Has anyone ever done an NSX engine swap into a TL?

 

IIRC, the NSX has a C-series engine versus the TL's J-series... I think the C32 is a 60 degree V6 and the J32 is a 90 degree V6 so it would not fit.

Someone more techincal can elaborate here.

 

well, if the offset of the engine is 30 degrees less than the J32 then why wouldn't it fit? isn't that a measurement of how far apart the cylinder banks are? in which case the NSX engine would be smaller. i may be missing something since i don't know too much about cylinder placement, so fill me in otherwise.

i would imagine the issue would be that it may be built in such a way to only mate to a RWD tranny. otherwise i think it would be a pretty neat conversion.

but numbers wise, you would be losing a little bit of torque (acura states the new 3.2 NSX at 224 ft/lbs), but you would gain around 30hp. the NSX is alot lighter though (3153lbs vs our near 3600), so i would say you are better off doing headers and a pulley if you want to see near equivalent horsepower gains. the bragging rights would be amazing, but the money spent would'nt really be worth it. you would even be better off doing a 3.5 MDX conversion at that rate so you could get the increased torque output.

just my opinion though.

SSTS

 

someone once comented on this also, but i i dissagree. the tl has a large engine compartment and if someone actually had the money to do the conversion i dont see any reason it wouldnt fit

 

the nsx isnt a rwd set up. its a midengine set up. its just like a fwd but over the rear wheels

the thing ive always wondered is if the DOHC heads would bolt up to our block?

 

you know i read that plain and clear and it didn't even dawn on me about the mid-engine setup. thanks for the sanity check.

the heads might but does anyone know what compression the cylinders are spec'ed to? i'll have to take a looksie.

SSTS

 

The J32 in the TL is a 60° V6, the C32 in the NSX is a 90° V6.

1) In addition to the wider block, the DOHC heads would make it a tight, if not impossible fit in the engine bay of a TL; unless you did, at minimum, some firewall, engine cradle, front clip, steering and suspension modifications ($$).

2) As was stated earlier, the NSX engine is mounted amidship driving the rear wheels so the drive axles would have to be custom and super strong ($$) to drive the front wheels with steering.

3) Since the block angle is different, the heads will not work (the cooling and oil passages won't line up either). If it could be made to work, it would require, at minimum, a custom intake manifold and cam drive system.

TLgunner

 

i have no idea about htis topic, BUT if the person that had the funds to do this i think he would be considered one of the car gods

 

i will be doing that if i can get u guys funding me

i will be starting a NSX in a TL foundation and you guys can donate me some money for the project

it's not too hard to find a used NSX engine in Toronto, but it's gotta be those early 90s with less hp

 

Did it occur to anyone that(this is for a 2001 NSX-T):

"Acura's NSX high-performance sports car enters its tenth year with minor overall changes. This mid-engine two-seater is available as a regular coupe, or with a removable roof panel on the NSX-T models. Both models are constructed around a light-alloy aluminum body. Two powertrains are available: a 3.2L 290-hp V-6 linked to a six-speed manual transmission, or a 3.0L 252-hp V-6 linked to a four-speed automatic. The NSX is equipped with dual airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and traction control. Interior amenities include perforated leather seats, automatic climate control, and a Bose sound system. Customers may add accessories such as a CD-changer and remote keyless entry at extra cost."-Motor Trend

The HP isnt really all that, 290, hmmm, we can get that just by headers, pullys, and some minor tweaking, The NSX is nasty, but its the Power-to-weight ratio that makes it so painstakingly bad ass!! So I think the swap wouldnt be more desirable than a 3.5 or a MDX conversion.......

 

I made a thread once when i first got the car about engine swaps in general with a TL-p

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103046

 

as i said before i completely agree that this swap would probably not be worth it. the only good thing would be the transmission. i imagine it has more aggressive gear ratio choices.

go with the mdx swap and upgrade the tranny. money well spent in my opinion. you can get some serious horsepower out of that with a CT blower.

all in all it's still a fantastic topic to discuss, i just don't think it would be worth it in the long run considering the gains vs. the amount of money you would have to spend to do it.

SSTS

 

Actually, no. The early NSX 5-speed is geared very tall to take advantage of the high powerband and 8k redline. The six speeds are better, but still tall in the everyday world. Even the JDM short gears and NSX-R final drive still result in tall gears when compared to average cars.

I would also note that the NSX drivetrain, which uses a Ring & Pinion, is not just like a FWD, but it is more similar to a FWD than a front-engined RWD that uses a driveshaft.

 

Sounds like a alot of work for 290hp. Although it would be agood starting point if you were planning on adding the SC!

 

Not really. The NSX SC kits are more expensive than the TL kits, and the NSX is also a high compression engine, so it can't take a ton of boost without the need for expensive engine management and a low compression piston rebuild . . .

 

hmm, you learn something new every day.

SSTS

 

The comptechusa website does show that the NSX with an SC can provide some decent gains and thats going to be more than what you would get with a TL-s and an SC.

This would be an expensive project anyways so Im pretty sure that who ever does do this wouldnt mind spending a bit extra and getting it done right!

 

Comptech shows 362 rwhp for a C32 with I/H/E. That is a bit high for the 6lb kit.

Typically, the C30 NSX engine with the CTSC dynos in the 310-320 rwhp range, from an engine that started at about 230-235 rwhp.

Again, to get serious boost you have to rebuild the motor anyway, so there is no point in swapping in the NSX powerplant since you can just build up the J32 . . .

 

ok for starters i would be willing to bet it would fit in with out major modifications (hell if the caddy northstar V8 fits in the front of a VW Golf) it will fit in the tl. you ever look at the space in front and between the firewall. there is alot.
but as stated it wouldnt be worth it unless you had money shooting out your ass and nothing better to do with it and try just to say your the only one

 

I do recall a 2nd Gen Legend that had an NSX engine swap, but I think the Legend V6 shares the angle of the NSX engine. . . .ICBW.

 

Yes, the Legend had the C-series V6.

 

If I had the money I'd skip the NSX motor on our heavy chassis. If anything I'd put the newer acura 3.5 motors in.

 

We have already done 3.5 conversions.

 

This thread is old....

 

The 3.5 series motors are pretty much the same line of motors in the 2nd Gen; the J series.

I don't know about the latest 3.5 engines in the newer Acuras, but you can get an 02-03 Odyssey/MDX 3.5 block and it'll bolt up to your 2nd Gen TL's head.

And its already been done, and IMO isn't that pricey.

And ROFL, goodluck trying to find an NSX engine. I'd assume that the C32 would be double (if not close to triple) the cost of a J series engine.

 

Way too expensive just for gains on our heavy ass TL's.

 

 

Swap a k23 lol. You'd lose some hp but gain alot of torque. The specs are 240 hp and 260 ft-lb. These are the SAE numbers

 

Why not sure buy an NSX?

 

A j35 can get that to the wheels.

 

It would be cheaper, and you would see more gains from an LS1. You might even get the same if not better gas mileage if tuned correctly.

 

It would be a lot of work for even the 265 in the 3.0 NSX, but I can tell you from experience that my 92 NSX has far more drivable power than my 02 TL. The NSX engine is a thoroughbred and has somewhat limited potential for increasing power compared to other engines.

It would be a comprehensive swap, esp the packaging of the DOHC engine fitting into the engine bay of the TL. Once I get moved, and my cars together I'd be happy to take some measurements.

Miner

 

It can get the HP, yes, but no where near the torque

 

I have the same setup going into my car.

 

Are these the SAE numbers? I haven't been paying attention, but i meant to argue that any stock J32 does not produce comparable torque numbers

 

Yea but your not talking a stock motor swap any way so what should it matter. I would rather have NA power that makes that kind of power. Not to mention More HP would be better. (the J32A2 isnt far off at 232ft/lb)

 

The only reason it felt more drivable was due to the low weight of the car. With only 210 ft/lb in the 3.0 thats less than the TL-P, even the 224 in the 3.2 is less than the type-s motor in the TL.

 

The ability to make torque at high RPM and to thereby apply a greater amount of power at a given road speed is not to be dismissed. Focusing only on peak torque really misses the overall picture and the advantages of the NSX engine.

 

Those numbers are actually to the wheels.

 

I'm going to correct your units real quick. Torque is not power, HP is.


Anyways, as far as the J32A2 is concerned here are the figures.
260 hp (194 kW) @ 6200rpm
232 lb·ft (315 N·m) @ 3500-5500 rpm.

Now, here are the K23A1's figures
240 hp (179 kW) @ 6000 rpm (SAE net)
260 lb·ft (353 N·m) @ 4500 rpm (SAE net)

Also, the HP curve for the K23's is smoother than the J32's. I cant find the link, but it's in the "TL Diet" discussion in the 3rd gen forum.

A side note though, apparently the J37A1 out of the MDX and newest RL makes
300 hp (220 kW) at 6000 rpm
275 lb·ft (373 N·m) at 5000 rpm. (<---- WOW!)