I was wondering is the 3.5 RL the same as a MDX? A 2001 is the same and would it bolt right on a 01 CL? What kind of modifications would be I need, could I just get the head and put it on??

 

why would you want an 01 RL head? the cl-s is one of the better heads available that fit our block.

 

I thought that it would be a better gain if it came off a 3.5??

 

No, to increase displacement from 3.2 liters to 3.5 liters you must make the piston travel a greater distance in the cylinder. The 3.5 crank used with our block will work plus some other changes, I'm not remembering what they are.

 

the only heads i would consider better than the 01-03 cl-s are the 04+TL/S and 05+RL heads, but they do not fit our block.

 

I didnt know that so the newer models will work I still dont understand why we cant just use the older RL 3.5 models??? So there are really no possible gains??

 

The air space up in the head is small, I'd say 90% of it or more is when the piston is at the bottom of the stroke. All the air (and gasoline vapors) are above it, an amount of 3.2 Liters divided by 6. You really need to find a website showing a head turned over, or go to any machine shop or engine builder. The head holds the spark plug and valves, cams and such. It is removeable for servicing...the block with it's six holes is where your size comes into play for adding horsepower. Some guys shave heads to increase compression to add power, but 93 octane fuel will be needed and the engine may still ping. Sometimes the head gets so close that the piston strikes the valves.

 

BTW like CleanCL said, our heads are one of the best out there. Any others would result in LESS power. The best heads are free-breathing and work well at getting the heat out of the engine.

 

so would it be better to just get a different block?

 

i believe the 3.2 block will work as well. the rotating assembly is what is changed.

 

A different block is not needed. Use yours and convert it to 3.5 liters of displacement by changing to the 3.5 crank. Then you'll have 3.5. I can't remember but the rods or pistons may have to change too. Then get headers, CAI, pulleys etc you'll be putting out some good power.

 

oh ok thanks.