Just got a new job and with the extra money I was thinking of starting my car off with an engine swap. I was wondering which engines I could drop in with little to no modification. And what transmission should I pair with it?

 

Research dropping in a newer 3.5 or 3.7 Honda V-6 for added HP and more torque, rather than modding our 3.2 motors ! Probably best to pick up the new motor's existing tranny and stuff to save problems.

 

The newer 3.5s and 3.7s won't work with our trans or the cls6 trans. You would have to use a trans for that engine and you would have to do a ton of rewiring to get it to work.

 

Well the 02-03 type S engine is by far the easiest IMO.
Depends what year TL you have.

 

There's no easy way to get any substantial gains in power without some modifications.
Most things don't return much bang for the buck, "KISS"..&.. say hello to a Mustang V-8 !!!

IMO....if ya want a faster car, just keep saving up money from your new job and just do the basic essential PM to keep your existing TL running to get ya back and forth to work. Then once ya have some serious cash, buy a car that will satisfy your need for speed.

 

There aren't any 3.5s that do work with our trans? they are all Bored out 3.2s? Your 3.7 is a bored out 3.2?????

 

there are 3.5s that do, but basically anything from 07 and up tl wont, many of the MDX/RL are different. You have to be careful of which you are looking at. The J35A3 is an identical block to the J32A2 (type-s motor). None of the J35s have a larger bore than the J32, all the change in displacement is from the crank. Yes, i have a J35a3 block (exact same block as the A2 block) bored 1mm (90mm bore vs 89mm) for my 3.7

 

So what's up with the J35A3 Direct Swap? is it worth the 20 ponies down? I see it has a sweet bump in Torque but I believe the RPMs are on the down side too. Can you change J35 Block and J32A2 Heads to retain RPMs and Header output? Cuz the J35A3 is pretty cheap coming from the MDX! or the J35 header isn't the Casted-on-Head crap ala 3G?

 

Exact same block, so yes Type-s heads will work, but you can keep the heads from the 3.5 and swap in 2nd gen TL-S cams, 07 TLS cams or 09 MDX hollow cams (with shims) and you will have a very nice 3.5. And no, the J35A3 doesnt have the cast manifold heads.

 

So in short.. Buy a J35A3 > Swap J32A2 Cams (Or entire heads cuz I'm lazy) to retain the 7K redline comfortably and your set?? If so your da man fatty cuz I can do exactly that in less than a month! The J35A3 is stupid cheap.

 

Yep, thats all there is to it. (id swap the cams, it will be cheaper to do and easier. Also if you swap heads, take the time to gasket match your lower mani and heads while their off (even if you dont port and polish your intake and lower runners, though i highly recommend doing so)

 

I already have my heads all ported and polish that's why I'm eager to re-use them..
Some ARP Bolts for the heads and mill the MDX manifold spacer so I can close my hood and bamm! J37 Mani in the future and I'm done with the car.


I was under the impression you needed some different Piston Heads to clear the J32A2 Valves? or something of the sorts.

Thank you For the Info! Fatty you da man!

 

Nope, nothing needed. If you want you could have your heads milled down some to raise compression. Since you are taking the heads off that would be the time. Wont hurt to bump the compression a little bit.

 

To end up with 11.9:1 that would be great though I don't know any machinist in SD that I be willing to trust my Heads with hahaha..

 

Im sure there are tons of them in cali/sd area that do work on Honda 4 cyl heads. If they can do them they can do yours.

 

J35a3 is the way to go, picked mine up complete for just over $300 with only 113K on it..Doing valve job, mill the head, PnP, j32a2 cams and springs. Not going crazy but should make the daily commute a bit more fun

 

 

Im enjoying this thread. I just picked up a TL as a cruiser since I bought a brand new 14 SI earlier this year. (Shoulda waited for turbos in 15...o well)
Ive pretty much decided to stay light on the mods to the civic until my warranty has been used up for the most part. In the mean time id like to have some fun with my TL. A decent build I think is in order. I know this car will never be unbelievably fast, but I think I can have some fun and surprise some K20 guys.
Question: Whats the difference in the A2 and A1 engines?
I have the A1 in my base 03 tl, Looking to make a little more power and noise while not sacrificing the transmission or other major hardparts. My trans is in great shape and was very well maintained by the previous owner.

 

Ideally id like to keep as much of my engine as possible to save money, unless its just way easier and economical to go to the A2, Also, ill most likely let the trans alone with normal drain and fill 3x3s until it blows up, then go for a AV6 or CLS6.
Another question, If I was to go to FI one day, what would be the best platform for this car to take boost? I have heard some guys talking about SC Honda engines in their TL. Is that the 3.5 from the MDX? Idk what letters come with that engine...lol. Just curious. Im not dropping tons of money right away but I am a fan of spending a little more with "FutureProof" in mind.

 

Dont waste your time on a SC. There are minimal gains from it vs $$$ If you were to go FI do a custom turbo setup. You can get a reliable 500hp from the engine. If you are sure you are planning on FI down the road just keep your A1 engine.

 

Welcome Haney66 !!!
Save your money for the SI.....or the new '15 turbo if that's what turns your motor.


For now, just stick with the basic low cost power mods on the TL. If ya have money burning a hole in your pocket, go ahead and drop the 6 speed CL-S stick in right now for your driving pleasure.