Americandream

First off id like to introduce my self as i am a new member to this site!

If this is in the wrong section please move accordingly.

Ive been in the honda game for about 10 years and just recently aquired my first 2g tl.

Some spec as follows

Has 198,000 miles

Runs and looks beautiful for its age, except for a few scapes on the bumper.

Now i am planning on doing the timing belt, waterpump etc... But my question is should i just swap a complete jdm motor instead of doing the maintinence?

Im debating this because i do want to convert it to a type-s and im planning on keeping this car for another 4-5 years.

Im not to informed on which engines are compatible, but i was told the accord 3.5 would fit? If you guys could shed some light i would really apprecite it.

All oppinions are welcomed and thanked in advance!

Americandream

Anyone?

AZuser

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just do the timing belt and water pump? And watch out for that ing tranny

iSeeYouTwo

Hope you didn't pay much for that

Americandream

I didnt pay much and the car was female owned, trans and motor are 100%

But since i do want to keep it for the next 4 years i was thinking a new motor would be good instead of just changing the timming belt.

Type-s motors run for 500$ and i can swap it my self.

Soo 500$ for a new motor that should last longer or 200$ for the timing belt and worry my rings or gasket may go....

KieranM37

Seems like your mind is already made up. I say you go for it

Americandream

yea pretty much, but i want to hear some pros and cons because there maybe things i havent considered.

i also want to know my engine options, like which accord, odessy engines and trans i can use.

Hapa DC5

Do the swap, change out whatever components you want when the motor is out because it is so much easier. Make it happen.

HBaJ

Swap in a 6 speed while youre at it. Thank yourself in the long run.

Americandream

i thought about that also, but i sold both my civics (one was standard) right before i bought my tl. i live in the city and traffic is to much for a standard ride, my wife also drives my car.

fsttyms1

The only "JDM" motor for these cars is the 4cyl. Why would you down grade. The Type-s Motor is an American motor. Even if you were to swap in a type-s motor you would still want to do the timing belt maintenance etc.

Americandream

im confused? first i really dont want a four cylinder engine.

are you telling me that j series from japan cars wont fit in usdm cars?

jjashaa

iTrader: (23)

its literally the same thing


unless you want a 2.5 motor to be some jdm elitist...

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

Swap it or keep it you will still have to do a timing belt water pump etc.

victus1

What do you mean by "new" type-s motor? And where do you get one for $500?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

since we're considering; might as well bore it out to a 3.7!!!

Americandream

I dont mean brand new like 0 miles, i mean newer then mine with around 50,000 miles...

And of course i would do the timming belt, water pump etc....

Im more worried about the rings going bad of the head gaskets failing. Thats reason to consider a jdm engine.

Friend of mine just put a Jdm type s motor in his 02, $500 for the motor and $400 for install..not bad to me.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

stahp with saying its a JDM motor.

randomthought

Our cars were built here and imported to Japan.

Go for the swap if you can do so yourself. If not a 6 speed, you can replace it with an Odyssey or Accord trans for better reliability.

mikebikelife

iTrader: (3)

Well on the cl side , we have had 2 members buy "jdm" engines . The engines come from Japan and have low mileage so I don't see the harm in calling them "jdm" engines . Lets just say Japanese engines .
Mind you they both have 6 speeds , one went with the j32a2 straight swapped it in . The other bought a j32a3 and I believe all you really need to focus on is the exhaust because it has those cast headers to the head . So all it needs is the j pipe .
BUT , since you're non type-s I do not know if that affects swapping engines . Someone is parting a car out right now because the non s engine didnt work well with the 6mt trans .

I know that was a clutter mess , but hopefully I helped ....

AZuser

If motor's 100%, why change it then?

And even with new motor, I'd imagine you'd still need to do the timing belt and maybe even pump.

3.2TLc

Just do the T-belt and run it !!!!!
In the meantime, get a gameplan in progress to build up a 3.5 or 3.7 for the transplant.

Americandream

now that makes sense. i didnt know our cars were built in us and imported to japan! i figued it was the same as say the b16, b18 gsr type-r etc.... and they were both made usdm and jam

this is why im looking for input cause im just getting into the Tl scene.

why do they call them jdm if they are american?

thanks bro

Americandream

im understanding what your saying, but please can you give me a little more detail.

if i swap the type s motor into my 2000 non type s i need to change something on the exhaust?

what about wire harness and computer?

and is it possible to put a full 3.5 accord swap in without to much major modding?

thanks bro

AcraAdi93

Get a J32A2 rebuild it ground up and get a 6speed out of a CL-S or the 3rd gen TL and go to work. If you want it to be auto then go for the 7th gen Accord trans or Odyssey trans and enjoy it. Got pics of it?

Americandream

the reason is because id rather not tear open the whole motor to make sure i have good bearing, rods, pistons, rings etc...

i will do the timing belt and water pump even on the new motor but i feel it will be more reliable without a complete over haul and last the 4-5 year i want to keep it....

thanks man

Americandream

i deff want and need to stay auto!

but i dont want to do a complete build because i plan on buying a 3g tl. and i will never get back half of what i spent overhauling the 2g. yes i have pics but im not sure how to post them!

thanks man

Americandream

i just need it to be reliable cause im saving up for my 3g!

Americandream

this is her

Gabru678

iTrader: (1)

What were saying is that there is NO JDM motor for these cars that you should consider. (They are 4Cyl's)
So your options are:
The 03 3.2 TL-Type S motor (J32a2)
The next gen TL 04-08 base (J32a3)
The next gen Type S (J35a5)

And obviously the trans options you shouldn't worry about since you plan on staying automatic.

These motors (like the cars) were made in the US then sent to japan and sold as the Honda Inspire.

Me personally?
I would just say do the timing belt and save for the motor later if you and your wife are going to drive it. Your going to need this car to be reliable and I think it would be in your best interest to try and keep it lasting for as long as you can, get comfortable with it before you go heavy with the modding.

But good luck with what ever you choose we will be here to help!

Gabru678

iTrader: (1)

And I think its kinda funny for a guy named American Dreams you sure do like non-american stuff in your cars lol

Americandream

ok i was not aware that Tl's were made here and imported! now i know

so on to the next if i use the (j35a5) do i need alot of mods to do this?

is there a link you can refer me to?

thanks a lot!

fsttyms1

There is NO difference in the JDM motor and American motor. Stop worrying about Rings and head gasket, Also its NOT a reason to consider a "JDM" motor. There is NO reason not to find a local type-s motor. These engines are nearly bullet proof. This car isnt an Integra which came with a better "JDM" motor option. If you or your friend think it is you really need to read up on this car. (especially since it and its motor are made here in america and shipped overseas)

Americandream

lol yea, really didnt have anything to do with the cars i liked when i made the screen name, plus this is my name on b20vtec.com

and since the tls are american i think its suits pretty well now! lol

Americandream

thanks

im not thinking a jdm motor is better built over usdm, its cause i know they are low mileage motors when they are sold. in ny junk yards usually have cars with almost 200k on them...i would buy a motor with 50k over 200k especially if mine already has 200k...you know

thanks for the input

fsttyms1

In order to get the J32A2 to work properly there is a bit of wiring that needs to be redone, along with ECU swapping. (these ECUs can NOT be reprogrammed) Getting a "different" J series to work can be complicated. After the J35A3 (<- identical to the J32A2 other than the stroke) the motors started to become much different, requiring quite a lot more work to get them to work properly.

J35a6 swap
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-cl-2001-2003-50/yungone501s-excessive-infatuation-j-series-873314/

fsttyms1

I bought a J32A2 with 36k on it for under 500 bucks, and a J35A3 for 350 with 46k miles. Motors are out there and fairly easy to come by. If there is nothing wrong with your current motor i see no reason to swap it. These motors are built very well and last. When i pulled my 2000 TL motor out with over 200k on it to do my type-s/6 speed swap the cyls still had the original cross hatching in them and compression was still on the high side of the specifications. I was also running 15k+ oil change intervals, auto-x it, and the car idles all day long for work. If you want a reliable car start putting your money towards the trans and trying to keep it running or for a 07 accord trans.

Americandream

see this is the info i need and the reason why i started this thread! i feel more confident just doing the timing belt etc.... now you told me about the cross hatching im even more inclined to keep my motor..

far as the trans right now mine is great but i will look into the 07 accord as that is what i have been planing..

last tink if i put the 2g type s motor what type of problems do i face?

fsttyms1

none really other than some wiring and ecu. The J32A1 and A2 are identical as far as bell housings and mount locations. Which is why i mentioned the J35A3 above. Combine that motor with the 07-08 type-s cams (including shims) and ECU and you would have a 3.5 type-s

Americandream

i think im just gna save a headache and do my water pump and belt... already did oil and plugs but i may as well do those again after the rebuild!

last question my srs light keeps coming on after i reset it, i had the wife move around in the pass seat and the side air bag light comes on when she sits toward the pass door. is this a sensor or and easy fix?

sorry for the questions but you seem well informed! thanks a bunch