to the RL 3.5, no modification needed.

 

There will also be a slight gap where the balance shaft resides...

 

There's a coolant line on the diff that needs to be capped off too. I forgot about that.

 

Yeah, I noticed that. I was thinking I had to hook that up to the coolant. Thanks!!!!

 

looks like a fun swap. I'm subscribing now incase you need any help I'll try and chime in

< Legend owner who went from a 3.2 auto to a custom 3.5 hybrid/6 speed and boost

I was thinking the ECU IF you have issues with it. A nsx AEM EMS will work and give u a true standalone depending on what your end goals are.

 

Thank you very much for all the info... Please keep the info coming!!! Believe me, i am taking notes.

 

What's up with this "spacer" to the mount on the Trans? Is it needed? Is the trans too short?

 

Bear with me, it's been a few years since I did my swap and have had many projects since so keeping them all straight escapes my mind sometimes

The auto transmission is longer than the manual so you need a spacer. Basically what's been used it either a shit load of washers or a tubular piece and a longer bolt. I couldn't get a spacer made in time for my swap so I used washers and it's been perfectly fine for the last eh....5 years or however long it's been.

 

GreekPower... The NSX is a V-Tec. Isn't the AEM EMS designed for V-Tec engines? Or does it not matter?

 

omega, I see your on acuralegend.org now. That is true, BUT the VTEC part won't affect the standard ECU plugs. you might need a jumper harness for your car specifically but the EMS will handle any and all things you can throw at it. I called Dv8 and told him to get intouch with you, so you can buys his standalone.

the spacer ymisqt is talking about is a little triangle spacer, you can make one yourself with long bolts and washers. thats how it was done back in the old days.

I did a 3.5 swap in my legend as I said. I made a vlog about it. Is part 1. Theres I believe 12 parts total, not all of it pertains to you, BUT it will help I'm sure.

 

GreekPower... Yeah, haha. I'm on there too, searching for knowledge on AcuraLegend.org. Good to know about the standalone. Thanks a lot for contacting Dv8 for me. I was able to buy his NSX AEM EMS. I also bought brettallen59's (AcuraLegend.org) RDX injectors, AEM FPR, 6-Speed transmission, and extras. Then, I bought EvrLGND's (AcuraLegend.org) 6-Speed and extras. What was also included in EvrLGND's extras, devolution's (AcuraLegend.org) spacer. Yeah... I know, I know, I know... I have two Legend 6-speed transmissions now.
Awesome video. Very motivating. I seen a couple of your video on youtube when doing my research on C-series engines in the past. Great Stuff!!!!!

 

Picked up the rebuilt 6-Speed Transmission from the shop. I had all the synchronizers and bearings replaced... Basically, a brand new transmission ready to install. Thank goodness, I have friends who know friends who can give me the hook-up. This would have been expensive if it wasn't for them... Thanks

 

ymisoqt... why do i need to cap off the coolant line? Why can't i just use them?

 

The RL has an uncooled diff. This thread will be extremely useful for your project even though you are not swapping into a legend. http://forums.acuralegend.org/3-5-sw...ts-t11288.html

"Block Drain Pipe
*An engine coolant block drain pipe is added on the passenger's side on what used to be the coolant supply line to the differential.
*It is capped off with a rubber cap, simply remove the cap to drain the engine block of coolant."


"Differential
*Uses same internal parts and casting as Legend automatic diff.
*Eliminates the use of an internal oil cooler and associated pipes, but the “bungs” for them are still in the casting.
*Compatible with automatic Legends, for M/T use the legend’s cast iron differential.
*Uses different style speed sensor (use Legend)"

 

that tranny looks beautiful!

since you got dv8's ems now... its time for real cams i just happen to have a set over here... new.. perfect for ya

i'm not gonna lie this is favorited and I keep checking in from time to time. I'm excited to see it up and running. If you need to get ahold of someone asap for a reply, shoot me a pm and i'll reply with my cell #

 

Yep, got two 6 speeds... saving one. May buy me a Legend Coupe one day... LOL... Pedals came in... Needs touching up on the rusty parts. Also, may look into Mugen pedals to give them some jazz at the end of the build.

 

oooo this is going to take a interesting turn soon

 

Greekpower... If they only knew what's about to go down.

 

Oh? Do tell..