I have an '03 CLS6. Timing belt broke and valves are bent. I've been looking at engines on ebay and I see 2 variations listed depending on the 6th VIN digit. My VIN is 4. Most of the engines are 5. What is this digit signifying and are they interchangeable?


After looking through several threads it looks like the engine blocks are the same as far as AT/MT. Is that right?

 

The motors are for the most part identical. They just have some different parts like sensors and stuff. But the timing side of things to my knowledge at least are the same and parts are identical in there

 

cam gears,sensors, autos dont have flywheel sensor etc

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Are you saying the cam gears are different? Not that it's a problem just wondering.


So basically if I get an engine from a vehicle with VIN code 5 I can make it work with minimal swapping of parts. I just wanted to make sure the main internals are the same and trans mount bolt holes will line up.

 

how many miles on engine when timing broke

 

230k

 

this might help you?

https://acurazine.com/forums/member-cars-sale-49/%2A%2A%2Anew%2A%2A%2A-vin-decoder-861494/

 

You might be able to find low mileage japan transmissions/engines at the local japan shop in your city/town....Usually they will give you a great deal on labor/install if you buy the engine them..

I recently bought a low mileage transmission for my 1998 honda from a guy who specializes in japan engines/transmissions and he gave me a super deal for labor and transmission.

 

Labor isn't an issue. I'm a mechanic and have my own shop. Money isn't a huge concern either I just want to make sure I get the right engine. I don't want any problems or surprises after I get the old one out. I want to have it in and out in one day.

 

get a 3.5 out of a 02 mdx and swap your cams over!

 

Is it that easy? That's the J35a3? No issues with the CL ECU?

 

Ok so I've been reading through the 3.5 build thread. I see that one of the most recommended setups is 02 MDX crank/rods, RL pistons, and CL-S heads. Looks like they are saying to transfer everything into the J32A2 block. So considering that my valves are bent is that suggestion of just swapping my CL-S cams into a J35A3 engine a viable option? Can I use the J35A3 block in my car or do I need to reuse mine?

 

Check out this place in NJ. If I need an engine, this is the place I'll go.
http://www.jdmenginedepot.com/jdm_en...DM_J32A_TYPE_S

 

Hmm that may be the way to go. I live about 35 minutes from there. Are those torque numbers accurate? That's 30 lbs-ft more than the US CLS engine.

 

The compression ratio they have listed isn't right if that's a true Type S engine.

 

Not sure as far as the numbers are concerned. It may be a typo error as you know how sometimes these things get messed up. Sounds like a steal at $599 for the whole engine.

Heck, I spent close to $200 last December when I replaced 6 ignition coils in my CL.

 

The J35A3 is the exact same engine as the J32A2. Get that, swap over the cams and cam gears and sensors (that is what is the main difference between the auto and manual) and the crank gear and sensor for the timing belt and drop it in. You will have a 3.5 type-s with the manual trans.

 

Ok so I got the new engine in. Should be done tonight. I just wanted to follow up on what needs to be swapped over if you have a 6speed and are putting in an engine from an auto.


1. Oil pump housing/front cover
2. Crank sensor and sub-harness
3. Coolant pipe that runs under the lower intake manifold
4. Mounting plate on the front cylinder head w/ cam sensors


Additionally there is a small portion of the front cylinder head that must be ground down in order for the cam sensors to fit. If you don't and try to mount up the plate you WILL destroy the sensor and sub-harness.

 

I will try to post pics of where the head needs to be modified.

 

Wish you all the luck with it. Which engine did you get? J35A3 or J32A2 engine? Would be interesting to see the pictures.

 

I just got another J32A2 for now. The engine is in and running. Unfortunately it's surging at idle and it won't throttle up. Setting the dreaded P0505 code... I looked at it real quick but it was late so I figured I'd check it out tomorrow.

 

I'm at a loss I need an Acura expert or 2 to chime in. I can't get rid of this P0505 code. I tried to perform the relearn and the idle is good now. However when I give it throttle it sounds like its bouncing off the rev limiter at 2000 rpm. It sounds like its starving for air or fuel.

 

Oh and looking through the data the CKP learn is not completed. I looked all over but can't find a relearn procedure.

 

Here is a quick video.

 

If anyone needs engine parts I have cam sensors, crank sensor, and front cover/oil pump for auto trans engine. I also have a throttle body, intake, VSA, EGR valve, coolant pipe and housing. I'll be pulling the heads off my old motor this weekend if there are any other parts anyone needs let me know.