Long story short , smashed a valve in the j32 in my 03 CL. Ive done some reading but haven't found a ton of in depth threads on this. I have access to j35a3s near me but not too many cls6 motors so this is probably the route I'll go to. Im looking for more information / thread links about transmission / ECU compatibility for my 6 speed . Also wondering about my j32 heads fitting on anything , as I have CT headers installed and would like to keep if possible. Any input is appreciated , Thanks in advance .

 

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The information below can be found on numerous threads on the forum with the simple search term 'J35A3' on either the 2G TL side or 2G CL side:
Your CL-S6 manual transmission will bolt up to the J35A3 01-02 MDX engine.
Your CL-S6 ECU will work fine with the new J35A3 engine; however, you will have to make the automatic MDX J35A3 engine 'six-speed' compatible by transferring the J32A2 front head cam plate / cam TDC sensors / cam pulley / TB drive pulley / crank sensor & harness.
If you want to put new head gaskets on the J35A3, you can swap both CL-S6 J32A2 heads, in mass, after the smashed valve has been remedied.
With that said, lots of folks just swap the J32A2 cams into the J35A3 heads, it's up to you.
If you want to fully fasten the CL-S6 timing belt stopper plate, you will have to swap the J32A2 oil pump to the J35A3 since its oil pump does not have the additional upper bolt 'boss' used to fasten it. . Otherwise, just use some blue loctite on the lower bolt to firmly secure it in place, if you don't swap it.
In addition, you should also swap your CL-S6 throttle body / EGR valve; water passage & connecting pipe to the J35A3.
Good Luck!

 

+1, advanced search here or google 'j35a3 site:acurazine.com'
Just remember a3 motors are very old and not the only J35 out there
If I had to do it again I would go j37a1 crank and traum pistons.

 

Im interested in your input . Im not dead set on a j35 swap and thought j37 would be too difficult /expensive .

 

In that case, suggest researching j36 on the 2g tl and cl forums. IMO, j35 is a step in the right direction, but worth considering j36 or j37 if your budget allows. Difference in 32/35/36 vs 37 is 90mm bore on the 37. Another thing to keep in mind j35a3, j35a4 have slightly lower compression than CLS and weaker intake valve springs. Thus you'll want to swap over the intake springs if you're going to swap over type s cams. I have 05 RL crank, cams, valve springs, halferland 89mm PGK pistons in a PGE (CLS) block. Not a common crank for 2g, but same length as j37a1 so same snout spacer works.
GL with your build.