Motor Specs Difference between '09//12 RL and TL

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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 11:38 AM
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Motor Specs Difference between '09//12 RL and TL

According to Wiki, the TL shows it has 20 more HP than the RL. The engine is identical.
The specs are identical. What gives the TL 20 more hp over the RL's motor? Is it the cams?

Also, the 2011 + RL have the 6 speed transmission, is it worth the swap over my '09 trans?


J37A2
  • 2009-2012 Acura RL
  • Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
  • Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
  • Compression: 11.2:1
  • Power; torque: 295 hp (220 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 271 lb·ft (367 N·m) @ 5000 rpm
  • Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
  • Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J37A4
  • 2009-2014 Acura TL SH-AWD
  • Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
  • Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
  • Compression: 11.2:1
  • Power; torque: 305 hp (227 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 273 lb·ft (370 N·m) @ 5000 rpm
  • Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
  • Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 11:52 AM
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math is off?
I see a 10hp difference between the two you listed...

but then HONDA says this.

Originally Posted by Hondanews.com
The innovation built into the new RL begins with the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura sedan. An all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque thanks to an innovative new VTEC™ valvetrain system for both the intake and exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio, along with a special dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that enables the intake to function as a single- or dual-plenum manifold design based on engine operating parameters. In addition to developing improved power and torque, the RL engine meets tough CARB ULEV-2 emission standards and delivers good fuel economy. The RL's engine bay appears more upscale thanks to a new surround panel assembly that reduces visual distractions and focuses attention directly on the all-new 3.7-liter V-6 engine.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 11:55 AM
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that closes the gap to a difference of 5HP.

so, now you have to think which one is the more intended sportier car?
not the RL as the RL is more a luxo cruiser

we can attribute the 5hp difference in the TL as part of the ECU tune.
it's obviously tuned more aggressive to be sportier than the RL
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:00 PM
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the six speed auto is one of the best Honda has ever put out.
you'll have better fuel economy with the new six speed automatic.
is it worth trading in your car for the new six speed?
plug in the math and crunch those numbers....
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
math is off?
I see a 10hp difference between the two you listed...

but then HONDA says this.

Sorry 10 hp* difference.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
the six speed auto is one of the best Honda has ever put out.
you'll have better fuel economy with the new six speed automatic.
is it worth trading in your car for the new six speed?
plug in the math and crunch those numbers....

How about swapping the transmission? I'm thinking it could bolt up but not sure if there's other requirements needed to make this possible.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by samichicago
How about swapping the transmission? I'm thinking it could bolt up but not sure if there's other requirements needed to make this possible.
is your car paid off?
I personally wouldnt mess with any swaps unless my car was paid off and the value of the car is less than lets say $5k.
you're asking for trouble when swapping mechanical components on a car that has a lien on it. you're going to absolutely KILL the value of the car if its worth or valued at anything above lets say $10k
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
is your car paid off?
I personally wouldnt mess with any swaps unless my car was paid off and the value of the car is less than lets say $5k.
you're asking for trouble when swapping mechanical components on a car that has a lien on it. you're going to absolutely KILL the value of the car if its worth or valued at anything above lets say $10k

It's almost paid off.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:09 PM
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almost is not the same thing.
you're going to kill the value of the car.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
almost is not the same thing.
you're going to kill the value of the car.
I understand. I'm asking if it's possible to do it. Doesn't mean I'm going to do it now or anytime soon.
Just curious to know.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by samichicago
I understand. I'm asking if it's possible to do it. Doesn't mean I'm going to do it now or anytime soon.
Just curious to know.
Might as well pay off the car, then trade it in for the one with a six speed auto.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 03:29 PM
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Don't you need a new ECU that knows there are 6 gears?

I also second the fact that the 3.7L RL makes 300 HP. 5 HP difference.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 04:49 PM
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The power difference is definitely in the tune. The only difference is that the TL has 2 sets of part numbers for the cams, which more than likely means the 6MT has the more aggressive cams. Except for that, both motors are as identical as it gets.


As for it bolting up, there would be ZERO issues. You would however HAVE to switch the engine harness/ECU with one from the 11-12' RL.


I've contemplated the 6spd auto since the 5spd is getting more depressing by the day but my focus is directed towards 3 pedals…
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 04:56 PM
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Weight?
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 05:06 PM
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5spd vs 6spd? …doubt there's much of a difference.



​​​​​​​The 6MT is lighter though…
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Old Nov 12, 2016 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by teh CL
5spd vs 6spd? …doubt there's much of a difference.



The 6MT is lighter though…
insert Starsky & Hutch

​​​​​​​JUST DO IT!
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Old Nov 12, 2016 | 07:34 AM
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or is that NIKE?
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Old Nov 12, 2016 | 07:34 AM
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Shia Lebuff?
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Old Nov 12, 2016 | 06:45 PM
  #19  
RL09's Avatar
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Originally Posted by teh CL
5spd vs 6spd? …doubt there's much of a difference.



The 6MT is lighter though…
No I was thinking total car weight. but maybe that doesn't factor in HP rather 0-60. My bad.

Originally Posted by samichicago
According to Wiki, the TL shows it has 20 more HP than the RL. The engine is identical.
The specs are identical. What gives the TL 20 more hp over the RL's motor? Is it the cams?

Also, the 2011 + RL have the 6 speed transmission, is it worth the swap over my '09 trans?


J37A2
  • 2009-2012 Acura RL
  • Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
  • Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
  • Compression: 11.2:1
  • Power; torque: 295 hp (220 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 271 lb·ft (367 N·m) @ 5000 rpm
  • Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
  • Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J37A4
  • 2009-2014 Acura TL SH-AWD
  • Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
  • Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
  • Compression: 11.2:1
  • Power; torque: 305 hp (227 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 273 lb·ft (370 N·m) @ 5000 rpm
  • Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
  • Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
In any case Sami I don't know which wiki page gave you that info since the KB2, or the 09-12 you're quoting, is listed at 300 HP.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_...ange_.28KB2.29

The main - and perhaps only thing - that differentiates the RL's 09-12 or KB2 from others is the vtech on exhaust as well as intake. all others its intake only.

Plus better drivers of course.
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Old Nov 13, 2016 | 07:36 AM
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Originally Posted by RL09
No I was thinking total car weight. but maybe that doesn't factor in HP rather 0-60. My bad.



In any case Sami I don't know which wiki page gave you that info since the KB2, or the 09-12 you're quoting, is listed at 300 HP.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_...ange_.28KB2.29

The main - and perhaps only thing - that differentiates the RL's 09-12 or KB2 from others is the vtech on exhaust as well as intake. all others its intake only.

Plus better drivers of course.

wiki sucks.

GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT FROM HONDA!

Honda News
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Old Nov 14, 2016 | 11:25 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by RL09
No I was thinking total car weight. but maybe that doesn't factor in HP rather 0-60. My bad.



In any case Sami I don't know which wiki page gave you that info since the KB2, or the 09-12 you're quoting, is listed at 300 HP.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_...ange_.28KB2.29

The main - and perhaps only thing - that differentiates the RL's 09-12 or KB2 from others is the vtech on exhaust as well as intake. all others its intake only.

Plus better drivers of course.

I got the info from Wiki. Thanks for the info!
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Old Nov 14, 2016 | 11:27 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by teh CL


As for it bolting up, there would be ZERO issues. You would however HAVE to switch the engine harness/ECU with one from the 11-12' RL.


I've contemplated the 6spd auto since the 5spd is getting more depressing by the day but my focus is directed towards 3 pedals…
That might be a headache. Why would you have to change the entire engine harness? There's no piggy backing for the ecu? Just curious.
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Old Nov 14, 2016 | 11:33 AM
  #23  
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no.
you're taking a pretty NEW platform that DOESNT have aftermarket support.
the easiest way to do it is to get the ECU from the six speed auto car.
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Old Nov 14, 2016 | 11:35 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by justnspace
no.
you're taking a pretty NEW platform that DOESNT have aftermarket support.
the easiest way to do it is to get the ECU from the six speed auto car.
Got it. Thanks.
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Old Nov 20, 2016 | 09:57 PM
  #25  
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Honestly if you really want to feel the difference in hp, go from 295hp to at least 360-370hp ... anything in between will give you very little or none feeling that you upgraded... TL is a differently intended car with different target audience: more tighter suspension where RL is more plush, comfortable ride.
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Old Nov 22, 2016 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by rl015
Honestly if you really want to feel the difference in hp, go from 295hp to at least 360-370hp ... anything in between will give you very little or none feeling that you upgraded... TL is a differently intended car with different target audience: more tighter suspension where RL is more plush, comfortable ride.
I'm with you. If you're going to go to those lengths, it makes a lot more sense to get a blower or a supercharger. Or a more racer-oriented car.
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