On someone elses dime..(long story)...how can I best utilize this turn of events? The car (03 CL-S 6sp) will be going to a dealer for the work. I was thinking of an NSX crate engine, but that's way more money than will be allowed. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

The C30 or C32 would be hard to get running right in our cars.

I'd suggest modding the 3.2 to a 3.5.

 

3.5 or a 3.7 build would be nice.

But would the dealer take on mods like that?

 

The job will involve replacing the original 3.2 with a new one from Honda. If I can talk the dealer shop into it, can they just drop a 3.5 or (?) in there instead? Pardon my ignorance, I'm not much of a DIYself'er.

 

See if they'll do a 3.5 conversion on a new 3.2 L engine. Read through this thread, it explains it.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=l+3.5

 

Not sure if there are any differences between the two blocks that would complicate things, but if it does fit, go with the 3.5 out of the TL-S.

On another note, wtf happened to your motor?

 

I had the timing belt/water pump etc replaced by Firestone at 106k miles. (I know I know...Firestone?? WTF??) Belt snapped last week at highway speed at 117k. Major valve damage as you would expect. So...cheaper to replace than fix. I'm ok with that, but I'd like to use the situation to my advantage. Wouldn't it be easier to install a new 3.5 than convert a 3.2? Again I'm not very knowlegeable on these things.

 

Is the dealer familiar with engine building? If not they are not going to know how to properly convert a 3.2 to a 3.5 & how to tune it right.
You can not just drop in a 3.5 & have it work out of the box. Ask the guys that have done it & how many nights of trial & error it took to get things right.

 

Wouldn't be something I think a dealer would want to get into.

 

maybe a specialty shop within your area would be able to tackle the build...

 

Get the cash and do what you want.

 

Best advice yet!

 

NSX motor would not be a drastic difference, the NSX weighs so much less so than the CL. I would assume you would have to stick to a 6 cylinder, so why not have the 3.7 put in. There has been alot of 3.5 conversions, but I thought the tuning, etc was due to the different parts to make a previously 3.2 into a 3.5. If the 3.7 is out the box, maybe that would be easier. WHo knows until you find a mechanic that has experience. Otherwise, a 3.2 replacement engine and a SC would be the best bet. At least you still have the tranny working and its a 6 speed.

 

my 3.5 was plug and play

 

Not on a 6 speed......

You did have to source parts right? Figure out what you could use & what you couldn't?

 

i've always wondered if you could drop the RDX turbo engine into our cars....

 

The 3.5 builds we got going on over here are pretty much plug and play. The cls6 ecu runs them fine as long as you have the fuel pressure right. You would have to ask our builder tho. He would also build you a motor and have it shipped to you as long as you pay for shipping.

 

no fuel pressure change required

 

Damn, what about the 3.7? Sounds like good news for the OP.

 

From what I know...there is only one person building the 3.7 and they just got it to turn over.

They are not on this forum though...

 

The 3.7L Has been running for a little while now. and is being tuned slowly. He has been to the dyno twice.

 

Right...yeah that is more accurate then what I said.

 

I seriously doubt you will find a dealer willing to do the 3.5L swap. Too much liability. Find a local shop that knows what they're doing.

And the NSX motor will not work without lots of $$$$ and the desire to destroy the interior of your car. Transverse engine/tranny combo ftl

 

All very informative, thank you. I'll update when a decision has been made and where I get it done. Thanks again.

 

That would be extreme!

You don't want to deal with all that.

Looking forward to your update...good luck.

 

even better

 

link to kulrevon's thread pls!

 

the link to this particular site doesnt work on azine

 

some do thier home work

 

Its not My thread or my build. I was just informing people that the 3.7L is out there.

 

my dealer installed my assembled short block and replaced the tranny under warranty a while after cat too !

 

I would have a serious conversation with the dealer and make sure they are able to really to replace the motor. I took mine to the local dealer who I thought would be the best alternative.... 3 months later, I got it back with a good deal of bolts/fasteners missing, no alignment and a bad main relay.... oh and paint full of particulate.

TRANNY = DEALER

MOTOR = MOTOR SHOP